"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Growing Our Community: Introducing Friends’ New Educators and Colleagues
Friends Seminary is pleased to introduce the new faculty and staff joining our community this year. Each brings unique talents, experiences and perspectives that will enrich the lives of students and strengthen our mission.
1. Cristina Artis // Executive Assistant & Advancement Associate
Cristina Artis brings experience in development, communications and donor engagement, with a background in both independent schools and mission-driven nonprofits. Most recently, she served as Development and Communications Associate at The Pilot School in Delaware where she supported fundraising efforts, created multi-platform communications, and coordinated events to strengthen community engagement. Cristina earned her bachelor’s from St. John’s University and is pursuing her M.B.A. at Drexel University.
Cristina Artis brings experience in development, communications and donor engagement, with a background in both independent schools and mission-driven nonprofits. Most recently, she served as Development and Communications Associate at The Pilot School in Delaware where she supported fundraising efforts, created multi-platform communications, and coordinated events to strengthen community engagement. Cristina earned her bachelor’s from St. John’s University and is pursuing her M.B.A. at Drexel University.
2. Zoe Bator // Administrative Assistant & Office Manager, Lower School
Zoe Bator previously worked as an Assistant Teacher at The Gateway School. She also has experience in design, fashion and writing, and holds a B.S. in Textiles and Apparel and a B.J. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
Zoe Bator previously worked as an Assistant Teacher at The Gateway School. She also has experience in design, fashion and writing, and holds a B.S. in Textiles and Apparel and a B.J. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
3. Brooke Boyd // Administrative Assistant & Office Manager, Upper School
Brooke Boyd first joined Friends last fall in the College Counseling Office as a leave replacement, and later worked as Upper School Office Assistant in spring 2025. A native of St. Louis, she is also an avid dancer with many years of experience.
Brooke Boyd first joined Friends last fall in the College Counseling Office as a leave replacement, and later worked as Upper School Office Assistant in spring 2025. A native of St. Louis, she is also an avid dancer with many years of experience.
4. Mona De Victoria // Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
Mona De Victoria comes to Friends as a Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher after seven years at City and Country School. A native New Yorker, she earned her B.A. from Eugene Lang College at The New School and her M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education.
Mona De Victoria comes to Friends as a Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher after seven years at City and Country School. A native New Yorker, she earned her B.A. from Eugene Lang College at The New School and her M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education.
5. Emma Duggan // School Nurse
Emma Duggan has been a pediatric nurse for five years, most recently at Manhattan Country School, where she also taught sexual education. She previously worked at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey caring for children with cancer and sickle cell disease. Emma holds a B.S.N. from the University of Delaware.
Emma Duggan has been a pediatric nurse for five years, most recently at Manhattan Country School, where she also taught sexual education. She previously worked at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey caring for children with cancer and sickle cell disease. Emma holds a B.S.N. from the University of Delaware.
6. Deidre Edwards // Lower School Psychologist
Dr. Deidre Edwards earned her M.S. and Ph.D. from UT Southwestern Medical Center and has worked at Einstein and Montefiore Medical Centers, the Child Mind Institute, and in private practice. She also has experience as a school psychologist in Dallas independent schools.
Dr. Deidre Edwards earned her M.S. and Ph.D. from UT Southwestern Medical Center and has worked at Einstein and Montefiore Medical Centers, the Child Mind Institute, and in private practice. She also has experience as a school psychologist in Dallas independent schools.
7. Jessica Genter // Upper School Science Teacher (Biology and Chemistry)
Jessica Genter holds an M.A. in Biology Education from City College of New York and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. Jessica most recently taught science at Packer, working with both Middle and Upper School students.
Jessica Genter holds an M.A. in Biology Education from City College of New York and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. Jessica most recently taught science at Packer, working with both Middle and Upper School students.
8. Calliope George // Associate Teacher, Grade 1
Calliope George joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She is pursuing her M.S.Ed. in General and Special Education at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Calliope earned a B.A. from UNC Chapel Hill and is an active Quaker in the New York City area and beyond.
Calliope George joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She is pursuing her M.S.Ed. in General and Special Education at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Calliope earned a B.A. from UNC Chapel Hill and is an active Quaker in the New York City area and beyond.
9. Arann Kim // Middle School History Teacher
Arann Kim holds a B.A. in Classical Studies and Film Studies from CUNY Hunter College and an M.A. in Inclusive Elementary Education from Teachers College. Arann previously taught Middle School Humanities at the Speyer Legacy School.
