Visual Arts Program Director and Upper School art instructor Mr. Nino Liguori tells stories with paintbrushes. Through his paintings, he weaves together visual parables and allegories that challenge viewers to engage in deep reflection. His work is a fusion of history, design and the human experience—an artistic dialogue between fable and fact, imagination and realism. As an acclaimed artist and dedicated educator, Mr. Liguori’s journey has been shaped by his passion for both creation and instruction, ensuring that future generations continue to find meaning through art.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Liguori’s artistic path was profoundly influenced by an art teacher who changed his perspective on life. “He was putting nice things into the world, and that’s what I wanted to do,” said Mr. Liguori. Inspired to pursue both art and education, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in painting and art education. His career as an educator began in Florida where he taught at three schools in Broward County before finding his place at Pine Crest. Along the way, he continued to refine his craft, earning a master’s degree in Art and Science from Florida International University. “I spent summers studying in China and Paris, and that really inspired me to be a better teacher,” he said. “Instructors in college often saw students as competition, but I never wanted that. I want my students to be better than me.”

At Pine Crest School, academics or advanced technology don't solely define future readiness. It’s also built through something deeper: character. For Dr. Krista Promnitz ’97, Executive Director of Educational Support Services, character development is one of the most powerful future skills a student can gain.

Dr. Wendy Swanson is inspired by the Pine Crest School faculty each and every day—and that’s exactly what she loves about her work. As Director of Faculty Learning and Recruitment Coordinator at Pine Crest School, she supports professional learning alongside Dr. Lisa Ockerman, Vice President of Academics and Strategic Initiatives. Together, they champion a culture of growth, innovation and connection across both campuses.

Whether he’s leading his team on the turf or heading straight for the dessert table at the annual MUSPA luncheon, Coach George Harris brings humor, humility and heart to everything he does at Pine Crest School. As an Assistant Athletic Director and Program Director of Boys’ Lacrosse, George shares how gratitude and generosity keep him grounded in the Pine Crest experience.

Whether she is guiding students through multi-digit division or dodging the occasional loose molar, fourth grade math teacher Mrs. Gerin Harris approaches each day at Pine Crest with a deep sense of gratitude, a love of learning and a comfortingly consistent rice bowl. As a former figure skating coach turned educator, she brings energy, empathy and purpose to everything she does—including why she gives back.

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

Over the summer, Pine Crest School faculty had the opportunity to participate in specialized professional development workshops in virtual reality (VR). 

Mr. Antoine Khouri, Orchestra Director on the Fort Lauderdale campus, has loved music since he was a child. His parents and grandparents encouraged him to sing in his church’s choir and begin learning the piano at five years old, with his mother as his teacher. 

As he headed to college, Pine Crest School lifer Mr. David Walters ’02 never thought he was going to be a teacher!

Coming into her eighth year of teaching at Pine Crest, Jordanna Court ’12 says she didn’t know what she wanted to do after graduating from college.

Patty Gómez is the Chair of the World Languages Department and has been teaching at Pine Crest for 10 years. A former materials science engineer, Patty says that teaching is what she was meant to do. 

Mr. Scott Wing ’13H, a longtime Pine Crest School community member, passed away on July 3, 2024. Mr. Wing was a former Head of Middle School and Head of School on the Boca Raton campus, spouse of an Upper School math instructor, parent and grandparent of Pine Crest alumnae and honorary alumnus of the Class of 2013. He joined Pine Crest in 1986 and retired in 2014

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

Fostering connections is what Middle School English Teacher Mrs. Debbie Gibson enjoys most about working students. 

By: Madison Rechter ’26

Any Pine Crest student who has matriculated through pre-kindergarten on the Boca Raton campus in the last 20 years would likely recognize the words “pre-k” and “Ms. Wanland” as synonymous, with many recalling her friendly nature, bright smile, and warm hugs. As a member of the spirited, experienced, and enthusiastic pre-kindergarten team on the Boca campus, Ms. Shawna Wanland has retired from Pine Crest School after 24 years of service. 

Since joining the Pine Crest School community in 2006, Coach Eileen Pliske, Middle School Athletic Director on the Fort Lauderdale campus, led the varsity girls lacrosse program to 13 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) district championships and two regional championship titles. To speak only about the titles she has as a coach would diminish the impact she has had on student-athletes throughout her time here.

Glen Pierson ’23H, Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of Students will retire this summer from Pine Crest School after 29 years. GP, as he is affectionately known by the students, began his career at Pine Crest in the Upper School science department as a chemistry teacher, although teaching was not always on Mr. Pierson’s radar. 

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

By: Danielle Keyes ’24