Admissions & Covid-19

List of 7 members.

• 

  Sylvia Spector 

  Director of Enrollment Management

  Phone/Extension: 4117

  Bio

  Sylvia Spector has lived the Shipley journey, on both a personal and professional level. Sylvia’s three children all graduated from Shipley and, having witnessed the numerous benefits of a Shipley education first-hand, Sylvia decided to join the school in 2010 as the Associate Director of Admissions for the Lower School. Having served in many roles in the Admissions Office through the years, Sylvia is current the Director of Enrollment Management. Embodying compassion, fortitude, grace, and courage, Sylvia represents the very essence of what it means to be a member of the Shipley community. 
  
  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley? 
  I’m proud to be part of an institution that values relationships and creates an environment that both challenge and support students on a daily basis. I am proud to be part of a school where our kids come first and it always comes down to what’s best for an individual student. 
  
  Q. As a colleague, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative? 
  I think what excites me about positive education is the idea of building on students’ strengths and combining that with the importance of well-being. I think that it’s our responsibility to prepare them for their next steps and help learn to use their strengths as strategies to think about the world in a positive light. I think Shipley students take with them a great sense of themselves and how they fit into this community and this world as a whole, and it is this sense of self-awareness that is valuable for the future. 
  
  Q. When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation?
  I hope families walk away with the sense of an inclusive community. Shipley is truly a warm and welcoming environment that balances a challenging academic environment with a supporting and nurturing atmosphere. 
  
  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year? 
  I love two in particular: the first day of school and commencement. I love the excitement of the first day when students arrive and the campus starts to bubble with enthusiasm and excitement. I also love commencement when we celebrate our students’ accomplishments and journey at Shipley as they move on to their next stage in life. 
  
  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child? 
  Honestly, it’s the incredible faculty that makes Shipley the amazing school that it is. Our teachers get to know their students on an individual basis and build strong relationships with them. This allows our teachers to differentiate and teach each child in a unique and meaningful way. 
  
  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation? 
  My favorite vacation is any vacation I spend with my husband and three children. We are very family-oriented and enjoy our time together whether it’s skiing, the beach, or a staycation. We just enjoy being together. 
  
  Q. What surprises people most about Shipley? 
  I think when you drive down Montgomery Avenue you don’t know what’s really inside the Shipley campus. When people actually walk onto our campus and start to uncover the exciting program and curriculum and incredible facilities, they are often surprised at the depth of what’s happening here.
• 

  Nancy Bussey 

  Associate Director of Admissions & Director of Tuition Assistance

  Phone/Extension: 4183

  Bio

  As a member of the class of ’85, Nan Bussey has long embodied the principals of a Shipley education. Though she pursued her career elsewhere, Nan was always intrigued by the idea of returning to Shipley and had the opportunity to do so in the summer of 2019. Nan brings with her an extensive background in admissions and tuition assistance, as well as an impressive coaching resume. In her free time, Nan enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and reading. Nan lives our motto, Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing and the school is thrilled to have her back as a part of the community.

  
  
  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley?

   

  I am a proud Shipley graduate! I am most proud of Shipley’s commitment to teaching students how to think critically and creatively and helping them to be both resilient and independent. Students leave Shipley believing that they can make a positive difference in the world and that makes me proud.

   

  Q. As a colleague, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative?

   

  What excites me most about Shipley being the first Positive Education school in the country is the school’s commitment to the overall well-being of everyone in this community. Students learn how to use their character strengths to help them navigate Shipley’s rigorous academic program and busy days and at the same time focuses on their social, emotional and physical well-being.

   

  Q. When you meet with prospective family, what do you hope they take away from the conversation?

   

  I want them to realize what a special place Shipley is and that their child will be challenged and well taken care of both in and out of the classroom. I also want them to know that their child will be well prepared for life after Shipley as they will know how to advocate for themselves in all areas of their lives.

   

  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year?

   

  I love the excitement and energy at the beginning of the school year. Kids and adults are well rested and ready to jump into the adventures that lie ahead.

