Welcome, Tonnie Chen!

Eastern Christian School welcomed Tonnie Chen as Director of Annual Fund and Special Events this fall.

Before coming to Eastern Christian, Tonnie spent more than 18 years in higher education at The King’s College in New York City. She started her career as an Admissions Counselor before moving on to new roles including Office Manager, Events Coordinator, Administrative Director of Admissions and Advancement, and finally Senior Director of Development Administration. Chen now joins EC as part of the Foundation for Eastern Christian School Association, raising funds and planning special events such as the spring Auction Gala and HomEComing. Chen holds a bachelors in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University.

Tell Us About Yourself

Born in New York City and raised in Westerly, Rhode Island, I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University as a psychology major with plans to become a social worker before God directed me to join the team at The King’s College, advancing its mission of preparing principled young leaders with a biblical worldview to change strategic public and private institutions in our society for God.

Tell Us The Story About How God Brought You to EC

God’s perfect timing cannot be overstated. Just after celebrating my 18-year work anniversary at The King’s College, God opened a window of opportunity from there that led me to discover Eastern Christian and its mission and things progressed quickly. I was told about a job opportunity in the Foundation Office that all my experience from being an Admissions Counselor, Office Manager, Events Coordinator, and Director of Development seemed to have perfectly prepared me for, and it felt very clear that God was calling me to another mission.

What Sets EC Apart?

After touring the Eastern Christian elementary, middle, and high school, it was impossible not to feel impressed with the resources and curricula offered to students, but what really set EC apart for me was that from the moment I stepped foot on to each of the campuses, I could feel everyone’s love for God — from the staff, administration, teachers, and students. It was literally written and drawn all over the walls and ceilings! Who wouldn’t want to work in an environment filled with such warm devotion and faithfulness? It is an honor to be a part of this EC community.