Parents

Pingry parents are welcomed into our community just as eagerly as our students. We also welcome their involvement.

We’re committed to keeping our families informed and abreast of the school’s culture, policies, procedures, and practices to enhance everyone’s experience. We also provide information about school events and opportunities that not only further a student’s academic success, but also benefit the entire family.

Please visit our School News and All-School Calendar often, watch for our weekly Big Blue Bulletin emails, familiarize yourself with our Key Dates, and continue the conversation on our social media channels! And, if you have any specific questions, please contact Jane Hoffman, Director of Development.

Key Dates

Channels of Communication

Transportation

Former PSPA Presidents

Term	PSPA President
1972–1973	Gail H. Williams
1974–1975	Marie Y. Apruzzese
1976–1977	Theresa L. Sisto
1978–1979	Patty L. Hutchison
1980–1981	Cynthia F. Campbell
1982–1983	Patricia S. Waterbury
1984–1985	Virginia K. Dughi
1985–1986	Sally T. Solmssen
1986–1988	Joan L. Crosby
1988–1989	Eileen K. Cameron
1989–1991	Joy B. Baird
1991–1993	Sueanne D. Korn
1993–1995	Lynda M. Franklin
1995–1997	Barbara E. Bunting
1997–1999	Pamela P. Hirsch
1999–2000	Amy S. Doliner
2000–2002	Joanne Santoriello
2002–2003	Susan B. Welch
2003–2004	Julie A. Silbermann
2004–2005	Lee Anne Lan
2005–2006	Barbara J. Reef
2006–2007	Tzu-Lin Toner
2007–2008	Geraldine I. Vitale
2008–2009	Donna B. Kreisbuch
2009–2011	Noreen C. Witte
2011–2012	Leonard Murray II
2012–2013	Michelle M. Keller
2013–2014	Laura San Miguel
2014–2015	Kendrick K. Jahng
2015–2016	Elliot Berndt
2016–2017	Robin Oxendine
2017–2018	Anthe Angelides
2018–2019	Betty Galvan
2019–2020	Lisa Billington
2020–2021	Margaret Santana
2021–2022	Twinkle Morgan
2022–2023	Lois Fitton
2023–2024	Melissa Bartoli
2024-2025	Janeene Balmir
2025-2026	Michelle Comstock

Volunteer Newsletter Archive

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES

The Pingry School Parents’ Association (PSPA)

As the official parent/guardian organization of Pingry, the Pingry School Parents Association has one objective in mind: To increase involvement and create a sense of belonging for all members of the Pingry community. The PSPA is a financially self-sustaining organization, and all parents/guardians of current students are considered members. The PSPA is overseen by a 14-member PSPA Executive Board, which consists of six elected positions and eight positions appointed by the PSPA President, and meets monthly.

What is the best way to get involved? Volunteer! Your contributions count and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and feel connected to our community.

Current Issue of the Volunteer Newsletter

2026-27 President’s Welcome Letter

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Pingry School Year! On behalf of the Pingry School Parents Association (PSPA), it is my pleasure to welcome both our returning families and those who are joining the Pingry community for the first time. The Pingry Community is truly special, built by many supportive, and inspiring students, staff, and families who make each year fantastic.

As we begin the new school year, I am honored and excited to be your president and work alongside the incredible members of the PSPA Executive Board. Together, we are committed to strengthening the partnership between families and the school while creating opportunities for meaningful connection, engagement, and school spirit.

Each year, the PSPA strives to foster involvement and build a strong sense of belonging within the Pingry Community. Throughout the year, we look forward to celebrating our students, supporting our outstanding faculty and staff, and hosting programs and events that bring families together.

One of the best ways to experience the magic of the Pingry Community is by getting involved. We encourage you to help out in whatever way works best for your family. Whether you can volunteer at an event, attend a meeting, share your ideas, or simply participate in activities, your engagement makes a meaningful difference. Whether you are hoping to meet other families, support your child’s experience, or give back to the Pingry community, there are many ways to participate. What makes our community truly special is the combination of unique skills, diverse perspectives, and enthusiastic spirit that each family brings. To learn more about the PSPA, explore volunteer opportunities, or find out how to get involved, please visit the Volunteer Website or click on the above Volunteer Opportunities link.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the PSPA board at any time during the year, we are always happy to help! Additionally, please keep an eye out for our volunteer newsletters and the Big Blue Bulletin for updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to stay connected.

