Danella Schiffer

Biographical Sketch

 

Class of 1961

In Hicksville High Also Known As (AKA): Dani

Spouse/Partner...Stacie Weiner

Were you classmates at HHS? No

Where did you meet? How long ago? New York University , Graduate School , 46 years ago.

Married How Long? Date Married: January 8, 2017 (Engaged 43 years)

Children/Grandchildren: None

Where do you currently live? Salisbury , CT

Favorite Subject in High School: Science

Name of my Favorite Teacher:

Thomas Buttice, Orchestra

Favorite Place to meet Friends Outside of School:

Roller skating rink

Ice cream parlor

Favorite Non-Academic

School Club or Activity

Orchestra

Occupation/Trade/Profession: Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

Education Beyond High School : BA, MS, Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Military Service: None

Hobbies/Pastimes: Violin (classical, fiddling, string quartet), landscaping, home design, participation in community organizations

One thing that no one knows about me is??? You'll never know!!!

Now the hard one...Tell us what we need to know...50 years in the space below:

After graduating Hicksville High, I attended Queens College as a music major. Soon realizing that at best, I might someday qualify for second violin in a minor orchestra, I put my violin down for 45 years and switched majors to pursue School Psychology. I then obtained an MS in that field, worked in the New York City school system for several years and left to pursue a doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at New York University ...during which time I worked for Citibank as its first female I/O psychologist. Nine years later, I was recruited to Carnegie Corporation. Perceiving it to be elitist, I left in the mid 80's to work for several consulting firms as a psychologist. Finally, in 2002, I struck out on my own and launched the Ledgewood Consulting Group as a consultant to corporations, small businesses, and individuals. In 2012, I published Career Wise: Proven Strategies for Thriving at Work. Three years ago, in 2017, I picked up my violin again without worrying about being mediocre. Presently, I take classical and fiddling lessons and play with a string quartet. Other passions include landscaping and interior design. I am also president of two local organizations and serve on Salisbury 's Planning & Zoning Commission. My spouse and I still reside in the passive solar home that we built in 1980. For the past several summers, we have hosted a Fresh Air Fund child...which has been very rewarding. Given the pandemic, FAF will probably be canceling its program this year.

To all...stay well and safe.

Finally, if you had to do it all over again, I would...have juggled everything to attend our 50th reunion.