Katheryn (Katie) Allen Berlandi joined the Trinity-Pawling community in 2015 as the Dean of Counseling and a teacher of psychology. Her mission — as counselor, teacher, and mentor — is to provide ongoing support and guidance, teach empathy and compassion, and help her students develop strategies for solving problems, dealing with stress, and prioritizing their own health and wellness. Saturday Programming is just one of the many avenues Katie takes to connect with students on these important topics. “Thanks to the incredible help of Dr. Lashlee and Mr. Keel, our health and wellness Saturday Programming activities this fall have been terrific,” Katie began.
A Health and Wellness Fair held in the Smith Field House in early November, for example, featured informational booths and presentations by local nursing students on topics such as stress management, nutrition, social media use, mental health, distracted driving, and more. In October, Katie worked closely with Dean of Residential Life Dutch Keel and Associate Head of School Tom Morris to welcome the One Love Foundation to campus for an important all-school presentation on healthy relationships. “It was such a powerful morning,” shared Katie. “We had seniors who were selected to be leaders of the breakout discussion groups, and I was so impressed with the conversations that took place. It was very moving.”
In addition to her health and wellness efforts on campus, Katie also serves as a faculty advisor in the Leadership Institute of the Institutes for Active Learning. As both a faculty member and parent (John ’27), Katie sees the Institutes as another valuable opportunity for students to be engaged and challenged, learn important life skills, and become well-rounded, healthy young men. “In the Leadership Institute especially, the boys develop their communication and problem-solving skills, and learn the importance of respecting others’ opinions,” she explained. “They also learn that there are different ways to step up as a leader, and finding their unique leadership approach in each situation is all part of the exciting learning experience.”
Over the years, Katie has enjoyed seeing Trinity-Pawling grow and make its mark in the independent school world. What makes her most proud to be in the School community is its authenticity — and of course, the wonderful people who make the Trinity-Pawling experience possible. “We know what we do well and we work hard every day to reach the boys and help them become their best selves,” she concluded. “How lucky am I to work in a community that feels like a family?”
Thank you, Katie, for your ongoing dedication to the health and wellness of our students and for all you do in the Trinity-Pawling community!
by Emma Quigley