Strengthening Leadership to Support Wakefield’s Growing Vision

We’re excited to share an important step forward at Wakefield School—one that strengthens how we support students across every stage of their journey.

As Wakefield continues to grow in both size and ambition, we are intentionally evolving our leadership structure to ensure that every part of the student experience—academic, social, and personal—is aligned, purposeful, and deeply connected.

A More Connected Vision for Student Growth

At Wakefield, a student’s experience is not defined by a single division or moment, but by the full arc of their journey—from their earliest years through graduation.

To support that vision, we are strengthening leadership across three key areas:

• Academic Programs
   
• Campus Life & Community Engagement
   
• Alignment Across Divisions

Together, these areas ensure that what students experience at each stage builds meaningfully on what came before—and prepares them for what comes next.

Leadership Designed for Clarity and Impact

This updated structure brings greater coordination and focus to the work happening across our campus. Several key leadership appointments are central to this effort:
 

Head of Middle School
Keturah Maraska

We are so pleased to welcome Mrs. Keturah Maraska back as the Head of our Middle School. Keturah’s history with Wakefield School as a vital member of our teaching and leadership team, along with her deep connection as an alumni parent of Andrew ’18 and Joseph ’20, make her especially well-equipped for this critical role.

Keturah brings a unique lens to the Middle School as a critical “bridge” across divisions—supporting the alignment and elevation of our program from JK through Grade 12. The Middle School years represent a pivotal point in a student’s development, connecting the foundational experiences of the Lower School with the increasing independence and rigor of the Upper School. As such, this role plays a vital part in ensuring alignment of academic expectations, student growth, and community culture across the Wakefield journey.

Assistant Head of School for Academic Programs
Kerry Owen

Mrs. Kerry Owen will serve as the senior leader responsible for the cohesion and continued evolution of Wakefield’s JK–12 academic program. In this role, she will guide the delivery of our curriculum, support excellence in teaching and learning, and ensure that our academic offerings remain both distinctive and future-focused.

Kerry will continue to directly oversee our Lower School (JK–Grade 5), strengthening the foundational experiences that are so critical to a student’s long-term success. She will also serve as a key thought partner and coordinating leader for our Division Heads, helping to bring clarity, consistency, and shared purpose to our academic work across the school.

Working in close partnership with Head of Middle School Keturah Maraska and Head of Upper School Peter Findler, Kerry will help ensure that our academic vision is not only exceptionally well-designed but also coherent in practice across each stage of a Wakefield education.

Assistant Head of School for Campus Life & Community Engagement
Lisa Winick

Mrs. Lisa Winick will lead the development and coordination of the student and family experience beyond the classroom, ensuring that Wakefield’s culture, traditions, and programs are vibrant, inclusive, and deeply aligned with our mission. As an alumni parent of Kelsey ’16 and Dylan ’17 and a longstanding member of the Wakefield community, including more than 15 years of service in administration, she brings a well-informed and meaningful long-term perspective on the Wakefield experience.

Lisa's leadership will serve as a central hub for aligning athletics, arts, student activities, and the many shared experiences that define life on our campus. She will also continue to work closely with our Parents Association and play a central role in strengthening community engagement, including key events such as our annual Gala Auction.

Lisa brings a deep commitment to cultivating belonging, student voice, and meaningful connection—ensuring that every member of our community experiences Wakefield not just as a place of learning, but as a place of purpose and connection.

Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships
Will Nisbet

Rounding out our leadership appointments, we are delighted to welcome Mr. Will Nisbet to Wakefield as Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships.

Will brings nearly two decades of independent school leadership experience and a proven track record of advancing transformational philanthropy. Most recently, he helped lead a successful $20 million capital campaign at The Hill School, positioning institutions for long-term growth and impact.

At Wakefield, Will will partner closely with the advancement team, me, and our Board of Trustees to lead our fundraising efforts, deepen relationships with our community, expand leadership giving, and build the momentum needed to realize our Campus Master Plan.

This role represents an important strategic investment in Wakefield’s future. With Will’s leadership, we are strengthening our capacity for major gifts, alumni engagement, and meaningful partnerships—ensuring that our vision is not only compelling, but fully resourced and sustained over time.

Moving Forward with Purpose and Alignment

What makes this evolution especially meaningful is how these roles work together.

By strengthening alignment across academics, student life, and long-term strategy, Wakefield is building a more connected and intentional experience for every student—from their earliest years through graduation.

This structure allows the school to move forward with clarity and momentum, ensuring that each stage of the Wakefield journey is both purposeful in itself and part of something larger.

Ready to learn more about what makes Wakefield exceptional?
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