Meet Our Staff
Doug Scott: Interim Director of Summer Camp and Signature Programs
Hi, I’m Doug or Coach Scott! I’ve been at Pingry for 25 years, serving mainly as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for our high-achieving athletics teams and as a member of our Physical Education and Health Departments. I’ve worn many hats at Pingry: I served our day camp for 15 years as the Aquatics Director, Director of Sports and Games, and Assistant Camp Director. In addition, I’ve been a Grade Dean, Athletics Site Manager, and Student Advisor and served in many other student-facing positions. I hope my energy and passion for activity and creativity make your child’s summer camp experience memorable.
Julia Featherman: Minis Camp Director
My name is Julia Featherman, and I have been working in summer camps for 15 years, six of those with The Pingry School. I have experience in early childhood education, mostly from working in a daycare setting—not to mention having two little ones of my own. It’s my goal to provide an engaging and joyful experience for the children in our Minis Camp. I love working with children this age because of their wonder and curiosity. I look forward to creating an environment where we can explore, learn, and grow this summer!
Jeff Patten: Big Blue Summer Camp Director
I’m Jeff Patten! I began working as an adjunct soccer coach for Pingry’s boys’ Freshman soccer team in 2011. The following year, I broadened my involvement by substitute teaching at the Basking Ridge and Short Hills Campuses. In 2013, I was thrilled to secure a full-time physical education position at the Short Hills campus. Throughout my 11 years at The Pingry School, I have made meaningful contributions to the community. I have served on the Multicultural Team, attended a POCC (People of Color Conference), and organized numerous after-school enrichment programs for students. In addition, I have taught Grade 4 Health, received the Herbert F. Hahn Junior Faculty Award, and have been a vital member of the ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) Team. I have also worked at the Golf Camp at the Short Hills Campus and the Futures Soccer Camp on the Basking Ridge Campus. Furthermore, I have proudly served as a coach and chaperone for the boys’ varsity soccer program on their domestic and international preseason trips. These experiences have allowed me to hone my collaborative skills, with the well-being of the students, their families, Pingry faculty, and The Pingry School at the forefront of my mind
Megan Bull: Aquatics Director
Hi, everyone! My name is Megan Bull. I am so excited to meet you and help you learn to swim, improve your strokes, and have fun in the pool! I’ve been a swimmer since I was six years old. I swam through high school and college and now swim on a Masters team! Fun fact: In 2019, I competed in the Richmond TYR Pro Series, where I swam the 200 Free in the same heat as Katie Ledecky! It’s my responsibility to provide a safe pool environment, allowing you to have positive and fun experiences that will improve your water safety and survival skills. In addition to swimming, I have coached summer leagues and volunteered to help coach Special Olympic swimmers. In 2021, I started coaching at Pingry; this is my third year here and my second year as Head Coach of the Pingry Boys’ Swim Team. I have also worked as a Deck Ambassador/Aquatics Director at camp the past two summers, so I’ve seen firsthand how the swim programs run! I am excited to take on the role of Aquatics Director and to provide you with enjoyable lessons and experiences that you will carry with you throughout your life.
Harlen Shangold: Academic Coordinator
My name is Harlen Shangold, and I’ve been working at Pingry for three years, though I graduated from Pingry in 2011. My educational background centers on School Counseling (Ed.M. ’17), Psychology, and Educational Studies (B.A. ’15). Summer 2024 marks the end of my first full academic year of teaching Upper School English at Pingry, and this will be my second year serving as the Summer Academic Coordinator. I started my career in education as a Preschool Teacher, and I’ve worked in a variety of part-time/assistant teaching and tutoring roles, including as the founder of my own tutoring company. I’m looking forward to working with and getting to know some more families at Pingry this summer, for which I will be around to ensure your student has the best classroom experience with us every week!
Anna Brasowski: Minis Group Lead Instructor
Hi, my name is Anna Brasowski, affectionately known as “Ms. B” for the last nine years that I have worked in the aftercare program at the Lower School. Since joining Pingry, I have worked at Big Blue Summer Camp in a variety of capacities, most recently as a lead teacher in the Minis Camp. My teaching degree is in Preschool–3, K–5, and I have been working in the private sector as a preschool teacher for the last 25 years, enjoying the curiosity and creativity of children ages 3–5. I look forward to working with the Minis again this summer, meeting new families, and seeing old friends and their siblings. My goal is to provide a positive, nurturing, and safe environment filled with summer memories.
Heather Denges: Minis Group Lead Instructor
I’m Heather Denges, and I’ve been working at Big Blue Summer Camp for almost ten years. I’ve filled several roles, from Art and Theatre Specialist to Counselor Supervisor. This year, I’m excited to take on the new role of Lead Instructor for the Minis Camp. During the school year, I teach enrichment classes at Pingry and many other locations (I’ve been at the Connection in Summit for 23 years). With students ranging from 18 months to 90 years old, preschoolers are among my favorites because they have great imaginations and are always excited to play. My passion for helping children grow and explore the world around them, coupled with my experience teaching classes in dance, theater, gymnastics, arts and crafts, sports, yoga, and fitness, will ensure they never run out of fun activities at camp.
Gwen Kusznier: Kinder Group Lead Instructor
Gwen Kusznier, here! I’m a veteran English teacher, having taught for over 25 years. I’m also an avid reader and appreciator of nature and am always ready for a new adventure. Summer 2024 marks my second year with Pingry Summer. I love every age group, but especially enjoy the Kinders, who bring energy, curiosity, and excitement to each day of camp. As lead teacher for incoming Kinders, I hope to make the experience enriching and fun for every camper. It is really important to me that each child feels valued and included as they participate in all that Big Blue Summer has to offer.
Alessandra Hill: Kinder Group Junior Lead Instructor
Hi! I’m Alessandra Hill, a Lower School Associate Teacher at The Pingry School. I previously worked with Pre-Kindergarten through fifth-grade students in the auxiliary and summer programs at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. I’m excited to join the Pingry summer program as the junior group lead instructor, bringing creativity, adventure, and fun to the program.
Megan DeGraff: LIT Group Lead Instructor
Hey there, I’m Megan DeGraff. I’ve been teaching Latin for 15 years and have worked in various roles in camps for over a decade. This is my first year teaching Latin at Pingry, and I’m additionally coaching water polo, squash, and softball. I’m excited to join the leadership team as the LIT Group Lead Instructor and work with your children to have the best experience possible. My fondest memories are of times as both a camper and a camp employee, and I hope to create memorable opportunities for your children during Pingry Summer.
Marquis Ormond: Sports Rotation Lead Instructor
Hi, my name is Marquis Ormond, and I’m an assistant strength and conditioning coach. I’ve been at Pingry for four years, and I’ve coached football and basketball. This summer for Big Blue, I’m looking forward to bringing my outgoing and positive energy to the campers and others involved in sports-related activities.
Simeon Brasowski: Outdoor Lead Instructor
My name is Simeon Brasowski. I’ve been at Pingry for seven years. For the last five years, I’ve worked for the summer camp in various roles and have been an instructor on our high ropes course for the last two years. I love to watch kids attempt our high ropes course because it teaches many lessons on teamwork, patience, and pushing your comfort zone. I hope to see many campers on our high ropes course this summer, having fun and pushing themselves past what they think they could do.