   

  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child?

   

  Shipley has such a great support system for students. Every student is known well by a large number of adults in this community. The adults at Shipley wear many different hats throughout the day including an advisor, teacher, coach, art director, activities advisor, counselor, and administrator. The relationships formed in all these areas allow the adults to see the whole child not just the child in one specific area.

   

  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation?

   

  Any time I am away with my two daughters and husband are favorite vacations for me.

   

  Q. What surprises you most about Shipley?

   

  Not much surprises me about Shipley because I have always felt welcome in this community. As a student here for 13 years the faculty challenged me and supported me in ways that have made me who I am today. Shipley’s continued commitment to developing the whole child by providing so many different opportunities and challenges is truly amazing!
• 

  Courtney Daly 

  Associate Director of Admissions for Lower School

  Phone/Extension: 4754

  Bio

  Courtney came to Shipley in 1997 as a second teacher in 1st grade, and is the parent of two current Shipley students and three graduates (all boys). In 2015, Courtney joined the Admissions team as our Admissions Parent Liaison, and in 2016 she became the Associate Director of Admissions for Lower School. 
  
  Courtney grew up locally and graduated from Montgomery School and Friends’ Central School. She earned a BA in Psychology from Trinity College and received her Master’s in Elementary Education and her Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. When she is not at school, Courtney enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Her hobbies include cooking, exercising, reading and all kinds of crafty things. 
  
  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley? 
  There are so many things that make me proud to be at Shipley! I started my teaching career here and then returned as a parent. My five boys have truly grown up in the Shipley community and it is without a doubt one of the warmest and most welcoming communities there is. Everyone here is ready and willing to go out of their way to support each other. In my role as the Lower School Admissions Director, I am honored to represent the School to prospective families and I love to talk about my experiences at Shipley as a parent and a colleague. 
  
  Q. As a parent, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative? 
  I was a psychology major in college and it’s been so exciting for me to revisit my study of psychology in new ways in an academic setting. So much of Positive Education sounds simple at first, but it’s easy as parents to lose sight of the big picture when little things happen along the way. I’ve watched my kids (and all Shipley students) begin to identify their unique character strengths and embrace the concept of growth mindset when something doesn’t come easily for them. These are skills and tools that they will carry with them far beyond their years at Shipley. Having now completed the MAPP program, I am even more excited about Shipley’s integration of Positive Education. Across the school, our students are encouraged to develop autonomy and agency in the classroom, while also learning to collaborate and communicate meaningfully with each other and with other members of the Shipley community.
  
  Q. When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation? 
  I love meeting new families and talking with them about their children and Shipley. The most important thing I hope a prospective family walks away with is a good understanding of Shipley’s culture and sense of community. Of course, I also want them to know that Shipley is an excellent academic institution and we are committed to a well-rounded approach. But the foundation of a Shipley education is truly the relationships that students form with each other and with their teachers. 
  
  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year? 
  My favorite part of the school year is absolutely the start of school in September. I love the anticipation, the excitement, and the freshly sharpened pencils and new notebooks! Mostly, I love seeing the kids’ smiling faces back on campus. 
  
  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child? 
  At Shipley, teachers really take the time to know their students as individuals. With five kids of my own who have all been Shipley students, I know first hand that all of the teachers work hard to find ways to connect with each of their students. Recently, my son’s Upper School English teacher told me she’s looking forward to watching him on the squash courts this season. It’s this level of commitment to the students that makes Shipley so special. 
  
  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation? 
  Ooh, great question! Each summer my family spends two weeks on Bald Head Island, off the coast of North Carolina. We look forward to this all year because it is dedicated time for all of us to be together. There are no cars on the island – instead, we drive golf carts and ride bikes. We go to the beach, play golf, play cards, and relax. Aaah, summer! 
  
