Meet Elise

Hello! I’m Elise Bauer, Director of Admissions. I’ve been at C&C since 1992 and in a few different roles: a second-grade teacher, Director of the Lower School, and now Admissions Director. I’ve witnessed the school’s astounding growth and positive change, all the while remaining true to Caroline Pratt’s revolutionary guiding principles. C&C is one of the most historically significant schools in the world, and I’m proud to be one of its long-time contributors.

A little about me. I used to live right down the block from C&C. In fact, I held a master key to the building in the event of a middle-of-the-night emergency. (I never had to use it.) I now live in Brooklyn and hope for a seat each morning on the F train. I’ve got two children, one a C&C graduate (Penelope, ’20). I’ve seen City and Country from every possible angle, and I like the view.

In addition to my work at C&C, I teach a course at Bank Street College (where I hold my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education). My decades-long experience at C&C enables me to share my block-building expertise with other educators seeking their graduate degrees. It feels great to spread the power of Pratt’s invention far and wide through this course.

Why I love my job. C&C has been a formative place for me. It has shaped my way of viewing the world and has inspired me to take risks, express myself, and question almost everything. The School attracts smart and interesting people—faculty, staff, families, visitors, you name it. And to participate in shaping that community through Admissions is rewarding and fun.

My favorite place on campus. I have many favorites and, as the school has grown, they’ve changed over the years. When I began at C&C in 1992, we had just three brownstones on 13th Street. Now we have eight back-to-back on 12th and 13th Streets, with extraordinarily beautiful courtyards in between.

I love the timeless Library, of course, the light-filled, high-ceilinged Art Room that inspires “oohs and ahhs” when people get their first glimpse, and our new, astonishing Print Room that houses our two 19th Century Chandler-Price foot treadle presses. With the recent purchase of 152 West 13th Street, we now have access to even more outdoor spaces, the sun-dappled Magnolia and Birch Yards. Among these places at C&C, I’m unable to choose a favorite!

I truly hope you enjoy getting to know C&C as I have, and I look forward to helping you along the way.

Meet Tara

Hi! I’m Tara DiGerlando, Associate Director of Admissions. I have been working at City and Country since 2009. Before joining the Admissions Team, I taught first grade for many years. C&C is like no other school and I look forward to walking through the front door every day.

A little about me. I have two children and have lived in NYC for 18 years. I love spending whole days in the park with family and friends, running, studying outsider art, reading, and eating chocolate. Cape Cod is my happy place. Thanks to my son, I’m learning all about the English Premier League and am now an avid Yankee and Knicks fan! I have a dual Master’s in literacy and general education from Bank Street College. Before I entered the world of education, I worked in film and television.

Why I love my job. I love being a part of a community that cares so deeply about the life experiences, moral compasses, and the empowerment of children. I have been at C&C long enough to watch how the intentional and nuanced program layers in such a way that enables children to interact with the world with confidence.

My favorite place on campus. When I first started working at C&C, I couldn’t get over that such a special place was tucked away behind the facade of brownstones. It really felt like an oasis in the West Village. Since day one, my favorite space on campus has been the Art Room. It’s spacious with huge windows that frame the Empire State Building. It’s serene and inspiring. The amount of natural light floods the room so much that the overhead fluorescents are rarely used; that’s exceptional in NYC.

I’d welcome the opportunity to share C&C with you and hope that you’ll appreciate its beautiful campus and special qualities just as I have.

Meet Schuyler

Hi! I’m Schuyler Van Amson, Enrollment and Analytics Coordinator. I had the great pleasure of joining City and Country in 2025. In my role, I get to share all the reasons C&C is such a special educational environment while still learning new things about this community every day. Prior to C&C, I taught first and third grade right here in Manhattan.

A little about me. I was born and raised in NYC and grew up in its independent school landscape, attending Trinity and Trevor Day, while my sisters attended Nightingale and Columbia Grammar. Before entering the classroom, I worked as an actor focusing on Shakespeare and devised theatre. I hold my undergraduate degree, Master’s in Private School Leadership, and MBA from Columbia University (Go Lions!). Outside of work, I love cooking, going to the theatre, and playing with my dog, Mars.

Why I love my job. C&C values and utilizes its rich history as a foundation for excellence while always looking forward. This school understands the importance of stewarding young minds and asks of itself everything it asks of its students: to be curious, ambitious, flexible, creative, and community-minded.

My favorite place on campus. The balcony outside the library is a wonderful nexus of the C&C ecosystem. To your right, you have the students in the ball yard creating, organizing, and playing games that they decide on each week. On your left you can see students with their noses deep in books or engaged in thought partnership with their teachers. Especially when the weather is nice, it’s a favorite spot for faculty and staff to connect, meet, or just enjoy the view.

C&C is an extraordinary place, and it would be my absolute pleasure to welcome you and share it with your family.