At Holderness, keeping 300+ students healthy and thriving is truly a team sport. From the Health Center to the athletics fields to the Chapel, we're blessed with a team of adults whose job it is to support and nourish the whole student–mind, body, and spirit. 

In the first installment of Health & Wellness on Campus, we highlight two of our Health Services team. 

Karen Penny RN P '15 '18
Director of Health Services

When did you start working at Holderness? 

I started working at Holderness in 2011 when my daughter started her 9th grade year.  I was a part-time evening nurse.

What inspired you to work in medicine? 

I've always been a caretaker at heart. I began my career with a bachelor's degree in education because I loved helping children learn and grow. After moving frequently early on, I made the decision to pursue a degree in nursing. I had a strong interest in the medical field but also wanted to continue using the skills I developed through teaching. Nursing has allowed me to combine both.                

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job? 

I’d say the most challenging part of my job as Director of Health Services here at Holderness is juggling the clinical care—both physical and mental health—with the administrative responsibilities. Our students come from all kinds of backgrounds and bring a wide range of needs.

Some days we’re treating something simple like a scratch, and other times we’re dealing with more serious or urgent situations. Mental health needs have really increased since I started at Holderness and has become a big focus of what we do. On the admin side, I’m in charge of making sure we have enough staff, keeping the Health Center stocked with supplies, attending meetings, and working with other departments to support students as a whole. It’s a constant balancing act, but we have a very strong team with excellent skills that make the health center a great place to work. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the impact we have on the students. Over the past few years, we've worked hard to transform the health center from a traditional "infirmary" into a place of wellness.

We want students to feel comfortable coming in—not just when they’re sick or struggling, but anytime they need a safe, welcoming space. We keep puzzles out, coloring books, and little games to create a relaxed environment. It’s not unusual for students to stop by just to chat or take a breather.

Some share a good grade they’re proud of, talk about a tough situation at home, or open up about their worries and hopes for the future. Those everyday moments matter just as much as the clinical care we provide.

What means the most to me are the notes I get from students saying I made a difference in their time here. That’s when I truly feel I’ve done my job well.

Lauren Sirignano RN, BSN
Associate Health Center Director

When did you start working at Holderness?

I started working at Holderness in the beginning of the school year 2020

What inspired you to work in medicine?

That is a hard question because the inspiration has always been there, but it has changed directions numerous times since I started my BSN in 2009. I initially wanted to be a flight nurse or a CRNA; I felt naturally driven to help people, and I wanted to have the knowledge and skill set to do so medically.

I was inspired by life experiences in a way, but I also loved how fast-paced it seemed. I worked in the emergency department in nursing school at a Level 1 trauma center in Denver, CO, which confirmed my initial instinct of getting into the medical field as a career. At the time, I hadn’t known much outside of ski racing, and having a career that would provide adrenaline and challenge me daily felt similar.

You happen to be a former professional ski racer, and you’re also a ski coach to our student-athletes. What is it like to be involved in students' lives that way, beyond the Health Center?

This is probably the number one reason I wanted to work at Holderness. I love it. I love getting to know students in that environment, and I really missed being a part of the ski racing world. My empathetic side loves to see students in the health center and to be there for them in that way.

However, seeing students healthy and pushing their comfort zones, navigating the challenges they face on skis and how it correlates to life is so rewarding. Holderness really does attract the most amazing humans. I honestly feel like the coaching makes me a better nurse and vice versa.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Probably the teenager/highschool aspect of it all. The emotions at this age are so real and valid. I sometimes just want to hug all of them and tell them it’s going to be okay (so grateful for our incredible counselors).

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Now that I have been at Holderness for five years, seeing the progression students make throughout their journey here is insane. You watch students come in as timid freshmen and slowly observe from the shadows as they grow into confident, kind, compassionate young adults. The transformations are undeniable and so inspiring. It always makes me think about the fact that people can evolve and grow in such a short amount of time, and at any age. I love that reminder.

Caring for the Whole Student

Behind every healthy, confident, and resilient Holderness student is a network of adults who are deeply invested in their well-being. As Karen and Lauren's stories illustrate, Health Services is about far more than treating illness or injury—it's about building trust, creating a sense of belonging, and helping students navigate the challenges and triumphs of adolescence.

Their work is one piece of the larger commitment Holderness makes to educating the whole student. By supporting students' physical, emotional, and mental well-being, our Health Services team helps create the foundation for learning, leadership, athletic achievement, and personal growth.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Health & Wellness on Campus series as we introduce more of the dedicated professionals who help our students thrive every day.

Originally published in Holderness School Today, Fall 2025.