Dr. Petit will begin her duties as Principal this summer in preparation for the 2018-2019 school year. An experienced administrator and educator, Dr. Petit is no stranger to Dominican Academy: in addition to being a parent of two graduates (’14 and ’19), she has served as our Varsity Swim Coach and as a tireless advocate for D.A. in our Westchester recruiting efforts. Incumbent Principal, Dr. Nicole Grimes, will assist Dr. Petit in her transition this summer. Before then, Faculty and Staff will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Petit to ensure a smooth transition and to discuss how she can best support them.
An alumna of Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Petit holds a Ed.D. in Education and Applied Linguistics. She boasts extensive teaching experience at the Elementary, Middle, High School, and University level, having worked at Fordham University, Boston College, Columbia Business School, and Marymount Manhattan College, to name a few. Her experience also includes work with Regis High School’s R.E.A.C.H. Program and the Westchester Italian Cultural Institute. Dr. Petit holds a Master of Education in Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Italian Literature and Culture from Boston College. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Italian at Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus.
Dr. Petit currently serves as Archbishop Molloy High School’s Director of Admissions. A native of Flushing, Queens, Dr. Petit is a product of and advocate for Catholic education. She was educated by the Dominican Sisters of Peace at St. Andrew Avellino School, and is a graduate of The Mary Louis Academy. Dr. Petit and her husband both serve as Catholic school administrators, and her four children all attend Catholic schools.
Richard Karsten, President of Molloy, reflected that, “While Molloy will miss Dr. Petit and all she contributes to our institution, I have every confidence that her talent and dedication will be an invaluable asset to Dominican Academy.” In a recent conversation, Dr. Petit shared, “I am looking forward to working with D.A.’s Faculty and the Staff because I have experienced first-hand as a parent their expertise, compassion, and commitment to educating and empowering young women. I am excited to continue Dominican Academy’s fine tradition of excellence in Catholic education, and am happy to place my gifts and experience at the service of the D.A. community.”
Please join us as we extend a heartfelt and hearty welcome to Dr. Leslie Petit. We look forward to introducing her to you in the months ahead.
