The Peck School Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for the 2025-26 School Year

Lower School Faculty:

We are excited to welcome Abbie Slatus to our team as a full-time counselor in the Lower School. This transition from a part-time psychologist position will strengthen our Lower School leadership team and ensure daily on-campus counseling support. Abbie brings extensive experience, most recently as a school social worker at Chatham High School. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Post Master's Certificate in Clinical Supervision and Child and Family Therapy from New York University. Abbie is an exceptional addition, offering significant expertise in teaching social-emotional learning in elementary classrooms and having led numerous parent workshops. Her experience includes developing social-emotional programming, managing mental health teams, and providing counseling services for students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. She has also coached teachers on practices such as Responsive Classroom, trauma-informed support, and positive behavior strategies.
 

We are also pleased to announce the addition of Scott Blake as our new Lower School science teacher for grades K-4, succeeding Dr. Kathy Kennedy, who will transition to the Upper School to teach sixth-grade science. Scott brings over 30 years of experience in education, including seven years as a high school science teacher and 24 years as an elementary school principal. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in Science Education, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Administration, both from Teachers College, Columbia University. Scott's extensive background in educational leadership, curriculum development, and STEM initiatives will be invaluable in continuing to foster curiosity and critical thinking in our young scientists. His commitment to student-centered learning and balancing academic rigor with social-emotional needs aligns perfectly with Peck's values.
 

Upper School Faculty:

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Denise Glenn as our new eighth-grade science teacher, taking over for Tim Loveday, who is stepping into the role of Director of the Idea and Design Lab. Denise brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for science education, cultivated over 25 years in education, from which she recently retired after serving in various capacities, including science teacher, Supervisor of Science, Engineering, Design & Technology, and Visual Arts, as well as Principal, to name a few. Denise holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Saint Elizabeth’s, an M.A.S. in Science Education from Fairleigh Dickinson, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall. Her philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, incorporating technology, intellectual engagement, and real-world problem-solving to foster deep thinking and an appreciation for the world's wonders. Denise has actively participated in numerous research opportunities through organizations such as the NSF, Rutgers, and Washington University, and has also attended the Honeywell Space Academy. We are excited for her to bring her extensive expertise and commitment to Peck’s science lab! 
 

We welcome Ryan Haupt as our new Upper School Instrumental Teacher and Upper School Support. Ryan brings a rich background in music education, holding a Master of Music in Jazz Studies (Trombone) from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The College of New Jersey. Most recently, he served as Co-Director of the 7-9 Band and 7 Piano Ensemble at Churchill Junior High School, where he directed full ensemble rehearsals, adapted part assignments, and taught jazz improvisation skills. Ryan also has experience as the Director of Pep Band at The College of New Jersey. His dedication to fostering musical talent, combined with his diverse teaching experiences that range from encouraging the curious beginner to the dedicated advanced musician, makes him an exciting addition to our Upper School team.

We are excited to welcome the following teachers to our Lower School Associate Program:

We're delighted to welcome Avery Hohman '15 back to Peck as our new Associate Teacher in fourth grade, working with Cara Regan. Avery is an alum who brings firsthand knowledge of our community. She recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a strong academic record, double-majoring in English Literature (with a concentration in Creative Writing) and Film & Media Studies, and minoring in Design. Avery's experience as a tutor at Lindamood-Bell and her involvement in various extracurriculars, including editing a literary magazine, highlight her dedication to education and creative engagement. We know her passion for learning and familiar connection to Peck will make her an invaluable addition to our Lower School team.

We welcome Andrew Quigley to our second-grade team, who will serve as the new Associate Teacher in 2A. He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in Communications, where he honed his skills in public speaking, digital media, and even produced his own documentary film. Andrew's prior roles include serving as a Junior Leader at Camp Dudley, where he coordinated activities and supervised campers, as well as extensive volunteer work with organizations such as LifeCamp and Bridges Outreach. Andrew is spending this summer at the Trio Upward Bound program, once again demonstrating his commitment to guiding and supporting young people. Andrew's enthusiastic attitude, curiosity, and compassion, as highlighted by former professors, will undoubtedly make him an excellent addition to our second-grade team and the Peck community.

We are pleased to introduce Rachel Sigman, who will work with Kristin Young as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher! Rachel brings a rich background in museum education to Peck, having most recently served as the McDermott Intern for School Outreach and Family Programs at the Dallas Museum of Art. In this role, she fostered a sense of belonging and created meaningful educational experiences for students in PreK-8. With a Master's in Art Education and a Bachelor's in Art History from the University of North Texas, Rachel's passion for arts integration and social-emotional learning will be a wonderful asset to our kindergarten team and the Peck community.

Our kindergarten program is excited to welcome Grace Treanor as a new Kindergarten Associate Teacher, working in partnership with Camryn Salamone. Grace comes to Peck with a strong foundation in early childhood education, having graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Psychology and a Minor in Education. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Early Childhood Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her experience includes interning in a toddler classroom, substitute teaching for PK-6th grades, and serving as a summer camp counselor for kindergarten students, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to young learners. A proud alumna of Oak Knoll School, Grace is excited to share her commitment to service and passion for fostering student development with us.

Administration and Staff:

Peck is pleased to welcome Christopher Walker as our new Systems Administrator (formerly known as Network Manager). With more than twenty years of experience as an information technology manager and team leader, Christopher brings deep expertise and familiarity with many of the platforms and tools currently used at Peck. He will be a valuable partner to Kevin Grieshaber, Director of Technology, as we continue to strengthen our tech infrastructure. A current Peck parent, Christopher knows the community well—his daughter, Fiona, is in first grade, and his wife, Christine, teaches Lower School art. We’re excited to welcome him more fully into the life of the school when he officially begins on April 28.

We are thrilled to welcome Kim Clary as our new Associate Director of Admissions. Kim brings extensive experience in independent school admissions, with a deep understanding of the elementary school admissions process. Most recently, she served as the Director of Primary School Admission at Kent Place School, where she handled all aspects of admissions decision-making for preschool through fifth grade, including conducting parent interviews, administering academic screenings, and chairing the admission committee. Kim also collaborated on strategic planning for enrollment and with the Director of Communications for marketing materials.

Kim is well-versed in the local admissions market and is particularly drawn to Peck's strong sense of community. She has a proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and ensures that families feel heard and valued throughout the admissions process. Kim holds a Master's Degree in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. Her passion for fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for families aligns perfectly with Peck's mission.