Once a Panther, always a Panther. Stay connected with each other, and your Pine Crest family by sharing your success, life events, the good and bad, and everything in between.
Professional Achievements
Dr. Bryan Lee ’05 is completing his Anesthesia Residency and was accepted at the University of Minnesota as a Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellow starting in August 2024.
Theatrely, a media company founded by Kobi Kassal ’15 and Jordana Brody ’15 was recently acquired by Hollywood.com and Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment.
Brian Meller ’17, a stylist based in New York City, was featured in Vogue Philippines' June 2023 issue.
Lisa (Dean-Kluger) Jerles ’97 and Mara (Aronson) Geronemus ’95 have launched their own law firm, JG Legal. Based in Miami, the firm will provide a broad range of transactional and litigation services to professionals and companies, from start-ups and growing businesses to large and established corporations. They are also the founders of All Before Dinner, a network of working mothers
Nikki (Weinstein) Maizel ’97 was recently promoted to Managing Partner of McCann New York, one of the largest advertising agencies in the world. Nikki has worked at a variety of blue chip ad agencies since she started her career in 2000 and is incredibly proud to represent Pine Crest School in the boardrooms of some of the biggest marketers in the world.
After working as a special educator for Broward County Public Schools for 22 years, Alicia Mckee Palelis ’96 has decided to pursue her dream of helping families and educators by opening Special Needs Special Ways Consulting, LLC. Alicia is an advocate with Special Education Advocacy Services and is doing some consultant work with the Center for Autism and Related Services. She provides training and support to families as well as training, consultation, resources to schools, and businesses in the community.
Haley Moss ’12 was named to Forbes' Local 30 Under 30 for Miami, Florida. Haley is an openly autistic lawyer, who advocates for people with disabilities as an author, consultant and public speaker.
Congratulations to Rachel (Kaplan) Grossman ’04, the CEO and Founder of Kaplan Laboratory. Kaplan Laboratory (H-PROOF) was ranked No. 53 on The Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies in America. The company is also the sixth fastest-growing consumer product company in America.
Pari Forood ’76 published her second book, "The Goodwill Mission." The book is about the Singing Pines' trip to Poland.
Spotted
We are excited to welcome a former Pine Crest student from our days on Broward Boulevard in addition to three graduates back to Pine Crest this year as members of our faculty! We are looking forward to a great year with Susan Coe, Alexa Strauch ’19, Marissa Gelfand ’01, and Austin Knezevich ’14!
Brence Platner ’20 and Mrs. Marcia Hunt ’12H, Pine Crest Dean of College and Academic Advising, connected at Publix. Brence is a senior at Loyola Marymount University and worked on seasons 45 and 46 of Survivor in Fiji for three months. During his time at LMU, he won the award for best sophomore film and received a grant to make a live-action stop-motion hybrid film.
Marriages
Brittany Hammond ’13 married James Kenney in Larkspur, Colorado on Friday, June 23, 2023
In Memoriam
Susan (Carey) Janis ’55 passed away suddenly on July 6, 2023. Susan is survived by her two daughters, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
William "Bill" Zophres ’47 passed away on June 29, 2023. Bill is survived by his two children and three grandchildren.
Jeffrey Norman ’81 passed away on August 4, 2023.
We are sad to share that former Pine Crest School faculty member Mr. Dave Smith passed away earlier this week. Mr. Smith was a member of our community for 55 years serving in various roles both in and out of the classroom. At Mr. Smith's request, there will not be a funeral service. However, to honor his love of Pine Crest Athletic Programs, donations can be made to the David Smith Athletic Award Fund at Pine Crest School online at www.pinecrest.edu/give