The Puzzle: Blog

Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll be shining the spotlight on the incredible individuals who will be speakers and panel leaders at our Women's Institute, the theme of which is “Lean On: Strengthening One Another Through Mentorship and Collective Wisdom.”

Chris Mazzola

-Head of School, The Branson School (CA)
-Former Head of the Upper School, St. Anne's-Belfield School (VA)
-Various roles at The Thacher School (CA) including Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Students, French teacher

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

“Be kind.” It came from my parents and was stressed from the time I was very little and was repeated often in our house. We've tried to teach our children that same mantra. It's a simple piece of advice, but I feel that it is one of the most important things we can teach this generation of students. It's something I go back to again in my personal and professional life. To remind yourself to be kind simplifies life's challenges immensely and makes life less complicated.

Who was your favorite teacher in school?

My mother taught me in first grade. I did not appreciate how special and different this was, but watching my mom in action–firm but loving, setting high expectations for each student, always urging us “to do unto others”–has stayed with me always. She set a standard of excellence in her 50-year career that I have tried to emulate in my own life. And to watch a woman trying to raise five children and work full-time was a true gift, because it taught me that I could have a career and a family. The most special thing for me is that she also taught both of my children first grade, and I have to say, 35 years later, the most important lessons she tried to teach had not changed.

What is one of your favorite quotes by a female?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Felicia McCrary

-Director of Student Life and Enrollment, The Galloway School (GA)
-Former Assistant Principal of Upper Learning, world history teacher at The Galloway School
-Experience at several independent schools in student life, diversity, and curriculum development

Describe a key moment, person, or event that was critical in getting you to where you are now, whether personally or professionally.

There are two key passions of mine: my love of travel and my work with adolescents, both of which were uncovered by female mentors while I was in college. I was the recipient of a merit scholarship at Wake Forest University, and the scholarship covered travel overseas. I was content at Wake having found my friend group and settling into the academic rigor by my sophomore year. A dean kept encouraging me to apply for a semester abroad, and all but forced me to apply to study in Venice. I was terrified. I was accepted. The semester in Venice changed my life. I have journeyed somewhere internationally ever since that trip.

As for my work in education, I was a psychology undergraduate major at Wake and fully intended to continue pursuing psychology in graduate school with the end goal in mind to become a child psychologist. The day I was interviewing for the graduate program at Wake, I had just come from tutoring a student and was complaining about the shortcomings of schools and how they failed to engage kids (because at 21 we know it all and are passionate enough to share our observations with anyone who will listen). My professor at the time, Dr. Debbie Best, knew of a program that Wake offered called the Master Teacher Fellowship. The program is designed specifically for students who didn't major in education but likely have a passion or calling for education. She gave my name to the director of the program. They called and I agreed to interview and eventually apply. Although I did get into psychology graduate programs, I took a leap of faith and accepted the Master Teacher Fellowship invitation. The rest is history.

Why would you recommend the Institute to a colleague?

I think women are so strong but often forget to gain strength from peers. Sharing and supporting can feel like a guilty pleasure. So, I am all for a day of “guilty pleasure” that uplifts and refuels us for the work that we do every day!

What is one of your favorite quotes by a female?

“The question isn't who is going to let me–it's who is going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand

Check back as we share more about the fantastic and talented Honorary Faculty members who will be joining us.

Registration has closed for our Institute. We’ll see everyone in June!

Back to Blog

0 Comments

There are no comments on this blog entry.