2025-26 Group photo of the alumnae board

Alumnae Association

A Message from the Alumnae Board President

Hello RPCS Alumnae! I am honored to serve as the RPCS Alumnae Board President for the 2025-2026 school year. I am particularly excited for this year as we celebrate the 125th year of RPCS! RPCS has always held a special place in my heart, and like many of you, I attribute much of my personal and professional success to the strong foundation I received as an RPCS student. The strength, resilience, and accomplishments of RPCS alums are truly inspiring, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this remarkable community. No matter the year we graduated, we all share a deep connection through the RPCS Alumnae Association.

This year, the Alumnae Association Board is eager to continue supporting RPCS in meaningful and impactful ways, while also providing opportunities for all alums to engage with one another and with the school. Your ongoing support and involvement are essential to ensuring that RPCS remains a place where tradition and innovation thrive for the benefit of today’s students and future generations.

I encourage you to explore the many opportunities available to RPCS alumnae whether through events posted online, updates shared via email, or by visiting the campus. We always welcome and encourage your presence at the numerous local events held throughout the year. For those of you who may not be able to visit Baltimore this year, we invite you to attend one of our Regional Gatherings to connect with fellow RPCS constituents in your area and hear about the exciting developments happening on campus.

Please also consider making a contribution to the Annual Fund. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a significant impact. Alumnae participation is particularly important when RPCS applies for the external funding that is vital for the school’s success and continued operations. As you know, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of providing the exceptional education, resources, and facilities that RPCS is known for. Your financial support is deeply appreciated!

We also welcome and encourage nominations for our two alumnae awards – the McCauley Bowl and the Distinguished Rising REDS Award. If you know a deserving alum, please click here for more information. Recipients will be honored during Alumnae Weekend at the Champagne Reception.

Your input and stories are invaluable to us! We invite you to share your ideas, achievements, and experiences so that we can continue to celebrate the diversity and success of our alumnae community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Katy Spencer, Class of 1993 and P’36, Director of Alumnae Engagement, at SpencerK@rpcs.org, for any alumnae-related matters or if you are interested in serving on the RPCS Alumnae Association Board, as a local or non-local member.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our beloved RPCS. Here’s to another fantastic year!

Sincerely,
Cary Zink Kassouf, Class of 1995
RPCS Alumnae Board President

Have you thought about taking your seat on the Alumnae Board?

Please email Katy Spencer, Director of Alumnae Engagement, at SpencerK@rpcs.org.

Alumnae Executive Committee 2025-2026

President - Cary Zink Kassouf, 1995

Cary Zink Kassouf, 1995, earned a B.S. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University. She then performed her post-doctoral training and served as a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health. Cary is currently the Executive Director of the Baltimore Research and Education Foundation (BREF), a position she has held since 2018. BREF is focused on improving the health and well-being of Veterans by facilitating and managing transformative biomedical research and education within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System, as well as at VA Medical Centers in Virginia and West Virginia. Prior to joining BREF, Cary was a scientist in the Clinical Sciences Division at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, a research institute affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine. There she ran a clinical research lab focused on identifying biomarkers for mental illness using genetics and functional brain imaging and was involved in various administrative and strategic planning activities at the Lieber Institute. When she is not wearing her BREF Executive Director hat, Cary enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with her ten- and twelve-year-old boys, who both attended RPCS’s day care and preschool programs!

1st Vice President - Jen Banister Figler, 1988

Jen Banister Figler, 1988 is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University with a B.S. in Business Management. After graduating, Jen worked at Cap Gemini America and Borden Dairy as an IT consultant and trainer. She then returned to school for her MBA with a concentration in health care management from Cleveland State University. Jen returned to Baltimore in 1996, where she began her career at Mercy Medical Center. After serving Mercy in many capacities, Jen is currently the Director of Clinical Economics, an area that works with reimbursement, utilization, and regulations for the hospital. Jen lives in Loch Hill with her husband, Ed and three children, Sam (Calvert Hall 2017, Beacon College 2022), Mason (Boys Latin 2019, Worcester Polytechnic Institute 2023) and Suzannah (RPCS 2023). This is Jen’s second time serving on the Alumnae Board.

