Admissions Staff
Scott D. Wade, Director of Admissions
Scott came to Breck from the Spence School in New York City, where he was the Director of Outreach and Public Purpose. He enjoys meeting prospective families and introducing them to Breck. "This school has such an inspiring culture of innovation among its faculty," he says, "which is truly hard to find in such a well-established institution. And it offers so many opportunities for students to become leaders both inside and outside the classroom. I'm delighted to be here." In addition to his Admissions duties, he also teaches Upper School bioethics. When he's not at school, he's likely to be spending time outdoors with his wife and two children, exercising and enjoying one of our 10,000 lakes. A book he has recommended recently is The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.
Marion Jones Kennon, Assistant Director of Admissions
and Director of Financial Aid
Marion came to work at Breck in 1967 as a kindergarten teacher and has been a member of the Admissions team since 1980. She says, "As a parent, educator and independent school administrator, I support the vigorous preparation for college that Breck affords. I appreciate the attention given to the whole child, and also that we are able to teach children how to think instead of what to think." She loves being part of admissions and being able to play a prime role in conveying the story of Breck to prospective families. As a parent of two Breck alumni, Marion says she knows first-hand how a Breck education can be a "life-enriching, life-changing journey." In her time away from school, she enjoys fitness, civic work, international travel, reading, playing bridge and her newest project: scrapbooking for her children and grandchild. Recent books include Kindred by Octavia E. Butler and The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.
Annette Bruscino, Admissions / Diagnostic Testing Coordinator
Annette came to Breck in 1990 as the school's learning consultant and moved into the admissions department in 1995. She was previously a school psychologist in Massachusetts and in the Chaska public schools in Minnesota. She says she was drawn to Breck not only as a professional but also as a parent by how actively it works to live its mission every day and in every way. "The minute I walk through the doors of Breck I feel a strong sense of community," she observes. "No matter where I am there is a feeling of connectedness." When she's away from school, Annette enjoys tennis, beading and spending time in both the kitchen and the garden. The book she recommends is Vanessa Diffenbaugh's The Language of Flowers.
Debi Becker, Preschool/Kindergarten Interviewer
Debi joined the staff at Breck in 1997 and previously was a teacher at The Blake School, Torah Academy and the Minneapolis public schools. She loves working with children in a 1:1 setting, talking with parents, and sharing her passion for Breck. Debi says she's proud of Breck's commitment to academic excellence and its openness to continue to be better, to continually be learning and growing. When she's not at school, Debi loves "hanging with family, exercising and just being out and about!" The book she's recommending? It's Deepak Chopra's Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul.
Chandra Joos deKoven, Upper School Interviewer
Chandra came to Breck in 2009 and also serves as Associate Director of College Counseling. Her previous career was in college admissions at Miami University of Ohio and Cornell University, and she became an admirer of Breck through coming to know its seniors. Chandra observes that her dual responsibilities make her appreciate Breck's commitment to developing the whole student even more: "At an independent school we all serve as teachers, parents, coaches, administrators and students, helping students understand their responsibility to themselves and the world around them," she says. When not at Breck, Chandra likes to run, read, play volleyball, travel and explore Minnesota and Wisconsin waterways. Her book recommendation: Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand.
Tod Dungan, Middle School Interviewer
Tod came to Breck in 2008 as a Middle School Dean as well as the division's admissions coordinator. He previously taught in Santa Clara, California. He says he loves being "part of the process of helping students become successful citizens," and he especially appreciates Breck's feeling of community. "Life's lessons are passed on in so many different ways and on so many different stages here," he observes. With his dual responsibilities, Tod says he's fortunate to work with both faculty and families looking for a challenging and rewarding educational experience. Away from Breck, Tod enjoys spending time with his family, running, skiing and (when he gets the chance) surfing. His book recommendation is The Voyage of the Cormorant, by Christian Beamish.
Jan Lewandowski, Administrative Assistant
Jan has been the chief appointment scheduler, organizer and assistant to the Admissions team since 1990, and hers is likely the first voice you hear when you call the Admissions office. She came to Breck from a career in the insurance and banking industries and says the thing she likes best is meeting prospective parents and children and having the opportunity to watch the students grow and develop through the years. When she's not at Breck, Jan enjoys horseback riding, speed walking, reading, quilting and playing with her grandchildren. The last really good book she read was The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.
Jan Arvidson, Administrative Assistant for Testing
Jan came to Breck in 1993 from a career in sales and loves the interaction with teachers and prospective students in this professional, caring environment. Meeting and working one-on-one with the students who come to us from all around the city and country is inspiring. In addition to Admissions testing she is also the Administrative Assistant for school wide ERB testing, AP testing and tutoring. In time away from school she enjoys time with her grandchildren, reading, being by the lake and dancing. A book she has enjoyed lately is Twin Cities by Trolley, by John W. Diers & Aaron Isaacs. Her grandfather ran the Hopkins substation and, when she was a little girl, took her on the last ride that the street car made through Hopkins, so the book has special meaning to her.
Visit and Experience Breck
Where have all the heroes gone? Watch our one-minute video about Breck's single campus and how students of many ages interact. At Breck School, first graders are paired with senior buddies, middle school biobuddies with preschoolers, etc.
Connect with Breck