Joana Avillez: Class of 1990

Joana Avillez, a proud alumna of The Washington Market School, finds herself back at WMS more than 30 years later—this time, as a parent. Joana was born and raised in the Seaport but spent much of her childhood in Tribeca with her family. She recalls walking to Tribeca each morning with her parents who had their studios nearby. Now, she lives here with her family and is a professional illustrator. 

When reflecting on her time at WMS, Joana remembers the sense of community that defined her school experience. Many of her best friends today, like Isabel Halley, are friends she made while at WMS. Some of Joana's most vivid memories are of the music teacher at the time who would tell the class fascinating stories often about animals. She also recalls the feelings of safety and expansiveness in the school’s spaces, especially the Hudson Street gym. Though Joana is a professional illustrator, her first and favorite illustration was created while she was a student at WMS. She will never forget drawing the woman with long red nails and tall black heels in the lower level of Hudson Street - she still has the illustration to this day! 

As a current WMS parent, Joana feels lucky to have a shared experience with her son. She enjoys the unique experience of seeing her child thrive in the same environment that shaped her own childhood. She appreciates how the nurturing environment she remembers from her own time at WMS is still alive today, especially through the remarkable teachers.

For Joana, being both an alumna and a parent at WMS is a full-circle experience. She is thrilled that her son is now part of the same warm, creative, and supportive community that she was a part of - and that still has such a lasting impact on her life. As she reflects on the past and the present, Joana is grateful for the strong sense of connection and belonging that she and her family feel at The Washington Market School.