About SEA

Our Leadership

Chad Barnett

Head of School

Dr. Barnett joined St. Edmund’s Academy as its seventh Head of School in 2014, and this marks his third decade in education.

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    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. Barnett's LinkedIn Profile

    CONTACT DR. BARNETT:
    (412) 521-1907 ext. 115

Meghan Bollens

Associate Head of School, Advancement

Dr. Bollens works with students, teachers, and members of our community to oversee community relations and fundraising efforts.

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    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.”
     
    Dr. Bollens's LinkedIn Profile

    CONTACT DR. BOLLENS:
    (412) 521-1907 ext. 117

Ryan Gassaway

Associate Head of School, Academics

Mr. Gassaway works with Faculty, students, and families to oversee our school's academic program and curriculum development.

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    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.”

    Mr. Gassaway's LinkedIn Profile

    CONTACT MR. GASSAWAY:
    (412) 521-1907 ext. 142

Aaryn Hogue

Chief Financial Officer
 
Ms. Hogue spent her early career as a finance and operations leader in a local accounting firm before joining St. Edmund’s Academy in 2026.

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    In her role as Chief Financial Officer, she oversees all financial operations of the school, as well as manages facilities, security, technology, and human resources. Ms. Hogue is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), with a B.A. in Criminology Pre-Law and an A.A. in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

    “I’m excited to get to know the community at SEA and use my skills in finance and operations to benefit the school.”
     
    CONTACT MS. HOGUE:
    (412)521-1907 ext. 113

St. Edmund's Academy

5705 Darlington Road   •   Pittsburgh, PA  15217
412.521.1907     •     info@stedmunds.net
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.