Mary DeGennaro
degennaro@dutchessday.org

Mary joined the DDS administration in 1996. She is the school’s business manager.

Mary attended SUNY New Paltz where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Prior to coming to DDS Mary worked in private accounting and tax preparation.

In her free time, Mary enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

Gayle Fedele

fedele@dutchessday.org

Gayle joined the DDS Administration in 1995. She is the assistant to the head of school and business manager. She also teaches fifth grade math and coordinates the outdoor fun afterschool program.

She attended Dutchess Community College where she received an Associate’s degree in accounting and attended Marist College where she received a Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and communications.

Gayle is married with four children, all of whom are teachers or work with children. She is a DDS past parent; her two daughters Donna and Danielle graduated in 2000.

Jennifer Funk
funk@dutchessday.org

Jennifer joined the DDS staff in 2007. She is the school nurse.

Jen attended Dutchess Community College where she obtained an Associate’s degree in nursing.

Prior to coming to DDS, Jen worked in Sharon Hospital, in a physician’s office and in utilization management.

She resides in Stanfordville with her husband, Daniel, their three children Matthew, Adam and Tyler, and their dog Sunny.

Hillary Henderson
henderson@dutchessday.org

Hillary joined the DDS administration in 2007. She is the director of development and parent affairs at the school. In addition, Hillary is the chair of the publications committee, and is on the Strategic Planning Committee.

Hillary attended SUNY New Paltz where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in anthropology. Prior to her appointment at DDS, Hillary worked for several nonprofits in the region including the New York City Mission Society and Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows, and worked in advertising sales.

Hillary grew up in Dutchess County and currently resides in Poughkeepsie with her husband, and their two dogs and cat. She enjoys the outdoors, traveling, cross country skiing and reading.

Colleen Howland
howland@dutchessday.org

Colleen joined the DDS Administration in January of this year, as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

With long-time roots in our area, the Howland family joined the DDS community in 2002. Colleen’s sister-in-law and three siblings attended DDS in the 1970’s!

Graduating from Stephens College with a BFA in design and business administration, Colleen worked in NYC as a design director developing brands, managing client relations, recruiting, hiring, and administering budgets. Completing an Associate in Applied Science degree in 2007, she continued her education & professional development.

Colleen Co-Chaired the 50th Anniversary Auction for DDS, and has been an active member of the greater Millbrook community including serving on the Library Board of Trustees.

She lives in Millbrook with her husband DeForest, daughter Gracie (Class of 2008) and son Neil (Class of 2012).

Cynthia Schneider
schneider@dutchessday.org

Cynthia joined the DDS staff in 2007. She is the school receptionist.

She was raised in Poughkeepsie and is a graduate of FDR High School in Hyde Park.

Prior to coming to DDS, Cynthia worked in the banking industry for ten years before leaving in 1997 to stay home with her children. During that time she and her family were active members at their local church and she volunteered for children’s programs and special events.

Cynthia is married and has two children and two granddaughters. She presently lives in Hyde Park with her husband Ken.

Eileen Shaw
shaw@dutchessday.org

Eileen joined the DDS administration in 1992. She is the director of student affairs and transportation, and the admissions assistant.

Eileen grew up in Westchester County and attended Fisher College in Boston, MA.

Prior to coming to DDS, Eileen worked in several law firms in New York City and Boston.

Eileen is married and has three children.

Laurie Wilson
wilson@dutchessday.org

Laurie joined the DDS staff in 2006. She is the director of food service.

Laurie attended California University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, and the Culinary Institute of America where she obtained her Associate’s degree in culinary arts.

Prior to coming to DDS Laurie worked for a non-profit organization that had a summer camp and year-round conference center where she was the director of food Service.

Laurie grew up in California, and now lives in Poughkeepsie with her husband and their two children, both students at Dutchess Day.