Recent Appointments

July 1, 2021

Bliss Tobin appointed Lower School Director of The Latin School of Chicago

We are pleased to announce that Bliss Tobin has been appointed Lower School Director of The Latin School of Chicago. Bliss has over two decades of educational experience, teaching 6th Grade Drama at the Francis W. Parker School, first and second grade at Crow Island School, first grade at The Head-Royce School, and first and third grades at San Francisco Friends School, where she also held administrative roles. Most recently, Bliss served as the Elementary Division Head at The Berkeley School (CA).

Bliss holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Yale University, and an M.S in Elementary Education & Teaching from The University of Chicago.

About The Latin School of Chicago: Latin is one of the oldest independent schools in the city of Chicago. Latin School was formed in 1888 when a group of parents in Chicago enlisted Mabel Slade Vickery, a teacher from the East Coast to take charge of a new, parent-owned school. The first class consisted of 10 boys approximately 10 years old. The school was designed to provide students with a rigorous college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, with a curriculum that was heavily influenced by Classical studies and the study of the Greek and Latin languages, hence the name “Latin School."

For more information about The Latin School of Chicago please visit latinschool.org

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July 1, 2021

Kristine Von Ogden appointed Upper School Director of The Latin School of Chicago

We are pleased to announce that Kristine Von Ogden has been appointed Upper School Director of The Latin School of Chicago. Kristine has over two decades of both classroom teaching and school administration & leadership experience. She has been serving as the Dean of Curriculum and Innovation at the Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest, IL) where she has held several roles for over two decades. She’s also been a Board Trustee of the All Souls School for over 3 years.

Kristine holds a B.A. in Romance Languages and Literatures from The University of Chicago, and an M.A in French Literature from New York University (NYU Paris).

For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here.

About The Latin School of Chicago: Latin is one of the oldest independent schools in the city of Chicago. Latin School was formed in 1888 when a group of parents in Chicago enlisted Mabel Slade Vickery, a teacher from the East Coast to take charge of a new, parent-owned school. The first class consisted of 10 boys approximately 10 years old. The school was designed to provide students with a rigorous college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, with a curriculum that was heavily influenced by Classical studies and the study of the Greek and Latin languages, hence the name “Latin School."

For more information about The Latin School of Chicago please visit latinschool.org

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July 2021

Ronald Taylor appointed Head of Middle School of The Browning School

We are pleased to announce that Ronald Taylor has been appointed Head of Middle School of The Browning School. Ronald is a mission-driven educator with over a decade of teaching and administrative experience. He currently serves as the Acting Director of the Office for Identity, Culture, and Institutional Equity at the Horace Mann School (NY), a role that builds on his success in co-founding and co-directing HM STEPS (Students Together Empowering People of Color Successfully Program), a student-led, faculty-supported affinity-based mentoring program that supports the middle school experience for students of color.

With teaching experience in both public and independent schools, Ronald focuses on middle school education and applying equity-based lenses to curriculum and instruction. In the classroom, Ronald was responsible for integrating systems analysis and interpretation into the middle school history program.

Before Horace Mann School, Ronald taught in the Syracuse City School District and later at the Harlem Children’s Zone in Manhattan, NY.

Ronald holds a B.A. in Political Science, Policy Studies, and an M.S. in Social Studies Education from Syracuse University. He is currently a candidate for a masters degree in private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College at Columbia University.

About The Browning School: Founded by scholar and teacher John A. Browning, The Browning School has been a leader in fostering the intellectual and personal growth of boys and young men since 1888. Serving 403 students in kindergarten through Grade 12, Browning is a learning community where faculty members reach out to meet their students’ needs and respond to each boy’s passions and talents. It fosters a climate in which boys are known, loved, and challenged – where they are seen and heard, given both freedom and boundaries, and consistently encouraged to find lasting meaning in their education.

For more information about The Browning School please visit browning.edu

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[1] "Incoming Middle School Head Announcement" by The Browning School, available online at https://browning.edu/news/ronald-taylor

July 1, 2021

Kim Smith appointed Headmaster of Xavier High School

We are pleased to announce that Kim Smith has been appointed Headmaster of Xavier High School (Xavier HS).  Kim comes to Xavier HS with over two decades of extensive teaching and school leadership and administration experience. She currently serves as the Academic Vice Principal of Boston College High School where she has been in several roles for over 13 years.

"Kim emerged as the strongest candidate, with the right combination of a passion for teaching, compelling prior leadership experience, and a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and our Ignatian charism. Xavier’s tradition of academic excellence will be well led and in good hands.” noted Rich Nolan, Search Committee Chair(1).

For more information about this appointment please see the official announcement here.

About Xavier High School: founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor, and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory.

For more information about Xavier High School please visit xavierhs.org

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(1)  "Xavier Appoints its 55th Headmaster" by Xavier HS. Available online at: https://www.xavierhs.org/s/81/rd16/index.aspx?sid=81&gid=1&pgid=267&cid=10164&ecid=10164&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=6974

July 2021

Deborah Monroe appointed Head of School of TASIS Dorado (Puerto Rico)

We are pleased to announce that Deborah Monroe has been appointed Head of School of The TASIS School in Dorado (TASIS Dorado). Deborah comes to TASIS Dorado with a long career in independent schools, first as a Spanish language and literature teacher at St. John’s School in Houston and then as a senior administrator at both Viewpoint School and Buckley School in California. She is currently the Associate Head of School at Sierra Canyon School in California.

Deborah graduated from Texas A&M University in 1992 with a B.A. in Sociology and in 1995 with an M.A. in Spanish Literature. In addition, she has completed doctoral coursework in curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas at Austin. She also studied at the University of Guadalajara and the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico. A three-time recipient of Fulbright Teaching and Administrative Fellowships to Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, Deborah recently completed the National Association of Independent School's Fellowship for Aspiring Heads of School.[1]

For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here.

About TASIS Dorado: Located in the beautiful seaside town of Dorado, Puerto Rico, TASIS Dorado is a nonsectarian, coeducational, nonprofit day school offering a top-quality college-preparatory program on an exceptional campus with outstanding facilities, engaging programs, and wonderful teachers. The school provides a comprehensive academic and extracurricular experience for approximately 800 students in Pre-Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 2002 and affiliated with the American School in Switzerland (TASIS) Schools in Europe, TASIS Dorado has grown into a flourishing school community with an international perspective – drawing students from Puerto Rico, the mainland United States, and throughout the world.

For more information about The TASIS School in Dorado please visit dorado.tasis.com

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[1] "New Head of School Appointment" by Federico Stubbe, Jr, TASIS Dorado Board President. Available online: https://dorado.tasis.com/page.cfm?p=683&newsid=159

January 2021

Marek Beck appointed Associate Head of School of The Elisabeth Morrow School

We are pleased to announce that Marek Beck has been appointed Associate Head of School of the Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, New Jersey. Marek’s career has included teaching and leadership positions in both public and independent schools. Most recently he served as the Founding Head of Middle School at Whittle School & Studios in Washington, D.C. Prior to that he was the Head of Upper School at Renbrook School in West Hartford, CT.

From 2002-2014, he served in an array of teaching and administrative roles at Greenwich Country Day School, including Director of Professional Development and Chairperson of the Middle School English Department. Early in his career he taught nursery through grade 5 at Parkway Elementary School in Greenwich, CT. Marek taught as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University for over a decade, served as a facilitator at Harvard University’s Principal Center, and continues to be a frequent conference speaker and consultant to teachers and schools both nationally and internationally.

Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS) is an Independent, Coeducational Day School for Ages 2 to Grade 8. The Elisabeth Morrow School’s shared purpose is to provide exemplary academics and character development in a diverse and inclusive child-centered community, inspiring students to become curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens.

For more information about Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS) please visit elisabethmorrow.org

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December 2020

Penny Barker Announced as Next Head of St. Stephen's Episcopal School - Houston
Penny Barker has been selected as the next Head of St. Stephen's Episcopal School - Houston. Penny comes to St. Stephen's from Mead Hall Episcopal School (Aiken, South Carolina), where she served as both Associate Head of School and Interim Head of School. Her prior appointments were in the U.K. as a division head at Conyers School, Assistant Principal at The King's Academy, and Vice Principal and Head of School at St. Hild's Church of England School. Earlier in her career, Penny worked as the global marketing manager for a division of ICI, a $5 billion chemical manufacturing company. A first-generation college student, Penny holds a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from the University of Oxford. She also earned a post-graduate diploma in international marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a post-graduate certificate in education from the University of Durham. She has been recognized by OFSTED (the U.K. Government Office for Standards in Education) and the Archbishop’s Council Education Division (Church of England) for leading rapid, sustained improvement in schools.

July 1, 2021

Dr. Josephine Diemond - appointed Head of School of The Winston School

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Josephine Iacuzzo Diemond has been appointed Head of School of The Winston School of Short Hills. Dr. Diemond is a mission-driven educator with over two decades of leadership experience in schools where she has worked with many students with language-based learning differences. She has been at the McLean School in Potomac, Maryland for close to 15 years, where she currently serves as the Head of Upper School.

