Lauren’s appointment as Head of Upper School follows a nationwide search, during which Lauren stood out in a large, diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, especially after visiting with Ellis students, faculty, staff, and parents during her time on campus in March.

"I received very impressive feedback from those Lauren met during her visit to Ellis,” says Head of School Macon Finley. "Of particular note were her deep and varied experience as a teacher and leader in excellent independent high schools both domestic and international, her strong commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming community within those schools, her exceptional professionalism and calm presence, and her superior skills as a listener, communicator, and innovator.”

Lauren currently serves as the Associate Director/Dean of Upper School and Science Academic Chair at the Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas. Prior to joining the Thaden school community in 2020, Lauren spent five years at international schools in Turkey, where her roles included Academic Dean, Science Teacher (grades 6–12), and Spanish Teacher (grades 7–12). She also served as a Spanish and biology teacher in Mississippi at the start of her career. 

Lauren earned her B.A. in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she was a Banneker/Key Scholar, which is the most prestigious merit scholarship offered to select undergraduate Honors College students. She subsequently earned her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi. 

"I am excited to be a part of a learning community where it's normal for girls to be their authentic selves, thrive in all areas of academic and co-curricular programming, and enter the real world ready to be leaders and changemakers in local and global communities,” Lauren shares. “I look forward to contributing to a strong Upper School culture that balances nurture and challenge as we empower students to realize their unique potential."