Head of School Appointment

Throughout the search process, Samantha distinguished herself through her warmth, authenticity, deep curiosity, and thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership. Across conversations with students, employees, families, and trustees, she listened closely, responded with candor and specificity, and demonstrated a genuine desire to understand Hillbrook before imagining what might come next.

Students experienced Samantha as warm, attentive, and genuinely interested in their perspectives. As one student shared, “She had so much experience and she felt so grounded. I felt like she gave such meaningful responses to questions and that she had the perfect experience for our school!” Employees similarly noted her authentic presence, substantive responses, and ability to pair strategic thinking with a deep commitment to teaching and learning. One employee described her as “warm, thoughtful, and someone who puts people at ease,” while another noted that she gave “the most specific answers to my questions” and spoke with “clarity and depth.” Families highlighted her authenticity, humility, humor, and evident affection for students. As one parent reflected, “With Samantha, I felt inspired to roll up my sleeves and work alongside her to help ensure the success of our school.”
These impressions were reinforced by those who have worked most closely with Samantha throughout her career. References described a Head who brings “joy and rigor together,” addresses challenges directly, develops and champions the people around her, and builds strong partnerships with her Board. Her experience uniting two campuses into one K–12 school was particularly compelling as Hillbrook continues growing into our own identity as one JK–12 school across two distinctive campuses.
This work will also build upon Hillbrook’s commitment to balanced excellence: the belief that meaningful challenge and academic growth should exist alongside engagement, joy, connection, and wellness. Samantha’s experience strengthening academic programs while attending to student wellness and belonging positions her well to help each Hillbrook student reach their highest potential.
Samantha will join Hillbrook from a position of strength. Our first Upper School class will graduate this spring, Vision 2030 provides a clear roadmap for the years ahead, and an experienced faculty, staff, leadership team, and Board are deeply invested in the school’s mission. Samantha is well prepared to build on that foundation by listening deeply, learning alongside this community, and working with others to shape Hillbrook’s next chapter.
 

Samantha currently serves as Head of School at Steamboat Mountain School, a two-campus K–12 day and boarding school in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She joined Emerald Mountain School as Head in 2017 and, following its merger with Steamboat Mountain School in 2020–21, was selected by both Boards to lead the newly combined K–12 institution. In that role, Samantha has guided the integration of two school communities while strengthening academic programs, tripling K–8 enrollment over six years, advancing diversity and belonging efforts, and leading a $21 million capital campaign.

Prior to Steamboat, Samantha spent 15 years at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles, where her roles included Assistant Head for Research and Strategic Partnerships and Upper School Director, Dean of Students, Science Department Chair, teacher, advisor, and coach. She began her career as a science teacher, dorm parent, and coach at The Hyde School in Connecticut.

Samantha holds an A.B. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College and an Ed.M. in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
 

Reflecting on the opportunity to join Hillbrook, Samantha shared:

At Hillbrook, “be your best” is not just a phrase posted on a classroom wall; you can see and feel it in every corner of campus. Students' agency and curiosity sit at the center of inspired, joyful learning. I saw it in young students who advocated for improved playground structures, in middle schoolers who love bringing the community together during Friday Flag, and in high school students who spoke with deep reverence for teachers who design thoughtful, engaging lessons. As one student told me, “our teachers don’t assign busy work.” I met parents who are all in, whose love for their school shines through in every conversation. I met faculty and staff who work tirelessly to create meaningful learning experiences and to honor the individual gifts each student brings. They not only inspire students to be their best, they ensure that Hillbrook continually asks itself to do its best work on behalf of its students. And all of this unfolds within a community that is genuinely joyful.

I am grateful for the opportunity to build on Mark Silver's remarkable legacy. Under his leadership, Hillbrook has experienced tremendous growth, launched its Upper School in San Jose, and created the Scott Center, all while preserving the spirit of joy that makes this community so special. I look forward to honoring that legacy as we write the next chapter together.