Dr. Diemond holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Princeton University, an M.A. in French Literature from NYU, and a doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here.

About The Winston School of Short Hills: The Winston School of Short Hills is an independent, co-educational day school for students in grades 1-8 who have language-based learning differences. The School’s mission is rooted in a philosophy that fosters the potential and optimism in each child and cultivates intellectual, social, and emotional growth in a positive and stimulating environment.

For more information about The Winston School please visit winstonschool.org

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July 2021

Wendy Chang appointed Director of College Counseling of The Bishop’s School
We are pleased to announce that Wendy Chang has been appointed as Director of College Counseling of The Bishop’s School.  Wendy comes to Bishop’s with an extensive career in college counseling and guidance, having held roles such as a Senior Admissions Officer at Harvard University, Director of College Guidance at the Collegiate School (NY), Director of U.S. College Counseling at The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Director of College Counseling at St. John’s School (TX), and freelance college advisor. She currently serves as Director of College Counseling at Avenues: The World School (NY).

“We have a great group of college counselors, and our goal is to ensure that the college process for our students and their families is the best that one can find anywhere. Wendy brings that kind of leadership experience and insight from her years as a director of college counseling and also from the college side as an admissions officer. I know that our community will appreciate her warmth and deep care for students,” noted Ron Kim, Head of School (1).

July 2021

Malka Lowenstein appointed Director of the 92nd Street Y Nursery School

We are pleased to announce that Malka Lowenstein has been appointed as the Director of the 92nd Street Y Nursery School.  Malka has over 20 years of experience Early Childhood Education. Before joining the 92Y in 2018 as the Director of the Education program, Malka was the Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Center of the Park Avenue Synagogue. Most recently, Malka served as the Interim Director of the 92nd Street Y Nursery School.

For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here.

About the 92nd Street Y: Founded 145 years ago to serve the Jewish people, 92Y promotes individual and family development and participation in civic life within the context of Jewish values and American pluralism. As a nonprofit community and cultural center, 92Y seeks to create, provide, and disseminate programs of distinction that foster the physical and mental health of human beings throughout their lives, their educational and spiritual growth, and their enjoyment.

About the Nursery School: Since 1938, the Nursery School has provided a warm and creative atmosphere that fosters young children's imagination, curiosity, and intellect. A highly experienced faculty trained in early childhood education works with children individually and in groups to foster creative expression through art, music, dance, and language. The celebration of Shabbat and Jewish holidays teaches children the joy of Jewish culture and heritage. Serving up to 169 children, ages 2.5 to 5, the 92Y Nursery School is committed to forging a strong sense of connection among teachers and families while preparing children well for the next step in their educational journeys.

For more information about the 92nd Street Y Nursery School please visit 92y.org/nursery-school.

For more information about the 92nd Street Y please visit 92y.org

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July 2021

Cynthia Pitta appointed Director of College Counseling of Austin Preparatory School

We are pleased to announce that Cynthia Pitta has been appointed Director of College Counseling at Austin Preparatory School. Cyndy has over a decade and a half of experience in College Counseling. She has been a member of the College Counseling department at Austin Prep since 2013.  Prior to joining Austin Prep, she was a school counselor at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and Dedham High School for over 7 years.

For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here

Austin Preparatory School is a Catholic independent school in the Augustinian tradition serving young men and women in grades 6 through 12 in Reading, Massachusetts. Austin Prep’s mission is to inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve. St. Augustine is the School’s patron saint, and the school strives toward the Augustinian ideal of “one mind, one heart, intent upon God.” The Augustinian charisms of veritas, unitas, and caritas – truth, unity, and love – inspire the mission.

For more information about Austin Preparatory School please visit austinprep.org

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April 2020

Huaer Collegiate Taps Colley Bell as Founding Principal
Colley Bell will become the Founding Middle and Upper School Principal at Shanghai Huaer Collegiate School Kunshan. Colley’s independent school career spans over 30 years and includes numerous administrative and teaching positions. He has served as the Head of School and History Teacher at Middleburg Academy in Middleburg, VA, since 2013. He was instrumental in implementing a STEAM curriculum and Harkness methodology and in reshaping Middleburg’s faculty, program, student body, and fundraising. Prior to this, Colley served for five years as the Head of School at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (VA). He was Assistant Headmaster at Tower Hill School (DE) and served as Dean of Students at both Lake Forest Academy (IL) and Worcester Academy (MA). Colley began his educational career as a teacher, dorm parent, and coach for the Darrow School (NY). He earned a B.A. in Russian History from the University of Kentucky and a M.A. from the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education at Columbia University.

July 2021

Mary Kate Blaine appointed Head of School of Trinity Hall
We are pleased to announce that Mary Kate Blaine has been appointed Head of School of Trinity Hall High School (Trinity Hall). Mary Kate is a mission-driven educator with over a decade of leadership experience in schools. She has been serving as Principal of the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School for over 7 years. She’s also been a Summer seminar coordinator of The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History for close to two decades. Mary Kate holds a B.A. in American Studies from Fordham University, an M.A. in History & Education, and more recently a Master of Education (School Leadership) from the Teachers College of Columbia University. For more information on this appointment please see the official announcement here. Trinity Hall is an independent, all-girls school that educates and empowers young women in the Catholic tradition through an innovative college preparatory program grounded in our four core values of leadership, respect, perseverance, and faith. Trinity Hall prepares each student to achieve her full potential as she embraces her place in the world. For more information about Trinity Hall please visit trinityhallnj.org

April 2020

Amy Shen Named Next Head at Shrewsbury Montessori School
Amy Shen will become the next Head of School at Shrewsbury Montessori School. Amy brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, senior administrator, and consultant who has worked with a wide range of schools across the U.S. She is currently a Search Consultant with Wickenden Associates, and prior to joining Wickenden, she served as Head of School at Montessori School of Duluth (MN). Amy served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, supporting 100 faculty and 1,200 students studying six languages, for Middlebury Interactive Languages. She led a five-week residential Chinese language immersion program for the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy. Amy founded the Middle and Upper School Mandarin program at Head-Royce School (CA) and worked as a world language consultant for Hong Kong International School and Georgetown Day School (DC). She was invited (five times) to serve as a pedagogy coach for the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s summer institute for teachers of Mandarin, and she taught Mandarin Chinese at Berkshire School (MA) and the Middlebury Chinese School (VT). Amy graduated from Carlton College before earning a Master of Arts in Teaching for Second Language Education from the School for International Training (VT). She also earned a Master’s in Independent School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Amy is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and French.

April 2020

Bergen Catholic Taps Alumnus Dan Kelly to Lead Advancement
Dan Kelly will become the next Director of Advancement at Bergen Catholic High School. Dan graduated from Bergen Catholic in 1986, as did his son in 2019. For nearly 30 years, he has been working in finance at firms such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and mostly recently Nomura Securities—as a salesperson, sales manager, and senior relationship manager. He is currently the senior adviser at Q32 Capital Management in Montclair, NJ. Dan’s career has taken him around the world, connecting him with clients from diverse backgrounds while meeting competitive industry-related goals. He has also served as a Bergen Alumni Class Chair for over 15 years, was an elected member of the Alumni Board of Directors, was a Decade Rep for the 1980s, chaired the Golf Classic, was the president of the Lacrosse Booster Club for four years, and has been a speaker at open houses and accepted student nights. Dan is excited for the opportunity to create a culture of giving at Bergen. Dan earned a B.A. in Government and Politics from Manhattan College and an MBA in Finance/International Business from Fordham University. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 24 licenses.

April 2020

Keeon Gregory Named Director of College Counseling at Greensboro
Keeon Gregory heads to North Carolina to become the next Director of College Counseling at Greensboro Day School. Keeon is an accomplished administrator with a 30-year career devoted to multiple aspects of education—college counseling, admissions, student development, multicultural affairs, and coaching. He has worked in institutions of higher education, as well as independent schools. Keeon has served as the Director of College Counseling and Student and Engagement at Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, OH, since 2003, and beginning in January of this year, has also been serving as the Interim Director of Lake Ridge’s Upper School. Prior to this, he spent three years at Germantown Academy (PA) as a college counselor and Director of Diversity. Keeon has placed nearly 700 students into college over the course of his 20-year career as a counselor. He began his career in higher education, first as the Associate Dean of Admission at Wittenberg University (OH), next as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Ithaca College (NY), and most recently as the Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Multicultural Recruitment at the University of Rochester. For over 20 years, Keeon has cultivated and coached track and field athletes, utilizing his collegiate athletic experience to develop several state champions, All-Americans, and national and conference champions. He earned a B.S. in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University.

