Beyond Academics: Supporting a Holistic Learning Environment at D-E
In this issue, Michelle Carstens-Potts, Chair of the Health and Wellness Department; Dr. Danny Carragher, Chair of the Human Development Department; and Lisa Wittner, Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), discuss their roles and the programs they implement.
In our next issue, Part II of this series will feature conversations with members of our Student Support Leadership Team, including Dr. Deirdre O’Malley, Director of Counseling Services, and Marc Gladstone, Lead Learning Specialist. Interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
D-E’s Chef Alex, Cater to You Teach US Students About the Chemistry of Cooking
D-E’s Upper School students got a hands-on lesson about the science of cooking! As part of a class called “Chemical Harmony: Acids and Bases,” open to 11th and 12th graders and taught by Petra van't Slot (Science Department faculty), students ventured to the Wharton...
Grade 6 Meadowlands Environment Center Field Trip
Sixth Graders Learn About “Green” Design at Meadowlands Environment Center On Wednesday, October 23, Grade 6 students headed off campus on a lovely fall day to the Meadowlands Science Center. In connection with their science class, students engaged with both direct...
A Conversation with Marc Gladstone
Can you introduce yourself and your professional background? I’m Marc Gladstone, and I’m the Lead Learning Specialist in the Upper School. I have been an educator in mostly K-12 independent schools for over 30 years. Prior to embarking on my career in education, I...
A Conversation with Dr. Deirdre O’Malley
Please introduce yourself, your professional background, and how you came to D-E! My name is Deirdre O’Malley. I am a clinical psychologist, and I’m the Director of Counseling Services. I’ve been a psychologist at the Upper School for the last 15 years. I came to D-E...
Beyond Academics: Part 2 of our series on “Supporting Holistic Learning”
In our last issue of D-E Today, we introduced several members of our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) and Health & Wellness Departments. This latest issue of the magazine continues our “Supporting Holistic Learning” series through discussions with Dr. Deirdre O’Malley, Director of Counseling Services, and Marc Gladstone, Lead Learning Specialist. Both serve on the Student Support Services Team and have unique perspectives on how comprehensive and thoughtful mental health support is critical to sustaining and fostering our ‘community of learners’.
Lisa Wittner, Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
When did you begin at D-E, and how have you come into the role you currently hold? I started in 2015 as an Upper School Dean for the Class of 2019. After the Class of 2019 graduated, I spoke to administrators about some needs the School had, and that led to the...
Upper School Club Brings Therapy Dogs to D-EStress
During the week before “PAW” (Projects & Assessments Week) in early March, the Upper School club called My Mind Matters (MMM) hosted a therapy dogs event for Upper School students. The two furry visitors, Oscar and Thor, made themselves comfortable in Hulst House,...
Congratulations Marisol Diaz, Fulbright Awardee in Art and Design for Summer 2024
In the photo, Marisol (middle) together with Upper School Principal Kim Lalli (far right) met with Ambrose Proctor ’21 during their Swartley Gallery Alumni Artist Exhibit. See Page 11 for details.Due to her interest in the 17 United Nations SDGs (sustainability and...
Congratulations Lisa Wittner, Fulbright Awardee: Sharing SEL Expertise in Nepal
Always up for an adventure, Lisa Wittner will use a Fulbright grant to sharesocial-emotional learning insights with educators in Nepal. Here she is shown performing withBatalá New York, a premier all-women, Black-led percussion ensemble.Congratulations Lisa Wittner,...
Dr. Danny Carragher, Chair, Human Development Department
Tell us about yourself and your journey here at Dwight-Englewood. This is my 13th year at D-E. I am a licensed clinical and school psychologist. Before working here, my first job after getting my doctorate was conducting LGBTQ+ diversity trainings for medical...