Meet the Admissions Team

Hello! I’m Elise Bauer, Director of Admissions. I’ve been at C&C for many years and in a few different roles: VIIs teacher, Director of the Lower School, and now Admissions Director. I’ve witnessed the school make astounding growth and positive change during my time here, all the while remaining true to Caroline Pratt’s revolutionary guiding principles. I am proud to be a long-time contributor to one of the most historically significant schools in the world.

A Little About Me. I’m the mom of two teenage girls (one is Penelope, C&C ‘20, now at Putney). The other is Beatrice who is an art and world languages major in college. I like to read, paint, and binge-watch good (and bad) TV when I can. I collect clocks, shoes, and eyeglasses. One of my favorite activities as I try to stay in shape is boxing, and I have a set of silver gloves to prove it.

Why do you love your job? C&C has been a formative place for me. It has shaped my way of viewing the world and has inspired me to take risks, express myself, and question almost everything. I experience an enormous sense of support and community at C&C. The School attracts smart and interesting people—faculty, staff, families, visitors, you name it. And to participate in shaping that community through Admissions is fun and rewarding. 

What’s your favorite space on campus? There are many and it’s changed over the years as the School has grown. When I began at C&C in 1992, we had just three brownstones on 13th Street. Now we have seven back-to-back on 12th and 13th Streets, with the beautiful courtyards in between. 

I love the Library, of course, and the light-filled, high-ceilinged Art Room that inspires “oohs and ahhs” when people get their first glimpse. My favorite spot, though, is my office. It’s my quintessential home-away-from-home, where I meet families. We share a bit of ourselves with each other and begin the many-years’ connections that are at the heart of the C&C experience. It also helps that the 13th Street-facing windows are 12 feet high and there’s a lovely marble fireplace facade left from when the building was a residence in the 19th Century.

I truly hope you enjoy getting to know C&C as I have, and I look forward to helping you along the way.

Hi! I’m Tara DiGerlando, Associate Director of Admissions. Up until now, I have been working at City and Country School teaching the VIs. C&C is like no other school and I’m excited to take on my new role at the place that I fell in love with over a decade ago. I look forward to engaging with the community in a new way!

A little about me: I have two children, Nico, 7 and Willa, 2. I love spending whole days in the park with family and friends, running, outsider art, reading, and eating chocolate. Cape Cod is my happy place. Thanks to my son, I’m learning all about the English Premier League and am now an avid Yankee fan! I have a dual master’s in literacy and general education from Bank Street College and taught 1st grade for thirteen years before moving into Admissions.

Why I love my job: I love being a part of a community that cares so deeply about the life experiences, moral compasses, and the empowerment of children. I have been at C&C long enough to watch how the intention and nuanced program layers in such a way that culminates with students having the knowledge and autonomy to go out into the world and seek out new experiences.

What’s your favorite space at C&C? Since day one, my favorite space on campus has been the art room. The room is spacious and filled with natural light with huge windows that frame the Empire State Building, and more. It’s serene and inspiring. A close second is the Rhythms room. A blank canvas that transforms based on the group bringing it to life.

Hi! I’m Marchelle, and this year I am joining City and Country School as an Admissions Associate. I have worked in progressive schools as a teacher for the past five years, and I find this transition into admissions exciting and promising as I look forward to working with incoming and current families in this new role. This year, I aim to work closely with all prospective families to make the admissions process as seamless as possible. Many of the email communications you will receive about the process will come from me, so if you’re reading this, it’s likely we’ll be in touch soon! 

A little about me: I recently completed my MSEd in School Counseling! I am very interested in how schools support their students individually and as a whole, so it was easy for me to find alignment with City and Country School’s educational philosophy and mission. When I’m not working, I spend most of my free time reading, weaving, traveling, and caring for my betta fish, Personality. I also enjoy challenging myself in the kitchen with new recipes, exploring the wonders of our giant city, spending time with my family, and prioritizing self care.

What are you most looking forward to at City and Country School? I am looking forward to meeting all the wonderful families who are drawn to the unique educational experience that C&C offers. C&C is truly a special place, and I got that impression years ago when I visited as a teacher for professional development. I am also looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience as a former educator in the role of Admissions Associate, and learning and growing in my capacities as our students do each day.

What’s your favorite Job in the C&C Jobs Program? Without a doubt, the XIIs/IVs program is my favorite Job at C&C! When I first toured, I saw the mentorship program in action and it spoke clearly to my own educational narrative. I believe children are experts at being children and that they have a lot to learn from each other when given the opportunity. Though there is equal merit in all of the Jobs offered at C&C, the XIIs/IVs program creates such a unique bond between two different age groups of children and further strengthens the sense of community and understanding at our school.