March 2020

Peddie Selects Thad Lepicio as Next Director of Athletics
Thad Lepicio has been named Director of Athletics at the Peddie School. Thad has worked in scholastic athletic administration at both the collegiate and secondary levels for over 25 years. For the past 14 years, he has served as the Director of Athletics and Student Leadership at the Baylor School, overseeing the largest interscholastic program in the state of Tennessee, including 71 teams in 20 sports. During his tenure at Baylor, he helped raise over $11.6 million in capital improvements to the school’s athletic facilities, witnessed student-athletes win 106 state championships, and taught Latin while serving as a dorm parent/advisor and on a number of school committees. Baylor’s program was recognized twice by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 25 interscholastic programs in the U.S. Prior to this, Thad was the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Programs and Operations at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where he oversaw the daily operations for an NCAA Division I athletic department. He earned a B.A. in American History and Classics from Amherst College and a Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

March 2020

Kelly Dun to Lead Enrollment at Oak Knoll
Kelly Dun will become the first Director of Enrollment Management at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child. Kelly has nearly 30 years of experience in secondary education, both as a classroom teacher and as an administrator, and she has a wealth of experience and knowledge about enrollment management in a broad variety of school and organizational contexts. She is currently the Assistant Head of School for External Relations at the Newgrange School in Princeton, NJ, which serves students with learning differences. She opened and established the mid-Atlantic regional office of the Give Something Back Foundation, an organization devoted to expanding college access to first-generation families. Kelly led enrollment management at North Yarmouth Academy (ME) and The Tatnall School (DE) and spent 16 years at Princeton Day School (NJ), serving as Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, and Director of Enrollment Management. She co-chaired The Enrollment Management Association’s Admission Leadership Council for six years, was the chair of the New Jersey Association of Independent School’s Admission Steering Committee for seven years, and has been a frequent presenter at national, state, and regional conferences. Kelly serves as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for New Jersey-area foster youth and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Doane Academy (NJ). She earned a B.A. in Spanish from the University of New Hampshire and her M.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania.

March 2020

Katie Rocker Rayer Named Upper Division Director at St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s
Katie Rocker Rayer will join St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School as the Upper Division Director. Katie is an experienced independent school educator who most recently served as the Head of Lower School at The Kew-Forest School (NY) for eight years. While at Kew-Forest, she redesigned the lower school program to focus on inquiry-based, differentiated instruction using an anti-bias lens and helped grow enrollment by 25%. Prior to this, Katie was a classroom teacher, beginning at The Brearley School (NY) for three years and then the Meadowbrook School of Weston (MA) for four years. She is an active member of NYSAIS lower school leaders group, is a faculty member at the Steppingstone Foundation’s Summer Institute, and serves on the board of the Experiential Orchestra. In 2009-10, she received an NAIS E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads. Katie earned a B.A. from Williams College and a Masters of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

February 2020

Saint Thomas Academy Names Kelby Woodard as Next Headmaster
Kelby Woodward has been named the next Headmaster at Saint Thomas Academy. Kelby is an accomplished professional and brings a unique and diverse skill set as a director at a Fortune 500 company, as an entrepreneur and politician, and as the founder of successful Catholic high school. He is the founding president of Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, a high school serving 500 students from under-resourced communities. Prior to this, Kelby successfully founded and built a global security consulting and import software company and was the director of global security for the Target Corporation for 11 years. He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for two terms, directly managing a highly successful campaign, including all aspects of fundraising and public relations. Kelby has served on a number of boards and has contributed opinion and thought leadership pieces to various newspapers and magazines. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, a Certificate of Global Security Studies from Georgetown University, and an MBA from the University of Dallas.

February 2020

Bill Driscoll Named Assistant Headmaster and Head of Upper School at Austin Prep
Bill Driscoll will join Austin Prep as Assistant Headmaster and Head of Upper School. An alum of Austin Prep, Bill has been a Catholic educator for 24 years and is fiercely committed to faith-based education. Since 2013, he has served St. Peter-Marian Junior-Senior High School in Worcester, MA, first as Assistant Principal, then as Acting Principal and Principal. Prior to these leadership assignments, Bill held a number of roles including teacher, advisor, campus minister, and theology faculty chair at St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg, MA. During his tenure in these schools, which are part of the Diocese of Worcester, Driscoll served on a number of committees that had responsibility for improving teaching and learning, including a committee that created a teacher evaluation protocol used by 23 schools. Bill earned a B.A. in English & Philosophy and a M.A. in Philosophy from Assumption College. He earned a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Boston College and is currently concluding his doctoral studies at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and will be awarded his doctorate in educational administration in May 2020.

February 2020

Eric Ogden to Lead Browning’s Lower School
Eric Ogden will be the next Head of Lower School at The Browning School. A career educator with experience in both public and independent schools, Eric has spent 18 years working in lower school settings. Eric Ogden joined Avenues: The World School (NYC) in 2012, the school’s first year of operation, as a 4th grade head teacher. In 2014, he assumed the role of associate division head for grades 3–5, and in fall 2018, became the head of Lower Division. Prior to joining Avenues, Eric was a 2nd grade head teacher at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan. He began his career in education at the Cherry Hill School in River Edge, NJ. Eric received his B.A. in elementary education and English from Dartmouth College and later went on to receive a Master of Science in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

February 2020

Cannon School Taps Regina Nixon as Head of Lower School
Regina Nixon will be the next Head of Lower School at Cannon School. Regina has 13 years of experience working in a broad range of positions that have enhanced her leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills. Regina has served as the Assistant Head of Middle School at Nashoba Brooks School in Concord, Massachusetts, since 2018. Prior to this, she served as Nashoba Brooks’ Director of Admission for three years, Director of Educational Technology and Innovation for two years, and Instructional Technologist for one year. She began her career as a Second Grade Teacher at H.B. Sugg Elementary in Farmville, North Carolina, where she taught for four years before serving as a TQP Technology Facilitator for the Pitt County Schools. Regina earned a B.S. in Elementary Education (K-6) and a Master of Art in Education Instructional Technology from East Carolina University. In the spring of 2020, she expects to receive a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

January 2020

Michelle T. Williams to Lead Academics at Williamson College of the Trades
Dr. Michelle T. Williams has been named the next Vice President of Education & Dean of Academics at Williamson College of the Trades. Michelle has nearly 20 years of experience working in a variety capacities at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Since June 2019, Michelle has been the Academic Dean of upperclassmen at Girard College, a full-scholarship, college preparatory boarding school for academically capable and financially deserving students in grades 1-12. Her other positions at Girard include Assistant Dean, Director of Professional Development Programs, and Instructional Coach. Prior to this, she served for 13 years at the Community College of Philadelphia in a number of capacities, including Manager of K-16 Partnerships, Project Director of Trade Adjustment Assistance and Career Training, Acting Director of Academic Assessment and Evaluation, and Director of the Philadelphia Tech Prep Consortium. She worked for three years as a professional writing tutor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and has taught English and writing throughout her career. Michelle has won numerous awards, serves on a number of boards, and is a frequent conference presenter and the author of a number of professional papers. She earned a B.A. in Economics from Temple University, a Masters in Liberal Arts from Temple University, and an Ed.D. from Saint Joseph’s University.

December 2019

Katie LaRue Picked to Lead Athletics at Cannon School
Katherine (Katie) LaRue will be the next Director of Athletics at the Cannon School. Katie is an experienced athletics administrator and basketball coach and has over 13 years of experience in independent schools. Katie is currently the Head Athletic Director, Head Varsity Coach, and Dorm Parent at The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, where she has served since 2016. For five years, she was the Associate Athletic Director and Head Girls’ Basketball and Volleyball Coach at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to this, she served for four years as the Assistant Athletic Director, Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, and Business Math Instructor at The Asheville School in Asheville, North Carolina. Before joining independent schools, Katie was the Graduate Assistant for the Women’s Basketball team and Assistant to the Operations Manager at Winthrop University for two years. She earned a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems from Charleston Southern University and an MBA from Winthrop University.

December 2019

Spence Taps Rachael Flores as Next Head of Upper School
Rachael Flores will be the next Head of Upper School at The Spence School. Rachael is currently the Director of Diversity and Multicultural Education at National Cathedral School in Washington, DC. Prior to joining NCS in 2015, she taught history and served as dean of institutional diversity, directing the work of diversity and inclusion, at Episcopal School (VA). She began her career as a history teacher at the Asheville School in North Carolina. Rachael serves on the faculty of NAIS's annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference and presents on topics of diversity, identity, and social justice. She earned a B.A. from Princeton University and a Masters from George Washington University.

December 2019

Terell Cooper-Edwards is Next Head of Lower School at Hewitt
Terell Cooper-Edwards will be the next Head of Lower School at The Hewitt School. Terell is an accomplished independent school teacher and administrator with more than 16 years of experience working in independent schools in New York City. Terell became Dean of Students at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, NY in 2018 and prior to that served in a number of positions at the school including Assistant Head of Lower School, Director of Associate and Student Teacher Programs, Third Grade Head Teacher, and Second Grade Head Teacher. Prior to her 13-year tenure at Poly Prep, Terell taught first grade at The Brearley School for three years. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from Amherst College and a M.S. in Literacy and General Education from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.