2nd Vice President - Haley Venick Paglia, 2011

Haley Venick Paglia, 2011 earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and holds a master’s degree in Language and Literacy from Coastal Carolina University. After teaching elementary school in South Carolina for a few years, Haley returned home to Baltimore to teach 2nd grade at RPCS. She is now a Literacy Specialist and loves supporting the amazing students in the RPCS Lower School. Haley lives in Towson with her husband, Garrett, and son, Carter, who is a student in Little Reds.

Treasurer - Ashley Osineme, 2010

As a proud Baltimore native and graduate of Roland Park Country School, Ashley Osineme, 2010, is incredibly honored and excited to serve on the Alumnae Association Executive Board. Roland Park played a meaningful role in shaping the woman she is today - instilling in her a deep sense of confidence, leadership, and community. Serving on the board is a full-circle moment for Ashley and an opportunity to give back to the school that gave her so much. She looks forward to strengthening connections with fellow alumnae, supporting current students, and helping to uphold the values and traditions that make Roland Park such a special place for generations of girls.

Corresponding Secretary - Maya Jackson, 2011

Maya Jackson, 2011 is the PRP (psychiatric rehabilitation program) Program Director for DMC Empowering Health Services, a CARF-accredited licensed mental health organization providing comprehensive programming and integrated care to children, teens, and adults in East Baltimore. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Hood College and the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and is a licensed social worker. She is a lover of coffee, community service, elephants, sports, time with friends & family, and the color yellow. Maya is excited for her second year on the alumnae board and first year as recording secretary.

Recording Secretary - Gina Kane, 1988

Gina Kane, 1988 serves as Director of Strategy and Divisional Affairs at Catholic Relief Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from York College and has led award-winning video projects, managed cross-functional campaigns, and shaped major organizational initiatives. In her free time, Gina enjoys craft projects, farmers markets, and walks with her Cavapoo, Ollie. Her favorite escapes include New Hampshire in the fall and time with friends and family near and far. This is her second term on the board.

Advancement Committee/Alumnae Giving Chair - Maya Tasher Barron, 1999

Maya Tasher Barron, 1999 is the Board Manager for the Johns Hopkins University Board of Trustees. She has a BA in Biological Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and is a Master of French Pastry. When she is not working, Maya enjoys cooking, hiking, making ice cream, traveling, O's games, eating ice cream, and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband share a common goal of eating their way through Baltimore, and she counts teaching her twins to pick crabs by themselves as one of her greatest accomplishments. Maya's favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip.

Board Members

Courtney Amelung, 2007
Maya Tasher Barron, 1999
Christine Vaile Boyd, 2013
Mallory Schofield Branson, 1994
Casey Lord Briggs, 1991
Chey Pajardo Briggs, 2014
Tanaira Cullens, 2008
Lisa Diver, 2006
Hayley Dott, 2014
Jen Banister Figler, 1988
Barbara Hull Francis, 1960
Edie Chapman Gillis, 1963
Raquel Whiting Gilmer, 1989
Brittany Bland Grant, 2005
Nancy Townshend Haas, 1969
Allie Mason Hoffberg, 2011
Leighton Hyde, 1995
Maya Jackson, 2011
Gina Kane, 1988
Cary Zink Kassouf, 1995
Deeley Close Middleton, 1979
Kelly Soth Nolan, 2004
Ashley Osineme, 2010
Haley Venick Paglia, 2011
Maria Mainolfi Palarata, 1999
Niki Steel Phillips, 2011
Sarah Pack Reber, 2002
Jenna Reifler, 2012
Lindsay Robin Saffer, 1997
Hillary Zouck Shaffer, 1997
Lizzy Bennett Sweeney, 1996
Anna Scanlan Swift, 2006
Susan Townshend Townsend, 1963

Click here to download the Alumnae Association bylaws.