Western Leadership Appointments

  • Archdiocese of San Francisco (San Francsico, CA)

    Pamela Lyons Superintendent, Appointed for 2017

    Pam has served as the Associate Superintendent at the Archdiocese for the past three years. Previously, she taught and led in California Catholic schools such as St. Bernard’s in Eureka, Assumption in Los Angeles, and Assumption in San Leandro. She also spent time as a Training Manager for a law firm in San Francisco and a communications firm in New York. Pam holds a BA in English from St. Mary’s College of California, and an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame.

    The Archdiocese of San Francisco serves 91 parishes and 10 missions, and represents three of the most diverse diocese in the entire United States. Its Department of Catholic Schools administers an exceptional Catholic education program to more than 70 schools.

  • Center for Early Education, Upper Primary Principal (West Hollywood, CA)

    Eileen Wasserman Upper Primary Principal, Appointed for 2017

    Eileen will join the Center for Early Education from Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood, where she has served since 1989. She came to the school as Math Department Chair and has since been appointed a grade dean, Associate Head and Dean of Students, Middle School Head, and Assistant Head. She has also taught at Mountain View Academy and in California’s public schools, and has consulted with Walt Disney Educational Media. Eileen holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Boston University.

    The Center for Early Education, a socio-economically and culturally diverse independent school for children PK-6, strives to graduate students who are joyful, resilient, life-long learners.

  • Drew School, Advancement Director (San Francisco, CA)

    Lyla Max Advancement Director, Appointed for 2017

    Lyla will join Drew School following a six-year tenure as Institutional Advancement Director at Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley. Previously, she served as Development Director at Marin Montessori School in Corte Madeira. She has also worked in development at a museum as well as at Osher Marin Jewish Community Center. Lyla holds a BA in Art History from New York University.

    Drew believes in teenagers – their ideas, their dreams, their opinions, and their potential. It has created a high school community that challenges the traditional definition of success and celebrates achievement one student at a time.

  • Ecole Bilingue de Berkley (Berkeley, CA)

    Mehdi Lazar Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Mehdi will join Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley following a two-year tenure as Lower School Head of Dallas International School in Texas. He began his career teaching in French public schools, and has since taught and led at the International School of Boston, Ecole Nationale de L’Administration in Paris, and Lycee International de Los Angeles. Mehdi holds both a BA and PhD in Geography from La Sorbonne, and an MS in Geography from the University of Paris.

    Ecole Bilingue educates students in grades PK through 8, with more than 40 nationalities represented. By the end of their second year at EB, the vast majority of students are fluent French speakers, with age-appropriate literacy skills in both French and English.

  • Friends School (Boulder, CO)

    Honor Taft Head of School, Appointed for 2018

    Honor Taft will join Friends School in Boulder following three years as the Director of the Lower School at Gill St. Bernard’s School in New Jersey.  She first began teaching in 1998 at the Cademon School in New York. From there, she went on to teach middle school grades for ten years at The Allen-Stevenson School, North Branch School and finally returning to Cademon where she transitioned to Assistant Head of School until 2015. She holds a BA from Hobart & William Smith Colleges, an MEd from Bank Street College of Education and an MEd in Educational Leadership from The Klingenstein Center at Columbia University.

    Friends’ School is a supportive, dynamic community committed to educating the whole child—head, hand, and heart. Our students acquire a strong academic foundation while developing creative expression, social responsibility, and respect for diversity and the individual. We challenge students and teachers to reach their full potential as engaged, lifelong learners. This school is a special place, a place where children are known and honored, where they are encouraged to grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, creatively and physically, a place where integrated learning is at the forefront of our philosophy of education.

  • Gooden School (Sierra Madre, CA)

    Carl Parke Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Carl will join Gooden School following a five-year tenure as Head of LaGrange Academy in Georgia. Previously, he served as Upper School Student Dean and then Upper School Head at Altamont School in Alabama. He began his career in education in Florida, where he taught at Tampa Preparatory School and the University of South Florida. Carl holds a BA from Valdosta State University and an MA from the University of South Florida.

    The Gooden School is a fine example of the best that the more than 1,200 Episcopal schools across the nation have to offer.  Gooden is truly one of the San Gabriel Valley’s gems; a school home to happy and curious children led by a dedicated faculty and staff on a serenely beautiful campus.