We are looking forward to another exciting year as the Pingry community!

Warm Regards,
Usha Shah, P’25, ’28
2026-2027 PSPA President

PSPA Executive Board 2026-27

PSPA Executive Board

Usha Shah P’25, ’28 — President

Mom to Ziv ’25 and Akiv ’28

Usha is honored and excited to serve her third year on the PSPA board, as the President for 2026-27 school year. She is looking forward to serving the community and fostering new connections in this role.

Usha and her husband Deneb joined the Pingry community in Fall of 2021. Previously, she has served on the PSPA board as the Form III/IV Representative and First Vice President. In these roles she has run numerous Big Blue Pride Events, Pingry on Ice and community service events such as the Thanks For Giving drive and the first MLK Day of Service at the BAC in Basking Ridge.

Usha was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where she earned her degree in Computer Engineering. Since moving to the US, she has been working at Blackboard Inc, a Teaching and Learning platform, for over twenty years and now serves as the Director of Technical Services, where she supports their professional services business.

Usha and her family have lived in Short Hills, NJ, since 2014. She has previously served on the PTO boards at various Millburn Schools for six years. Along with PSPA, Usha is currently on the Home Tour of Short Hills Committee to benefit the Warehouse NJ and runs a soup kitchen at her temple in West Orange.

In her free time, Usha enjoys going for long walks and coffee with friends, spending quality time with her family, and giving back to her community.

Contact the President Here

Darby Finkelstein P’25, ’28, ’28 — First Vice President

Mom to Mari ’25, Jared ’28, and Joely ’28

Darby and her husband, Mark, joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2021. They have three children: their daughter Mari, who started at Pingry as a freshman and graduated in 2025, and twins Jared and Joely, who joined Pingry in sixth and eighth grade, respectively.

Darby holds a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She spent 14 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in accounting and advisory services before transitioning to focus on family and local community. Prior to joining the Pingry community, Darby was actively involved in her local school district, serving in various leadership roles, including Treasurer and President of the PTO.

Darby currently serves on the board of the Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM) Support Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by this rare condition, as well as the specialists who treat it. The cause is especially close to her heart, as her daughter Joely was diagnosed and successfully treated at a young age.

At Pingry, Darby volunteered in Admissions and the MLK Day of Service, served as co-chair of Common Ground Speaks, and spent the past year as VP of Communications. She looks forward to building on those experiences and continuing to support the Pingry community as First Vice President.
In her free time, Darby enjoys cooking and entertaining, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Contact the First Vice President Here

Soroya Campbell P’28, ’28 — Vice President of Parent Socials

Mom to Serena ’28 and Samara ’28

Soroya and her husband, Shawn, joined the Pingry parent community in the fall of 2021. They have twin daughters, Serena and Samara, who started at Pingry in sixth grade.

Soroya initially joined the Pingry community as Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations in 2018 and served in that role until 2022. Since then, she has remained an active volunteer at Pingry. She has been a member of the Graduation Committee, supported admissions events and the MLK Day of Service, and volunteered for The
Bear Pause and The Pingry Fund, among other initiatives.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in English and African American Studies, Soroya went on to earn an MA in Media Studies from The New School, an MBA from Metropolitan College of New York, and completed the School Management and Leadership program at Harvard University. With experience in diverse corporate leadership marketing and education roles at global companies and top-ranked independent schools, she has led international campaigns and helped foster innovative, inclusive environments that empower both teams and students to thrive. Her professional expertise includes fundraising, communications, event planning, and social media management, where she brings creativity, strategic oversight, and a passion for meaningful engagement and relationship-building. Soroya currently consults on a variety of projects and is passionate about her work in health and wellness, fitness, and Pilates.

Soroya currently serves on the board as Secretary of Mission: Kid Success, a nonprofit organization that helps children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions secure funding for the services and therapies they need to succeed. Since 2023, she has also served as a Trustee at The Adult School of the Chathams, Madison, and Florham Park, helping to advance accessible lifelong learning.

