Hackley School’s dean of the class of 2026 is no stranger to the school’s halls. Mrs. Stanek first walked through the halls as a 6th grader, and her connection to Hackley runs deep. This connection was built on challenge, passion, and building relationships.
Mrs. Stanek grew up in Croton in northern Westchester, attending public school before her parents decided to place her in a private school. “They thought I needed to be challenged,” said Mrs. Stanek, reflecting on her family’s choice to enroll her at Hackley. The transition marked the beginning of her transformative journey on the Hilltop.
Her high school experience at Hackley was very positive, “I loved my teachers, and because of them I fell in love with teaching” said Mrs. Stanek, adding that their guidance inspired her academically and personally. With just 100 students in her graduating class, the tight-knit group shaped her love for mentorship. As a junior, she became a peer tutor, “I loved it. It allowed me to help others and connect in a meaningful way,” she said.
After graduating from Hackley, she attended Princeton University, majoring in history and playing lacrosse. Her love for coaching first sparked during her time as an athlete and became the base of her career. “I’ve always thought of myself as a coach,” she said.
Her professional journey began shortly after college when she taught at Episcopal High School in Alexandria Virginia for three years. She later earned her master’s degree from Columbia University and was the head coach of their women’s lacrosse team. Her path eventually led her to the Pingry School in New Jersey, where she taught history for four years before returning to Hackley as a dean, history teacher, and coach.
Now in her 21st year at Hackley and her 28th year in education, she continues to find joy in her work. As a Hackley history teacher and the varsity girls’ lacrosse coach, she is very involved with the Hackley community. “I love the relationships that I get to build for four years,” she said, highlighting the unique opportunity to guide and support students through a significant period of their lives.
Mrs. Stanek’s family also plays a role in her life, and they have deep ties to the Hackley community. Her two sons, Liam and Jake, are Hackley graduates, while her daughter, Savannah, is currently a 7th grader at the school. Her husband, Fran Stanek, is equally connected to Hackley, serving as a physical education teacher and wrestling coach. They all live together on campus, deepening her connection to Hackley. Together, their family embodies dedication and involvement, which defines the Hackley experience.
From her beginnings as a sixth-grade student to her current role as a leader and mentor, she has had a long-lasting impact on relationships, education, and community.
