Next week, at the All Faculty-Staff Meeting, we will celebrate our 2025–26 retirees. Collectively, they represent 292 years of dedicated service in support of Country Day students. We thank them for their commitment and wish them all the best!!
Lyn Tillett, Upper School History Teacher, 13 years
"My time here has been the capstone to 44 years of teaching history in independent schools. The support and friendship I have felt here from faculty, staff, and administrators surpasses my experiences in other schools and will certainly be missed as I adjust to retired life. Coming here from a long stint at a boys’ boarding school, it has been a delight to return to coed classes. More importantly, I never to expected to hear so many students share a sincere “thank you” at the end of every class; it’s a part of the culture here that I believe is unique to the school.
Although retirement is really just an idea right now, when I have time to reflect over my career, it will be my days at Country Day that give me the most pleasure."
Rick Hackett, Upper School Schedule Coordinator and Math Teacher, 20 years
In 2012 the Postscript yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Hackett.
Marian Richardson, Controller, 24 years
"What I value most about my career here is the sense of community and relationships that define Country Day. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues and faculty members that care for one another.
I also deeply value the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the school. Whether through my work, collaboration with colleagues, or helping ensure the school operates smoothly, it has been meaningful to know that my efforts have played a role in supporting the mission of Country Day."
Jennifer Joyner, Middle School Spanish Teacher, 25 years
"Students who had me in seventh-grade Spanish often tell me later, “oh yeah, I remember all the butterflies!” The teacher in me wants them to remember ALL the units we did, but raising the butterflies is a hands-on conservation effort, and the tactile nature of it seems to leave an impression. I learned from this the value of multiple learning modalities, and that when teaching a communications course like Spanish, it helps if you are learning new information through the medium of the language, rather than focusing on the grammar functions in a vacuum. I’m glad that raising Monarch butterflies is a salient memory for the students, and I hope that our follow-up comparison of why people also migrate, will have inspired some global awareness, empathy, and curiosity that informs who they become!"
Beth Brady, Second Grade Teacher, 26 years
"The Country Day community is what I value most. It has been a source of friendship, support, and belonging—like a second family when mine was not nearby. I am grateful for the lifelong relationships, the professional growth, and the meaningful connections with students and their families that have shaped me in so many ways. I will carry these memories and relationships with me always."
Gail Purdie, Lower School teacher, 29 years
"One memory that continues to come to mind is when my husband Ted died [in 2010]. I will never forget how Charlotte Country Day School wrapped their arms around me and my children Jonathan ’08 and Jocelyn ’14.
While those days were so very hard to get through, our CCDS family showed up for us in many ways, like inviting us to dinner, Christmas gifts, cards, flowers, and making meals for us to take home.
Those acts of kindness have and will continue to remind me of the privilege it is to be a part of this CCDS family."
Donna Witman, College Counseling Assistant/Registrar, 36 years
"Over the years, caring coworkers, teachers, and coaches became like family, making the school feel like my home away from home. Some of my favorite memories are the many athletic games I have watched involving my sons and husband—complete with nail-biters and heartbreakers along the way, but even more pride, joy, and unforgettable moments and celebrations. And the graduation of my two sons, and now seeing my grandsons attending the Lower School, has made my lifelong connection to Country Day even more meaningful.
Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity I have had at Country Day working alongside colleagues, parents, students, and alumni, and hopefully, making a difference."
Brad Touma, Upper School History Teacher, 39 years
"The part of the Country Day community that I value the most is the relationships that I have built over the last 40 years. Having married into a Country Day family, my wife, her siblings, and all three of my children went to school here. I count among some of my closest friends the people I have met through Country Day and have known for three or four generations. To be able to have currently taught and coached the offspring of students that I taught and coached back in the ’90s is very satisfying."
Jim Griffo, Mailroom Service Coordinator, 39 years
"The real highlight and fondest memory of my 39 years at Country Day was when Florence Chapman (long time and beloved Upper School lab assistant) requested me to drive her around in my golf cart in a small parade to celebrate her 80th birthday. The entire school was out in the quad celebrating her birthday, and it was very memorable."
Nancy Ehringhaus, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, 41 years
"As a longtime employee, a parent of graduates, and now a grandparent, I will always be deeply committed to this school community. I will forever cherish the friendships I’ve made and the way I have been supported through the years–and especially this year."