Soroya lives in Livingston with her family. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and creating lasting memories with loved ones and friends. She is excited to join the Pingry PSPA Executive Board this year as Vice President of Parent Socials.

Contact the VP of Parent Socials Here

Susan Santomassimo P ’24, ’26, ’29 — Vice President of Communications

Mom to Avery ’24, Addy ’26 and Ashton ’29

Susan and her husband Mike joined the Pingry Community in 2020 and live in Morristown. She is excited to be re-joining the PSPA Board as VP of Communications, having previously served as Secretary in the 2023-2024 school year. Since joining Pingry, Susan has been actively involved at the school, co-chairing the MLK Day of Service and acting as an Admissions Volunteer as well as captain parent for multiple school sports teams.

In the greater Morristown community, Susan volunteers with the Friends of the Morristown and Morris Township Library in support of their weekly book sales. For more than 20 years, she has served the Junior League of Morristown and is also a member of The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center and Impact100 Garden State. In the summer months, she volunteers at FulfillNJ, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

A graduate of The American University with a background in healthcare public relations, Susan continues to consult for multiple communications agencies, and in her free time, enjoys traveling, reading and spending time at the beach.

Contact the VP of Communications Here

Wen Zhu P’35 — Treasurer

Mom to Charlotte ’35

Wen is excited to return to the PSPA in her second year as Treasurer. Drawing on her background in accounting and finance, she is honored to support the PSPA’s mission and help ensure its resources are managed effectively in service of the Pingry community. Prior to becoming Treasurer, Wen served as the Kindergarten and First Grade Representative, where she worked closely with the Bingo Night Committee to help organize one of the Lower School’s most cherished traditions, Bingo Night.

Wen and her husband, Ping, joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2022 when their daughter, Charlotte ’35, entered Kindergarten. Since then, Wen has been an active volunteer, supporting the Book Fair and a variety of PSPA-led events and activities.

A graduate of The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Wen spent 10 years as a tax professional in the financial and pharmaceutical industries. After the birth of her son, Evan, in 2021, she stepped away from her career to focus on her children’s early education and become more involved in their school communities. Outside of volunteering, Wen enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and planning family adventures. She has recently taken up ikebana and the Japanese tea ceremony. Giving back has always been important to Wen, and she enjoys supporting local charities, community programs, and school events whenever she can.

Contact the Treasurer Here

Shilpa Kamat P ’24, ’30 — Secretary

Mom to Saniya’24 and Sid ’30

Shilpa and her husband, Abhi, joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2017. They have two children: their daughter, Saniya, who started attending Pingry in middle school and is currently a rising junior at Brown University, and their son, Sid, who joined Pingry in 3rd grade and is now a rising freshman.

Shilpa is beyond excited to join the PSPA as Secretary. Prior to this role, she has held multiple volunteer roles both within and outside of Pingry. Shilpa has volunteered at the Lower School, at the Bear Pause, and for South Asian Affinity Group events. This year she also volunteered in the Thanks-For-Giving Drive and led a subcommittee in the MLK All-School Day of Service event. Prior to Pingry, she volunteered extensively at her local public school’s chairing events, such as the talent show and the international food festival. She deeply appreciates the chance to contribute to and engage with the Pingry community.

Shilpa has a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Mumbai, India and an MBA from the University of Maryland. Before becoming a full-time mom, Shilpa worked at Honeywell in various roles of increasing responsibility for 17 years, with her last role being the Director of Globalization. Shilpa lives in Short Hills with her husband, Abhi, her mom, her two children, and her very playful dog Mochi.

Outside of Pingry, Shilpa enjoys tennis, traveling, Indian dance, playing Mahjong, and spending time with her family and friends.

Contact the Secretary Here

Shimul Shah P’26,’30 — Middle and Upper School Volunteer Coordinator

Mom to Aanya ’26 and Rian ’30

Shimul and her husband, Atul joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2013 when Aanya joined the Lower School in Kindergarten.

Shimul has been an active member of the PSPA since then, volunteering in various positions including Book Fair co-chair, Lower School Admissions co-chair, Lower School library volunteer, class parent, Bookstore volunteer, Celebrate Pingry volunteer and many other positions.