  • Harker School (San Jose, CA)

    Kimberly Lobe Advancement Director, Appointed for 2018

    After serving as Director of Institutional Advancement at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby, OH for the past four years, Harker School will welcome Kimberly this summer as their new Advancement Director. Kim began her career in 2005 at St. Martin de Porres High School in Cleveland, OH as Associate Director of Development. In 2006 she transitioned to Laurel School for Girls in Shaker Heights, OH where she served an eight year tenure as Director of Leadership Giving. Kim holds a BA from Cleveland State University.

    The Harker School is a private, coeducational school in Silicon Valley that has earned international recognition for its top academics, quality teachers and student achievements. Founded in 1893 and educating 2,000 students,  kindergarten through grade 12, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, serving families of preschool, elementary, middle and high school-aged children on its four San Jose campuses. Harker provides a challenging, balanced education and comprises the following cornerstones: students and families, teachers, curriculum and the learning environment, which includes inspiring facilities.

  • McGillis School (Salt Lake City, UT)

    James Brewer Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Jim will join McGillis School following a four-year tenure as Assistant Head of University Liggett School in Michigan. Prior to that appointment, he served as their Middle School Student Dean for two years. Jim has taught in public schools in Texas and Iowa, as well as at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland. He holds a BA from the University of Northern Iowa, an MS in Educational Leadership from Drake University, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Graceland University.

    McGillis School instills in its students a love of learning and the abilities to think critically, live ethically, and appreciate the value of each individual.

  • Montessori Community School (Honolulu, HI)

    Marjie Carroll Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Marjie will join Montessori Community School following a three-year tenure as Principal of Gyeongnam International Foreign School in South Korea. Previously, she served as an administrative officer in Minnesota Public Schools for sixteen years. She has also served as Education Director of a community church. Marjie holds a BA from Macalester College and an MA in Education from St. Catherine University. She is also an alumna of the American School in Japan.

    Montessori Community School is an independent, non-sectarian school for children ages two through twelve years committed to the child-centered Montessori method of education where children are actively engaged, self-directed learners.

  • Northwest Academy (Portland, OR)

    Christopher Schuck Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Chris will join Northwest Academy following a three-year tenure as Associate Head of Oregon Episcopal School. He had been at La Jolla Country Day School in California for the whole of his career prior to that appointment – first a teacher, then a Department Chair, then Academic Dean, Middle School Head, and finally Assistant Head of School. He also directed the summer program at Gillispie School in La Jolla. Chris holds a BA from Princeton University and an MEd from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed an NAIS Fellowship in 2005.

    Northwest Academy is a progressive independent middle and high school college preparatory program that inspires students to learn and achieve through its unique academic and arts partnership.

  • Oxbow School (Napa, CA)

    Michael Williamson Head of School, Appointed for 2018

    Michael Williamson will join Oxbow after 28 years at the Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. There he severed in many different roles including Art History Teacher, Art Department Chair, Dean of Faculty, College Advisor, Student Advisor, Director of Student Activities, and Interim Head of Upper School. He began his career in education as a teacher of Art History and Studio Art at The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA. From there he went on to teach Art at the George School in Newtown, PA. Michael holds a BA, cum laude, from Yale University and an MFA in painting from New York University.

    Oxbow is a one-semester coeducational boarding school located in Napa, California. High school juniors and seniors can choose to attend in either the fall or spring semester. Visual arts and academic focus. Founded 1997. Opened in 1999. Setting: suburban. Nearest major city: San Francisco. Students reside in single-sex suites in two dormitories. The campus includes 15 buildings–studios, classrooms, residential and dining– located at the “oxbow” in the Napa River. Two campus gardens. Total enrollment is limited to 48 students per semester.

  • Park City Day School (Park City, UT)

    Ian Crossland Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Ian will join Park City Day School following a four-year tenure at Colegio Los Nogales in Colombia. Previously, he served as Middle School Principal for two years. Ian has taught in Washington’s public schools as well as at Overlake School in Redmond. He has also been a practicing attorney. He holds a BA from the University of Puget Sound, a JD from the University of Washington at Seattle, and an MEd from Harvard University.

    Park City Day School is dedicated to providing an exceptional, dynamic liberal arts education for early childhood, elementary, and middle school students in Park City, UT.

  • Park Day School (Oakland, CA)

    Roel Vivit Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Roel will join Park Day School following a ten-year tenure as Chief Academic Officer of Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago. Previously, he served as a teacher and grade dean at Frances Xavier Warde Schools, as well as Head of School at Accontink Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He began his career teaching at Children of Peace School in Chicago. Roel holds both a BA in English and an MS in Elementary Education from Northwestern University.

    Park Day School is a diverse independent K-8 school seeking to inspire a passion for learning through a progressive approach to education that values intellectual pursuit and critical thinking, creative expression, self-discovery and a commitment to social justice.

