We delight in presenting a rotating brief profile of a different member of the Park East community. 
Phyllis Aslanidis
Math teacher
Why Park East?
I received my teaching degree after college, but I worked for American Express in shareholder relations for 10 years before I made a career shift to education. When I came to Park East, I thought, I’m home. I love the children. I love the parents. I love the staff. It was like putting on a glove.
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
In my years at American Express, I met three outstanding individuals: former President Gerald Ford, Dr. Henry Kissinger and Vernon Jordan. Each one had valuable insights and a lasting impact on our world. I would also want to include my beloved late father, to tell him one last time how much I love him.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is my daughter. She’s pursuing her PhD in chemistry and she wants to become a doctor. She has worked so unbelievably hard.
What is your favorite Park East memory?
In 2018, I was a co-captain of the blue group in the school’s color war and we won. I felt so proud and rejoiced in the children’s happiness.
What’s your hidden talent?
I love to work with my hands and on home improvement projects: painting houses, sanding wood, building fences and tile applications. I learned from my dad, who was very handy, and my husband’s father, who was a contractor.