Customer Service Month at Apple

We're celebrating Customer Service Month this October by checking in with Director of Admissions Kellie Capatasto, a 22-year veteran of Apple Montessori.

Ms. Capatasto has held many positions at Apple throughout her career, most recently using her vast knowledge to help families learn about our offerings on tours, both in-person and virtual, and at various community events. With customer service at the heart of what she does each day, Ms. Capatasto makes each family feel welcomed and heard as they navigate the difficult and often overwhelming decision of choosing a school for their child.

AMS.com: What roles have you held with Apple over the years and what is your role now?

KC: I started in 2003 as a director at the Edison Woodbridge Avenue school. I then helped open Edison Route 27 in 2009 and Metuchen in 2012. I was the Director of all three, and had three administrators on my team as Assistant Directors. Stepping into the Regional Director position for those area schools happened naturally as I was overseeing the three locations along with other admin. In 2021, I was part of the team to open Warren, Mount Laurel, East Windsor, Hillsborough, and then Westfield. My interest in giving tours to interested families for all of these locations led me to my new role of Director of Admissions. I support all school administrators and education specialists in tour training, helping them learn to give a great tour and keeping excellent customer service front-of-mind. I also support the opening of new schools with regards to touring prior to opening onsite. That includes giving many virtual tours, which has been a new experience.

AMS.com: What does customer service mean to you within the context of your current role?

KC: Customer Service means providing the families we meet with a personal experience with Apple. Making them feel like they are part of the family and that they leave feeling like all of their questions are answered. We strive to let families feel that they are individuals that will be a part of our school community. We work hard to offer this experience from the first touch with the Enrollment team to the confirmation of the tour from the school staff, down to the ins & outs of the tour experience itself, tailored to them, and on to follow-ups and next steps for the family & and the child.

AMS.com: What is your favorite part of your job?

KC: I love connecting with people and helping them get to know Apple and the Montessori method. I also love watching their children grow in our schools and feeling safe, welcomed, and part of the family. I also enjoy helping our team become the best they can be.

AMS.com: What do you want new families to know about Apple?

KC: I want families to know that Apple is a place where their children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We want to be partners in educating their child as a whole child. Trust and honesty are a big component of this partnership, and that's what we work toward in everything we do.