Arann Kim holds a B.A. in Classical Studies and Film Studies from CUNY Hunter College and an M.A. in Inclusive Elementary Education from Teachers College. Arann previously taught Middle School Humanities at the Speyer Legacy School.
10. Nina Kolman // Middle School English Teacher
Nina Kolman will teach English in Grades 6 and 8. They hold a B.A. in English and History from Williams College and an M.S.Ed. in Adolescent Education from Hunter College. Before joining Friends, Nina taught Middle School English at J.H.S. 118 William Niles in the Bronx.
Nina Kolman will teach English in Grades 6 and 8. They hold a B.A. in English and History from Williams College and an M.S.Ed. in Adolescent Education from Hunter College. Before joining Friends, Nina taught Middle School English at J.H.S. 118 William Niles in the Bronx.
11. Heather Mohamed // Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
Heather Mohamed joins Friends as a Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher after teaching at Packer Collegiate Institute. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College’s Childhood General and Special Education Dual Certification program.
Heather Mohamed joins Friends as a Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher after teaching at Packer Collegiate Institute. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College’s Childhood General and Special Education Dual Certification program.
12. Kazia Musial-Aderer // Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher
Kazia Musial-Aderer brings nearly two decades of experience, having taught primarily Grade 3 during her 18 years at Packer Collegiate Institute. She holds a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College and most recently served as a Grade 2 maternity leave replacement at Friends. Kazia is passionate about building inclusive classroom communities and integrating inquiry, equity and student voice into her teaching.
13. Rich Nourie // Interim Head of School
Rich Nourie brings more than 30 years of leadership, teaching, and service in Quaker education, along with a deep commitment to the values that shape Friends Seminary’s community. He most recently served as Head of School at Abington Friends School from 2005 until his retirement in 2024, following senior leadership roles at Germantown Friends School and a decade of teaching at Moses Brown School. A published scholar and recipient of the Friends Council on Education’s Leadership in Service to Friends Education Award, Rich offers the steady vision and thoughtful stewardship needed to guide Friends Seminary through this pivotal time of transition.
Read more about Rich and the Head of School transition here: https://www.friendsseminary.org/about/head-of-school-transition
Kazia Musial-Aderer brings nearly two decades of experience, having taught primarily Grade 3 during her 18 years at Packer Collegiate Institute. She holds a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College and most recently served as a Grade 2 maternity leave replacement at Friends. Kazia is passionate about building inclusive classroom communities and integrating inquiry, equity and student voice into her teaching.
13. Rich Nourie // Interim Head of School
Rich Nourie brings more than 30 years of leadership, teaching, and service in Quaker education, along with a deep commitment to the values that shape Friends Seminary’s community. He most recently served as Head of School at Abington Friends School from 2005 until his retirement in 2024, following senior leadership roles at Germantown Friends School and a decade of teaching at Moses Brown School. A published scholar and recipient of the Friends Council on Education’s Leadership in Service to Friends Education Award, Rich offers the steady vision and thoughtful stewardship needed to guide Friends Seminary through this pivotal time of transition.
Read more about Rich and the Head of School transition here: https://www.friendsseminary.org/about/head-of-school-transition
14. Suzanne Oster // Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Suzanne Oster joins Friends as a Middle School Mathematics Teacher. She comes from The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, where she taught mathematics and also served as Middle School Dean of Students. Suzanne earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Fordham University and her M.A. in Secondary Mathematics from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Suzanne Oster joins Friends as a Middle School Mathematics Teacher. She comes from The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, where she taught mathematics and also served as Middle School Dean of Students. Suzanne earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Fordham University and her M.A. in Secondary Mathematics from Teachers College, Columbia University.
15. Henry Ratliff // Associate Teacher, Kindergarten
Henry Ratliff joins the Kindergarten team as an Associate Teacher. He earned a B.A. in Drama from Kenyon College and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood General Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Previously, Henry worked at LREI as an Associate Teacher.
Henry Ratliff joins the Kindergarten team as an Associate Teacher. He earned a B.A. in Drama from Kenyon College and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood General Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Previously, Henry worked at LREI as an Associate Teacher.
16. Jorman Sanic // IT Services Administrator
Jorman Sanic joins Friends as IT Services Administrator after working as an IT Specialist for the State of New Jersey and as Network and IT Specialist at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart. He looks forward to supporting the Tech Team in many ways this year.
Jorman Sanic joins Friends as IT Services Administrator after working as an IT Specialist for the State of New Jersey and as Network and IT Specialist at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart. He looks forward to supporting the Tech Team in many ways this year.