Shimul has a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Stern School of Business. She worked in financial data management at companies such as Thomson Reuters and American Express for more than 13 years before taking a break to take care of her family. She is an active member of her local community and is on the board of the Neighbors group of Millburn and Short Hills.

In her free time, Shimul enjoys reading, cooking, hiking with her dog, attending music concerts and travelling. She has a particular interest in mental health and can be found reading books on the topic as often as she can. The family also had the privilege to live in Hong Kong for a few years and used the opportunity to travel extensively across Asia.

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator Here

Eray Donmez P’37 — Lower School Volunteer Coordinator

Dad to Selin ’37

Eray is honored to return to the PSPA Executive Board as the Lower School Volunteer Coordinator. Eray and his wife, Stephanie, joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2024, when their daughter, Selin, entered Kindergarten.

A native of Turkey, Eray grew up in Ankara and Istanbul. He moved to the U.S. to attend Middlebury College in Vermont, where he earned a BA in Economics and a BA in Computer Science. Eray then attended graduate school at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania where he earned an MS in Economics.

Eray enjoyed a career of more than 20 years in the finance sector as a multi-asset options portfolio manager, strategist, and trader. After welcoming his daughter in 2019, he pivoted to a career in real estate investing. Most recently, Eray has returned to the markets and is actively managing equity options strategies.

Eray resides with his wife and daughter in Short Hills. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and skiing.

Contact the LS Volunteer Coordinator Here

Zoe Farrell P’37 — Grades K–1 Representative

Mom to Riley ’37

Zoe and her husband, Matthew Farrell, joined the Pingry community in fall 2025 when their oldest daughter started Kindergarten. Zoe has been an active member of the Pingry parent community, serving as Class Mom for Riley’s class, KDR. She is a dedicated volunteer, contributing her time to the Book Fair, Pingry Fund, Library, Admissions, and Teacher & Staff Appreciation, as well as supporting initiatives like the “Thanks for Giving” drive, the MLK Day communications committee, and the Arts & Beautification committee.

A proud New Jersey native, Zoe and her family have lived in Short Hills since 2022. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Alpine Montessori of Millburn Parent Association and is passionate about supporting enriching educational environments for children.

Zoe holds dual Bachelor’s degrees from MIT in physics and biology and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming a full-time volunteer, she worked in healthcare consulting.

In her free time, Zoe enjoys jogging, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Contact the Grades K–1 Representative Here

Stephanie Lichtinger P’36, ’38 — Grades 2–3 Representative

Mom to Camila ’36 and Lucas ’38

Stephanie and her husband, Andre, joined the Pingry community in 2023 when their daughter, Camila, started Kindergarten followed by their son, Lucas, in 2025.

Stephanie is excited to join the PSPA Executive Board as the Grade 2-3 Representative. She loves volunteering for the Pingry community as a class parent, a member of the Arts and Beautification Committee, an admissions volunteer, and more. Stephanie is thrilled to serve as a PSPA board member and continue to give back to this wonderful community.

Stephanie earned her B.A. in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania, her M.A. in Art Business from Sotheby’s, and her MBA from MIT Sloan. Stephanie spent the last two decades working as a consultant at McKinsey, and recently joined Pfizer as a Senior Director and US Internal Medicine Commercial Innovation Lead. Deeply passionate about philanthropy, she also serves as the Young Profession Board Chair of the Brazil Foundation, the largest non-profit dedicated to reducing inequality in Brazil.

Stephanie, Andre, Camila ’36, Lucas ’38 and Mikael (Pre-K) reside in Short Hills with their dog, Beau. In her free time, Stephanie loves spending time with family, visiting art exhibitions, reading, and traveling.

Contact the Grades 2–3 Representative Here

Sharon LeVasseur P’33, P’35 — Grades 4–5 Representative

Mom to Caleb ’33, Lucas ’35, and 5-year-old Chloe

Sharon and her husband, Paul, were welcomed into the Pingry community in the fall of 2022 when their sons, Caleb and Lucas, entered 2nd grade and Kindergarten. Since then, Sharon has been an active member of the Pingry Lower School community, previously serving in leadership roles coordinating the Lower School Arts and Beautification Committee and Lower School Lunchroom Visitors. She also enjoys volunteering at the admissions open house, MLK Day, Lower School Bingo Night, Lower School Library, Book Fair, and many other Big Blue Pride events throughout the year.

