Dear Members of the Stephen Gaynor School Family,
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Co-Founder Yvette Siegel-Herzog, a visionary educator and Co-Founder of Stephen Gaynor School. Yvette died on October 1, 2024, at home surrounded by family, at the age of 100.
Yvette was a trailblazer in the field of education, whose vision and passion for helping children with learning differences forever shaped the mission of Stephen Gaynor School and changed the lives of thousands of children and their families. Alongside her lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Miriam Michael, Yvette co-founded the school in 1962 with the belief that bright students who learned differently deserved a nurturing and individualized educational experience.
Yvette was known for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student received the personalized support they needed to thrive. Though the school has grown far beyond its humble beginnings in an East Side apartment, her influence has remained deeply ingrained in every aspect of Gaynor’s educational approach.
Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor said, “Yvette has been an unwavering source of inspiration for all of us at Gaynor, consistently reminding us to place the child at the heart of everything we do. Her clear yet profound vision has empowered thousands of students to believe in their potential and strive for their true greatness. Yvette’s deep passion for education, relentless dedication to the success of every child, and love of learning will continue to shape and guide our school for years to come.”
As the school expanded from a few dozen students in a brownstone on West 74th Street to the nearly 400 students who come through the doors of the North and South Buildings today, Yvette ensured that the values and practices she instilled were carried forward by an extraordinary team of educators. She often said, “The foundation is rock,” describing the school’s solid grounding in its mission while remaining open to innovation and growth. Today, more than 1,800 alumni have benefited from Yvette’s legacy, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
We plan to host a celebration of Yvette’s life and legacy for the entire Gaynor community in the near future. We will send a community-wide invitation once the details have been established.
In lieu of flowers, Yvette’s family asks that those who wish to do so make a donation to Stephen Gaynor School in her honor.
With profound sadness,
Dr. Scott Gaynor
Head of School