November 2019

Kate McGroarty Named Head of Upper School at Oak Knoll
Kathryn McGroarty will be the next Head of Upper School at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child. Kate began her educational career as a French teacher and joined The Madeira School in 2005, where she taught French for seven years. In 2012, she was appointed Madeira’s Assistant Academic Dean and, in 2019, became the Director of Educational Innovation, ensuring that all aspects of the curriculum are aligned with Madeira’s educational philosophy and mission. Kate earned a bachelor's degree in Language and Linguistics from Queen's University and a master's degree in French as Second Language from Universite d'Aix-en-Provence. She also holds an educational specialist degree from George Washington University and a post graduate certificate (PGCE) in Secondary Education from the University of Cambridge.

November 2019

Reem Abu Rahmeh to Lead Lakeside's Middle School
Reem Abu Rahmeh has been appointed the next Director of Middle School at Lakeside School. An accomplished musician, teacher, and administrator, Reem was born and raised in Jordan and graduated from the University of Jordan with a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. But, her passion for music and teaching led her to continue her training, which began at the age of 10, until she received her Bachelor's degree in music performance from the National Music Conservatory/Yarmouk University. Ms. Abu Rahmeh joined King's Academy in 2007 as a music teacher in the Department of Art, Design, and Technology, and also served as freshman dean and associate dean of students. In 2015, she obtained a Master’s degree in educational leadership from Columbia University Teachers College. She became the founding dean of King’s Middle School the following year and designed, established, and launched the division for grades 7 and 8.

November 2019

Wellesley Wilson to Lead Admission & Financial Aid at Lakeside
Wellesley Wilson has been named the next Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Lakeside School. Wellesley has over 10 years of experience in independent school enrollment management and most recently served as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Harpeth Hall (TN). While at Harpeth Hall, she increased the enrollment of students of color by 42 percent. Prior to Harpeth Hall, she served for seven years as the Director of Upper School Admission at the Maret School (DC). Wellesley has been a conference presenter at the Association for Technology Leaders in Independent Schools and the National Girls School Coalition. In 2018, she co-chaired the NAIS People of Color Conference. She holds a B.A. from Bowdoin College and a Masters of Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

October 2019

Edward Ellison to Lead Cape Fear Academy
Ed Ellison has been named the next Head of School at Cape Fear Academy. Ed's independent school career spans nearly two decades, and most recently, he joined the higher education ranks, serving as the executive director for the office of alumni relations at Tufts University. For the past three years, Ed has served on the university advancement division's senior management team, responsible for the execution of a $1.5 billion campaign. Prior to his work at Tufts, Ed served for five years as Head of St. Johns Country Day School in Orange Park, FL. Prior to this, Ed spent nine years at The Roxbury Latin School, where he served as director of finance and operations, taught math and economics, was Eighth Grade Class Dean, and sat on the Admission Committee. Ed also served for three years on the faculty of Milton Academy. Before beginning his educational career, Ed was the vice president of operations for Oak Industries, a $300 million publicly-traded manufacturing company. After receiving his BA from Tufts University, Ed joined the Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Captain. After leaving the Marine Corps, he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.

May 2019

Philip Cox to become Middle School Head at The Elisabeth Morrow School
The Elisabeth Morrow School has announced that Philip Cox will be the next Middle School Head. Phil began is career in independent schools as Associate Director of Development and Director of Admission at Greenhill School in Dallas, and he returned to the school in 2000 as Assistant Head of Middle School. Since his time in Texas, Philip has taught History and English at St. Luke’s School and Montclair Kimberley Academy, was Director of Enrollment Management at Rippowam Cisqua School, and served as Middle School Director at The Pingry School for over a decade. Phil received a B.A. in History from Bucknell University and an M.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of Virginia.

May 2019

Carrie Salvatore Appointed Director of Admissions at CGPS
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School has named Carrie Salvatore as the next Director of Admissions. Currently Director of Admission at Cape Cod Academy in Osterville, MA, Carrie previously spent ten years as Director of Admission and Financial Aid at King Low Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, CT. Prior positions include Associate Dean of Admission and Director of Marketing and Communication at The Ethel Walker School and Associate Director of Admission at The Brunswick School. Carrie holds a BA in Psychology from Skidmore College and an MA in Teaching from Manhattanville College. Founded in 1764, Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School (CGPS) is one of the nation’s oldest private schools and the largest independent school in Manhattan.

April 2019

Paul Chapin Appointed Head of Newark Boys Chorus School
Newark Boys Chorus School in Newark, NJ, has named Paul Chapin as the next Head of School. Paul has worked as an educator and administrator in Princeton Public Schools for the past 35 years. Currently a vocal music teacher at Riverside School, Paul also served as Acting/Interim Principal of the school from 2014-2016. In addition to teaching, Paul serves as an educational consultant to Princeton Symphony Orchestra, a Content Instruction Specialist at Princeton University, and works with Educational Testing Service in developing assessments. For the past 22 years, he has been the Music Director at First Baptist Church of Bordentown, NJ, and he has significant experience as a choral conductor and soloist. Paul received a B.M. in music education from Westminster Choir College and an M.S. in educational leadership from the University of Scranton.

April 2019

Christopher Harper to Become CFO of Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York, NY, has named Christopher Harper as the next Chief Financial Officer at the school. Christopher is currently Director of Finance and Operations at Lake Forest Country Day School in Lake Forest, IL. Previously, he was Associate Director of Enrollment Management at Latin School of Chicago, where he was also Apprentice to the Chief of Finance and Operations. Prior to his time at Latin School of Chicago, he was the Executive Director and Founder of Apex Elite Academy in Chicago, while also serving as a faculty member and coach at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Christopher received a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

April 2019

Beth Pili named Co-Director of College Counseling at Spence School
The Spence School has announced that Beth Pili will become Co-Director of College Counseling in July 2019. Since 2009, Beth has worked at Horace Mann School, first as Associate Director of College Counseling and then as Director of College Counseling Initiatives. She also serves as Director of College Counseling at the Heckscher Scholars Program, a community-based organization that serves students from New York City Public Schools who hope to be the first in their families to attend college. Prior to her time at Horace Mann, Beth was Director of Multicultural Recruitment and Associate Director of Admissions in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Columbia University. Previously, she was Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Multicultural Recruitment at Yale, Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment at Barnard College, and served as a Senior Admissions Committee Member at Bryn Mawr. Beth received a B.A. in history from Bryn Mawr College and an M.A. in organization and leadership with an emphasis in post-secondary education from Columbia University.

March 2019

Carrie Lewis Appointed Spence School's Performing Arts Department Head
The Spence School in New York, NY, has named Carrie Lewis as the new Head of the Performing Arts Department. Carrie is currently in her 4th year at Spence teaching music. She also served as Dean for the Tenth and Eleventh Grades. She came to Spence from the Community Health Academy of the Heights, where she taught four sections of general music in grades 6 through 12, as well as developed curriculum for beginner piano, music theory, and music history. Carrie holds an M.A. in Music Education from New York University and a Master’s of Music in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music.

March 2019

Marcos Rosales Appointed Spence School's Visual Arts Department Head
The Spence School in New York, NY, has named Marcos Rosales as the new Head of the Visual Arts Department. Marcos is currently in his 19th year at Spence teaching art. He also served as the Visual Arts Camp Director for two years and has served on a number of committees and task forces focused on equity and diversity. Marcos came to Spence from MS 136 in Brooklyn, NY, where he was the supervisor of the visual arts department. Marcos holds a B.F.A. from the University of North Texas and an M.F.A. from the California Institute of the Arts.

March 2019

Congressional School Appoints Edwin Gordon Head of School
Dr. Edwin Gordon has been named the next Head of Congressional School in Falls Church, Virginia. Dr. Gordon served most recently as the Head of School at Palm Beach Day Academy in Palm Beach, Florida. He also led the Lower School at Riverdale Country School’s River Campus, was Executive Director of the K-12 Education Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, and worked as the Academic Dean (grades 7-10) for the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Gordon earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Baylor University and his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Cornell University.

March 2019

Paul Baly Picked to Lead CGPS Middle School
Paul Baly, Head of Middle School at The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, New Jersey, has been appointed Middle School Director at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School (CGPS) in New York City. Paul graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Roanoke College in 1998. He went on to earn an M.A. in Language Arts Education from the University of South Carolina – Columbia, and an M.A. in Organizational and Educational Leadership through the Teachers College at Columbia University.

March 2019

Launa Schweizer Appointed Head of Middle School at Hewitt
This summer, Launa Schweizer will take the reins of the Middle School at The Hewitt School in New York City. Launa is currently the Assistant Head of Middle School at Brooklyn Montessori School, where she also teaches English and humanities. She previously served as Head of Lower School at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. Launa studied English as an undergraduate at Amherst College and earned a master’s degree in American Culture from the University of Michigan.

March 2019

Sandy Wang to Lead PDS Lower School
Princeton Day School (PDS) in Princeton, New Jersey, has announced that Sandra Wang will begin serving as Head of Lower School in July 2019. In 2012, Sandy was appointed Assistant Principal of the Lower School at Trinity School in New York City, and is currently serving as the division’s interim leader. Prior to her time at Trinity, Sandy was Assistant Director of the Lower School at Trevor Day School, and she began her career as a lower school teacher and middle school math coordinator at The Dalton School. Sandy holds a B.A. from Barnard College, an M.A. from New York University, and an Ed.M. and an Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University.