  • Presidio Knolls School, Head of School (San Francisco, CA)

    Christopher Livaccari Head of School, Appointed for 2018

    Chris will join Presidio Knolls School following a five-year tenure as Elementary School Principal and Chinese Program Director at International School of the Peninsula in Palo Alto. Previously, he served as Director of Education and Chinese Language Initiatives at the Asia Society in New York. He still serves as a Senior Advisor for China Learning Initiatives. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Foreign Service Officer in Tokyo and Shanghai. Chris holds a BA in East Asian Languages & Literature from Columbia University, an MA in the same from University of Chicago, and an MA in Chinese and Japanese Language Education from New York University.

    The guiding principle behind Presidio Knolls School is to nurture the infinite capabilities of young children. This approach allows children to investigate and create meaning through play, understand that all learning is connected, and experience every event as an opportunity to gain a new and exciting understanding of the world.

  • Presidio Knolls School, Interim Head (San Francsico, CA)

    Judith Fox Interim Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Judy will join Presidio Knolls School following a two-year tenure as Upper School Head at Avenues: The World School in New York City. Previously, she served as Interim Head of La Jolla Country Day School in CA. She taught and led in New York public schools for almost four decades before becoming Head of Princeton Day School in New Jersey and joining the independent school community. Judy holds a BS in Science Education and Biochemistry from Cornell University, an MS in Science Education from CUNY at Queens College, and an EdD in Educational Administration from Columbia University.

    The guiding principle behind Presidio Knolls School is to nurture the infinite capabilities of young children. This approach allows children to investigate and create meaning through play, understand that all learning is connected, and experience every event as an opportunity to gain a new and exciting understanding of the world.

  • Presidio Knolls School, Middle School Head (San Francsico, CA)

    Michael Levy Middle School Head, Appointed for 2017

    Mike will join Presidio Knolls School following a five-year tenure at Avenues: The World School in New York City, where he has served as a member of the faculty as well as Associate Division Head for grades 6-8. He began his teaching career at Moorestown Friends School, then taught in China at Guizhou University as a US Peace Corps Volunteer. He taught at Saint Ann’s School in New York prior to his appointment at Avenues. Mike holds a BA from Cornell University and an MAT in Social Studies from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

    The guiding principle behind Presidio Knolls School is to nurture the infinite capabilities of young children. This approach allows children to investigate and create meaning through play, understand that all learning is connected, and experience every event as an opportunity to gain a new and exciting understanding of the world.

  • Sage Ridge School (Reno, NV)

    Tobin Bechtel Head of School, Appointed for 2018

    Tobin Bechtel will join Sage Ridge School after a four-year tenure as Head of School at International School of Switzerland. Prior to that appointment he served as Deputy Director and Secondary School Principal of International School of Berne, Switzerland since 2014. He has also served as a Curriculum Development Coordinator from 2002-2009 at Atlanta International School and IBMYP Coordinator and Teacher from 1995-2002 at International School of Amsterdam. Tobin holds a BA from The American University in Washington, DC and an MA in Teaching from The College of New Jersey.

    Sage Ridge School is a non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory private day school in Reno, Nevada.  Not only does Sage Ridge provide a diverse student body with world-class educational opportunities, it does so while living by the value pillars of respect, integrity, community, courage, and scholarship. The maximum class size is 18 with an average class size of 14. The student to teacher ratio is 1:9 and 20% of student body receive financial aid and scholarships.

     

  • San Diego French-American School (San Diego, CA)

    Mark Rosenblum Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Mark is currently finishing a six-year tenure at French-American School of New York, where he serves as Upper School Head. Previously, he served as a Department Chair at La Jolla Country Day School in CA. He began his career in education at Lycee International in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in France, before moving to New York to teach at Berkeley Carroll School and Packer Collegiate School. He has also served as a program director at Dartmouth College. Mark holds a BA from Bates College, an MA in French from Middlebury College, and an MEd in Private School Leadership from Columbia University.

    San Diego French-American School provides a rigorous dual-language immersion curriculum and unique multicultural experience that forges open-minded citizens.

  • San Domenico School (San Anselmo, CA)

    Anna Heidinger Director of Advancement, Appointed for 2017

    Anna previously served as Development Director or Advancement Director at a variety of independent schools in California, including Gateway High School, Head-Royce School, and Bay School of San Francisco. She began her career in higher education, serving as an Admissions Officer at Mills College, then Associate Admissions Director at Emerson College, before joining the independent school community. She was appointed Admissions Director and then External Affairs Director at Marin Academy. Anna holds a BA from Mills College, where she began her career as an Admissions Officer.

