A Heart Full of Love

When Janeata Robinson retires this spring after 22 years as Registrar and Lower School Diversity Head, she will most fondly remember one thing most of all—the students, especially the youngest ones.

“The students are my favorite part. Listening to them. Watching them in their activities. Hearing them. Being around them. Watching them grow here,” she said.

Janeata Robinson has a special place in her heart for the youngest members of the community. Photo by Angela Park.

Janeata Robinson has a special place in her heart for the youngest members of the community. Photo by Angela Park.

For countless community members, Robinson’s warm smile and wisdom make entering the Hastings a joyful experience.

Charlotte Hurley ’27, who has been here since prekindergarten, treasures memories of Robinson reading to her in Lower School.

“I have very fond memories of Ms. Robinson reading books to us in Lower School,” Hurley said. “It was always very nice to see her,” Hurley said.

For Neel Kumar '22, Robinson served as a the "nicest and most heartwarming person" to see each morning.

“Any feeling of being tired, sad, hungry, or not excited, her simply saying, 'good morning, Neel. How's your family? Have a great day today,' would simply make all of those feelings disappear,” Kumar said. “I always looked forward to seeing her every morning and am so glad she was there for me from sixth grade all the way to graduation.”

In 2022, to honor Robinson's two decades of service, Associate Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano highlighted her greatest joy—reading to the Lower School students and attending their performances and exhibitions.

“This joy is returned to her from children who excitedly anticipate the hour when Mrs. Robinson joins their class and reads one of her carefully selected books, an event that resplendent with energy, enthusiasm, explanation, and insight—and on that may even include a song or two,” Iuliano said. “Janeata immerses herself in these moments, and the students respond with open ears, wide eyes, questioning minds, and smiling faces.”

Indeed, more than anything she does here, Robinson enjoys interacting with students—especially the youngest ones.

“I love getting to work with the Lower School children,” Robinson said. “They’re so flexible, natural and free in their behaviors. You can see how learning affects them as they grow in Lower School, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with them.”

Janeata Robinson get a surprise as she walks into visit the second-graders for her final time before retiring. Video be David Cutler.

Robinson continues to meet with almost every grade weekly or biweekly to read or sing to Lower School students. fifth grade teacher Angela Park recalls how, when she taught Second Grade, her students were equally excited about his visits.

“And whether it’s second graders or fifth-graders, the kids look forward to her visits every time,” Park said. “They are always asking if she’s ‘going to be here’ during our dedicated time. I think we all know that she’s compassion embodied, but the kids really feel it to their core.”

Ali Drourr Brockman ’98, who worked as the assistant director of summer camp from 2006-2009, considers Robins “simply the best,” who helped make her time working here wonderful.

“She’s kind, she’s loving and caring,” Drourr Brockman said. “The time I spent with her during my Brimmer days were wonderful. Always a friendly smile and a person to confide in. I feel so lucky to have had so many little chit-chats in her office and even more lucky to have called her a friend.”

Head of School Judith Guild also emphasized Robinson’s motherly presence within the community.

“We not only were we able to have her be responsible for the front office, but she also had her own children attend our School, which made it all the nicer to know her both as a mother and grandmother,” Guild said. “Although she is leaving her job, she will always be part of Brimmer.”

Former Spanish teacher Maria Gupta said that in her time working here, from 2002 to 2015, she never saw Robinson without a smile.

“Her kindness is in everything she does,” Gupta said. “If you ever had a bad day, you only need to peak in her office and within two seconds you were smiling. She is my hero.”

Janeata Robinson leads a 2017 Lower School community diversity poetry event.

Chris Lauricella, who served as Upper School Head from 2001 to 2007 and helped hire Robinson in 2002, praised her for defining the Registrar position during the transition to digital systems. Despite her limited experience with computers, according to Lauricella, Robinson faced the challenge with “grace and determination,” mastering the data-driven responsibilities her role required.

“Like everything else, she did this with grace and determination,” Lauricella said. “From our first meeting to my last day at school I had and continue to feel a deep and abiding respect for Janeata Robinson’s sense of self, her strength, and her insistence on civility at all times, regardless of how difficult a situation might be. She has touched and improved countless lives over the course of her career. I wish her the happiest of retirements.”

Lower School Head Kimberly Formisano has relished her first two years here, working alongside Robinson and admiring her Double Dutch skills, which are regularly on display during Lower School recess.

“I have loved working with Janeata,” Formisano said. “She has been nothing but supportive of my work and leadership, often partnering with me to lead clubs. I will miss her presence at the front desk and her kind hello in the morning. She is a gem.”

Robinson even leaves a lasting impact with parents.

“Ms. Robinson is one of the finest human beings I have had the privilege to know,” Lisa Pastor P’11 said. “Kind, caring and compassionate are words that come to mind when I think of her,” Lisa Pastor P’11 said.

Assistant Head of School Carl Vallely agrees.

“We are so lucky that Mrs. Robinson has been at Brimmer for over 20 years,” Vallely said. “Above all else, she cared deeply about our students and their experience. She will be greatly missed, but she will always be a part of our community.”

Janeata Robinson reads a story to fifth-graders, who all applauded when she enters the room. Photo by David Cutler