Jessica Donovan
Head of School
Jessica S. Donovan joined Chadwick School in 2023 as Chadwick’s 14th Head of School since it was founded in 1935 by Margaret Lee Chadwick.
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Jessica last served as Head of School at Sheridan School, an independent school in Washington, D.C. She has spent more than 25 years working in schools as a teacher and school leader, including roles as Division Director, Assistant Head of School and Head of School. Her work at Sheridan included implementing data-driven curriculum overhauls; leading renovations at both the city and mountain campuses; building a culture of philanthropy; increasing the diversity of faculty, staff and families; and overseeing the strategic plan, while ensuring that all community members have a sense of belonging.
Jessica currently serves on the board of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is the Vice-Chair of the CAIS Secondary Board of Standards. Previously, she was on the board of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, where she chaired the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She also served on the board of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, where she was the commissioner for accreditation. Jessica has presented at various conferences on integrated project-based learning, mindfulness, curriculum design and differentiation, and hiring and retaining diverse faculty. She serves as a leadership mentor for underrepresented leaders in independent schools. Jessica earned her B.A. in English and American Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her M.A. in Independent School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.
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Bridget Anderson
Director of Risk Management
Bridget Anderson is Chadwick's Director of Risk Management. Bridget's career spans more than 25 years in the educational, risk management and legal industries. She joined Chadwick School as the K-12 Registrar in 2019, and in 2021, became the Associate Director of Risk Management, with responsibility for supporting Chadwick’s risk management, legal compliance and safety processes. Prior to joining Chadwick, Bridget spent a decade at West Coast University, where she was instrumental in writing policies and procedures and significantly bolstering legal compliance and educational support systems. She also served as a Contracts and Grants Administrator at the University of Southern California. Bridget began her career as a kindergarten teacher, dedicating six years to nurturing young minds in early childhood education.
Bridget’s commitment to education and lifelong learning continually inspires her professional and personal pursuits. She is an advisor to Upper School and sixth-grade students, and she teaches a popular Textiles and Design class, which allows her to share her passion for creativity and design. Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Sustainability Management from DeVry University, a Juris Doctor from William Howard Taft Law School, and she is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology from California Coast University. Outside of her professional life, Bridget enjoys sewing and is a proud mother to two daughters, Lynna and Izabel.
Julia Chun
Assistant Head of School
Julia Chun joined Chadwick in 2024 as the Assistant Head of School. Prior to Chadwick, for the past six years, Julia was the Global Director of Education at Avenues, The World School, where she led the development of a project-based curriculum for Avenues online as well as their campuses in New York; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Shenzhen, China. Prior to that, she was the Division Head of the Upper School at Avenues New York, leading 100 faculty, 750 students and families in grades six through 12. Before joining Avenues, Julia was the founding principal of the New Visions School for Advanced Math and Science, the first in a network of 10 charter schools in New York City.
At New Visions, Julia authored the school’s charter and successfully obtained SUNY charter accreditation for the first New Visions High School for Advanced Math and Science. Julia earned a master’s degree in English literature from Columbia University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Chicago. She is the author of the book, “The Elements of Education for School Leaders,” published in June 2023. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, practicing yoga and watching her kids play sports. Julia and her husband Chad, are the proud parents of a son, a collegiate rower at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a daughter, who attends Brown University.
Katie David
Director of Human Resources
Katie David joined Chadwick School as the Director of Human Resources after spending over 25 years with The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotel companies. She was a presenter of the Ritz-Carlton Legendary Service and was on the team that was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award of Excellence. Katie was the Talent Development Manager for the opening of Terranea Resort in Ranchos Palos Verdes, and she assisted with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott at L.A. Live. Her next role as the Human Resources Manager at the Marriott Marina del Rey gave her an opportunity to further develop her human resources skills in the areas of workers compensation, payroll administration, benefits and compensation, and performance management.
After graduating from Brigham Young University in Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, Katie moved to California to pursue her career in hospitality and human resources. She loves living in Southern California and spending time walking and playing card games with her family.
