Join Friends Council in a warm welcome to 12 educators who stepped into new positions as heads of school or co-clerks this summer.

ARDEN BOYD (she/he/they)
Co-Clerk, Arthur Morgan School (NC)

Arden will be co-clerk of Arthur Morgan School this year along with Rebecca Zeldin. This is their fifth year on staff as a Math Teacher and previously also as a House Parent. Arthur Morgan is Arden’s first experience with a Friends school. It was a practical introduction to non-hierarchical sharing of responsibility and to consensus decision making. Arden is grateful to their peers for supporting their growth as a thinker and communicator in decision-making spaces.

Arden is exploring archival materials, seeking to understand how past brainstorming sessions and decisions influenced how the school operates today. They are eager to develop a stronger sense of big-picture operations and grow professionally as a logisticator and communicator. This will complement their experience as a House Parent where Arden became acutely attuned to the needs and goings-on of a small group of people.

Arden earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a focus on Sustainable Food Systems from The College of Wooster. Their time in Wooster taught them to treasure opportunities for experiential learning. Having students at Arthur Morgan make creative suggestions and additions to projects that were designed to follow the students’ own curiosity is a source of wonder and joy for Arden.

MATTHEW BRADLEY
Interim Head of School, Plymouth Meeting Friends School (PA)

Matt brings more than thirty years of experience in K-12 independent school education to Plymouth Meeting Friends School; more than twenty years as a head of school throughout his career. Headships at West Chester Friends School (PA), East Woods School, and Friends School Mullica Hill (NJ) guided his quiet wisdom and thoughtful stewardship. Matt's professional journey in education began as a third and fourth grade teacher at Friends Academy (NY).

Matt is devoted to service in the Friends school network and civically wherever he resides. Currently, he serves as Friends Council’s Finance Committee Clerk and is a member of the Governance Committee at Delaware Valley Friends School (PA). Matt has served on the board of ADVIS/Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools and on the Governance and Head Support and Evaluation Committees at Harbor Country Day School.

Matt completed the Heads of School Fellowship Program at the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership, Teachers College at Columbia University. This complements and enhances his M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching (also from Teachers College at Columbia) and his B.A. in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame.

PETER GAINES
Head of School, Princeton Friends School (NJ)

Peter brings extensive experience as an independent school educator and administrator to Princeton Friends School. Dedicated to student-centered learning, community building, and cultivating an authentic culture of philanthropy, Peter’s commitment to Quaker practice is evident in his mentorship of faculty and staff and in engaging families and community partners in the mission.

Peter started his career as a teacher, counselor, and admissions professional at the Steppingstone Scholars Program – now Heights – in Philadelphia. After ten years as English Teacher and College Counselor at Abington Friends School (PA), he went to University Liggett School. As Head of Upper School, Director of the Detroit City Project, and Dean of Students Peter led initiatives focused on institutional growth, community partnerships, and the development of a four-year Academic Research Program. Most recently, Peter served Tandem Friends School (VA) as Assistant Head of School for Mission & Values and Director of Major Giving.

A graduate of Friends School of Baltimore, Peter earned a B.A. in English from Colby College, an M.F.A. in Poetry from Warren Wilson College, and completed Friends Council’s Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools. Peter has two daughters, one a graduate of Tandem Friends School and one starting senior year at Westtown School; both participated in Baltimore Yearly Meeting's summer camp programs.

SEAN HAMER
Head of School, Sandy Spring Friends School (MD)

Sean has been an independent school leader, math teacher, dean, coach, and parent for more than 20 years. His teaching career has led him to serve a number of schools in the east and the west coast. Early in his career, Sean was the head of Middle School at Germantown Friends School (PA). He then moved to San Francisco to become head of school for Alta Vista School. After serving as interim head of school for Brightworks School (also in San Francisco), Sean assumed leadership of Sandy Spring Friends.

Sean’s educational journey has always been connected to purposeful learning. His approach to leadership is deeply relational and hands-on. He is known for building strong connections with students, parents, faculty, and staff, and he champions a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.

Sean earned his B.A. in Human Services and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, an M.Ed. in Math and Science Education from Lesley University, an Ed.M. in Private School Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Education Policy, Planning & Leadership, K-12 Administration & Supervision from the College of William & Mary.

RACHEL KANE
Head of School, Friends Community School (MD)

Having attended a Quaker school as a child, Rachel has dedicated her career to Friends education. She brings an equity-minded perspective to Friends Community School and is eager to work alongside educators committed to helping students cherish their Inner Light to realize the promise they carry within and “let their lives speak.”

Most recently, Rachel was Middle School Principal at Sidwell Friends School (DC) after serving as Assistant Director then Director of the Middle School at Abington Friends School (PA). At both Abington and Sidwell, Rachel supported and founded identity-based student affinity groups. At Sidwell, she also clerked the committee that revamped the faculty evaluation tool and cycle to include intentionally building equity work into the process.

Rachel started her career at Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica, teaching music in all grades and high school math and science. She returned to the U.S. to teach math at Friends School Baltimore (MD). Rachel earned a B.A. in Psychology from Swarthmore College, an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, and an M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel is a graduate of Friends Council’s Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools.

XIAORONG LI
Head of School, International Friends School (WA)

International Friends School welcomes Xiaorong as its new Head of School. With more than two decades of experience as an educator and nearly a decade in independent school leadership, Xiaorong brings wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to Quaker values. A passionate educator and servant leader, she believes educational environments should spark joy, inspire curiosity, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Throughout her career, Xiaorong has shown unwavering dedication to fostering communities grounded in respect, integrity, and high expectations. Most recently, she served as Director of Studies and Educational Technology/Head of Academic Affairs at the Latin School of Chicago. Her previous roles include academic and technology leadership at the Archer School for Girls, Alta Vista School, Perkiomen School, and Qingdao University. She also taught Mandarin Chinese at the Urban School of San Francisco.

