Melissa Alkire Named New Head of Upper School

“Thank you to the Search Committee of Upper School teachers and trustees — Paul Chiment, Charles Donelan, Billie Fitzpatrick, Trish McHale, Tiffany Pelletier, Katherine Pointer, Meghan Roarty, Albert Silva, and Ashley Tidey — who conducted interviews with nine semifinalists in person and via video conference before inviting the final two candidates to campus for full-day visits with our school community,” says Hereford.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Melissa earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Boston College before beginning her educational journey in 2009 as a history teacher at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Over the course of 11 years, she has learned to design and re-design classroom experiences that center on the students and their voice. As a Dean for all grade levels of the Upper School, Technology Integration Specialist, and member of the faculty, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with administration, work alongside faculty of all departments, and build partnerships with families. Most importantly, she has worked to cultivate connections with students through listening to their experiences as learners and young adults.

“When I stepped on campus in February, it was so palpable that Laguna Blanca is a lively place with so many exciting things happening,” says Alkire. “Laguna teachers and students are innovators in education, and I am deeply honored to have been chosen to partner with the school’s team to create, share, and scaffold future-focused education.”

Melissa and her husband, David, will relocate to Santa Barbara this summer with their two sons, Henry (6) and Owen (4). They are thrilled to be a part of the school community and cannot wait to get to know everyone, as well as spend more time in the sunshine biking, going to the beach, and exploring the beauty of Santa Barbara.

“I am excited about the sharp insight Melissa brings to our school, as well as her thoughtful approach to problem-solving, and her great sense of humor,” adds Hereford. “Please join me in giving Melissa and her family a warm Laguna welcome when they arrive in Santa Barbara in a few months!”