17. Sanika Shah // Specialist for Diversity, Equity and Belonging, CPEJ
Sanika Shah joins the Center for Peace, Equity and Justice as Specialist for Diversity, Equity and Belonging. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies from Bates College and most recently served as After School Director at Village Community School.
Sanika Shah joins the Center for Peace, Equity and Justice as Specialist for Diversity, Equity and Belonging. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies from Bates College and most recently served as After School Director at Village Community School.
18. Tesha Temple // Administrative Assistant & Office Manager, Middle School
Tesha Temple joins Friends as Middle School Office Manager. She holds an M.S.Ed. from Hunter College, where she also worked as Office Manager for the Registrar. Most recently, she served as a College Counseling Office Associate at the Leffell School.
Tesha Temple joins Friends as Middle School Office Manager. She holds an M.S.Ed. from Hunter College, where she also worked as Office Manager for the Registrar. Most recently, she served as a College Counseling Office Associate at the Leffell School.
Frank Vitolo // Middle School Music Teacher (Reeds) (Not Photographed)
Frank Vitolo joins Friends as a Middle School Music Teacher, teaching clarinet, saxophone and Dropping Beats in Grades 5 and 6. He holds a Master’s in Jazz Studies from NYU, where he attended on a Steinhardt Talent Scholarship. Frank is also an active performer in New York City jazz clubs and a sound engineer at WiP Studio in Brooklyn.
19. Maya Wainhaus // Visual Arts Teacher (Digital and New Media), Middle/Upper School
Maya Wainhaus joins Friends as a Visual Arts Teacher focusing on digital arts. She earned a B.A. in English from Barnard College and a Master’s in Social Justice Education from SUNY New Paltz. Maya most recently taught art at Gann Academy near Boston. Her artistic practice centers on ceramics and photography.
Frank Vitolo joins Friends as a Middle School Music Teacher, teaching clarinet, saxophone and Dropping Beats in Grades 5 and 6. He holds a Master’s in Jazz Studies from NYU, where he attended on a Steinhardt Talent Scholarship. Frank is also an active performer in New York City jazz clubs and a sound engineer at WiP Studio in Brooklyn.
19. Maya Wainhaus // Visual Arts Teacher (Digital and New Media), Middle/Upper School
Maya Wainhaus joins Friends as a Visual Arts Teacher focusing on digital arts. She earned a B.A. in English from Barnard College and a Master’s in Social Justice Education from SUNY New Paltz. Maya most recently taught art at Gann Academy near Boston. Her artistic practice centers on ceramics and photography.
20. Shayne Wagner // Associate Teacher, Grade 1
Shayne Wagner joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She holds a B.A. in American Studies and Art History from Kenyon College and is pursuing an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Special Education at Hunter College. She previously worked as an Associate Teacher at Packer Collegiate Institute.
Shayne Wagner joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She holds a B.A. in American Studies and Art History from Kenyon College and is pursuing an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Special Education at Hunter College. She previously worked as an Associate Teacher at Packer Collegiate Institute.
21. Megan Westman // Lower School Librarian
Megan Westman holds dual B.A.s in History and Musical Theatre from American University and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute. Megan previously served as Lower School Librarian and K–12 Dean of Equitable and Inclusive Programming at Nightingale-Bamford School.
Megan Westman holds dual B.A.s in History and Musical Theatre from American University and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute. Megan previously served as Lower School Librarian and K–12 Dean of Equitable and Inclusive Programming at Nightingale-Bamford School.
22. Kenya Williams // Associate Teacher, Grade 1
Kenya Williams joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College and previously worked as an Associate Teacher in Grades 1 and 2 at Packer Collegiate Institute.
Kenya Williams joins Friends as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College and previously worked as an Associate Teacher in Grades 1 and 2 at Packer Collegiate Institute.
23. Iris Wu // Middle School World Languages Teacher (Mandarin)
Iris Wu joins Friends as a Middle School Mandarin Teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from China and a Master’s in Second Language Education from NYU. Iris has taught in New York City public schools, Ranney School, and The Wardlaw+Hartridge School. She also has extensive experience teaching English as a New Language and working with international students.
Iris Wu joins Friends as a Middle School Mandarin Teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from China and a Master’s in Second Language Education from NYU. Iris has taught in New York City public schools, Ranney School, and The Wardlaw+Hartridge School. She also has extensive experience teaching English as a New Language and working with international students.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