February 2019

Dalia Aidoo Appointed Spence School's Science Department Head
The Spence School in New York, NY, has announced that Dalia Aidoo will be the new Science Department Head. Currently, Dalia serves as Science Department Chair and a Middle and Upper School science teacher at Collegiate School in New York. Previously, she taught secondary school science at Southgate School in London. In addition to her duties at Collegiate, Dalia is the founder and owner of The Children’s Montessori House Preschool in Saint Lucia. Dalia received a B.Sc. in microbiology from South Bank University in London and a Post Graduate Degree in secondary education from the University of London Institute of Education.

February 2019

Sara Beasley Appointed Spence School's English and World Literature Department Head
The Spence School in New York, NY, has named Sara Beasley as the new Head of the English and World Literature Department. Sara is currently in her 12th year at Spence teaching Middle and Upper School English and World Literature. She also served as Dean for the Ninth and Tenth Grades. She came to Spence from Taft, where she was the Associate Director of College Counseling, a Grade Level Dean, and an English teacher. Sara holds an A.B. from Davidson College and an M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

February 2019

Mildred Piscopo Appointed Spence School's Physical Education Department Head
The Spence School in New York, NY, has named Mildred Piscopo as the next Head of the Physical Education Department. Mildred has worked at Poly Prep Country Day School for the past 30 years, serving as Director of Athleticsfor the past 12. Previous roles at the school include Physical Education Department Chair, Physical Education Teacher, and Head Varsity Softball Coach. Prior to her time at Poly Prep, Mildred was a junior varsity field hockey and softball coach and substitute teacher at Northport High School in Northport, NY. Mildred earned a B.S. in Physical Education from Ithaca College and an M.A. in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University.

February 2019

Francis Gianni Appointed Next Head at French-American School of New York
The French-American School of New York has named Francis Gianni as its next Head of School. Since 2014, Francis has led the International School of Monaco. Previously, he led the Lille campus of the École Jeannine Manuel, a UNESCO-affiliated school that is considered one of the most competitive bilingual schools in France. Prior to that, Francis wasHead of School at École La Source «École Nouvelle à Vocation Internationale»and simultaneously served as the President of the Association Française des Écoles à Vocation Internationale (AFEVI). In addition to his experience leading schools and organizations, Francis has taught philosophy in several secondary schools and universities in and around Paris and at Arizona State University. Francis graduated with a Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies in philosophy from the Sorbonne, and in 1995, he ranked second in the prestigious Agrégation de Philosophie. He earned an M.B.A. with a focus on global management from the University of Phoenix in Arizona.

February 2019

Chadwick School Appoints Dorothy Hutcheson as Village School Director
Chadwick School in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, has announced that Interim Village School Director Dorothy Hutcheson will become Director of the Village School, effective July 1, 2019. Dorothy brings to Chadwick more than 30 years of experience in a number of leadership roles in independent schools, including Head of School, Assistant Head of School, College Counselor, and Dean of Students. For 20 years, Dorothy was Head of School at Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City. She also was the founding Head of School of The Greene School in West Palm Beach, Florida. A highly regarded leader in independent education, she has served on numerous educational boards, including the National Association of Independent Schools, the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education at Teachers College and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. Dorothy holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York, a Master of Science in Education degree in school counseling from Duquesne University, and an A.B., magna cum laude, in religion and English from Duke University.

February 2019

Carol Seely Named The Town School's Head of Upper School
The Town School in New York, NY, has announced that Carol Seeley will be the next Head of Upper School. Carol is currently Head of the Middle School at Poly Prep Country Day School, where she is a member of the senior administrative team, partnering closely with school leadership and teachers in serving strategic goals and day-to-day operations. Prior to her current position, Carol served as Poly’s Dean of 7th and 8th grade students, working closely with the student support team, supervising the advisory program, and managing the application process for students applying out for high school. Carol has also taught middle-school math at the Park School in Brookline, MA, Columbia Grammar and Prep, and at Poly Prep. She is a graduate of the Groton School, and earned her BA in Sociology-based Human Relations from Connecticut College.

November 2018

Crissy Cáceres Appointed Brooklyn Friends School's New Head
Brooklyn Friends School in Brooklyn, New York, has announced that Crissy Cáceres will be the next Head of School. Crissy is currently the Assistant Head of School at Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC. Previously, Crissy was Head of Lower School at Abington Friends School in Abington, PA, where she led a nationally-recognized Early Childhood Program and lead a Lower School division of more than 190 students and 34 faculty members. Prior to her time at Abington Friends, she was Assistant Head of Lower School at Episcopal Academy, where she also began her independent school teaching career.Since 2009, Crissy has been a faculty member at the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute. She has served as a Middle States Accreditation Commissioner, co-chaired the People of Color Conference in Philadelphia, served on various leadership associations, and has partnered with schools and organizations nation-wide as consultant, presenter, and facilitator on various school leadership, social justice, and school culture and student engagement topics. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a B.A. in a self-designed major in Urban Policy and Education with a minor in Psychology from Wellesley College. She is also a graduate of the National Association of Independent Schools’ Fellowship for Aspiring Heads.

November 2018

Maureen Fonseca to Head Elisabeth Morrow School
The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, New Jersey, has named Maureen Fonseca as its next Head of School. Formerly Head of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Maureen Fonseca is currently Chief Executive Officer of Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation/New York Edge, a community based organization serving 25,000 students in 110 under-resourced New York City public schools. Prior to her time at Masters, she founded St. Philip’s Academy in Newark, New Jersey, a school with a mission of preparing inner city students for competitive secondary schools. Over her 12 years at St. Philip’s, she grew the school from an opening enrollment of ten children in first grade to over 200 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Maureen received a B.A in French and Russian from Vassar College and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in French Literature from Fordham University. An active member of many professional organizations, she is currently a Board member of the French American School of New York, Chair of the Fairchester Heads Association, Treasurer of the Headmistresses Association of the East, and from 2010 – 2018 she was Commissioner on Accreditation for the New York State Association of Independent Schools.

November 2018

Gary Weisserman Is New Head at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School in Chicago, IL has named Gary Weisserman to be the next Head of School. Most recently, Gary was Head of School at Milken Community Schools in Los Angeles, California–the largest community/pluralistic Jewish day school in the United States. Before his time at Milken, Gary was Chief Academics Officer at Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami Beach, Florida, where he was responsible for educational programming within all five divisions of the school. Prior to working at Scheck, Gary was Head of School at Oakland Early College, a public, early college high school that serves more than 150 students in Oakland County, Michigan. Previous administrative positions include Director of Early College and K-16 initiatives at the University of Michigan-Flint and Program Director of the Interactive Communications and Simulations Group at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He has taught at the University of Michigan, West Bloomfield Public Schools, and Southfield Public Schools. Gary holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature and an M.A in Educational Studies and Educational Administration from the University of Michigan. He sits on the Board of Echo Horizon School, Adat Ari El Labowe Family School, and the Community Systems Foundation.

October 2018

Cannon School Appoints Christopher Jones Next Head
Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, has announced that Christopher Jones will be the next Head of School. Currently Associate Director of Schools, Director of Finance and Operations, and Interim Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Development at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Christopher is responsible for the overall administrative operations of Lab, including the budget and strategic planning; and he recently completed a $200 million renovation and expansion of the campus. Christopher received an A.B. in Philosophy from the University of Chicago in 2002 and an M.B.A. from University’s Booth School of Business in 2017. He is a ten-year member of the International Association of School Business Officers and sits on the University of Chicago’s Emergency Management and Council and Employee Benefits Committee.

October 2018

Booth Kyle Named Indian Creek School's New Head
Indian Creek School in Crownsville, Maryland, has named Booth Kyle as its next Head of School. Booth currently serves as the Associate Head at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. At Lakeside, Booth is primarily responsible for overseeing Admission and Financial Aid, Athletics, Global Education, Lakeside’s Educational Enrichment Program, and Summer School Programs. He also chairs the Programs Group and was a part of Lakeside’s efforts to open The Downtown School: A Lakeside School, a micro-schoolcommitted to providing a more affordable independent school option for academically talented students in downtown Seattle. Previously, Booth was Director of Financial Aid, Associate Director of Admission, and Head Crew Coach at Deerfield Academy. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Director of Admission at Brooks School. Booth earned his B.A. in U.S. History from Connecticut College, and he holds a Masters in Education, Curriculum, and Teaching from Boston University.

August 2018

Megan McHugh Is Director of Lower School Admission at Agnes Irwin
The Agnes Irwin School has appointed Megan McHugh to be the school’s Associate Director of Lower School Admission and Outreach. Megan comes to Agnes Irwin from Holy Child at Rosemont, where she was Director of Admission. Previously, she served for six years as the Parents’ Liaison at Holy Child as a member of the Advancement Office. Megan holds a B.A. in journalism from Temple University.

