By Adriana King

This year you may have noticed the return of a familiar face to the desk in front of Upper School Head Patrick Loach’s office: Yasi Moshiri, who has taken on the role of Assistant to the Head of Upper School. Moshiri has always loved being immersed in a school setting and surrounded by students and teachers. Her teaching career began in New Jersey, and she coached at Collegiate a few years ago before taking a break to care for her child. Moshiri’s first year as the new Assistant to the Head of the Upper School has involved learning about the Upper School and getting to know students and faculty.

Moshiri was born in New Jersey and raised in West Windsor, a small town just outside of Princeton. She grew up with a big family of six sisters: “Having a big family is so fun, but can also be a lot. It’s nice to have someone always available.” She attended West Windsor Plainsboro High School and played various sports. Field hockey was a crucial part of Moshiri’s childhood, and she eventually continued her athletic career, playing field hockey at Montclair State University. There, she discovered she wanted to be a teacher because of her love for kids and connecting with students: “I just love being with kids, and something about being able to connect with them and help move them along in ways other than lectures.”

Right after college, Moshiri made it back to her hometown and began teaching at her former high school. Although she loved being in a school setting, Moshiri explained that she needed something fresh: “While I loved being in Jersey, and I’ll be a Jersey girl forever, I was just ready for something new.”

Moshiri at home.

In 2014, Moshiri moved to Richmond with her now-husband, Sam Moshiri, who works in medical device sales. He grew up in Richmond and graduated from Benedictine College Preparatory School. After moving, Moshiri began working in advertising but soon realized it wasn’t where she was meant to be. She explained, “Not long after working in advertising right after I moved here, I knew I needed to be back in a school setting.” 

In August 2014, Moshiri found Collegiate and started coaching. She coached field hockey with retired head coach and former Athletic Director Karen Doxey, then was quickly recruited by Middle School teacher and coach Rives Fleming to coach basketball, eventually coaching the girls JV green lacrosse team as well. Not long after, Moshiri was promoted to become Doxey’s administrative assistant, which she continued until her daughter was born in 2019. Throughout her time at Collegiate, Upper School Director of Student Life Beth Kondorossy and Moshiri became close friends, so when a new spot opened up last year working in the Upper School, Kondorossy asked if she would be interested in a new job. 

Now, as Assistant to the Head of Upper School, Moshiri spends her time helping out in the front office. She explained that she handles “logistics, calendar stuff, exam logistics, and really anything random that pops up.” Since being further immersed in the Collegiate community, Moshiri has appreciated that Collegiate value: “I appreciate a school and a place where everyone is here for the same reason, and the right reasons, and I consider myself friends with these people outside of work. The community here is special, and I love being a part of it.” 

Moshiri with her family.

This past year, Moshiri and her husband decided to send their daughter Lucy Moshiri (‘37)  to Collegiate as well. Her daughter is a Kindergartener in Kimberly Workman’s class. Moshiri reflected, “It is so fun to be a part of the faculty at this time, especially when my daughter is a Kindergartner. There are so many traditions that I get to be here for, and it is so special.” As a part of the staff, Moshiri has had the chance to witness exciting moments throughout her daughter’s first year at Collegiate. 

Outside of school, Moshiri spends her time reading, working out, and just overall relaxing. Her favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Moshiri and her family try to visit her hometown a few times each year. As her first year is coming to a close, Moshiri reflected on her time at Collegiate with gratitude and joy, as she developed new friendships, relationships, and connected with countless students over the past year. Her hard work does not go unnoticed, and the Collegiate community is glad to have her as a part of our team!

Photos courtesy of Yasi Moshiri.