Head of School

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

• How would people describe you as a person?

  Thoughtful, personable, morally grounded, warm, engaged, committed, determined, caring, strong, hopeful, clear in my convictions, intentionally focused on wellness.

• Give us an overview of your career experiences.

  All but one of my jobs involved working with children, families and in education. Truth be told, when in graduate school I was a waitress. I was very bad at it, and only made good tips when children were at my tables. That was a sign to stick with school communities! I have served as an administrator, division head and/or counselor in all three divisions of independent schools, as Head of School at a girls’ school on a coordinated campus, and as a consultant for strategic planning and in the admission realms. I have had the privilege of wearing all hats — from carpool to being the last one on campus — as I served as a Head of School for St. Paul’s School for Girls. I also took two years to be at home with my children when they were younger, while my husband served as an Upper School Head. That job taught me a lot about what matters and grew my appreciation for those who have careers in their homes, as did my own mother.

• What are your thoughts about education and what trends are you following?

  We must consider the rapidity of communication and the increased access to information that our students have as digital citizens in 2019. However, we are still human beings and thrive in communities where we feel known, valued and understood. As such, the role of teachers is not to be a gatekeeper of information but instead a facilitator of learning and optimal communication. Building trust and fostering environments where healthy risks are modeled and praised are hallmarks of nimble and noteworthy educational settings. I believe in a fluid and normalized feedback loop. A noisy hum of learning is, in my opinion, sacred and noteworthy. Educators are carpenters of the heart and mind; they focus on content and character, and without one, the other does not flourish. Vibrant learning communities foster conversation, interdisciplinary studies, failing forward, community partnerships, real-world exploration and the mastery of skills through a range of discoveries and studies. There is no one way to teach, just as there is no one Collegiate Cougar. In sum, I believe relationships and exploration in communities where there is a continuity of care, support and challenge are timeless and precious hallmarks of thriving and future-focused learning communities. Mission-driven education strives to graduate good citizens who will impact the greater world in positive ways and enjoy doing so.

• What do you believe are the key attributes of great independent schools?

  Each employee is seen as, and (sees themself as) an educator. Great schools know their mission is the guiding force, glue and filter for decisions small and large. It is not about the “newest and shiniest idea,” but about that which resonates, is mission appropriate and helps the school achieve its vision. It is a true community where all feel welcomed, heard, valued and understood. Such schools do not rest on their laurels, but instead are constantly seeking ways to improve and grow, just as we ask our students and faculty to do. The constituents feel involved with the future and share great moments and passion for the past. There is spirit and joy in daily interactions. The community members are natural and authentic ambassadors of the school, and there is authentic support to become one’s best self. Success is celebrated, sadness survived together and named emotions are teachable moments.

• How would people describe you as a Head of School?

  Warm, committed to character education, communicative, enthusiastic, engaged, patient, focused, community builder, optimistic, responsive, calm in a crisis.

• What do you like the most about being a Head of School?

  Every single part of it, especially the children.

• What can you share about your family?

  I met my husband doing cafeteria duty at The Lovett School in Atlanta. We are school people. We are a bit of an open book and currently live on campus. We call ourselves Team Evins. We don’t keep secrets and we love each other dearly. My husband Sam V is my No. 1 partner and best friend. He is king of breakfast at our house, and bacon is frequently on the griddle. He loves teaching, coaching, history and nature. Outdoor fitness is his favorite hobby. We share that. Our son, Sam VI, a rising 10th Grader, has listened to sports radio since his days as a toddler who woke up before 5 a.m., and as such, knows a lot about sports history and current news. He has gone to sleepaway camp since 2nd Grade and adores his “boy heaven,” where I don’t ask him to eat fruits or vegetables, brush teeth or do other such mundane things. He has great friendships and strong relationships with his teachers, coaches and all members of our community. June Friend, our daughter, is named after my maternal grandmother. She loves the arts, enjoys nature and hiking with others, cooking, being with her friends, is readying for her seventh year of sleepaway camp and is a rising 9th Grader. Both were in the Lower School when I was Lower School Head at Newman, and my husband and sisters worked there, too. We don’t know what it is like not to be in the same community. We are pretty regular and try to have family dinner often. The star of our family is our dog, Ansley, who comes to school each day and knows everything and shares nothing but love!