April 2018

Joseph Bradley to Lead Davidson Academy
Joseph Bradley has been appointed Head of School at Davidson Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Most recently, Mr. Bradley served as President and CEO of Phoenix Christian in Phoenix, Arizona. Previously, he was Head of School at Dominian Christian Schools in Marietta, Georgia. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from The University of Colorado and an M.Ed. in Leadership of Educational Organizations from American Intercontinental University.

April 2018

Kate Merritt Is New Director of Advancement at John Thomas Dye
The John Thomas Dye School has named Kate Merritt as its next Director of Advancement. Since 2014, Ms. Merritt has served as Associate Director of Advancement for Annual Fund and Alumni Programs at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, Florida. Previously she held a number of positions at Cate School in Carpinteria, California, including Parent Fund and Events Manager and Research and Special Projects Assistant. She holds a B.S. in Communications from Wakeforest University.

March 2018

Jennifer Beltramo becomes Superintendent for the Diocese of San Jose
Jennifer Beltramo has been named the next Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of San Jose, California. Currently Director of Academic Excellence for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Ms. Beltramo has served as a teacher, school principal, and the Assistant Superintendent of Schools at the Archdiocese. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.Ed., and an M.A. in Educational Administration, all from the University of Notre Dame.

March 2018

Karyn Vella Appointed Assistant Head for Development at Peddie School
Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, has appointed Karyn Vella as the next Assistant Head of School for Development. Since 2012, Karyn has been Assistant Head for External Affairs, Campaign Director, and Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid at Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, NY. Previously, she was Director of Annual Giving at Winchester Thurston School and has worked at Shady Side Academy, Brophy College Preparatory, Bryn Mawr School, and Oldfields School in a variety of roles. Karyn is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and holds a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College.

February 2018

Heather Haas Named Middle School Head at Annunciation Orthodox
Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, TX, has announced that Heather Haas will be the next Head of Middle School. Heather is currently the Middle School Science Department Chair at the Greenhill School in Dallas where she has been for the past five years. Prior to Greenhill, Heather taught social studies, science, and math in both the Lewisville ISD and Houston ISD school systems. She holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Sciences from Texas A&M and will complete her Masters in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in April 2019.

February 2018

Danielle Passno to Head Middle School at The Browning School
The Browning School in New York, New York, has announced that Danielle Passno will be the next Head of Middle School. Danielle is currently serving as Director of Outreach and Public Purpose at The Spence School and is on the faculty of the Klingenstein Summer Institute. Prior to her current position at Spence, Danielle was Upper School Dean of Student Life and Leadership, Grade 9 Dean, and an Upper and a Middle School Math Teacher at the school. Danielle holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College in Engineering Sciences modified with Studio Art with minors in English and Education and an M.A. in Education Leadership from Columbia University.

February 2018

Gene Campbell to Head Upper School at The Browning School
The Browning School in New York, New York, has named Gene Campbell as the next Head of Upper School. For the past 12 years, Gene has been a teacher and administrator at St. Albans School. In addition to his duties as Senior Dean of Students, he also serves as assistant Director of Upper School Admission, teaches English, helped to create the school’s character education and advisory curriculum, and has coached football and basketball. Prior to his arrival at St. Albans, Mr. Campbell taught at the Kent School in Connecticut. He earned a B.A. in English from Georgetown University and an M.A. in English from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.

February 2018

Joanie Dean Named Prep School Director at CGPS
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in New York, New York, has appointed Joanie Dean as its next Prep School Director. Joanie has worked at CGPS since 2000, serving as Assistant Director of the Prep School, Dean of Academics, Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs, and Math Department Head. Prior to her time at CGPS, she taught math at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, NY, and at Government High School Fundong in Cameroon during her time as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps. Joanie received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.A. in Mathematics Secondary Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University, and an Ed.M. in Leadership for Educational Change from Bank Street College of Education.

February 2018

Nigel Furlonge Named Upper School Principal at ECFS
Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York, New York, has named Nigel Furlonge as the Upper School’s next Principal. Nigel has been Associate Head of School at Holderness School since 2015. Previous posts include Admissions Director and Dean of Students and Residential Life at Christina Seix Academy, Academic Dean at Lawrenceville School, and Director of Studies at St. Andrew’s School. Nigel is a graduate of Boston Latin School and holds a B.A. in American History with a minor in African American Studies from The University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. in American History from Villanova University, and an M.Ed. in Organization and Private School Leadership from Columbia University.

February 2018

Paul Passamonte Named Mid-Pac's High School Principal
Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, HI, has announced that Paul Passamonte will be the school’s next High School Principal. Since 2010, Paul has been Middle School Principal at Hong Kong International School. Previously he was High School Principal at International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile, and Middle School Principal at International School Manila in Manila, Philippines. Paul holds a B.S. in K-12 Special Education and Middle School Mathematics from Eastern Kentucky University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from De La Salle University.

January 2018

Brian Mahoney to Lead Bergen Catholic High School
Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, has announced that Brian Mahoney will be the next President. Since 2011, Brian has served as Headmaster of EF Academy in Thornwood, New York. Previously, he was Headmaster of Rockland Country Day School. Before his time at Rockland, he was Middle School Director at The Harvey School. Brian holds a B.A. in History from Siena College and an M.S. in Teaching and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Fordham University.

January 2018

Doug Brophy Is Next Head at The Town School
The Town School in New York, New York, has announced that Douglas Brophy will be its next Head of School. Currently Academic Dean of The Spence School, Doug serves as Chair of the Academic Planning Committee, K-12 Curriculum Team, and Equity Council. He is a member of the Long Range Planning, College Counseling, Technology, and Building Planning and Design Committees. He is the Vice Chair of the New York Association of Independent Schools Accreditation Team and Chair of the Diversity Job Fair Panel. Doug received a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. with a concentration in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane in 1985 and 1989, respectively. He completed an M.Ed. at Stanford University in 1998. In 2006, he received an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

January 2018

Joseph McCauley Next Principal at Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School has named Joseph McCauley as the next Principal of Fieldston Lower School. Since 2014, Joe has been Assistant Head of Pre and Lower School at The Packer Collegiate Institute. He joined Packer in 2008 as a fourth-grade teacher. During his time there, he has been Director of the Teacher Mentor Program, Leader of Year-long Staff Development Groups, and a member of the Lower School Curriculum Leadership Team and the Strategic Plan Task Force on Community and Identity. Joe earned a B.A. in History from the University of Wisconsin, and an M.S. in Elementary Education from Hunter College.

January 2018

Manning Weir to Become Upper School Principal at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced that Manning Weir will be the next Upper School Principal. Manning has been Upper School Principal at The Brookstone School since 2011. He served as Upper School Assistant Principal at Stratford Academy from 2007-2011 and was Director of Student Life at Memphis University School from 2001-2007 after joining the school in 1998 as Academic Counselor. Manning holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in American History from Connecticut College and an M.S. in Psychology from The University of Memphis.

January 2018

Jennifer Rhodes Is Next Director of Development at CGPS
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School has named Jennifer Rhodes as its next Director of Development. Since 2013, Jennifer has been Director of Institutional Advancement at The Cathedral School in New York City. Previously, she was the Senior Advancement officer at Viewpoint School in Los Angeles and Alumnae Director for The Chapin Centennial Campaign at The Chapin School in New York. Jennifer Holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Rollins College and is a graduate of The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut.

December 2017

Sam Fragomeni Appointed Annunciation Orthodox School's Next Head
Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, Texas, has appointed Sam Fragomeni as its next Head of School. In 2014, Sam began his work with Explore Schools in Brooklyn, which serves more than 2,000 students in its four elementary and middle schools. Initially the Managing Director of Leadership Development, he was promoted to Chief Academic Officer, where he was tasked with creating and executing the schools’ academic vision. Before his time at Explore, he spent nine years at Harlem Village Academies, serving as Director of Elementary Schools & Lead Principal, Middle School Principal, and as a fifth grade teacher. In the fall of 2017, Sam moved to Houston with his wife, who recently took a position at MD Anderson. Sam holds a B.A. in Government and Psychology and an Ed.M in Elementary Education from the University of Notre Dame. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Pennsylvania.

December 2017

Billy Handmaker Appointed Next Head at Keystone School
Billy Handmaker has been named the next Head of Keystone School in San Antonio, Texas. Since 2011, he has been Head of Bosque School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has served as a teacher and administrator in independent schools since 1989. From 1989-96, Billy taught history, chaired the History Department, and served as the Dean of Faculty and the Assistant Head for Faculty and Curriculum at Whitfield School in St. Louis. From 1996-2011, Billy was the Head of School and taught history at Crossroads College Preparatory School in St. Louis. Billy earned a B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University and an M.A. in Teaching/History from Washington University in St. Louis.

December 2017

Sherri Helvie to Lead The Orchard School
The Orchard School has announced that Dr. Sherri Helvie will be the school's next Head. Sherri currently serves as the Assistant Head of School at Gateway School, a premier progressive K-8 school in Santa Cruz, California. Before she was promoted to her current post at Gateway, she served as Middle School Coordinator. Previously, she taught Ancient and Medieval Literature at Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz, and she also served as English Department Chair and Director of the After-School Tutoring Program. Simultaneously, she taught courses on Charles Dickens and 20th century British fiction at University of California-Santa Cruz. Before her time in education, Sherri worked as a project manager in Silicon Valley.

