“Jenn brings many gifts to this role, chief among them her real love of working with Middle School students, her deep commitment to and expertise around girls’ education, her strong leadership experience, and her proven track record around building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community,” shared Macon Finley, Head of School.

Jenn currently serves as Dean of Students for grades 6 to 12 at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles, California. She joined the faculty of Archer in 2011 as an English teacher, before moving into the Dean role in 2017. As Dean, Jenn worked closely with students, faculty, and families to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and to build a spirited school culture, including leading an initiative to reinvigorate the advisory program. She also played a key role in Archer's work around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), working with affinity and alliance groups, planning an annual diversity conference, and formalizing the school’s DEI goals.  

Ms. Finley noted, “During her interview process, Jenn met with students, parents, faculty and staff, all of whom were impressed by her warm and welcoming way of engaging with others, her commitment to building school communities in which all students are seen, known, and cherished, her positive energy and joyful approach to education, and her strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.”

Jenn earned a BA in Theatre and English from Northwestern University (graduating Magna Cum Laude) and an MA in Secondary Education from Lehigh University.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Ellis community. Having spent the last ten years at a girls' school, I understand the transformative power of all-girls education in fostering confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of self,” said Jenn. “I'm inspired by Ellis's mission, the warm and welcoming community, and the joy I witnessed emanating from every classroom. There is a beautiful clarity of vision and unity of purpose at Ellis, and I am so glad to be a part of it.”

The appointment of Jenn is the culmination of a nationwide search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. Michelle Rust, who has served as Head of Middle School since 2013, will assume the role of Director of Enrollment Management this July.