Patrice Harmon

Patrice  Harmon

Patrice’s international background and experience both as an ASSIST host family and school trustee mean she contributes valuable experience and wisdom in her role on the ASSIST Board. She serves on the ASSIST Governance and Schools Committees. Originally from the Netherlands, Patrice worked in various hospitality management and technology roles in Europe, including for Disneyland…

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Sean Harris

ASSIST Board Member, Sean Harris

Sean began his journey with ASSIST as a German Scholar at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in Tennessee in 1994/95. Sean’s experience in business and law gives him an invaluable and practical perspective to support ASSIST’s mission. Sean is a member of the Development and Alumni Relations committee, and has been instrumental in his role as Chair…

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John A. Kazickas

photo of John A. Kazickas

John Kazickas brings both an international perspective and a passion for supporting education and the arts to the ASSIST Board. John attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT, before attending The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI where he received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 1980. In 1981, John began his career working…

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Mirella Lang

ASSIST Board Member Mirella Lang

Mirella began her relationship with ASSIST as a Scholar at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA. Today, she’s an accomplished businesswoman whose background in finance makes her a valuable asset to the ASSIST Investment Subcommittee. Mirella attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, where she graduated with a B.S. in Accounting in 2001. She…

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Adriana Leon

ASSIST Board Member Adriana Leon

Adriana Leon has expertise in Latin American business market development and a passion for providing higher education opportunities for underserved youth. She is currently a Senior Fellow in Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative. As CEO of Bretano Corp., she leveraged global raw materials trading markets to import and distribute petrochemicals and food additives throughout Latin…

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Kate Meenan-Waugh

Kate Meenan-Waugh

Kate Meenan-Waugh has enjoyed nearly 40 years working in education as a teacher and administrator, specializing in global history and the creation of programs to expand global education. Her experience as a year-long exchange student in high school affirmed to her the value of experiential education as a means of personal growth and intellectual and…

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Neo Mokgwathi

Neo Mokgwathi

Neo’s broad experience in schools and as a fundraiser in both the United States and Africa brings a unique and multi-dimensional perspective to the ASSIST Board and as a member of the Development Committee. Neo previously served as the Director of Development at the Maru-a-Pula School in Gaborone, Botswana, overseeing the school’s 50th-anniversary celebration in…

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Libby Peard

ASSIST Board Member, Libby Peard

Libby comes to the ASSIST Board after a first chapter in Corporate America and a second, even more rewarding chapter living, working, and raising a family on a boarding school campus in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Virginia and receiving an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Libby worked in corporate…

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J. Wood Rutter

photo of J. Wood Rutter

Woody is the longest-serving ASSIST Board member, a Director since 1982. His breadth of experience in schools, fundraising, and intercultural connections makes him a tremendous asset to ASSIST. He has served on multiple committees over the years, most recently, the Development and Alumni Relations Committee. Woody served as one of the primary interviewers for ASSIST…

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Kotryna Smith

Kotryna was first introduced to ASSIST as a scholar at Miss Porter’s School in 2011. Since then, her finance skills and passion for the life-changing impact of international education have brought her back to the organization. Kotryna is an Investment Banking Vice President at Baird, where she works on the Equity Capital Markets team and advises management teams…

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