Meet the Admissions Team

Melissa Hong

Melissa Hong, Director of Admissions and Enrollment

Melissa joined the Hewitt admissions team in July 2021. In her role as director, she oversees K-12 admissions and enrollment. Melissa was drawn to Hewitt’s innovative strategic vision; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and warm community of passionate families, learners, faculty, and staff.

Prior to Hewitt, Melissa spent eight years as the director of early learning center and lower division admissions at Avenues: The World School, where she was instrumental in helping lead enrollment and retention efforts. In addition, she oversaw global campus transfers, collaborated with colleagues on various committees, and partnered closely with the Avenues Parents’ Association.

Melissa earned a B.A. from Tufts University, where she majored in English and French, and an M. Ed. from Teachers College at Columbia University. A native New Yorker, she attended The Nightingale Bamford School and the Trinity School. Melissa lived in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore before moving back to Manhattan, where she lives with her husband and two sons.

Lisa Chu

Lisa Chu, Associate Director of Admissions

Lisa joined The Hewitt School in 2003 and enjoys interacting with families as she helps guide them through the admissions process. As associate director of admissions, Lisa takes pleasure in speaking with prospective students and their families about Hewitt’s mission of empowering girls and young women.

One of Lisa’s favorite things about working in admissions is conveying the warmth and passion of the Hewitt community. She is proud to work at a school that gives every student the opportunity to find her own unique sense of purpose. It was this community that attracted Lisa to Hewitt over 14 years ago, and that continues to inspire her to be her best self.

A graduate of SUNY Albany, Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in psychology. Before coming to Hewitt, Lisa worked in the advertising industry in media planning. She is an avid runner and the mother of two children whose baseball games and tennis matches keep her busy!

Jennifer Hickman

Jennifer Hickman, Associate Director of Admissions

Jennifer joined the admissions team in 2018, and she is thrilled to share Hewitt's mission and vision for young women with prospective upper school families. As the graduate of a girls' high school, Jennifer understands the positive impact that a single-sex education can have in shaping future women leaders and realizing one's highest potential.

Prior to coming to Hewitt, Jennifer worked in administrative positions at Teachers College, Columbia University, and at the J. Paul Getty Museum. She has also served as an assistant teacher for middle school students through the Journeys Into American Indian Territory museum program and as a writer and research editor at a variety of magazines.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in women's studies from Occidental College, a master's degree from NYU in humanities and social thought, and a master's from Teachers College, Columbia University in clinical psychology. Her personal interests include researching wellness and mind-body medicine practices and exploring museums and nature. Jennifer's two children fill her days with activities and joy.