Re-imagining Your Education at Newark Academy
Can learning be fun? Is reading a challenging book or solving a tricky problem something to celebrate? Does working alongside others help you thrive? Is integrity important to you? If so, you need a school that values critical thinking over memorizing, exploration over contentment, and meaningful connections over superficial interactions. Newark Academy is just that school. Here we're re-imagining what it means to be a rigorous, transformative college preparatory school. Here your learning leads to confidence – in yourself and in your ideas. Here compassionate teachers and supportive classmates encourage you to take risks and to try again. Here, you'll discover that serious thinking leads to the joy and the power of being you.
Keith Fischer
Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, Varsity Football Head Coach
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Contact: admission@newarka.edu
A seasoned admission professional, Keith Fischer joined Newark Academy after serving as the associate director of admission at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) for the past five years. Keith began his career at Dickinson in 2011 as the assistant director of admissions. Prior to his work as an admission professional, he worked for nine years for the Philadelphia Eagles and the National Football League. Keith holds a B.A. in Political Science from Dickinson College. Outside of school, Keith enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife Tara and his son Luke.
Alexis Sommers
Director of Admission Operations and Financial Aid
Contact: asommers@newarka.edu
Alexis Sommers joined the Newark Academy Office of Admission in 2017, bringing with her a wide range of experiences in both education and marketing. In her role, Ms. Sommers works closely with Mr. Fischer on all aspects of the department with a particular focus on the departmental operations, processes and procedures. In addition to overseeing the operation functions, Ms. Sommers works closely with prospective families seeking financial aid and supports families receiving assistance throughout their time at NA. Prior to joining Newark Academy, Ms. Sommers served as the Associate Director of Admission at Léman Manhattan. Before starting her career in the field of Admission, Ms. Sommers worked as a teacher within the New York City Public School System after starting her career at New York-based advertising and marketing agencies. In addition to her role in NA Admission, Ms. Sommers has served as a Middle School advisor and serves on the Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Kristen Johnson
Associate Director of Admission
Contact: kjohnson@newarka.edu
Kristen Johnson joined the Office of Admission and Enrollment Management in December 2020. A seasoned admission professional, she has spent the last 26 years working both full-time and part-time in the Admissions Office at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. In her role as Associate Director of Admission, Kristen will play an active role in applicant interviews, communications, event planning, the Parent and Student Ambassador Programs, as well as the Committee review process. She graduated with a BA in International Affairs and French, with a minor in Spanish from Lafayette College. When not working, she is an avid reader, tennis player and enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve and their college-aged sons, Kevin and Justin.
Troy Burki
Contact: tburki@newarka.edu
Troy Burki joined Newark Academy and the Admissions Office in 2020, after having worked for the past five years as a teacher and technology coordinator at the Parkmont School in Washington, D.C. Prior to this, Troy taught for three years as part of the Teach for America program in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Troy earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Sociology, along with a Minor in Management, from New Mexico State University, where he was also part of the baseball team. Outside of work, Troy loves spending time with his son, Liam, and his wife, Kailin.
Allyson Richardson
Admission Office Manager
Contact: arichardson@newarka.edu
Allyson Richardson joined Newark Academy in August 2020, beginning in the Dean of Students Office before moving to the Admissions Office in June 2021. Prior to Newark Academy, Allyson worked at Christie's for six years, most recently as Business Manager for Commercial Finance. Allyson holds a B.A in Art History from Bucknell as well as an M.A. in Art History from Columbia University. Allyson is eager to get to know prospective families and serve as a first point of contact and resource for them during the school search and admission process.
Anita McKenna-Murphy
Contact: amckennamurphy@newarka.edu
Anita McKenna-Murphy joined Newark Academy in 2016 with a diverse background in education and the arts. Mrs. Murphy enjoys welcoming all the members of the NA community and is known to keep things running smoothly for everyone on campus.
Edward Pursell
Faculty Admission Officer
Contact: epursell@newarka.edu
Maaike Kuen
Contact: mkuen@newarka.edu