    San Domenico School is a K-12 day school with an international boarding program option for students in grades 9-12. Its 166-year history as California’s first independent school gives it strength in character that lasts through time. The school values a tradition of inquiry, respectful discourse, a striving toward peace and social justice, and an inspired sense of purpose and service.

  • San Francisco Waldorf School (San Francsico, CA)

    Craig Appel Administrative Director, Appointed for 2017

    Craig will join San Francisco Waldorf School following a two-year tenure as the Executive Director of the not-for profit Hand in Hand Parenting. Prior to that appointment, he served as Director of Partner Relations for The Energy Foundation, where he began as a Senior Program Associate. He has also been a Regional Manager for Green mountain Energy as well as a Consultant for Shakti Sustainable Energy India. He was the President of San Francisco Waldorf School’s Board of Trustees from 2010-2014. Craig holds a BA from Michigan State University and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco.

    At San Francisco Waldorf School, students discover a dynamic and challenging program grounded in the classics and engaged in the modern world. Students are energized by learning and become creative thinkers who can take on the complex questions of today’s interconnected world.

  • Seven Peaks School (Bend, OR)

    Paul Harrell Interim Head of School, Appointed for 2018

    Seven Peaks School will welcome Paul Harrell as Interim Head for the 2018-19 school year. Formerly, Paul served as Head of Vacaville Christian School in California from 2007 until 2017. Prior to that tenure he served as Advancement Director for Grosse Point Academy in Michigan. Paul began his career in education as a teacher at Lake Forest Academy in Illinois. He has also served as Department Chair at both Stevenson School in California and Providence Day School in North Carolina, Advancement Director at Kentucky Country Day School and Human Resources Director at Shell Oil Company in Texas. He holds an M.Ed. from University of Louisville and a BA from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

    Seven Peaks School is a learning community of 240 students, PK-8, where academic excellence, healthy social development and artistic expression are nurtured by exceptional staff and engaged families. We graduate well-educated, compassionate students who feel valued for who they are, prepared to excel in their personal pursuits and committed to being socially responsible world citizens. Our teachers and staff know your children personally. We find a build on your child’s unique gifts and we work closely with families to maintain a partnership with open communication and mutual support. Every child, every day.

  • Stevenson School, College Counseling Director (Pebble Beach, CA)

    Martha Allen College Counseling Director, Appointed for 2017

    Martha currently serves as Director of International Recruitment and Associate Dean of Admissions at Swarthmore College, a role in which she has served since 2014, and also from 2004-2009. Between these tenures, she served as Director of College Counseling at Baldwin School. She began her career at the University of Georgia, Athens, and has worked in the admissions offices of several colleges including Hamilton, Oberlin, and Bryn Mawr. She has also served as Director of College Counseling at Shady Side Academy. Martha holds a BA in Government from Smith College.

    Stevenson School is a PK-12 boarding and day school on two campuses (PK-8 and 9-12). Its aims are to prepare students for success at all ages, to foster a lifelong passion for learning, and to help them shape joyful lives.

  • Stevenson School, Director of Advancement (Pebble Beach, CA)

    Kevin Wasbauer Director of Advancement, Appointed for 2017

    Kevin will join Stevenson School following a six-year tenure as Executive Director of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. Previously, he served as Associate Development Director at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. He began his career at Stanford University, where he served as Associate Philanthropy Director and then Development Director. Kevin holds a BA from Lewis & Clark College and an MA from California State University in Sacramento.

    Stevenson School is a PK-12 boarding and day school on two campuses (PK-8 and 9-12). Its aims are to prepare students for success at all ages, to foster a lifelong passion for learning, and to help them shape joyful lives.

  • Stevenson School, Upper School Head (Pebble Beach, CA)

    Daniel Griffiths Upper School Head, Appointed for 2017

    Dan will join Stevenson School following ten years at Catlin Gabel School in Oregon. Currently Upper School Head, he has also served as a teacher, Department Chair, Associate Head, and Dean of Students. He has also taught at Sevenoaks School in UK, and served as Technology Director at St. Columba’s College in Ireland. Dan holds a BA in Biological Sciences from Oxford University and a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of Cambridge.

    Stevenson School is a PK-12 boarding and day school on two campuses (PK-8 and 9-12). Its aims are to prepare students for success at all ages, to foster a lifelong passion for learning, and to help them shape joyful lives.