Xiaorong holds a B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature from Qingdao University, an M.A. in Chinese (Linguistics) from Beijing Language and Culture University, and a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition from Carnegie Mellon University.

RICHARD NOURIE
Interim Head of School, Friends Seminary (NY)

A valued writer and speaker on Friends education and recipient of the 2025 Friends Council on Education's Leadership in Service to Friends Education Award, Rich brings more than four decades of leadership, teaching, and service within Quaker education to Friends Seminary. His board experience, thoughtful stewardship, steady leadership, vision, and deep commitment to the values that unify the school community will be evident as he leads the school through an exciting and pivotal time of transition.

Rich is quick to lead, bringing warmth, wisdom, and an inspiring presence to every interaction. Through his multiple touchpoints with Friends education—as a mentor, listener, thought partner, and advocate—Rich has touched many lives. This includes being a strategic champion for diversifying the leadership within the Friends school network.

Most recently, Rich served as Head of School at Abington Friends School (PA) from 2005 until his retirement in 2024. Prior to Abington Friends, he held senior leadership positions at Germantown Friends School (PA) and spent a decade as a Middle School teacher at Moses Brown School (RI). Rich earned a Sc. B. in Psychology at Brown University and has an M.A. Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

PIERRE PUGET
Head of School, State College Friends School (PA)

Pierre Puget is the new head of school of State College Friends School. With a 28-year career in education and seven leadership positions in independent schools, Pierre brings extensive global experience from institutions in France, Chile, Mauritius, and the United States. He most recently served as Executive Director of a network of 36 international schools in North America.

Pierre is particularly drawn to the values of Quaker education, including its commitment to intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and peace. He believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every student feels empowered and respected. Pierre is excited to join a smaller community where he can have a more personal and meaningful impact.

Pierre's leadership style is student-centered, emphasizing open communication, collaboration, and student well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Aix-Marseille University and a Teacher of Engineering and Head of School Certification from the French Ministry of Education. He has also consulted for schools on various topics, including teaching methods, fundraising, strategic planning, and brand development. 

ERICA SALMON (she/her)
Head of School, Friends School Mullica Hill (NJ)

Most recently, Erica served as the Director of Enrollment Management at Moorestown Friends School (NJ) after teaching at Wilmington Friends School (DE). With a robust background in teaching and administration, Erica has successfully led community engagement initiatives by building authentic relationships, establishing proactive communication, and bringing a signature level of high energy to everything she does.

Erica earned a B.S in Communication and subsequently a certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell University. She has participated in the NJAIS Leadership Institute and has served on several NJAIS accreditation and re-accreditation teams. With Friends Council, she served on the visiting team for membership renewal for William Penn Charter School (PA).

CRAIG SELLERS
Interim Head of School, New Garden Friends School (NC)

Craig is a seasoned teacher, administrator, fundraiser, and leader, bringing to New Garden Friends School a wealth of experience in independent school education. This includes 25 years of experience with Quaker schools (18 as head of school). He began his career in education as Director of Development at Friends Seminary (NY). After Friends Seminary, Craig's first headship was at United Friends School (PA) for seven years. He has served as head of school at School at Friends’ Central School (PA) and The Derryfield School. Recently, Craig published an article entitled “The Strategic Interim Head” through NAIS/National Association of Independent Schools, drawing on his experiences in carrying out this vital role at Idyllwild Arts Academy and at Princeton Friends School (NJ).

A graduate of the Lawrenceville School, Craig holds a B.A in English and government from Franklin & Marshall College, a J.D. from New York Law School, where he was an articles editor for the Human Rights Law Review, and an M.A. in educational administration from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Throughout his career, Craig has been active in NAIS and in Friends Council; at times serving on the board and clerking the Development Committee.

NATALIE ZAJAC
Head of School, Friends Western School (CA)

Bringing extensive experience in early childhood education and a strong background in administration, Natalie now serves as the interim head of school at Friends Western School in Pasadena. A firm believer in the power of community and shared learning, Natalie is committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment where children, families, and educators thrive together.

Natalie has dedicated more than 20 years to working with children and families. Fostering a deep passion for human development and the natural curiosity that drives children’s learning, Natalie spent six years teaching at Sierra Madre Community Nursery School. She collaborated closely with educators and families to cultivate strong, supportive communities for children. She also chaired the Equity Committee, leading efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school community.

Natalie discovered an interest in school leadership after years of teaching. She obtained an education in school administration from Laguna Technical College in Pomona. Natalie earned a B.A. in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles.

REBECCA ZELDIN (she/her)
Co-Clerk, Arthur Morgan School (NC)

Rebecca is beginning her seventh year at Arthur Morgan School and is returning to the role of Co-Clerk after a year's hiatus. For her entire career, Rebecca has worked in small, community school environments: first at Camphill Soltane, living and working with young adults with developmental disabilities, then for five years as a middle school teacher at Project Learn School, and most recently at Arthur Morgan. The roles Rebecca has played at Arthur Morgan have been varied. She has been the Academic Coordinator for a number of years, coached the soccer team, served as a houseparent with her partner, Adam, and consistently taught English, Spanish, and Social Studies.

In an era of screen-mediated education, the school’s low-tech, community-oriented community has singular value, and Rebecca has cherished being a part of the Arthur Morgan School project. She also appreciates the school for its emphasis on consensus decision-making and the opportunities it affords to teach and houseparent children in a familial environment. Rebecca looks forward to continuing to teach Spanish and English, houseparenting, and collaborating with new and returning teachers.

Rebecca holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from Haverford College and a M.A. in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.