A new face joins the NDA staff this year as Admission Coordinator. Ms. Molly VandenHouten joins Mrs. Sarah VanGrunsven, Director of Admissions, in the Admissions Department. 

“I believe very strongly that where students choose to go to high school can shape them for the rest of their lives,” said VandenHouten. 

“I am so excited to be back at my alma mater. I have firsthand experience of what a privilege it is to be a student here and cannot wait to start my professional career in a place that feels like home,” said the new coordinator. 

VandenHouten is a 2015 NDA graduate and graduated from St Norbert College with a double major in Communication and Sociology. As a student at SNC, VandenHouten worked as a student intern in the admissions office and developed a passion for admissions. 

“There are so many changes during a student’s four years and it is important that they choose a place that will set them up for the most success,” she explained. 

Even though VandenHouten returns to NDA after four years away, she is greeted with family who also attend NDA. Her brother, Jason VandenHouten, is a freshman at Notre Dame, and she also has four cousins who also attend NDA. In addition, she is now a colleague to many on the NDA staff that taught her four years ago. 

As Admissions Coordinator, VandenHouten will work closely with VanGrusven on event planning, marketing and communication support and database management. She also will focus on recruiting middle school students and their families to “make NDA their home for their four years of high school.” 

“I have firsthand experience of what a privilege it is to be a student here and cannot wait to start my professional career in a place that feels like home,” said VandenHouten.