December 2017

Michelle Barton Appointed The Shlenker School's Next Head
The Shlenker School in Houston, Texas, has announced that Michelle Barton will be its next Head of School. Michelle joins Shlenker from the Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy in Los Angeles where she currently serves as the Elementary School Principal. Prior to her appointment as Principal, Michelle served for five years as Lead Teacher in third grade and for one year as Literacy Coordinator. Michelle received her B.A. cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and earned Dean’s Honor’s List. Michelle is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education in the Educational Leadership Program at UCLA and expects to receive her degree during the summer of 2018.

December 2017

Scott Fech Is Next Head of Winchester Thurston School
Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has named Scott Fech as its next Head of School. Currently Director of the Upper School at Nova Southeastern University School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Scott previously served as High School Principal and Director of Educational Programs at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools from 2012-2017. Additionally, Scott has been a guest lecturer at the university level and served on the Board of ChiTech Academy Charter High School in Chicago. Scott holds a B.S. in Education from Indiana University, a Master of Theological Studies from University of St. Michael's College in Toronto, an M.S. in Education from Purdue University-Calumet, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Loyola University Chicago

December 2017

Dan Quesnel Appointed New Head at The Oakwood School
The Oakwood School in Greenville, North Carolina, has named Dan Quesnel as its next Head of School. Dan has worked at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina since 2007. Initially a Middle School teacher, coach, and the school's General Counsel, Dan has served as Middle School Director and General Counsel since 2013. Prior to Dan's independent school career, he practiced law in a number of areas and industries, including education. Dan received a J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina Asheville.

December 2017

Joseph Cox Is Next Upper School Head at La Jolla Country Day
La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla, California, has named Dr. Joseph Cox as its next Head of Upper School. Joe is currently serving as Interim Head of Upper School. Prior to his time at La Jolla, Joe was Headmaster at the Haverford School for 15 years. He has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Education and served as the Executive Director of the International Boys' School Coalition. Joe is a retired Army Colonel and served as a Professor of English at the United States Military Academy. Joe Holds a B.A. from Lafayette College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Lafayette College.

November 2017

Margaret Higgins Appointed President of Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School
Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School (CRSJ) in San José, California, has appointed Dr. Margaret Higgins to serve as President, beginning in December. Dr. Higgins brings 25 years of experience working in Catholic colleges and universities including Santa Clara University (SCU), the University of San Francisco, The Catholic University of America, Merrimack College, and Suffolk University. Since 2015, she has worked at SCU, initially as Director of Development and, beginning in 2016, as Senior Director of Development and Scholarship Initiatives. Before her time at SCU, Dr. Higgins served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Salve Regina University, Assistant to the President at San Francisco University, and Dean of Students at The Catholic University of America. Dr. Higgins holds a B.S. in Communication Disorders from the College of Saint Rose, an M.Ed. in Guidance and Psychological Services from Springfield College, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy from The Catholic University of America.

November 2017

Bob Carignan Appointed New Head at International School of Denver
International School of Denver in Denver, Colorado, has tapped Bob Carignan to be its next Head of School, beginning in July, 2018. Mr. Carignan’s appointment follows his 15-year tenure at Riverstone International School in Boise, Idaho, where he began as a teacher and has served as Head of School since 2011. Prior to his time at Riverstone, he worked in financial trading. Mr. Carignan holds an A.B. from Brown University in English and Economics and an M.Ed. from Boise State University in Curriculum and Instruction.

November 2017

Brian Oliver to Lead Tuscaloosa Academy
Tuscaloosa Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has announced the appointment of Dr. Bryan Oliver as its next Head of School. An Alabama native, Dr. Oliver has served as High School Principal at Saint James High School in Montgomery since 2012. With eight years of experience working in admissions and recruitment at the University of Alabama, Dr. Oliver is no stranger to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Oliver earned a B.S. in Finance, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama. He is currently a National Association of Independent Schools Aspiring School Heads Fellow.

November 2017

Bart Bronk Appointed New Head at University Liggett School
University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, has appointed Bart Bronk as its next Head of School. He most recently served as Interim Head of Liggett, following the retirement of longtime Head of School, Joseph Healey. Mr. Bronk joined the community in 2013 and has held a variety of positions including Provost, Chief Operating Officer, and Dean of Faculty. Previously, he was at Church Farm School, where he served as Director of Admissions for six years. Prior to that, he served as Director of Institutional Giving and Government Relations at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. He holds a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

November 2017

Ashley Harper Named New Head at Wakefield School
Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia, has named Ashley Harper as its next Head of School, beginning in July, 2018. Currently serving as director of Advancement at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ms. Harper has been at the school since her 2012 appointment as Director of Lower School. Prior to her time at Winchester Thurston, Ms. Harper served as Middle School Director at the Brookwood School in Thomasville, Georgia, where she also taught algebra and 5th grade. Ms. Harper holds a B.A. in Economics from Florida State University and an M.A. in Teaching and Learning and Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. She was a National Association of Independent Schools Aspiring School Heads Fellow in 2011-2012.

March 2017

Bryan Nixon Named Head of School of TASIS England
TASIS England has announced the appointment of Bryan Nixon as its next Head of School. Mr. Nixon, a native of Northern Ireland, has served since 2012 as Head of School at Whitby School in Greenwich, CT. Earlier, he served in several leadership positions at The Bavarian International School in Germany, including four years as its Director (Head of School). Prior to his tenure at BIS, he was the Curriculum Coordinator at the St. Andrew's School in the Bahamas.

February 2017

Scott Parker to Head Kamehameha Maui Campus
Scott Parker, Ed.D., has been named Poʻo Kula (Head of School) for Kamehameha Schools Maui campus, effective in June. Dr. Parker is currently serving as interim Hope Poʻo Kula (Assistant Head of School) at Kamehameha’s Kapālama campus. He has worked in multiple educational environments, including as a teacher and administrator in both public and private schools on Maui and Oʻahu. In 2014, Dr. Parker was the recipient of the STRIVE HI Award for sustained academic achievement while Principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on Oʻahu. He is a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and a recipient of numerous commendations for his service to the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard. A native of Maui, Dr. Parker graduated from Maui High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. In 2014, Dr. Parker earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

February 2017

Sara Kyle Appointed Blake's Next College Counseling Director
The Blake School in Minneapolis has announced the appointment of Sara Kyle as the Director of College Counseling, beginning this summer. Since joining Blake in 2001, Ms. Kyle has served as Associate Director of College Counseling. Prior to coming to Blake, she served as Director of Admissions at St. Olaf College, her alma mater. Ms. Kyle is a past president of the Minnesota Association of College Admissions Professionals and has led efforts in leadership development, membership, and publicity for the regional organization. She is also active in regional and national advocacy work through the National Association of College Admissions Professionals.

February 2017

BASIS.ed Names Ron Kim Founding Head of School
BASIS.ed, a rapidly expanding network of high-achieving private schools and public charter schools, has announced the appointment of Ron Kim to serve as a founding Head of School for one of the independent schools it plans to launch in McLean, Virginia. Mr. Kim is currently the Assistant Principal of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He has served Phillips Exeter since 1994 in roles including History Instructor, Coach, Dormitory Head, Associate Dean of Faculty, and Dean of Faculty. Mr. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his master’s degree and pursued doctoral studies in History at the University of Chicago.

February 2017

Elie Déu is Next Head at Williamsburg Northside
Williamsburg Northside Schools has announced the appointment of Elizabeth “Elie” Smith Déu as Head of School. Ms. Déu is a founding administrator and the current Dean of Students for grades 6-9 at Avenues: The World School in Manhattan. During more than 25 years in education, she has served as a teacher and senior administrator at institutions including Phillips Exeter Academy (NH), Milton Academy (MA), La Jolla Country Day School (CA), and Greenwich Academy (CT). She has taught Spanish and Humanities, served as a Head of Lower School, and led enrollment efforts as a Director of Admissions. Ms. Déu also has more than a decade of experience working in Europe, primarily at Collegi Internacional del Pirineu in Andorra and the American International School in Cyprus. Ms. Déu holds a B.A. in History and Spanish with a minor in Art History from Duke University and has completed professional training from Columbia University's Teachers College.

February 2017

Lakeside School Appoints Felicia Wilks as Upper School Director
Felicia Wilks will join Lakeside School in Seattle this July as Director of the Upper School. Ms. Wilks is Head of Upper School at Garrison Forrest School in Maryland. From 2010 to 2015, she was the Director of Diversity and a member of the leadership team at Friends School of Baltimore. She chaired the Upper School English Department at the school from 2007 to 2010 and directed its Middle Grades Partnership Project from 2006 to 2010. While at Friends, Ms. Wilks spoke nationally on topics related to diversity in education and served on committees for NAIS and the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools. Earlier, she taught at Catonsville Educational Center and Baltimore City Community College in Maryland, and at Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Wilks holds a bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Columbia University and a master's degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University.

