Last year was my first year as Head of School at Hanger Hall. However, I was no stranger to the school having served as a member of the Board of Directors for two years as well as having had the experience of getting to know several Hanger Hall girls in high school during my tenure at Asheville School (I served seven years as Director of Advancement as well as dorm parent and advisor.) I became enamored with the girls, single-gender education, and the philosophy behind the creation of the school. When the opportunity presented itself to lead the school I couldn’t resist the challenge.

I bring my own unique set of skills to Hanger Hall. As a seasoned development professional of 25+ years I value the role philanthropy plays in an independent school such as ours. As an administrator for about the same length of time, I value the passion teachers bring to our girls every day and embrace their commitment and personal investment in the health of Hanger Hall. My experience provides me with the ability to be passionate about the girls, teachers, and the program, while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility and health, strategic planning, and the development of resources that will provide our teachers and girls with what they need. Moreover, I am vested in good operating practices that will insure Hanger Hall is here to serve generations of girls in the future. My M.S. in Human Resource Administration (from the University of Scranton) was a great course of study for what I am doing today.

At the undergraduate level I have a BS in Individual and Family Studies (Penn State University). I always dreamed of being a marriage and family therapist. However a wise professor and a series of internships led me down the administrative path in educational and not-for-profit settings (the United Way, high school, colleges, medical schools and hospitals.) This is my way of playing a role while not having to be the actual practioner (best for everyone!) At Hanger Hall my dream is once again a reality albeit in a slightly altered form. Each day I have the opportunity to employ my counseling skills with the girls and very much call on my education in family development.

In my personal life I am married to Tim McClain and we have a 10 year old daughter, Emma. I enjoy Penn State football (I am a proud alum) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (as you might have guessed I am from Pennsylvania.) The beach is my sanctuary and I enjoy hiking, farmer’s markets, cooking, music of all kinds, and enjoying all Asheville has to offer!!  I serve on the board of Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina and volunteer at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue with my daughter.