“Dr. Lassey’s exceptional experience, innovative approaches to curriculum and school leadership, and deep commitment to the transformative power of girls’ education have been clearly evident from the moment we met her,” shared Megan. “She is an inclusive, compassionate, and brilliant educator and leader, and I could not be more excited to see Emma Willard School enter its next chapter under her leadership.”

Dr. Lassey currently serves as assistant principal at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where she has worked for more than two decades. In her role at Exeter, Dr. Lassey has led strategic efforts to promote student thriving (academically, physically, socially, and emotionally), foster inclusion and belonging in the community, enhance environmental sustainability in policy and practice, and launch a center for teaching and learning. She was previously an instructor in science and mathematics and the dean of academic affairs.

“From the moment I read of Emma Willard’s mission, initiatives, traditions, and aspirations, I felt a strong resonance with my values and goals as an educator. Being on campus and meeting students and staff was an incredible experience,” Dr. Lassey recently shared. “This community—created for and designed to empower young women—inspires me and energizes me. I am thrilled to become your next head of school and am eager to join you in a few short months!”

Prior to her career as an educator, Dr. Lassey served in the United States Army as an engineer and commissioned officer, earning the rank of captain and leading armed forces in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Operation Rescue Hope in Somalia. She also taught and developed curriculum for the US Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Dr. Lassey earned a doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Amherst College and a Master of Science in Teaching in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Lassey has three adult children—Matthew, Sean, and Bridget—and will be joined on Mount Ida by her beloved golden-doodle Darcy and cat Seven.

The Head of School Search Committee was led by co-chairs Wendy Graham ’85, Trustee, and David Howson, Secretary and Trustee. Wendy and David were joined by current Emma Willard faculty and staff (Emily Carton, Gina Egan, and Karlyn Wilkins) and other members of the Board and the Alumnae Association Council (Vivan Brady-Phillips ’85, Karen Brifu-Lacy ’04, Jim Hackett P’20, Julie Massry Knox ’98, and Betts Howes Murray ’73).

The Search Committee, in collaboration with search firm Educational Directions, conducted a thorough and inclusive process to identify the next Head of School. This comprehensive effort began with gathering input from the entire Emma Willard community to determine key qualities and priorities for the role. Hundreds of applications were reviewed from a diverse and exceptionally talented pool of candidates, before narrowing the search to seven semi-finalists and three finalists for in-person interviews on Mount Ida. During their second visit, the finalists engaged in a full day of meetings with administrators, faculty, and students across a wide range of groups and settings. The process was enriched by valuable input from all corners of the Emma community, including alumnae, parents, and the full Board of Trustees, ensuring a well-rounded and collaborative approach to this important decision.

The Emma Willard community looks forward to Dr. Lassey visiting Mount Ida for the first time as head-elect at the upcoming performance of Revels and for future visits throughout the remainder of the school year.