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.
Lacey Rogers – Teacher
Lacey comes to The New School with over a decade of experience in child development, both in and out of the classroom. Her love of learning and desire to see each child blossom to their full potential is what fuels her passion for education. Lacey attended Eastern University in St. David’s, PA where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a certification in Early Childhood Education. From there she entered the public school system as a Basic Skills teacher in grades K-5, as well as a Kindergarten teacher for the Howell Township School District. She was also afforded the role of Lead Play Therapist at Key to Me Therapy for over 5 years where she worked alongside children and teens with varying special needs. One of Lacey’s most treasured roles has been that of homeschool parent to her two beautiful children. It was during that time that her heart was truly opened to the type of child-led, self-paced learning experience that led her to The New School. Watching her own children thrive in this unique environment has not only been a personal joy, but also a testament to The New School’s long-held philosophy that each child blooms in their own time when given the room to grow. Lacey uses her passion and experience to support and guide each child to grow as a student and an individual.
Madelyn Brewer – Teacher
Whether it is discovering what makes something float or memorizing the lyrics to the latest Disney hit, Madelyn leads our little class with the same boundless enthusiasm and curiosity that our students bring into the building every day. Madelyn received her Bachelor’s in Philosophy as well as a Certificate in Museum Studies from Connecticut College in New London, CT. However, it was her volunteer time and work outside of school that inspired her to pursue teaching. Madelyn spent her first two years in education co-teaching at the Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut and learned volumes from the guidance and wisdom of her mentoring teacher. Madelyn has taught prekindergarten and second grade, designed and led an after-school program for kindergarten students entitled Nature’s Classroom, and coached middle school basketball and rowing. While her classroom and after school teaching experience allowed her some freedoms, Madelyn was eager to teach in a school where she could prioritize what she considers essential for students to thrive–a multifaceted approach that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and independence. It was only natural that she found herself at The New School.