Nov 10, 2020 | Emma Drzala, New Faculty
By Emma Drzala (V) The Pingry community welcomes Ms. Deanna Fischer to the Lower School faculty. Ms. Fischer joins the Lower School to teach fourth grade social studies and reading, as well as serve as an associate teacher and co-teacher to the Lower School’s mathematics specialist, Verna Lange.
Prior to teaching at Pingry, Ms. Fischer was a co-teacher to second grade students at Shongum Elementary School in Randolph, New Jersey, for three years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with human services and is currently working toward getting her master’s degree in P-3 Curriculum and Instruction at Montclair State University.
Ms. Fischer made the decision to join the Pingry community after she babysat two previous Pingry students and witnessed their enthusiasm and love for Pingry. Ms. Fischer heard of the school’s culture and camaraderie and decided to join the community. When she learned of the open position of an associate teacher, she felt as though she would “learn and grow as a teacher in this role.”
When she’s not teaching or studying for her masters, Ms. Fischer enjoys exercising, reading, and exploring nature. The Pingry community looks forward to the start of her journey at Pingry!
Nov 2, 2020 | New Faculty
By Brian Li (V)
This fall, the Pingry community welcomed Mrs. Uma Aviles to the Upper School faculty as the Upper School Academic Dean and co-instructor of Peer Leadership. She is also serving as a Form III advisor.
Mrs. Aviles attended Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in economics and minored in education. She then received a Master’s Degree with a focus on technology, innovation, and education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining the Pingry School, Mrs. Aviles worked at the Trinity School in New York City as the Director of Student Activities and the Dean of the classes of 2017 and 2021.
After graduating from The Peddie School, where she had a tremendously positive experience with the adults on campus, Mrs. Aviles joined the Trinity School not only because she “enjoyed being part of a school community,” but also because she “loved working with high school students.” Eventually, she decided to join the Pingry community because of commute distances and the fact that her daughter enrolled in the Lower School two years ago. Inspired to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of students, Mrs. Aviles joined and became an integral part of the Upper School.
As for her current experience at Pingry, Mrs. Aviles said, “I have truly felt welcomed and I especially enjoy the school’s energy and the care that community members all show to one another.” Looking forward to settling in, she hopes to “get to know as many students as possible.”
In her free time, Mrs. Aviles likes to hike, do yoga, and read fiction. Additionally, she has two children and loves to spend time with her family.
