During that time, he has been an English teacher, a basketball coach, a dormitory parent, a Director of Admissions, the Head of School at two NAIS member schools, and a board member with the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. He has personally led, taught, and coached students and teachers at every level from Preschool to graduate school. Dr. Barnett is a graduate of Bethany College with a Master of Arts from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.
“From the rigorous academic standards of our core curriculum, to the expectation of Core Values guiding behavior throughout our school, a hallmark of the St. Edmund’s Academy experience begins with the belief that children will rise to the standard we set. Concurrently we recognize that individual attention for each student makes those standards achievable. Generations of alumni provide living proof not only that a strong academic foundation leads to success in life, but that there is dignity in hard work, personal responsibility, and respect for others."
Dr. Bollens joined SEA in 2016 as Director of Institutional Advancement, and transitioned into the role of Associate Head of School for Advancement and Operations in 2022. In her time here she has overseen the school’s growth, both literally and figurately, most notably leading the Reach For Excellence capital campaign which funded the building of the Center for Integrated Discovery. Dr. Bollens has a Bachelor of Arts from Washington & Lee University, a Master of Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University.
“Transitioning from higher education to the independent school space allowed me to more deeply connect with the mission of the organization. Through my close collaboration with our students, faculty, and families, I can strategically connect philanthropists to our mission in ways that meaningfully support our institution.”
Mr. Gassaway joined St. Edmund’s Academy in 2020 as Director of Upper School and moved into the role of Associate Head of School for Academics in 2022. He joined SEA from the KIPP Foundation where he served as Director of Instructional Leadership, training and cultivating regional and school level instructional leaders. Prior to his time at KIPP, Mr. Gassaway served as a founding faculty member, Dean of Student Culture, and ultimately Principal of Coney Island Prep Middle School. Mr. Gassaway began his career in education as a middle school U.S. History, Geography, and Nonfiction Reading teacher, serving as part of Teach for America. He has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and a M.A. in Education Leadership from Columbia University.
“Students are my passion. I have taught each of the grades in some capacity and appreciate why these years are critical for children’s development into capable adults and responsible citizens.”
Mrs. McAllister spent her career as a finance leader in large healthcare organizations before transitioning to her role at St. Edmund’s Academy in 2006.
In her role as Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, she oversees all financial operations of the school, as well as manages facilities, security, technology, and human resources. Mrs. McAllister is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree, concentration in Accounting, from Duquesne University.
“St. Edmund’s Academy has provided me the opportunity to apply my finance and operational leadership skills in ways where daily I can see the positive impact of my work on a child’s life.”
Guided by our Core Values and commitment to high standards, St. Edmund’s Academy provides a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing learning community where students are known, valued, and challenged to achieve their potential.