Cotter Donnell
Director of the Upper School
Cotter joined Chadwick School in 2023 as the Director of the Upper School. He has been a school leader and humanities teacher at independent schools nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. He has developed expertise in designing curriculum and assessment models; recruiting, hiring and coaching faculty; and planning and leading local, national, and global off-campus learning experiences.
Prior to joining Chadwick, Cotter was the Associate Head of School at Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, the Director of CITYterm at the Masters School, and served as Dean of Studies, English Department Chair and Upper School Dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. Cotter holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University; a master’s degree in English from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College; and a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Boston College.
Robert Horne
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer
Robert Horne joined Chadwick in 2022, as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Robert oversees key areas of business operations, including finance, accounting, risk management, information technology, facilities, human resources and the school's $45 million endowment. He also works collaboratively with the Roessler-Chadwick Foundation (RCF) Board of Trustees and the RCF Board Committees, including the Finance Committee, Development Committee, Audit Committee and Facilities and Planning Committee, and with the RCFG Investment Committee.
Prior to joining Chadwick, Robert served as Director of Finance and Operations for 25 years at The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, Ohio, a two-campus, private non-sectarian pre-K through 12th-grade college preparatory school, with an enrollment of 1,017. At The Seven Hills School, Robert managed a $30 million operating budget and a $7 million capital reserve fund. He also oversaw risk management, human resources, technology, investments, legal issues, enrollment projections and the school's annual audit. In addition, he managed the maintenance and operations of the school's two campuses and 26 buildings, and managed $60 million in construction projects including new school buildings, an indoor field house, tennis complex and performing arts center. Robert also assisted with the school's COVID-19 response, both operationally and financially.
Robert began his 29-year career in education as a math and science teacher at Carver Public School in Carver, Mass., where he also served as the varsity soccer coach. Previously, he worked at GE Capital for seven years as a financial manager. Robert holds a master's degree in education from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University. He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society.
Robert lives in Palos Verdes with his wife, Nancy. He has two grown children, Matthew and Meredith, and his wife, Nancy, has three sons, Mac, Sam and Tucker. Robert's interests include environmental sustainability, traveling, tennis, soccer, reading, hiking and fishing.
Trent Jackson
Director of Institutional Advancement
Trent Jackson joined Chadwick School in 2022 as the Director of Institutional Advancement. Trent is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising initiatives that support Chadwick's Mission to "develop global citizens with keen minds, exemplary character, self-knowledge and the ability to lead." Previously, Trent was the Director of Development at the Episcopal School of Los Angeles (ESLA) in Hollywood. He has more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and executive-level management at academic, athletic and community-based organizations.
Trent spent nearly 15 years at the University of Wisconsin Foundation where he was Senior Director of Development. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a basketball scholarship and is Wisconsin's only two-time team MVP. His Badgers basketball career highlights include third all-time leading scorer, first in steals and first in three-point baskets made. He played professionally in the NBA, in Europe and Asia for nine years and was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Trent earned a bachelor's degree in applied economics and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Trent and his wife, Cathy, have two adult children, and a chihuahua rat-terrier mix.
Deborah Levy
Director of the Lower Village School
Deborah Levy is the Director of the Lower Village School (grades K-2). Now in her 21st year at Chadwick School, Deborah previously served as the Assistant Director of the Village School, Sixth-Grade Dean, and Director of Academic Technology. She worked with Chadwick's Innovation and Design Department to map out the future of education technology for the school, and she oversaw the K-12 curriculum for tech education and digital citizenship. In her role as dean, she led the sixth-grade team of teachers and advisors, providing administrative and logistical support as they transitioned students from the Village to the Middle School.
Deborah previously worked in education technology at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, as a teacher at the Santa Monica Montessori School, and developed educational software and toys, including "Math Blaster" and "JumpStart." She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Pomona College and an M.A. in Education from Harvard University.
Deborah and her husband, Beny, have two children: Sam and Eliza, Chadwick WOW alumni. In her free time, Deborah is an avid theater-goer, crocheter and board-game player.
