Admission

Meet our Team

List of 7 members.

Lisa Wu

Director of Enrollment and Strategic Communications

626-396-6321

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Lisa’s favorite Poly tradition is the annual Lower School Book Fair because it taps into her love of young adult graphic novels. Her favorite spot on campus is the Upper School Library balcony or a seat in the bleachers on Babcock Field watching her daughters play their favorite Poly sports! While away from campus, Lisa is working on her slice backhand and honing her ability to write upside-down and backwards (from left to right)!
Kate Austin

Admission Systems and Office Manager

626-396-6322

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Kate’s secret superpower is interior design. You can see her handiwork in the Admission office! The Lower School Garden is her favorite spot on campus, and she also enjoys both libraries. Outside of work, she enjoys running, camping, reading, listening to all kinds of podcasts, and going to museums. She is currently in grad school for an M.A. in Art History.
Gretel Barsotti

Advancement and Admission Outreach Officer

626-396-6339

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Gretel’s favorite Poly tradition is Grandparents and Special Friends Day. She can always spot hidden treasure in any antique or thrift store. Outside of work she loves reading, watching movies, traveling, and thrifting. Her favorite spot on campus is Wendy’s Garden.
Esinam Bediako

Assistant Director of Admission, Middle School

626-396-6324

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The spot where you can most likely find Esi on campus is the library courtyard on North Campus. Outside of work, she spends a lot of time chasing after her two sons as they scooter around the neighborhood. She also enjoys reading and attempting to write fiction, cooking, watching movies and TV, and video chatting with friends and family back east.
Bobbie Jo Dobbs

Associate Director of Admission, Upper School

626-396-6323

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BJ’s favorite Poly tradition is rivalry week! The classes really come together to win points throughout the week to try and “beat” the other grade levels. Arden Lawn is the best spot on campus according to her. It’s beautiful and relaxing any time of day. Outside of work she enjoys crafting, DIY, and gardening.
Lindsay Morales

Financial Aid Director; Assistant Director of Admission

626-396-6326

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Lindsay’s favorite Poly tradition is the school-wide opening assembly at the start of each school year. She loves to watch the kindergarteners' faces as they experience Poly for the first time! Outside of work, you can catch her running around the Rose Bowl, finishing a book from her (never-ending) reading list, or listening to her favorite true-crime podcast.
Alex Velasco

Lower School Dean of Student Life; Lower School Admission Liaison

626-396-6437

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Outside of work, Alex enjoys spin class, spending time with family (also known as chasing her two sons around), and reading. She thinks the best spot on campus is the kindergarten classrooms and her favorite Poly tradition is the Lower School buddy program. Her secret superpowers are organizing and cleaning. She also speaks fluent Spanish.

Our Student Ambassadors

Beckett ’24

Beckett’s favorite class is Biology. He has been involved in debate, ambassadors, baseball, basketball, and tennis. His favorite Poly tradition is the three-on-three basketball tournament because it is a time where you not only get to bond with your peers but play one of the best sports as well. He feels that Mr. Johnson always has an engaging and interesting class and has pushed him to improve his debate skills.
Emily ’25

Emily is involved in debate, the musical, and the Ambassador Council. Her favorite spot on campus is the library. “All of the librarians are really nice, and I go there with my friends a lot. Plus, it’s full of good books so I’m never bored when I go there.” Emily also loves English class.
Milla ’24

Milla has been involved in debate, volleyball, and basketball. She finds Mr. Johnson to be the most inspiring teacher she has had. “He is very enthusiastic about what he does, and he promotes learning and curiosity. Whether it's debating a modern issue, or just sharing a laugh, Mr. Johnson is always engaged and happy to talk.”
Nina ’22

Nina’s favorite spot on campus is the student commons in Haaga House because each morning Ms. Williams puts out different snacks for everyone on campus to enjoy. Along with the Ambassador Council, she is a member of the Junior Class Cabinet and is co-president of the Food For Thought Club. She also participates on the girl’s volleyball team, the girl’s soccer team, and the yearbook club.
Sabrina ’23

Sabrina is involved in the dance program, speech and debate, ambassadors, and the school newspaper, The Paw Print. Dance might be her favorite class simply because she gets to relax her brain for an hour. She also loves Poly's unforgettable outdoor ed trips! “In a week, students make many memories that last throughout the year and more.”