Meet the Admissions Team

Melissa Hong

Melissa Hong, Director of Admissions and Enrollment

In her role as director, Melissa oversees Hewitt’s K-12 admissions and enrollment. She 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.

Jennifer Hickman

Jennifer Hickman, Associate Director of Admissions

As a member of the admissions team, Jennifer is thrilled to share Hewitt's mission and vision for young women with prospective upper school families. A 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 at 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.

Megan Shotwell

Megan Shotwell, Associate Director of Admissions

In her role as associate director of admissions, Megan enjoys meeting prospective middle school applicants and their families and introducing them to Hewitt’s joyful approach to learning. She is energized each day by Hewitt’s inspiring leadership and innovative vision for educating girls and young women.

Prior to joining the Hewitt community, Megan served as co-director of high school placement at Rodeph Sholom School for eight years. During her 18 year tenure there she wore many hats, including enrollment associate, middle school assistant, and middle school advisor.

Megan received a B.A. in international studies from Kenyon College and a master’s in social work from NYU. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, solving crosswords, and exploring Brooklyn with her two year old son.

Jordan Orfitelli

Jordan Orfitelli, Admissions Operations Manager

As admissions operations manager, Jordan oversees Hewitt’s admissions systems, processes, and data. She believes deeply in our school’s mission and vision and enjoys being part of a community that is preparing girls and young women for success in such an innovative and holistic way.

Before coming to Hewitt, Jordan worked at the Fashion Institute of Technology as head of housing operations. She loves solving the puzzles that come with operations work and finding stories within data. In the past, Jordan has also acted as the admissions director for a non-profit summer academy that focused on green technology.

Jordan grew up in Connecticut and attended Western Connecticut State University, where she majored in anthropology and sociology. She also received an M.A. in science from DePaul University. In her free time, Jordan enjoys playing video games, creating miniatures, and visiting museums.