Jeff Mercer
Director of the Middle School
California native Jeff Mercer began his Chadwick School career in 1996 as a Middle and Upper School history teacher. He served as the Interim Head of the Middle School in 1997-98, as the Assistant Head of the Middle School from 1998 - 2000 and as the Upper School Dean of Students through the 2007-08 school year before being named Director of the Middle School in September 2008.
Jeff was appointed to the newly created position of Chadwick Assistant Head of School for the 2010-11 school year, serving as a liaison between Chadwick and Chadwick International schools, with a focus on developing the shared curriculum, educational philosophy and school culture of Chadwick’s two campuses. He next served for two years as the Head of School at Chadwick International (CI) in Songdo, South Korea, where he oversaw school operations, including the successful opening of CI’s Upper School and Outdoor Education Program. Jeff returned to Chadwick School as Director of the Middle School in 2013. He then served as the Interim Head of School for the 2018-2019 school year before returning to the Director of the Middle School role.
Throughout his tenure at Chadwick, Jeff has been actively involved in character education, working with the Upper School Student Council in 2002 to reintroduce an honor code on campus to align with and help advance our Core Values. He has also worked extensively on diversity initiatives, taught senior history electives, and coached baseball and girls basketball.
Jeff earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Master of Arts in teaching from Duke University. Along with his wife, Noelle, he is the parent of twin sons, Joshua and Dylan, who are Chadwick alumni and are currently attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Sara Miranda
Executive Director of College Counseling
Sara Miranda joined Chadwick School in 2023 as the Executive Director of College Counseling. Sara’s background encompasses nearly 20 years in high school and college admissions, college counseling and academic advisement. Prior to joining Chadwick School, Sara was an Upper School Dean at Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City. In this role, she provided college counseling, academic advising and social-emotional counseling to more than 100 students in grades 10 through 12. Sara has an extensive background in college admissions, having worked at Brandeis University as the Director of Admission for six years, and previously serving in various roles, including Director of Admission, at Emerson College from 2005-2014.
Sara served for three years as an elected Board Director for the National Association of College Admission Counseling, a membership organization of more than 16,000 college admission officers, school counselors and community-based organization professionals. Sara sits on the advisory board for the University of Chicago, the Coalition for College, and Revolution Test Prep. Sara holds a master’s degree in school counseling and psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications from Emerson College in Boston. Sara lives in Redondo Beach with her husband and two doodles.
Barbara Najar
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Barbara Najar joined Chadwick School in 2015 as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, bringing more than 25 years of experience in branding, marketing and communications. At Chadwick, Barbara oversees Chadwick’s branding, marketing and communications functions, including advertising, website design and development, search engine and email marketing, multimedia content, social media, public relations and community relations.
Prior to joining Chadwick, Barbara held leadership positions in the automotive, electronics and legal industries. She spent 14 years at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., overseeing corporate and brand advertising; directing advertising to reach diverse customers; and managing public relations. She led the creation of an award-winning, branded film series for the automaker, and contributed to Honda’s leading sales position among diverse new car buyers. Barbara was also a key member of the launch team responsible for the opening of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, and was a founding member of Honda’s Executive Task Force on Diversity. Barbara holds a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Los Angeles.
Erin Nordlund
Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning
Erin Nordlund joined Chadwick in 2005 and has played a key role in shaping the school’s instructional program. She currently serves as Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, overseeing the academic program across all divisions. From 2020 to 2024, she served as K–12 Director of Teaching and Learning, promoting curricular coherence, supporting faculty in curriculum and instruction, leading parent and staff workshops, and launching initiatives to enhance the student experience.
Earlier in her tenure, Erin served as Village School Curriculum Specialist (grades K–6), where she led major instructional improvements. She has also held a range of leadership roles, including Interim Dean of Students, English Department Chair, Head Advisor, Peer Mentors leader, and director of school plays and musicals. Throughout, she has continued to teach English in both the Middle and Upper Schools. Her impact as an educator has been recognized by students through honors such as delivering graduation keynotes and receiving the yearbook dedication.