  Q. What surprises people most about Shipley? 
  I don’t think this is something that surprises people, but I think that one thing that people really notice when they visit Shipley is the incredibly welcoming environment. When I take prospective families to Lower School classrooms, students jump up and come over to introduce themselves and welcome the visitors to their classroom. They are excited to take on the role of class greeter and share their enthusiasm with visitors. In addition, I think people are thrilled to know that there is no “mold” at Shipley – instead, students are recognized and celebrated as individuals within the context of our program. The Shipley journey can look different for different children, and that is exactly as it should be. Each of my five children are similar in some ways and very different in other ways, but they have all found Shipley to be the perfect place for them to pursue their passions and become their best selves. As a parent, there is nothing more I could want for my children!
• 

  Alexander Hay 

  Associate Director of Admissions for Middle School

  Phone/Extension: 4120

  Bio

  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley?
  For most of my life I’ve been a student or colleague in independent schools. What I have found here at Shipley is a community that not only embodies the beliefs we possess, but a population that is incredibly committed to our mission and each other.

   

  Q. As a colleague, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative? 
  I love the fact that Shipley is the pioneer in this realm and that we’re placing the emotional and overall well-being of our students (and colleagues) as a top priority. 

   

  Q. When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation?
  I hope they come away with the knowledge that their child will be known as an individual and their personal ambitions and desires will be fostered throughout their career here at Shipley.

   

  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year?
  The stretch between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays! I love the student activities, the warm feeling that permeates the community, and the delicious treats that get shared amongst the offices.

  
  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child?
  It is a multi-faceted approach including our teachers, our coaches, and advisors. Every colleague at Shipley values the relationships they have with their students and strives to get to know them not only as learners, but as people.

  
  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation?
  Family vacations to Bailey Island, ME. It’s a very quiet and peaceful getaway that allows for ample reflection and relaxation.

  
  Q. What surprises people most about Shipley? 
  I believe it’s the breadth of our program, the ability for students to pursue their passions, and experience new and unique opportunities.

   
• 

  Jenna Swan-Gross 

  Assistant Director of Admissions Marketing

  Phone/Extension: 4295

  Bio

  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley?
  Walking down the hall and reliving memories of being a student! Being able to represent a school that I know so dearly and have first-hand experience in makes my job fun, and I’m very proud.

  
  Q. As a colleague, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative?
  I believe as a coach, I now know how to address challenges and turn them into something positive. We celebrate our strengths and are equipped to constructively work on ways to improve ourselves.

  
  Q. When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation?
  Not only our sense of community but also how much of a family we are at Shipley. On a tour, I have middle and high schoolers running up and saying hello to me, and there’s no better way to demonstrate a special student-faculty relationship than when our visitors see it live.

  
  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year?
  Super Saturday! It’s the first big event of the year for both new and returning families. This year, I loved seeing a new family and a returning family arrive together on campus. Their kids played at the carnival and cheered on the sports teams together.

  
  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child?
  Shipley does a lot of listening. In admissions, we really take the time to get to know each family that visits our campus. This allows us to personalize their tour and navigate through a conversation to determine how we can best connect with the student on an individual level and what we can do to support them.
  

  
  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation?
  My trip to China and Japan. I was able to immerse in the culture for two weeks with a guide and go beyond the well-traveled path.

  
  Q. What surprises people most about Shipley?
  Even though the campus itself has changed significantly since my time here as a student, the intimate community and sense of belonging has remained much the same.

  
  Q. As a graduate, how did Shipley prepare you for college and beyond?
  Shipley taught me to be independent and to self-advocate. I was beyond prepared for college – whether it was essay writing or public speaking. I went onto what I thought was going to be another huge challenge and transition, and in every aspect of college life, Shipley had instilled a sense of preparedness in me which ultimately led to success. 
• 

  Lisa Hoag 

  Lower School Admissions Associate

  Phone/Extension: 4735

  Bio

  Lisa came to Shipley in 2014 as an Admissions Associate in the Lower School. Prior to joining our community, Lisa worked in the Admissions Office at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. A graduate of The Agnes Irwin School, Lisa earned a BS in Psychology from Smith College. When she is not at Shipley, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown daughters, as well as singing and traveling. 
  
