Leadership Update: Administrative Role Changes for 2025-2026 

Dr. Anna Baralt - Dean of Faculty & Curriculum 

Dr. Anna Baralt will take on the newly created role of Dean of Faculty & Curriculum, a need identified and prioritized through the School's recent strategic planning process. This twofold role is responsible for supporting faculty professional development and assessment, and serving as a resource to all faculty members across the School. Anna will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum across the entire Alpha-12th grade program, partnering with Division Heads, Curriculum Deans and Department Chairs to ensure curriculum alignment both within and between divisions.

With a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, a master's degree in elementary education and experience as a certified Apple Learning Coach, Anna has taught students at all levels for nearly 30 years at Shorecrest. In her current role as the Director of Technology and Media Services, Anna already provides support in designing curriculum and technology integration, and facilitates professional development school-wide. In her new role as Dean of Faculty & Curriculum, Anna will continue to oversee the educational technology aspect of Shorecrest’s curriculum and also teach a section in either the Middle or Upper School. 

Michael Gillis - Assistant Head of School for Advancement 

Michael Gillis, who since 2017 has served as the Director of Advancement with exceptional dedication, will now hold the title of Assistant Head of School for Advancement. In his role, Michael will continue to oversee fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement, working closely with the Head of School and the school leadership to uphold the School’s mission and achieve its long-term goals. Michael’s unwavering dedication to supporting the School community is evident, as he consistently seeks innovative ways to advance the institution. This updated title reflects the evolving scope and leadership responsibilities of the position, as well as its critical role in supporting the mission and strategic vision of Shorecrest. 

Kris Grant - Assistant Head of School 

Kris Grant will be taking on the title of Assistant Head of School. She will continue in her role as Middle School Head and In-House Counsel. In her new role, Kris will support the development and execution of all-school policies, programs and initiatives and serve as an additional resource to provide support to senior administrators. In addition, Kris will oversee special projects, represent the Head of School when necessary, assume leadership responsibilities in the Head’s absence and perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the Head of School. 

Amy Brill - Assistant Head of Middle School 

Amy Brill will be taking on the role of Assistant Head of Middle School. This new role and reorganization will allow Amy to provide additional support to the faculty, students and families of the Middle School. Amy has served as the Dean of seventh grade for nine years and Head Dean of the Middle School for four years. With her commitment to students, Amy will be an asset to our Middle School community. We look forward to the experience and commitment she will bring to the position. 

Sarah Palazzolo - Assistant Head of Lower School 

In the Lower School, Sarah Palazzolo has served as the Dean of Curriculum since 2021, playing a pivotal role in shaping our academic program. Prior to that she was a teacher in the Lower School. Beyond her curricular leadership, Sarah has naturally stepped into a broader administrative role, taking on a multitude of leadership responsibilities that support the overall success of the Lower School. Sarah’s partnership with Dr. Bianco has been instrumental in strengthening our lower division. In recognition of her impact and leadership, Sarah’s title next year will reflect her role as Assistant Head of the Lower School. 

Khana Rebman & Meghan Schneider - Interim Co-Directors of Diversity & Inclusion

Third grade teacher Khana Rebman '05 and Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Meghan Schneider have been appointed as Interim Co-Directors of Diversity & Inclusion. Both Khana and Meghan have served as Divisional Diversity Coordinators since the inception of that role, working in concert with Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Roderick Fludd, to support faculty, students and families. They are deeply committed to the core values of Shorecrest and the work of diversity and inclusion. Both are excited to take on this important work together to support our community, while continuing in their current roles as classroom teacher and college counselor, respectively. As Interim Co-Directors of Diversity & Inclusion, Khana and Meghan will be part of the senior administrative team, support programming and serve as resources for faculty, students and families.  

Looking ahead, plans are underway for focus groups and community-wide conversation as we start the hiring process for the important senior administrative role of the Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the 2026-27 school year.