Alexandra Freer – Executive Director
Alex has been a part of The New School since 2004, first as a parent, then as a music teacher and now as the Executive Director. Together with her husband, Chris Chilvers, Alex leads The New School staff in creating a learning environment that is creative, empowering, joyful and rich with opportunities. Alex and Chris have lived the benefits of the unique education The New School has to offer not only from witnessing their own children become successful, happy, responsible adults but also from working with hundreds of children from multiple learning environments and seeing the difference project-based, individualized, celebratory education makes. As a social worker, Alex has helped hundreds of children and adolescents through private practice and focuses her current work on creating a safe, supportive learning environment in which teachers and professionals consider the uniqueness of each learner to help them thrive. She regularly teaches CEU courses and consults for professionals internationally to help them better understand the role challenges such as processing deficits and anxiety can play in learning and focuses on how to create an environment of success for every child. Alex feels blessed to be part of this rich, unique educational family.
Christopher Chilvers – Educational Director
Born and raised in The New School, Chris is the embodiment of what it means to be a “New Schooler”–curious, energetic, fair, purpose-driven and caring. As a long-time staff member and life-long learner of The New School, it was a natural transition for him to carry on his mother’s work when it came time for her to step back. Chris, along with his wife Alex, now leads The New School in maintaining its mission to help children become confident, caring, inquisitive and happy adults by combining the gifts of the past, the resources of the present and the awareness of the ever-changing future. Since graduating from Rutgers with his degree in psychology in 2005, Chris has helped hundreds of children and adolescents learn to express themselves, recognize the needs of others, work together and think outside the box. In both private practice and the TNS classroom, Chris’ natural leadership abilities and commitment to whole-person education enable him to connect with children of all ages to help them embrace their personal gifts and their love of learning.
Madelyn Condon – Teacher & Assistant Director
Madelyn, our former Younger Class Teacher, returns to The New School! With a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Connecticut College and years teaching in a variety of education models, her journey in education has been marked by a passion for fostering curiosity, building confidence, and instilling independence in her students. Whether she was in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Washington D.C., Madelyn has always returned to project-based, student-centered schools as the model that best equips children with the traits to thrive. This experience, coupled with her enthusiastic, positive approach to everything she does, has made Madelyn well-equipped to not only be the lead teacher of the Middle Class but to also help support and expand The New School’s holistic approach to learning through her role as Assistant Director. Madelyn returns to TNS eager to continue building an environment that prioritizes the essential elements of student-centered education.
Caitlin Rossi – Teacher
Caitlin comes to The New School of Monmouth County with over 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings. She is a graduate of Kutztown University with her BA in Clinical Psychology as well as a graduate of Rider University with a MA in Special Education. Caitlin holds three certifications in Elementary Education, Mindfulness Fundamentals and Teacher of Mindfulness and Meditation. She also spent four years working at Key to Me Therapy with neurodiverse children and adolescents. In addition to teaching and presenting mindfulness workshops, Caitlin loves to spend time with her husband and their four children. Caitlin has a love of learning and truly enjoys creating lessons and activities that enable every child to learn in their own unique way. She is looking forward to joining The New School family.
Rebecca DeLucia – Assistant Teacher
Rebecca comes to The New School with a plethora of education and child development experince. She has taught everything from play-based preschool to 5th grade and currently operates a small tutoring company where she puts her “practice makes progress” motto to work. She believes that a lifelong love of learning influences how children engage with the world and others around them. Additionally, Rebecca has her MA in Ministry and Theology with a focus on kids, youth, and young adults. She combines this alongside her three teaching degrees in her role as Next Generation Pastor at a local church.
Rebecca also has two sons, Luke and Jacob, who she raises alongside her husband Danny. They enjoy playing board games, diving into fantasy movies, and reading together. One of her favorite quotes is, “Questions are an invitation to relationship,” and she is thankful that TNS is one where questions are welcome and relationships pivotal to the learning.
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Caroline Duerr – Assistant Teacher
Caroline Duerr brings a wealth of experience in education to The New School, where she is dedicated to fostering creativity, resilience, and community among her students. Caroline’s journey in education began as a Teaching Assistant at Westtown School, where she supported 5th grade classrooms, assisting in both daily instruction and special projects. Her time at Westtown ignited a passion for student-centered learning and the importance of nurturing individual strengths. In addition to her work in traditional educational settings, Caroline has spent eight years operating Pink Pineapple Surf School, a women-led, all-girl surf camp. As the Camp and Program Director, Caroline has successfully developed and implemented programs that prioritize safety, skill development, and empowerment, all within a supportive, community-driven environment. Caroline’s unique blend of educational experience and program leadership allows her to create dynamic, engaging learning environments where students feel valued and motivated. She is excited to contribute to The New School’s mission of providing individualized education that helps every child thrive.