The Peddie Fund

Karyn Bysshe Vella joined Peddie in 2018, after obtaining more than 20 years of experience in private school admissions and development. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Dartmouth College. As the assistant head of school for development, Karyn leads Peddie’s fundraising and alumni development efforts. She lives on campus with her husband and two daughters.

Jodi Nelson-Desai joined the Alumni and Development Office as the Assistant Director of The Peddie Fund and Family Giving with over 20 years of combined professional and volunteer experience in education, including having worked part time in Peddie’s Admission Office. She works with families to learn more about their Peddie experience and introduces ways to stay connected and support the Peddie community. Jodi has served on multiple private and public school boards including serving as president of the Peddie Parents Association. Jodi earned her M.Ed. in education from Monmouth University and her B.S. in public health from Rutgers University. She resides in Monroe Township with her husband and two children.

Katie Grant joined the Alumni & Development Office as the associate director of The Peddie Fund. Grant came to Peddie after spending seven years in higher education fundraising and alumni engagement. She works to build relationships and develop opportunities to keep alumni engaged and connected with their alma mater and giving back in ways that are most meaningful to them. Grant received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Franklin & Marshall College, where she was also an All-American swimmer.

Shannon Madden ’13 joined the Alumni & Development Office in July 2021 and is currently the associate director of The Peddie Fund and engagement. Shannon comes to Peddie after spending four years working in the advertising industry at a media agency, where she developed strategy recommendations for a global consumer packaged goods brand. In her role, Shannon focuses on increasing participation for Peddie’s annual fund as well as building out alumni engagement efforts for volunteers and affinity groups. Shannon received her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Babson College, where she was also a member of the softball team. Shannon is the assistant coach for varsity softball, supporting today’s students as they develop as student athletes and ultimately join the ranks of Peddie alumni.