December 6, 2023

 

Dear Members of the Benjamin community,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the hiring of Dr. Kristen Sheehan as our Assistant Head of School beginning July 1, 2024. With guidance from Carney, Sandoe, and Associates, a national search produced many highly qualified candidates who were eager to join the Benjamin team. I must express my gratitude to them and to our advisory committee of faculty and staff from all divisions and departments who helped review and interview many exemplary candidates.

At the end of our thorough search, I am delighted to find that the very best fit for this position is our current Head of Lower School, Dr. Sheehan. Dr. Sheehan’s educational background is impressive with an M.S. in curriculum development and an Ed.D. in instructional leadership and reading. Dr. Sheehan began her career as a K-12 teacher. Joining The Benjamin School in 2007, she has served as a lead teacher, academic dean, curriculum coordinator, and Head of Lower School. She is also an adjunct professor at both Nova Southeastern and Palm Beach Atlantic University. 

One advisory member said, “Her education and experience certainly qualify her, but what sets her apart is her true passion for TBS.” During my time at Benjamin, Dr. Sheehan has been a thoughtful leader with a strong commitment to student welfare. Our advisory committee described her as “intelligent, honest, and well respected” and a “leader who is confident in her vision for TBS.”

Dr. Sheehan will be tasked with strengthening cross-divisional cohesion and curricular alignment from PK3-12. And while her inimitable presence at the Lower School campus will be missed, we are thrilled that she will now have a daily role in all three divisions. 

We will begin a national search for our new Head of Lower School immediately, and we are fortunate that Dr. Sheehan will be here to help with the onboarding process.

In community,