Beyond Chadwick, Erin is active in the independent school community. She leads professional learning experiences, including the California Teacher Development Collaborative’s annual Department Chair Institute, presents at national conferences, and collaborates with educators from peer schools around the world to advance innovative, research-based approaches to teaching and learning.
Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California. She and her husband, Pete — who teaches U.S. History at Chadwick — are proud parents of two current Chadwick students.
Craig Polin
Director of the Upper Village School
Craig Polin is the Director of the Upper Village School, overseeing grades 3-6. In this role, Craig is responsible for managing all aspects of the third- through sixth-grade community. Previously, Craig served as the Dean of Sixth Grade, a role he assumed when he rejoined Chadwick in 2021 after working for Chadwick in the early to mid-2000s. Craig's extensive career in education spans more than 20 years and includes working at Chadwick School from 2003 through 2012 in a variety of roles including as a sixth-grade humanities teacher, basketball coach and Director of Summer Programs. He also worked at Chadwick International (CI) in Songdo, South Korea, from 2012 to 2015, serving as Interim Upper School Principal and in a variety of leadership roles while helping to launch CI.
In the years between serving the Chadwick communities, Craig served as Middle School Director for Wildwood School in Los Angeles, and as a sixth-grade English teacher and advisor at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach. Craig began his teaching career in the Long Beach Unified School District, where he also coached middle school sports. Craig holds a BA in English and communications from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Claremont Graduate University, and has completed doctoral work in UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program. In his free time, Craig, a native Angeleno who spent his formative years along L.A. County beaches, can usually be found surfing with his son Max (Class of 2024), and his daughter, Lily; riding bikes along the beach with his wife, Gina; or walking along ocean-side trails with their dogs, Zuma and Zero.
Valerie Richardson
Interim Director of Athletics
Valerie Richardson joined Chadwick in 2025 as Interim Athletic Director. Valerie brings to Chadwick more than 20 years of athletics administration experience, including senior leadership roles at multiple Division I institutions, including the University of California, Santa Barbara; Columbia University; and the University of Virginia. She also spent six years in leadership positions at the West Coast Conference office. Valerie’s expertise in hiring, supervising and evaluating coaches and their programs and her personal commitment to establishing an environment where student-athletes are challenged to compete at the highest levels with integrity, are in strong alignment with Chadwick’s Mission and Core Values.
Over a span of two decades in athletics leadership, Valerie ascended to the positions of Senior and Executive Associate Athletics Director with duties including sports program and coach supervision; managing student-athlete welfare, operating budgets and scheduling; developing policies and procedures; directing championship events and fundraising functions; and creating staff professional development programming. Valerie began her career as a student intern in Stanford University’s Athletics Department Media Relations Office.
Valerie’s longest tenure was at the University of Virginia, where she contributed to one of the athletics department’s most successful competitive periods while the school was also ranked among the top three public institutions nationally. The 15 sport programs that Valerie supervised combined to win 26 conference titles and 18 NCAA individual and team titles.
Valerie also has an extensive history of national committee service, including stints on both the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, as well as chairing the NCAA Honors Committee and serving terms on the Division I Men’s Soccer and Wrestling Committees. Valerie is a Board member of Stanford Professional Women of Los Angeles (SPWLA) and an active member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, where she has served on both the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council and the Engagement Committee.
Valerie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with distinction, from Stanford University and has completed both the Management Development Program: High Performance Leadership, and The Women’s Leadership Executive Education Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Lauren White
Director of Admission
Lauren White is the Director of Admission at Chadwick School. Her career at Chadwick began as an English teacher in the Middle School in 2003, and she has subsequently taught every grade level from seventh- through 12th-grade, as well as chaired the English Department. Lauren also served as the Upper School Dean of Students for a decade. Throughout her time as Dean, she focused on strengthening programs to foster leadership development, student well-being, and to build a close community in the Upper School. In 2016, she was honored as an Educator of the Year by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club. Lauren joined the admission team in 2019 and oversaw the Middle and Upper School admission program before transitioning to her current role.
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Northwestern University, and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cooking, musical theater, and dystopian fiction, and she has recently developed a love of camping with her husband and their two spirited children.
