From Our Admissions Team

- We will host Pre-K-12th virtual visits for families interested in 2022-2023 enrollment. Click here for virtual visit dates and registration.

LREI is an exciting place to go to school, bursting with a palpable spirit of curiosity, creativity, challenge, growth and achievement. We provide an intellectually rigorous experience filled with academic challenge and excellent preparation for life. Active, hands-on projects and investigations allow our students to see meaning in their daily schoolwork and to establish connections between it and their lives outside of school. For 100 years, our faculty and administration have worked to uphold the school’s progressive mission and commitment to social justice and diversity.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about our school when join us for a virtual tour. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to email or call with questions.

Sincerely,

The LREI Admissions Team

Meet Our Team

List of 6 members.

Mary Young

Director of Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 237

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

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

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

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.
Felicia Aikens

Director of High School Admissions

212-477-5316, ext. 305
Chabely Asuncion

Admissions Associate & Registrar

212-477-5316, ext. 292

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.