Sharon graduated from Babson College with a B.S. in Business Management and spent 15 years at Morgan Stanley in various Operations and Risk roles before transitioning to support her children full time at home.

Sharon is excited to join the PSPA Board as this year’s Grades 4-5 Representative. When she’s not at Pingry or driving her kids to activities, she enjoys reading, attempting various arts and crafts projects, and watching K-dramas.

Contact the Grades 4–5 Representative Here

Stacey Kaufman P’28, ’32 — Middle School Representative

Mom to Ryan ’28 and Julia ’32

Stacey and her husband, Jack, joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2017. Their son, Ryan, entered Pingry in second grade, and their daughter, Julia, entered in kindergarten.

A native New Yorker, Stacey earned her BS in Nursing from New York University, her Master of Public Administration in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy from New York University, and her Adult Nurse Practitioner degree from Hunter College. She currently practices as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Stacey joined the PSPA Board in 2023 as the Lower School Volunteer Coordinator and served in 2024 as the Lower School Grades 4–5 Representative. She has also been active in a variety of volunteer roles, including Chair of the Lower School Arts and Beautification Committee, Lower School Library Volunteer, Moving Up Day Volunteer, and Book Fair Volunteer. Stacey is excited to continue her involvement with the PSPA Board this year as the Middle School Representative.

In her free time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks with her dog, Lola, and traveling.

Contact the Middle School Representative Here

Carina Bellmann P’29 — Form III/IV Representative

Mom to Constantin ’29

Carina and her family joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2025 when her son, Constantin, entered the Upper School. She quickly became an engaged member of the PSPA, contributing her time to numerous events throughout her first year. Carina is eager to deepen her commitment to the school as she transitions into the role of Form III/ IV Representative.

With 12 years of residency in Warren, Carina brings extensive leadership experience from her previous roles as VP and President of elementary and middle school PTO boards. Her dedication to student life extends beyond the classroom; she serves as a USA Swimming Official and provides backstage support for various children’s theater productions. Internationally, Carina and her family frequently return to their home in Germany to visit relatives and ensure their native language and cultural traditions remain a vibrant part of their lives.

A career educator with over 30 years of experience, Carina has taught at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels. Her professional background includes serving as the Principal of a private Mandarin and Spanish immersion school with campuses in New Jersey and New York City. Currently, she operates as an independent educational consultant focused on supporting students, teachers and parents. Carina is a Middlebury College graduate and enjoys spending her summers in Vermont coaching swimming and remaining connected to her alma mater.

Contact the Form III/IV Representative Here

Yanping ’Samantha’ Fang P ’27, ’28 — Form V/VI Representative

Mom to Ryan ’27 and Charlotte ’28

Samantha and her family joined the Pingry community in the fall of 2014 when Ryan started Kindergarten. Charlotte later followed, continuing the family’s connection to the Pingry community. The Hao family lives in Short Hills, NJ.

Samantha is the co-owner of FH Group, a family-owned e-commerce business specializing in automotive accessories. Since its founding in 2008, FH Group has focused on providing stylish and affordable products that help drivers personalize and take pride in their vehicles. Through her work, Samantha has developed a deep appreciation for thoughtful leadership, strong communication, and bringing people together to solve problems and support one another. She especially enjoys building meaningful relationships with customers, partners, and teams, and values the importance of organization, collaboration, and community in both her professional and personal life.

Samantha has been actively involved in the Pingry community for many years and has previously served on the PSPA Board as both a Lower School and Middle School Representative. She has also served as Volunteer Coordinator and has chaired various committees across divisions throughout the years. She has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with families, support school events and activities, and help foster a strong sense of community across the Pingry community.

Outside of work and volunteer activities, Samantha enjoys traveling, dancing, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on her children at their academic and sporting events.

Contact the Form V/VI Representative Here

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