Meet Our New Head of School

I am thrilled to join The Banner School as the Head of School and embark on this exciting journey together. Having previously served in leadership roles at esteemed educational institutions around the world, I bring with me a wealth of experience and a deep passion for fostering excellence in education.

My recent position as the Head of School at Sandford International School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, provided me with valuable insights into the diverse needs of students from a global perspective. Prior to that, I had the privilege of serving as the Head of Southbridge International School Cambodia, where I successfully expanded enrollment and as the Secondary School Principal at Boston International School in China, where I established the International Baccalaureate programs.

Complementing my international experience, I have dedicated 17 years to U.S. independent school education, holding positions such as Director of Development, Assistant Head of School, and Co-Executive Director of Pacific Hills School in California. Recently, I have been working as an adjunct instructor in the Master of Education in Advanced Teaching program at the University of the People, collaborating with educators worldwide on action research projects.

My educational journey led me to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, where I conducted research on student comfort in the 21st Century classroom, emphasizing the importance of incorporating student voice in classroom design. I also hold an MEd in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte and a BA in Design from the Harrington College of Design.

Throughout my career, I have gained expertise in various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate program, IEYC, IPC, IGCSE, AP, and the US Common Core. I am proud to hold principal/administrative certifications in the states of North Carolina, Arizona, and Maryland. Additionally, I have been honored to speak at educational conferences, including the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) 2021 Virtual Conference and the Cambodian E-Learning Forum 2020.

As a lifelong learner, I continue to pursue personal interests, such as obtaining a creative writing certificate from UCLA and engaging in writing endeavors. I find great joy in crafting flash fiction, and my work has been published in the latest edition of the University of Louisville’s Miracle Monocle. On a personal note, I am a proud mother to my adult son, Michael, who resides in Los Angeles. My husband, Mike, is my best friend and an esteemed college counselor who most recently served as the Director of College Counseling at Oldfields School in Sparks Glencoe, MD. Together, we have been fortunate to explore over 30 countries, embracing diverse cultures and experiences.

I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining The Banner School at this pivotal moment in its history. The school’s tradition and legacy as the first secular independent school in Frederick, combined with its transition to a new downtown location, present us with endless opportunities. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with a dynamic group of 21st-century educators who prioritize placing students at the heart of learning. Our curriculum will center on fostering a global mindset, critical thinking, creativity, and the synthesis of ideas.

The Banner Learning Triangle, symbolizing robust communication and collaboration between educators, students, and parents, perfectly aligns with my educational philosophy and the best practices in education. Furthermore, the school’s CIRCLES of Community Citizenship values resonate deeply with me. I am eager to support and build upon the remarkable work The Banner School already accomplishes.

I am honored to be part of this remarkable community and look forward to working together to nurture the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of our students. Together, let us create a vibrant learning environment where every student can thrive.