Iona Preparatory School Announces Joseph Casarella ’13 as New Director of Admissions

New Rochelle, N.Y. (September 2025) – Iona Preparatory School is proud to announce the appointment of Joseph Casarella ’13 as its new Director of Admissions for the Upper School. A dedicated member of the Iona Prep community—both as an alumnus and a staff member—Mr. Casarella brings a student-first mindset, deep institutional knowledge, and a diverse professional background to his new leadership role.

Mr. Casarella has served Iona Prep in various capacities since returning to the school in 2021. Most recently, he was Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Success, where he helped shape student support services and engagement initiatives. He also served as Dean of Freshmen, helping to guide students and families through their transition to high school.

In addition to his administrative work, Mr. Casarella has been actively involved in the classroom and co-curricular life—as the Physical Education Department Chair, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, Moderator of the Sports Management Club, and a teacher of senior electives in Sports Marketing and Business.

A proud Iona Prep alumnus from the Class of 2013, Mr. Casarella is the older brother of Michael and Anthony Casarella, both members of the Class of 2015, further deepening his family’s legacy at the school. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pace University and a master’s degree in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy from Manhattanville University. His academic background, paired with his leadership and coaching experience, reflects his commitment to whole-person education.

Mr. Casarella attributes much of his passion for education and faith-based learning to his mother Annette, a Catholic educator for over 20 years at St. Joseph’s in Bronxville. “She has been a huge inspiration to me, instilling the true meaning and value of Catholic education from a young age,” he shared.

Before rejoining the Iona Prep community, Mr. Casarella worked in professional sports with the New York Mets Front Office where he spent three years as an account executive in membership services. He also gained experience in collegiate athletics operations and marketing during his time at Pace University. Mr. Casarella chose to go back to school during COVID to obtain his Masters degree.

Families interested in meeting Mr. Casarella and learning more about the Iona Prep experience are encouraged to attend one of the school’s Open Houses on October 19, 23, and 29 or sign up for visit www.IonaPrep.org/admissions

Iona Preparatory School is a Catholic, all-boys PK–12 institution committed to developing moral and ethical leaders through academic excellence, faith formation, and service. To learn more about admissions, visit www.ionaprep.org.

About Iona Preparatory School
Recommended for reaccreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools in 2021, Iona Preparatory School PK-12 sits on 37 acres of suburban green in New Rochelle, N.Y., where it educates young men to be moral and ethical leaders. Iona Preparatory School is a Catholic community inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice as expressed in the Essential Elements of a Christian Brothers Education, developing young men into moral and ethical leaders who are dedicated to Christian service and who strive for spiritual, intellectual, and physical excellence. Iona Prep is Westchester’s only all-boys Catholic school to make the “NY top 100 private schools list” on Niche.com. For more information, please visit www.IonaPrep.org.