ONE HUNDRED

HARLEY STORIES

ONE HUNDRED

HARLEY STORIES

Amy Colosimo: Language, Leadership, and Love for Harley

For 26 years, Amy Colosimo P ’23, ’23, has been a cornerstone of The Harley School community. From teaching French and coaching volleyball to advising students and leading the World Language department, Amy touches many aspects of our Upper School. Her steady dedication, enthusiasm, and care have made her a beloved teacher, mentor, and colleague—one whose impact spans generations of Harley students.

Amy’s love for French began early, inspired by her mother’s passion for travel and a family trip to France when she was young. That experience led to summers at French camp, a high school bike tour through France, and eventually, a career path she once thought would lead to international business—but instead brought her to Harley, where she would help students discover the world through language and culture.

Throughout her years at Harley, Amy has celebrated countless highlights from each of her many roles. As a French teacher, she finds joy in watching students grow from hesitant beginners to confident communicators who appreciate the beauty and nuance of global cultures. As a coach, she treasures the moments when her volleyball players come together as a team—supporting one another, taking risks, and learning that collaboration and courage go hand in hand. And through her 20+ years as the faculty advisor for Student Council—a role she jokingly admits she took on without quite knowing what she was getting into—she has guided students in finding their voices and making meaningful contributions to school life.

Beyond her professional contributions, Amy holds deep gratitude for the Harley community’s care and support of her own children, Tori ’23 and Theo ’23, during their time as students. “Harley is such a family, and it’s fun seeing everyone grow up together. We are so supportive of each other, and the teachers rally to make sure the students succeed!”

Amy’s work at Harley is thoughtful and genuine. She wants her students to remember her passion for French and her belief in the importance of understanding other cultures. She hopes her athletes will carry forward lessons of teamwork, trust, and community. And she wants Student Council members to continue using their voices to lead with purpose and empathy.

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

More 100 Stories Blog Posts

The Donald and Rachel Levy Music Fund: A Legacy of Learning and Music

The Donald and Rachel Levy Music Fund: A Legacy of Learning and Music

The Donald and Rachel Levy Music Fund was created in 2023 by Dena Levy P ’24, former Harley Board Chair and parent of Izzy Goldstein ’24, and her brother, Marc Levy, in memory of their parents, who passed away within four months of one another. The fund reflects their...

Getting to Know Marissa DeSiena,  Head of the Upper School

Getting to Know Marissa DeSiena, Head of the Upper School

Marissa De Siena P ’32, ’36, Head of the Upper School, 2023-present, started her days in independent schools as a teacher, though that was never her plan. In fact, growing up with two parents in the profession, she vowed she would do anything but follow in their...

Julia Norwood ’16: Finding Her Voice

Julia Norwood ’16: Finding Her Voice

Julia Norwood ’16’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and learning to trust her own voice—qualities that first took root during her years at Harley. Julia began at Harley in Grade 3, where her first teacher, Jane Jezsu (Lower School, 1993-2010), made an immediate...

Luke Healey ’25: Curiosity, Commitment and Finding His Voice

Luke Healey ’25: Curiosity, Commitment and Finding His Voice

When Luke Healey ’25 visited Harley when he was going into Grade 1, he knew almost immediately that it felt right. He took his sense of curiosity and belonging all the way through graduation, and now to Amherst College in Western Massachusetts. Luke loved his time in...

Tori Kanellopoulos ’11: Planning with a Purpose

Tori Kanellopoulos ’11: Planning with a Purpose

Tori Kanellopoulos ’11, an urban planner in the City of Charlottesville, VA, likes to say that Harley was home for nearly her entire childhood. She started in Kindergarten as a member of Primary C with Meredith Cavallaro P ’20, ’23 (Lower School, 1998-present)....