  • Temecula Preparatory School (Temecula, CA)

    Michael Agostini Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Michael will join Temecula Preparatory School following an eight-year tenure as Operations Director of Charter Schools Development Center in Sacramento. Prior to that appointment, he was named President and Head of School at the Sierra Music Academy. Michael began his career as a teacher in Japanese public schools, before teaching at the Embassy Center for English Studies in Boston. He holds a BA from Yale University, an MEd in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University.

    Temecula Preparatory School is a California, public, non-profit, charter school which offers classes for K-12th grade. Its curriculum is “Virtue Centric” and based upon the four classical virtues articulated by Plato: Justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude. TPS utilizes the classical model of education which inspires students “how to think” versus “what to think.”

  • Town School for Boys, Head of School (San Francisco, CA)

    Lorri Hamilton Durbin Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Lorri succeeds Lila Lohr following a five year tenure as Middle School Head at Dalton School in New York City. Previously, she served as Associate Director of Admissions for the Klingenstein Summer Institute. She has also held leadership positions at Nueva School, San Francisco University High School, and Midland School in California. Lorri is a graduate of Midland herself, and holds a BA from Pomona College, an MA from Stanford University, and an MBA from Dartmouth.

    Town School for Boys is an independent all-boys’ K-8 day school. Students benefit from a supportive environment emphasizing academics and character education. The search for Town School’s next permanent Head is underway.

  • University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)

    Marcus Mason Senior Associate Director of Admission for Access and Inclusion, Appointed for 2017

    Marcus will join the University of San Francisco following a year and a half as Assistant Director of Recruitment at Loyola University of Chicago. Previously, he served for three years as a recruiter for North Park University, also in Chicago. He began his career serving as a Team Leader at the Chicago not-for-profit By the Hand Club for Kids. Marcus holds a BS in Communications from Northwestern University.

    The University of San Francisco — a premier Jesuit university — is a reflection of the inclusive, inspirational, innovative city that surrounds it. It provide students from all backgrounds an education that is intensely personal and intellectually demanding.

  • University Preparatory Academy (Seattle, WA)

    Susie Wu Middle School Head, Appointed for 2018

    Susie will join University Prep Academy after fifteen years as Director of Leadership Development at Rainier Scholars in Seattle, WA.  She started at Rainier as Curriculum Developer in 2002. Susie has also served as an Integrated Science Teacher at New Mission High School in Roxbury, MA and Homestead High School in Cupertino, CA. Currently, she serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees for University Prep Academy and for 21 Progress. Susie holds a B.A. in English and and M.Ed in Secondary School Education, both from Standford University.

    At University Prep, extraordinary relationships between students and teachers are a given. Founded forty years ago by seven teachers who shared a passion for collaboration, we have grown to become a campus with over 500 students and more than 100 faculty and staff. We invite students down a path of critical inquiry and embrace diverse perspectives in our inclusive community. Our unique location in North Seattle fosters an educational experience filled with opportunities to engage with the city.

  • University Preparatory Academy (Seattle, WA)

    E-Chieh Lin Director of Diversity and Community/ Director of Hiring, Appointed for 2018

    E-Chieh Lin has spent the past three years serving as a Fine Arts Faculty Member at University Prep. In 2016 she assumed the role of Assistant Director of Diversity & Community and this summer she will transition to the Director role.  She began her career at Cornell University where she began as an Administrative Assistant for New Student Programs and for the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives. She continued at Cornell as a Consultant, Co-Instructor, and Program Coordinator for Academic Diversity Initiatives respectively. E-Chieh holds a BA in Ceramics from University of Washington and an MA in Teaching from Seattle University.

    Founded forty years ago by seven teachers who shared a passion for collaboration, University Preparatory Academy has grown to become a campus with over 500 students (grades 6-12) and more than 100 faculty and staff. Located in North Seattle, U Prep fosters an educational experience filled with opportunities to engage with the city as well as enjoy the peaceful setting of the Picardo P-Patch. Additionally, having Dahl Field adjoining the campus allows for classes, games, and practices right at your feet.

  • Westland School (Los Angeles, CA)

    Melinda Tsapatsaris Head of School, Appointed for 2017

    Melinda will join Westland School following a seven-year tenure as Assistant Head of Wildwood School, also in Los Angeles. Previously, she served as the school’s Director of Upper School for four years, and prior to that, was a Division Coordinator and teacher. Prior to her work in independent schools, she taught in public schools in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington. Melinda holds a BA in Education from Ohio University, and an MAT in English from Brown University.

    Among elementary schools in Los Angeles, Westland School is widely known and respected as a pioneer in the teaching philosophy known as progressive education. The school serves students grade K-6 and provides an engaging and experiential curriculum.

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