Executive Co-Directors

Kathryn Casey Quigley, Co-Founder & Co-Director Kathryn co-founded Peconic Community School with her sister, Liz, in 2012. Together, they have successfully grown the school from a 9-student single-classroom program to an early childhood-8th grade school, with over 100 students, as well as summer and after school programs. She oversees the operations, finances and fundraising efforts at the school. Prior to starting PCS, Kathryn worked as a community organizer, civic engagement program director and professor of service learning. She has developed an expertise in non-profit management and leadership, board governance, development, program implementation and evaluation. Kathryn holds a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University, and an undergraduate degree from College of the Holy Cross. In addition, a classically trained ballet dancer, she has over 25 years experience dancing and teaching ballet. Kathryn grew upon the North Fork and returned to the area in 2011 to raise a family. She lives in Mattituck with her husband and 2 children.

Liz Casey Searl, Co-Founder & Co-Director Liz Casey Searl is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Peconic Community School. She can be found most days at the Eastern Campus with Early Childhood and Kindergarten classes, romping in the field and playing the tambourine. Liz handles the admissions process at PCS and loves sharing the magic and wonder of a Peconic Community School education with prospective families. Ms. Casey Searl has over 20 years experience in a variety of school settings, both public and private. She received a Masters of Arts in Theater and Creative Education from NYU and loves to help guide and plan project-based, integrated, creative, hands-on educational opportunities at PCS. Working alongside her sister Kathryn, and the beautiful children and passionate educators at Peconic Community School is a dream for Liz, and fills her life with so much love and joy. Liz lives in Mattituck in her childhood home, a multi-generational setting, with her partner Stephen, and three boys Owen, Connor, and Aidan, and their dog Daisy.

Administrative Staff

Megan Eilers, Communications Manager Megan holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English from Vassar College, with concentrations in creative writing and theater. She continued her writing study at Bennington College in the Poetry Writing Master’s of Fine Arts program. In addition to her roles as documentarian and online/social content creator, Megan enjoys teaching creative writing in Middle School and has previously assisted in Early Childhood and Lower Primary classrooms.  As a writing guide, she strives to help children establish a writing practice that strengthens and nurtures each child’s voice.  Additionally, Megan is co-director of Hapi Theatre Conservatory,  a local children’s theater troupe specializing in guiding children through the elements of theater in the practice and performance of original plays. 

Candace Hall, Office Administrator

Stephanie Israel, Development Coordinator Stephanie joined PCS in 2018 after serving various nonprofit organizations in communications, marketing and development capacities since 2007, including local organizations such as The Ellen Hermanson Foundation and East End Arts, and larger organizations including the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston and at Tanglewood. Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University, where she also served as an AmeriCorps Jumpstart member working with at-risk preschool children in the Boston area, and was an international student advisor for Northeastern University’s first-year study abroad program in Thessaloniki, Greece. Born and raised on the East End, Stephanie lived in Boston for several years before returning to Long Island in 2011 to start a family.

Quincy Milligan, IT & Facilities Manager Quincy graduated with a Bachelors degree from Muhlenberg College where he studied Philosophy and Elementary Education. He taught Early Childhood at Peconic Community School for 6 years. After taking a brief hiatus to pursue other avenues of interest, Quincy is thrilled to be back at PCS in a new role. Quincy is passionate about technology and is constantly striving to learn new skills. Born and raised on the East End of Long Island, Quincy loves the beach and finds peace in being near the ocean.