Friends Seminary Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for the 2026–2027 School Year

Alecia Woodard (she/her)

Lower School Associate Teacher — Grade 1

Alecia Woodard joins us as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Early Childhood Education at Mercy University. Prior to her career in teaching, Alecia earned her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University and worked in criminal law for five years. She comes to Friends from The Brownstone School, where she taught in both the Pre-Kindergarten and 2s programs.

Allyn Rathus (she/her)

Drama Teacher — Middle/Upper School

Allyn joins Friends as a Middle and Upper School drama teacher. Allyn holds a Master of Arts in Educational Theatre, with Teacher Certification for all grades, from NYU Steinhardt, where she received the 2010 Award for Outstanding Achievement and Citizenship in the Graduate Educational Theatre Program. She earned her BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Allyn has taught drama at the Central Foundation Boys' School in London, The Mandell School and Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City, and Whitby School in Greenwich, Connecticut. She continues to collaborate with Steinhardt faculty and alumni on the development of theatre for young audiences and immersive, intergenerational experiences.

Her recent New York production credits include Perez Hilton Saves the Universe! at the NYC Fringe Festival, as well as Broadway productions of August: Osage County, The Threepenny Opera, and Assassins. Allyn is also a regular contributor to the International Schools Theatre Association's Scene Magazine.

Alyssa ShenFilerman (she/her)

CPEJ Specialist for Diversity, Equity & Belonging

Alyssa ShenFilerman is excited to join the Center for Peace, Equity and Justice as the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Specialist. She recently earned her BA from the University of Maryland, with a double major in Human Development and Sociology. Prior to joining Friends, Alyssa was the middle school programs coordinator at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, MA, and managed a middle school math program at College Park Academy in Maryland.

Amanda Aber (she/her)

Administrative Assistant — Office Manager for the Middle School Office

Amanda Aber joins Friends Seminary as the new Administrative Assistant to the Middle School. She earned her B.A. in Corporate Communications from CUNY Baruch College and has built a career centered on administration, operations, and effective communication across education, business, and non-profit settings. Most recently, she served as Assistant to Division Directors at The Gateway School of New York, where she helped ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the divisions. Amanda is excited to support Middle School students, faculty, and administrators while contributing to the vibrant Friends Seminary community.

Andrea Enríquez (she/her)

Spanish Teacher — Upper School; Grade 10 Dean

Andrea Enríquez is looking forward to teaching Spanish in the Upper School and serving as the Grade 10 Dean. She earned a BA in Music Pedagogy from La Universidad del Valle in Colombia, a BA in Psychology from Columbia University, and a master’s degree in Private School Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She comes to Friends from The School at Columbia University, where she taught Middle School Spanish.

Ann Daphne Payoen (she/her)

Payroll and Benefits Manager

Ann Daphne Payoen joins us as the Payroll & Benefits Manager. She brings years of Human Resources experience, knowledge, and expertise across all areas of the profession, with particular strength in payroll and benefits. Her most recent position was the Benefits & Human Resources Service Manager at The Brearley School. Ann Daphne is delighted and enthusiastic about supporting the Human Resources Department and the Friends community.

Arlene Padilla (she/her)

Spanish Teacher — Lower School, Grades 3–4

Arlene Padilla is looking forward to teaching Spanish to Grades 3 and 4. She earned a BA in Spanish Language & Literature from Syracuse University, an MS in Elementary Education from St. John’s University, and an Ed.M. in Private School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. She comes to us from Convent of the Sacred Heart, where she was the Upper School Academic Dean.

Chris Singler (he/him/his)

Head of School

Chris Singler is our new Head of School. After receiving his B.A. in English from Guilford College, he received his M.S.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, Chris was the Director of Upper School at Friends Select School in Philadelphia for 11 years. He also worked and taught at Germantown Friends School and Plymouth Meeting Friends School.

Crystal McCreary (she/her)

Upper School Counselor

Crystal McCreary is excited to join the Friends community as the new Upper School Counselor. She holds a BA from Stanford University in African and African American Studies, as well as an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and more recently completed her MSEd in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College. Prior to working at Friends, Crystal worked as a Health Educator at the Dalton School.

Danielle Kalman (she/her)

Extended Programs Coordinator

Danielle Kalman joins Friends as the Extended Programs Coordinator, bringing a diverse background spanning education, creative programming, sales, marketing, and media. She holds a Master of Arts in Marketing Communication and Advertising Sales from New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Graphic Design from West Virginia University.

