Leadership Team

Patricia Kong - Head of School

Patricia Kong, born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, joined Pilgrim School in 2000. Over the years, she has taught elementary and middle school math and Spanish, served as Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of School, and became Pilgrim’s Head of School in 2021. Patricia earned her B.S. in Child Development and Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. 

Patricia's career began in LAUSD schools, and she has presented at local and national conferences and published articles on leadership. Outside of work, Patricia enjoys family time, reading, music, watching sports, and practicing taekwondo.

Ryan Grady - Director of Secondary School

Ryan Grady joined Pilgrim in 2004 as a mathematics teacher, teaching courses ranging from middle school mathematics to undergraduate calculus. He then served as Mathematics Department Chair, where he led the development of a K–12 mathematics programs.

Mr. Grady later served as Academic Dean and Dean of Instruction before entering his current role as Director of Secondary School. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mathematics from Loyola Marymount University and also served as an adjunct faculty member there.

He has presented and consulted internationally on instructional practice and school leadership and has led major initiatives in mastery-based learning, curriculum redesign, and faculty growth and evaluation. Outside of school, he enjoys time with his family, watching the Dodgers, and traveling.
 

Dr. Sheryl Cohen - Director of Elementary & Early Education

Dr. Sheryl Cohen joined Pilgrim in 2013 and is dedicated to teaching, focusing on supporting instructional practices and engaging with students. Her expertise spans social-emotional learning, outdoor education, and theater arts. 

Dr. Cohen earned her BS from UCLA, a Master's in Administration and Supervision from Pepperdine, and Doctoral degree in Education Leadership from the University of Virginia. Her career began teaching in South Central LA (LAUSD) and then in Cali, Colombia, before moving into Administration. Sheryl has presented at national and international educational conferences and has been published in various scholastic journals. Outside of work, she enjoys the theater, reading, music, and spending time with her family.

Maite Cervik - Chief Operating Officer

Maite Cervik joined Pilgrim School in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer with responsibility over Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Contract Management, Human Resources and Security.

Maite earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Cal State University, Northridge, is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the AICPA.  Her experience encompasses leadership roles in publicly traded, private and non-profit organizations where she has successfully established accounting and reporting policies and procedures as well as ensured internal controls. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, hiking, music, gardening and hanging out with family and friends.  
 

Bryonna Fisco - Director of Enrollment Management and Community Outreach

Bryonna Fisco joined the Pilgrim community in July 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in educational administration and leadership. Most recently, as the Director of Enrollment Management at TVT Community Day School for a decade, she led the Admission and Marcom departments through transformative change, resulting in an 85% overall increase in enrollment.

A proud Southern California native and graduate of CSU, Long Beach, Bryonna has extensive expertise in enrollment management, strategic branding and marketing, and financial assistance. Her diverse background also includes roles as a producer at E! Entertainment Television and experience as a teacher and professional dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading legal thrillers, and traveling.
 

Nari Kye - Director of Advancement

Nari Kye joined Pilgrim in 2018 and has served as Pilgrim's Director of Advancement for the past seven years. She is a seasoned advancement professional with extensive experience strengthening programs in major gifts, annual giving, special events, and alumni relations. She began her career at Marlborough School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine.

Ms. Kye is committed to ongoing professional growth in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. She serves as the Development Directors Roundtable Coordinator for the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among advancement professionals across the region. Outside of work, she loves traveling, baking, reading, and taking long walks.