  Q. What makes you proud to be at Shipley?
  I am proud of the ongoing partnership programs that Shipley has initiated with other entities to address real-life issues. For example, the program we have with CHOP to study concussion protocols, and the Positive Education coordination we have with UPENN. These are serious issues for young people, and Shipley has chosen to be proactive and affect change. 
  
  Q. As an employee, what excites you about the new Positive Education initiative?
  I appreciate the fact that Shipley is interested in the welfare of all our colleagues as well as our children and their families. I’ve been able to incorporate the aspects of positive education into my personal as well as professional life. I am truly impressed by how the faculty has embraced the concepts of positive education and has worked hard to bring those concepts into the classroom.
  
  Q. When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation?
  What a special place Shipley is! From the program to the campus to the colleagues and students, I want them to feel that spark of excitement and desire to be part of the community.
  
  Q. What is your favorite part of the school year?
  Definitely springtime! I work in the Lower School, and I love seeing the culmination of so many long-term projects. For example, the 3rd graders practice their oral presentations for their biography project in the hallway outside my office. Their hard work pays off and I always enjoy hearing presentations about Sally Ride, Jackie Robinson, and Lucille Ball, among others!
  
  Q. How does Shipley get to know each individual child?
  No two applicants are the same, and Shipley’s application process includes steps that help us get to know the candidates from many different perspectives. We gain a thorough understanding of their academic performance, as well as their interests and passions by meeting and engaging with the students themselves and their parents. Our goal is to make sure that Shipley and the candidate are the right fit for each other.
  
  Q. Switching gears – favorite vacation?
  Definitely our trip to Prague last year, where my daughter was studying. It is truly a magical city, but as she toured us around "her" city I saw a maturity and excitement in her that made the experience even more special.   
  
  Q. What surprises people most about Shipley?
  The fact that students are expected, and encouraged, to take risks and try new experiences. Academic expectations are very high, but so is the understanding that there is no better time to try a new sport, or be in the play, or write for the newspaper. Shipley students truly respect and applaud the successes of their peers!
• 

  Andrea Sanders 

  Admissions Database Coordinator

  Phone/Extension: 4118

  Bio

  Andrea Sanders joined the Admissions team in May, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience with her. Andrea spent several years abroad in Amsterdam, returning to the US in the summer of 2017. Since joining Shipley, Andrea has thoroughly ingrained herself into the community and has become a warm and welcoming presence on campus.

   

  Q: What makes you proud to be at Shipley?
  I truly admire the School’s commitment to fostering curiosity and a concern for others. I believe these are among the most essential elements of a happy, successful life and I love how important they are to us here at Shipley.

   

  Q: As a colleague, what excites you about the new Positive Education Initiative?
  I love that this initiative recognizes that personal well-being and academic success are interconnected. I think many of us know that the discovery of a sense of meaning and purpose in life provides the foundation for hard work and success, and I am so excited that we are recognizing that this is true for all of our students, too! 

   

  Q: When you meet with a prospective family what do you hope they take away from the conversation?
  I hope that they take away a sense of how much the faculty and staff appreciate the multiple dimensions of each child, and that everyone at Shipley is committed to doing all we can to help each student succeed.

   

  Q: What is your favorite part of the school year?
  I love the opening days of a new school year. Everyone is excited to see friends, get to know teachers, and set ambitious, hopeful goals for a new year. There’s no time on campus more exciting than when new friendships begin to form and everything is ripe with possibility.

   

  Q: Switching gears- favorite vacation?
  Definitely Marrakech! It was unlike any place I have ever visited, and the people were so warm and welcoming. From the bustling souks at Jemaa el-Fnaa, to the amazing views of the Koutoubia Mosque at dusk from a riad rooftop, it was an unforgettable trip.

   

  Q: What surprises people most about Shipley?
  I think people might be surprised by the School’s authentic commitment to being a community where everyone has a place and an opportunity. Ours is a safe, open, and inclusive learning environment, and these traits help drive so many of the amazing things that happen at Shipley.