Before transitioning to education, Danielle built an accomplished career in media and marketing, with experience in television, radio, and digital media. She played a key role in the launch of PAX-TV, the seventh national broadcast television network, and held sales and account management positions across all media, including Search Engine Solutions, where she developed major client relationships, exceeded sales goals, and led marketing and business development initiatives.

Most recently, Danielle served as a Specialty Staff Lead Camp Counselor at Camp Ramaquois and previously as an In-house Substitute Teacher at The Elisabeth Morrow School. She brings to Friends a unique combination of creativity, leadership, business expertise, and a genuine passion for working with children and creating engaging experiences for students.

Epiphany Larmey (she/her)

Lower School Associate Teacher — Grade 1

Epiphany Larmey is excited to join us as a First Grade Associate Teacher. She holds a BA in Economics and The Political Economy from Barnard College. She is joining us from Temple Emanuel Nursery School, where she taught Pre-K for three years.

Haven Young (she/her)

Admissions Assistant

Haven Young joins us as our new Admissions Assistant. She holds a BA in Sociology from The Ohio State University, where she was a member of the Theatre Department. Prior to joining Friends, she worked in Student Affairs at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and served as a Student Success Coach with City Year AmeriCorps in Jackson Heights.

Heidie Joo Burwell (she/her)

Admissions Associate

Heidie Joo Burwell joins us as our new Admissions Associate. She holds a BA in Comparative Literature from Brown University and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School. Prior to joining Friends, she worked in the admissions offices at Hackley School and Brooklyn Friends School.

Ian Sanois (him)

Reception/Security

Ian Sanois is no stranger to Friends Seminary, but this year he officially joins us as part of the Friends Security Team. He is excited and looks forward to working together to help maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Jamie Solis (she/her)

Educational Technology Coordinator

Jamie Solis joins us as our new Educational Technology Coordinator, bringing over 15 years of experience spanning early childhood classrooms, K–8 STEAM programs, and makerspace environments. Holding a BS in Childhood and Special Education from NYU and an MA in the Design and Development of Digital Games from Teachers College, Columbia University, Jamie specializes in the intersection of pedagogical rigor and creative technology. She looks forward to supporting faculty and students in navigating the complexities of a tech-driven world with confidence and visionary purpose.

Katherine Seol (she/her/hers)

Science Teacher — Middle School

Katherine Seol joins us as our new 5th and 7th grade science teacher. She earned her BS and MEd from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and recently earned her PhD in Science Education from Columbia University. Prior to joining Friends, Katherine taught middle school science in Illinois and New York City, developed science curriculum, and taught graduate courses in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College.

Naomi Zarin (they/she)

Lower School Associate Teacher — Kindergarten

Naomi Zarin is excited to join Friends as an Associate Kindergarten Teacher. She recently graduated from Barnard College with a BA in Education Studies. They have spent the year since graduation working as a substitute/assistant teacher at Cobble Hill Playschool, serving as an admin/counselor at Friends Camp (a Quaker overnight camp), and attending Brooklyn Friends Meeting.

Nate Ewing (he/him)

Lower School Associate Teacher — Kindergarten

Nate Ewing is thrilled to begin as an Associate Kindergarten Teacher. He earned a BS in Applied Economics and Business Strategy from Cornell University. Prior to joining Friends, he worked as a Data Analyst at Fiserv.

Noe Topping (she/her)

Lower School Associate Teacher — Grade 2

Noe Topping is excited to join Friends as an Associate Teacher in Mirtha Martinez's second-grade class. She recently graduated with a BA in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health from Yale University. Throughout college, she worked as an assistant in multiple preschool classrooms and helped lead a science-based after-school program.

Odalys Alcivar (she/her/ella)

Executive Assistant to the CFO/COO

Odalys Alcivar is delighted to return to Friends Seminary supporting the CFO/COO. Before rejoining Friends, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff at J.P. Morgan and previously held administrative roles at Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Girard College, Hewitt School, and Friends Seminary. She values lifelong learning and is excited to once again be part of the Friends community.

Thao Vu (she/her)

Math Specialist and Teacher — Middle School

Thao Vu joins Friends Seminary as a Middle School Math Specialist and 5th Grade Math Teacher. She holds a BA in Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College and an MA in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College, and is a doctoral candidate in Mathematics Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to joining Friends, she taught mathematics in New York City public schools (grades 6, 7, and 9) and at a nonprofit organization, where she taught grades 9–11.

Will Curry (he/him)

Music Teacher, Strings — Middle School

Will Curry returns to Friends as the interim Middle School violin teacher. He is a freelance conductor, violinist, and violist and has played several Broadway shows, including the recent production of Les Miserables at Radio City Music Hall and the Broadway revival of Chess. Will holds a degree in viola performance from Northwestern University.