LREI | From Our Admissions Team

Admissions

LREI seeks to enroll students who are bright, curious, motivated and who show strong academic promise. The School is committed to creating an environment that is reflective of the wider community by enrolling students from diverse religious, ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds and gender identities. Creating this diverse student body fosters opportunities for deeper cultural learning and understanding.

We Are LREI

Welcome to LREI. We are now, as we have always been, guided by our school's mission. As a truly progressive school community, we never shy away from the challenges and the possibilities of change and growth. It is this bold, experimental, progressive vision of education that continues to inspire and guide the LREI community today. What we did yesterday, what we are doing today, and what we will do tomorrow are all a part of a coherent 14-year experience inspired by our mission.

Academics

Since its founding, the LREI experience has been grounded in progressive principles that shape the design of program in each of our divisions. These principles place students at the center of their learning experiences, call on us to narrow the distance between the world around students and their school experiences, and engage learners in authentic problem solving on a daily basis. Our mission driven approach informs all aspects of our 14-year experience.

Life @ LREI

Our founding ideals of learning that is grounded in experience, inquiry, collaboration, growth and active democratic citizenship inform every aspect of daily life at LREI. LREI truly is a community of learners; it is a place where students, faculty and families come together each day in the spirit of creativity, collaboration and consequence.

Our Community

LREI is a community built on understanding and respect for others. Like New York City, we are diverse in every sense of the word. We are scientists, artists, historians and more. We embody a wide range of interests, beliefs, family structures and backgrounds. We thrive on the unique ideas and perspectives each person brings to the school.

Meet Our Team

List of 6 members.

Mary Young

Director of Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 237

myoung@lrei.org
Bio
After eight years of teaching in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mary has devoted her entire professional career to LREI. She has served in numerous capacities here, from Fours/Kindergarden Teacher to Early Childhood Learning Specialist to Director of Lower School Admissions. Currently, she is Director of Admissions. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling and gardening.
Michelle Atienza

Associate Director of Lower School Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 211

matienza@lrei.org
Bio
Michelle is thrilled to be a member of the Admission team and assist with both parent and student interviews. She originally joined the LREI community as a Fours and Kindergarten teacher in 2005 and was also a LS Admissions Associate before taking time off to be home with her three children. During her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, exploring new foods and cultures, and spending time with her family.
Michele Blackwell

Director of Financial Aid & Associate Director High School Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 307

mblackwell@lrei.org
Bio
Michele oversees the financial aid program including the evaluation of all families seeking tuition assistance. In her admissions role, she contributes to the marketing, outreach and enrollment of new students. As an alumna of Germantown Friends School and A Better Chance, Michele brings a passion and commitment to her work in secondary education. Prior to LREI, she honed her analytical expertise while working in a varied media career. Michele's penchant for analysis is an asset to the work of Admissions and Financial Aid. In her spare time Michele is an avid baker and culinary enthusiast.
Cassie Stafford

Director of Middle School Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 598

cstafford@lrei.org
Bio
Cassie enjoys her role of managing the Middle School Admissions process, from tours to interviews, and has become quite fond of the Middle School age group. In addition to this work, she assists in the day-to-day management of Admissions for the Fours program through Fourth Grade, keeps track of statistical information for the Office, and oversees all Admissions related advertising. Before joining our Admissions Office in January of 2003, Cassie worked as the Human Resources Director at the direct marketing internet company, Bigfoot International, and in Human Resources at Carnegie Hall. While at Carnegie Hall, Cassie also created and grew the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series, which provides free concerts at local venues by local artists. This highly successful program continues on today. Outside of her roles at LREI, Cassie's interests include music, photography and family vacations with her husband and two children.
Hannah Miller

Director of High School Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 305

hmiller@lrei.org
Bio
Hannah serves as the Director of High School Admissions at LREI. Prior to joining the admissions team, Hannah spent nine years working to address education inequality in public schools in Los Angeles and New York. She specializes in high school access, working to remove existing barriers and increase the options of high-quality, best-fit high schools on behalf of underserved families. In her role as Director of High School Admissions, she remains committed to equitable admissions processes. In her free time, Hannah enjoys hiking, swimming, learning new things and playing with her puppy.
Chabely Asuncion

Admissions Associate & Registrar

212-477-5316, ext. 292

casuncion@lrei.org
Bio
Chabely joined our Admissions Team in 2018. Her role consists of assisting the Admissions Team and families throughout the application process. Before coming to LREI, she worked in Admissions and High School Placement at Storefront Academy Harlem. During her free time, she is an avid concert goer and music enthusiast.

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