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Meet Our New Administrators

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MarQuis Chappell • Director of Equity and Inclusion MarQuis Chappell joined Harpeth Hall in 2018 as an Upper School English teacher and was named 9th grade dean in July 2020. MarQuis fosters a classroom culture where students are encouraged to value their neighbors and support each other in taking risks. This year, MarQuis served as the founding faculty sponsor for the Black Student Alliance and also co-sponsored the Free Speakers club. He is a capstone advisor for the Global Scholars program. He also collaborated with school leadership to establish Harpeth Hall’s first affinity group for BIPOC faculty, a group he now co-moderates. What does community mean to you? I believe community to be a place wherein all members are not only connected through shared interest, but also feel responsible for how their words and actions honor their neighbors’ experiences. What is your favorite part about being an educator? The intellectual

stimulation I receive from learning alongside students and faculty for whom it is common practice to interrogate everything, so as to deepen their understanding. I also love when students approach me with questions to which I don’t know the answer, and we figure it out together. It highlights the community aspect of a school.

What is your mission as a director? A compelling part of Harpeth Hall’s mission is to provide each student with a global perspective, and that charge will be the impetus for much of my work. My hope is that by the time each girl leaves this school community, she is well equipped with the vocabulary and cultural competence to engage in sophisticated, respectful dialogue with peoples from diverse cultural, racial, religious, socio-economic, and linguistic backgrounds. We live in a global society, and our students must be prepared for it. What are three fun facts about you?

• I am a classically and gospel-trained pianist. I studied for 15 years. • The Wiz is my favorite musical. • My homemade cheesecakes are legendary (according to my close friends)!

Carol Garaby • Director of Auxiliary Programs Carol Garaby joined Harpeth Hall as Director of Auxiliary Programs in January of 2021. Before moving to Nashville, Carol spent three years at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. as a member of the auxiliary programs team, specifically working with rental groups and the middle school extended-day program. Prior to GDS, Carol spent 13 years at Baylor School in Chattanooga where she oversaw all-day and boarding summer programs, as well as worked with community partners outside of the school for rental space on campus. What does community mean to you? It means having a network, a

support team, a cheering section, and a helping hand. It means finding your place and your comfort zone that allows you to explore your fullest potential. What makes Harpeth Hall the right place for you? I have felt a

part of the community very quickly. Being a Nashville native, it’s been a great welcome home! What is your mission as a director? To continue to grow the programs

by listening to students, faculty, and administration about what helps the overall school mission, to lead by example, and to constantly evaluate programs for mission alignment, equity, and outreach. What are three fun facts about you?

• I spent the last four years in Washington, D.C. • I went to college in Little Rock, Arkansas. • I love to be outside – gardening, hiking, running, relaxing!

Kylene Lee • Director of Athletics Kylene Lee joined Harpeth Hall as Middle School athletics director in 2015 and this past school year served as interim athletics director. During an unprecedented time, Kylene called on her experience as a Division I college and professional athlete to stay flexible, handle stress, and problem solve. With her background as a high-level competitor, teacher, coach, and athletic administrator, Kylene not only empowers students to build memorable experiences as teammates and athletes, she also collaboratively leads a staff of more than 120 coaches.

What does community mean to you?

To me, community is a place of support, belonging, and fellowship. Sports have a natural way of creating connected communities through shared experiences, and I am excited to continue being part of this Harpeth Hall community. What makes Harpeth Hall the right place for you? Our

students, single-gender education, and the leadership. From an athletics perspective, girls are more likely to engage in competitive athletics while in a single-gender environment. I’m always inspired when watching our girls take healthy risks and push beyond their comfort zones. Harpeth Hall is a place that encourages growth in its students, educators, and administrators. As a lifelong learner, this is an environment I thrive in.

What is your mission as a director? First, I want to support our

students to pursue excellence in all phases of life. Second, is to create a safe environment that allows student-athletes to stretch themselves and see their mistakes as a critical part of growth. Finally, my goal is to help them develop into strong leaders who are confident, collaborate well, and have a healthy sense of emotional wellbeing. What are three fun facts about you?

• If I ever need to feel empowered, accomplished, or proud of my physical body, I hike. Preferably to high places. Sedona has my heart. • I’ve played in a U.S. Women’s Open. • I’m a huge animal lover, owner of two rescue pit bulls, and volunteer at Saddle Up in my spare time (even though I knew nothing about horses when I started).

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New Administrators

continued from page 23 Brion Kennedy • Director of Performing Arts Brion Kennedy joins Harpeth Hall from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Georgia. He spent 11 years in the classroom teaching AP music theory, guitar, and music appreciation before becoming the fine arts department chair, a position he has held since 2013. What does community mean to you? Community

is a network of people who support one another. Community creates a sense of belonging and is familial in many ways. What is your favorite part about being an

educator? As educators, we can truly have a positive impact on our students’ lives and that is a unique perk of our vocation. As an arts educator, it is all about helping students discover their passion. What brings me the most joy is following the trajectory of a student from their first performance on stage, to college, and then on to a career in the arts. What is your mission as a director? First

and foremost, I am here to support the amazingly talented performing arts teachers and help the department maximize its potential. I come to Harpeth Hall with a tremendous amount of respect for the reputation of the performing arts department and look forward to growing that reputation within the school community and in the community at large.

What are three fun facts about you?

• My wife and I watch Jeopardy religiously. • I did the Chattanooga Ironman once upon a time. • We love traveling and have been to 23 countries and counting!

Janet Weller • Director of College Counseling Janet Weller joins Harpeth Hall from Roland Park Country School, a girls school in Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked as a college counselor for 15 years. She has a love for working with students on their individual journeys, providing support and guidance through the important college exploration and decision-making process. In addition, Janet is actively engaged in national organizations, including the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools where she currently serves as the committee chair for data trends and analytics. What does community mean to you? Community is

where you feel at home and supported in being your authentic self. A community, at its best, passes continuously through seasons of shared hopes and expectations, genuine encouragement, and empathetic support when there are setbacks. It both grounds you and helps you to grow. What makes Harpeth Hall the right place for you? When I began

work in girls' schools 18 years ago, I joined a community in Baltimore where former Harpeth Hall Head of School Ann Teaff served as Upper School Head. A close family friend replaced Ann and spoke often of Ann’s impact. Later, when I became a college counselor, I had the privilege to work with another former Head of School before her service to Harpeth Hall began — Stephanie Balmer. In addition to leading the admissions team at Dickinson College, Dr. Balmer also served as the area representative who visited Baltimore schools. I am so grateful to have known her. When I first visited Harpeth Hall, the students that I met impressed me with their genuine warmth, wit, incisive questions, and authentic interest in welcoming and getting to know someone new. I am privileged to take a position at a school where I can both follow in the footsteps of great leaders and help support a younger generation as they discover how to contribute with their own voices.

What are three fun facts about you?

• I am a runner and have many years of experience coaching athletes from elementary grades up through high school. • My husband, Dan, is a classically trained chef. • I have never lived outside of Maryland until now! My family and I are so excited for this new adventure and look forward to exploring Nashville.

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