From Our Admissions 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.