As the new school year began in mid-September, so did a year-long celebration of the collective 115 years of service of some special faculty and staff members who have announced their June 2025 retirement plans. Please join us in expressing our gratitude for these exceptionally dedicated members of the Trinity-Pawling community.
Brian Foster ’79
38 years of service
Athletic Director, Math Teacher, Leader of the Institute for Leadership, Assistant Coach, Former Head Varsity Hockey Coach (1988-2011), Former Dorm Parent, Advisor
Amy Foster
34 years of service
Director of the Gardiner Library and Learning Commons, Admissions Associate, Former Yearbook Teacher, Former Dorm Parent, Advisor
Kim DeFonce P’01, ’06
32 years of service
Associate Director of Admissions, Former Yearbook Teacher, Dorm Parent, and Advisor
Amy Heinrich
11 years of service
Admissions Office Manager
The conclusion of this academic year will mark Brian’s 38th year of distinguished teaching, coaching, and mentoring at Trinity-Pawling School. Brian has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Trinity-Pawling students. Over the years, Brian has championed the importance of sportsmanship at Trinity-Pawling. His many contributions to the life of the School have been celebrated in many ways over the years. In 1994, he was given the Bill and Helene Dunbar Award for Service. In 1998, his professionalism was recognized with the Edward A. Arditti Award for Faculty Excellence. In 2003 and 2008, Brian was awarded the Vincent J. Reilly Sportsmanship Award by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association in recognition of his leadership and character. In 2010, the same organization honored Brian with the John Donohue Lifetime Achievement Award in appreciation of his pride, integrity, and selfless contribution to the sport of hockey. In 2014 the Annual Varsity Hockey Award was renamed the Foster Award to honor Coach Foster’s legacy and service.
In June 2025, Amy Foster will end her 34th year of exceptional service and mentorship to this community. Her knowledgeable and caring presence in the library and on the admissions team has been recognized over the years. In 2011, Amy accepted the Bill and Helene Dunbar Award for Service in recognition of her dedication and commitment. In 2018, Amy received the Edward A. Arditti Award for Faculty Excellence. In 2009, Amy participated in a year-long action research project sponsored by the International Boys School Coalition and presented her findings at the IBSC Conference in New Zealand. Amy served on the 2010 Strategic Planning Committee, composed of trustees and faculty. She also spearheaded the production of the Trinitannus yearbook for over 20 years.
Kim DeFonce P’01, ’06 has been an influential role model and advisor to many students and families during her three decades at Trinity-Pawling School. As a faculty and staff member, she has served many roles. In 1993, she joined the Office of Admissions as a part-time administrative assistant, a job she shared with Amy Foster. After moving on campus in 2002, Kim also served as an advisor and a dorm parent on Cluett, Owen House, and Starr. For 20 years, she collaborated with Amy Foster on the production of the Trinitannus yearbook. Kim has served the Office of Admissions under five directors: Chris Kelly, Tom Shepherd, MacGregor Robinson, JP Burlington ’95, and now Jeff Beck. She currently serves as Associate Director of Admissions. Kim does everything with tremendous commitment to excellence and care for the families she works with.
Amy Heinrich’s role as Office Manager of the admissions department over the past decade has been indispensable. As the first point of contact for prospective and re-enrolling families, she has an immensely positive impact in welcoming and guiding them through the admissions process. Amy greets everyone with a smile and addresses every detailed question to put new families at ease during the application and enrollment process. She truly sets the tone to ensure there is a sense of belonging at Trinity-Pawling for the young men who come through the admission process, which reflects the support they will receive as students when they enroll and arrive on campus. Amy has served the Office of Admissions under three directors: MacGregor Robinson, JP Burlington ’95, and now Jeff Beck. She always has the best interest of our students, families, and colleagues in mind.
Moreover, these members of our community are a touchpoint for generations of Trinity-Pawling students and countless colleagues. They have enriched the life of the School in ways that are beyond measure. We are exceedingly grateful for their service to this school community and look forward to celebrating this service throughout the year.