February 2017

Carrollwood Day School Announces Sara Rubinstein as New Head of High School
Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Florida, has announced the appointment of Sara Rubinstein as Head of the High School. Ms. Rubinstein is the former Assistant Headmaster for Academics and the Head of Upper School at Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida. Earlier in her career, she served as an English teacher, Head of Upper School, and Director of Studies at Saint Andrew’s School in Savannah, Georgia, and as a teacher, residential faculty member, and coach at Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School in Michigan. Ms. Rubinstein received her B.A. in English and Women's Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo, then earned two master's degrees from the University of Michigan, one in English Language and Literature and the other in Secondary Education.

February 2017

Miami Country Day Selects Donald Ball as New Upper School Director
Donald Ball has been appointed Upper School Director at Miami Country Day School in Florida. Mr. Ball is the Dean of Academic Affairs at Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN, where he also serves as a teacher, advisor, and dorm parent. He came to Baylor in 2014 from The Webb Schools (CA), where he taught, coached, and led the History Department. Earlier in his career, he taught at Germantown Academy (PA) and Manlius Pebble High School (NY). Mr. Ball is a graduate of Princeton University. He earned an M.A.L.S. in Political Science and Creative Writing from Dartmouth College and an E.M.B.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Entrepreneurship from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.

January 2017

Rose Helm Takes the Helm at John Thomas Dye
The Board of Trustees of The John Thomas Dye School (JTD) in Los Angeles has named Rose Helm as its next Head of School. Ms. Helm is the Middle School Division Head at Hamlin School in San Francisco, where she has worked since 2006. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Helm was a fifth-grade teacher at JTD. Before coming to JTD, she was a teacher and coach at her alma mater, Harbor Day School (CA). Ms. Helm holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of California, Irvine.

January 2017

Taran Chun to Lead Kamehameha Campus
Taran Chun, Ed.D., will be the next Head of School at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapālama Campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Chun has served as Principal of Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah, since 2013. Earlier, he was the lead consultant for Mana Academy Charter School in West Valley City, Utah, and served as principal at Granite Park Junior High. A 1995 graduate of Kamehameha Schools’ Kapālama Campus, Dr. Chun is a graduate of Brigham Young University, from which he holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah.

January 2017

Kristina Luscher Named Bellarmine College Prep's Principal
Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California, has named Kristina Luscher to the post of Principal, effective immediately. Ms. Luscher has served as the Interim Principal since June 2015. She joined Bellarmine's faculty in 2000, and has also served as the English Department Chair and Academic Assistant Principal. Ms. Luscher holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, a master's degree in Education from Stanford University, and a master's degree in Educational Administration from Santa Clara University.

January 2017

Vermont Academy Appoints Jennifer Zaccara as First Woman Head
Jennifer L. Zaccara, Ph.D., has been appointed the eighteenth Head of School – and first woman to hold the position – at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River. Dr. Zaccara will join Vermont Academy from The Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City, where she has served as Associate Head of School since 2013. Prior to that, she was Associate Dean of Faculty at the Taft School (CT), where she worked for 12 years in roles including teacher, advisor, coach, department chair, and dean. Dr. Zaccara is a graduate of Trinity College (CT), from which she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. She earned her doctorate in English from the University of Connecticut.

January 2017

Dalton Names Tracy Fedonchik Middle School Director
The search for the next Middle School Director of The Dalton School in New York City has concluded with the appointment of Tracy Fedonchik. Ms. Fedonchik has served Dalton for 14 years in several roles, including Assistant Middle School Director, Head Teacher and House Advisor in both the First Program and the Middle School, Co-President of the Faculty Association, and Founding Chair of the Professional Development Committee. She is a graduate of Fairfield University and holds a master's degree from Bank Street College of Education.

January 2017

Celeste Herrera Will Lead Dalton's High School
The Dalton School in New York City has appointed Celeste Herrera to serve as High School Director, beginning in July. Ms. Herrera has worked at Dalton since 2010, serving as Associate Director and then Director of College Counseling. Earlier in her career, she worked as Director of College Guidance and Dean of Academic Advisement at New Community Jewish High School (CA) and as Regional Director of Admission in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Herrera graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds an M.S.Ed. in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania.

January 2017

CGPS Appoints Sarah McLean Next Head of Grammar School
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School (CGPS) in New York City has announced the appointment of Sarah A. McLean as the new Head of Grammar School. Since 2013, Ms. McLean has been the Head of English Learning (Elementary Division) at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, where she served as an elementary school teacher from 2005-2012. Earlier in her career, she taught English in Taipei, Taiwan. Ms. McLean is a graduate of Yale University and holds a master's degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

January 2017

Cintra Horn to Lead Agnes Irwin's Middle School
Cintra Horn will join The Agnes Irwin School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, next July as its new Director of Middle School. Ms. Horn is the Head of Lower School at The Awty International School in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has held a range of positions at both the Lower and Middle School levels, including teacher, Division Director, Deputy Head, and Interim Director of Admissions. Ms. Horn received both her Bachelor of Education in History and French and her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education for School Leadership from the University of Manitoba. She received an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Toronto at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

December 2016

San Antonio Academy Appoints Clint DuBose
San Antonio Academy in San Antonio, Texas, has announced the appointment of Clint DuBose as its next Head of School. Mr. DuBose has been the Head of Middle School at Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston since 2007. He had served that school since 1998 as a faculty member, Dean of Students, and Assistant Head of Middle School prior to his current position. Mr. DuBose is a graduate of the University of Houston and holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Houston Baptist University.

December 2016

Chaka Cummings Will Lead Blake's Middle School
Congratulations to The Blake School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and to Chaka Cummings on his appointment as Blake’s next Middle School Director, beginning in July 2017. Mr. Cummings brings a breadth of experience in middle school education as an administrator and teacher. He has served as Assistant Head of the Middle School at Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, Texas. He also has deep middle school teaching experience at independent schools including Greenhill School (TX), Academy at the Lakes (FL), Trinity Valley School (TX), St. John's School (KY) and Lexington Catholic High School (KY). Mr. Cummings holds a B.A. in educational studies from Berea College and an M.B.A. from the University of Kentucky.

November 2016

Pardes Jewish Day School Appoints Peter Gordon
Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale, Arizona, has announced the appointment of Peter J. Gordon as its next Head of School. Mr. Gordon is the Head of School at Hilltop Country Day School in Sparta, New Jersey. Previously, he served as a teacher, coach, Associate Director of Admissions, and Middle School Head at Brimmer and May School in Massachusetts. Earlier in his career, he held teaching, coaching, and residential life positions at Flint Hill School (VA), The Fessenden School (MA), and St. Edward's School (FL). Mr. Gordon is a graduate of Babson College and holds a master's degree in Education from Boston University.

November 2016

Bill Donohue to Lead Columbia Grammar and Prep
William M. Donohue, Ed.D., will be the next Head of School at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in New York City. Dr. Donohue is the Superintendent of Schools for the Byram Hills School District in Armonk, New York, a post he has held since 2012. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent and as Principal of Byram Hills High School. Dr. Donohue is a graduate of the University of Maryland. He holds an M.Ed. in Counseling from The George Washington University, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from Harvard University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.

November 2016

Park Tudor School Appoints Gareth Vaughan
The Park Tudor School Board of Directors has selected Gareth Vaughan to become its new Head of School in July 2017. Mr. Vaughan is the former eight-year Director (Head of School) of Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Alabama. Earlier in his career, he served as a faculty member, Dean of Students, and Upper School Head at Washington International School in the District of Columbia. A dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, Mr. Vaughan studied biology at the University of York before earning a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of London. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from The George Washington University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

October 2016

The Ellis School Appoints Macon Finley as New Head
The Ellis School in Pittsburgh, PA, has announced the appointment of Macon Finley as its next Head of School. Ms. Finley will join Ellis from John Burroughs School in St. Louis, where she has been Assistant Head of School since 2012. She has been an educator at John Burroughs since 2000, previously serving as the Director of Academics, the Principal for grades 7 and 8, and a mathematics teacher. Among her many accomplishments at John Burroughs, Ms. Finley led the development of cross-curricular STEM initiatives tied to the building of a new center for science, engineering, computer science, and library programs. Before joining John Burroughs, she worked in product management at Ralston Purina, as a Market Research Analyst at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and as a researcher in biostatistics at Washington University in St. Louis and at Stanford University. Ms. Finley received her bachelor’s degree in statistics from Princeton University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

September 2016

Josh Cobb Appointed Next Head of Graland Country Day
Congratulations to Graland Country Day School in Denver, Colorado, and Head of Middle School Josh Cobb, who has been appointed Graland’s next Head of School. He will immediately become the Associate Head of School, transitioning to the headship on July 1, 2017. He succeeds retiring Head of School Veronica (Ronni) McCaffrey. A former classroom teacher, Mr. Cobb joined the Graland faculty in 2002 and began serving as Head of Middle School in 2010. He holds a master’s degree in private school leadership from Columbia University's Klingenstein Center as well as a master of arts degree in literature and a bachelor of arts degree in English, both from Middlebury College.