Enthusiastic about Anacapa school

Dr. Mari Talkin to become head of independent school in Santa Barbara

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Dr. Mari Talkin is excited about becoming the leader of a place she calls magical: Anacapa School.

Dr. Talkin will begin her position on July 1 as the head of the independent school, which serves grades 7-12 and boasts a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

She will work closely with the board of directors to develop plans for the 2023-2024 school year.

“I am really excited; it is something I feel very passionate about. Anacapa School is one of Santa Barbara’s best-kept secrets,”

Dr. Talkin, who currently teaches at Cate School in Carpinteria, told the News-Press.

“Anacapa School is located on a storied campus in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s a magical place in many ways and has a homeaway-from-home feeling.

“I am very excited to offer my leadership and vision in moving the school forward into the community,” she said.

Dr. Talkin discussed her vision for the school.

“The school is already pretty communitycentered,” she said. “The students are actively encouraged to volunteer and are community-involved. The school has an entrepreneurial spirit. I love that, and I want to continue to foster that.

“My vision is to really help that and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of students and connection with the community and for them to work together in symbiotic ways.”

“I will be working with the board of directors looking at the goals of the school.

I am currently working with interim head of school, Jennifer Mansbach. I have been having meetings with faculty members to understand the goals and vision for the school and how I can best support that,” said

Please see TALKIN on A4

For more about Anacapa School, go to anacapaschool.org.