Dear Members of the Brick Church School Community:
The Director Nominating Committee is delighted to announce that Amy Warden has accepted the position of Director of the Brick Church School, effective August 1, 2019.
This announcement caps a six-month comprehensive search process that began in April when Lydia Spinelli announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2018-2019 academic calendar year. As part of this process, Amy submitted an in-depth application package, interviewed with the eight-person Nominating Committee and with educational consultants, Carney Sandoe. Informed by the shared values and voices of all Brick constituents, the Nominating Committee received numerous letters of recommendation from current and former parents, faculty and staff, and other educators in support of Amy’s candidacy for the director position. The community highlighted Amy’s expertise and consistent passion for early childhood education during her five-year tenure as Associate Director as well as in prior roles. Amy’s knowledge, experience and vision align with the core values of the school and key areas for evolution; hence, she was the enthusiastic and unanimous choice for our next director.
As Associate Director, Amy has prioritized curriculum and professional development. She has skillfully led a revision of the pre-literacy program, the school’s equity and inclusion initiatives, and focused on the social/emotional development of children. Amy has collaborated with faculty to integrate more inquiry-based learning in the classroom. In addition, Amy directed the June Program and was instrumental in developing the new Two’s Program. Most importantly, Amy has remained steadfast in her dedication to knowing each child individually, partnering with parents on educational growth at Brick and beyond.
Prior to joining Brick, Amy was Head of Schools at Williamsburg Northside Schools in Brooklyn, New York. In her role, Amy was responsible for all facets of the school’s operation, which included programming for over 300 children ages three months to seven years across 18 classrooms and 80 staff members. Under Amy’s leadership, Northside implemented the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education from infancy through the elementary school years, resulting in a highly innovative, successful program.
Amy has a bachelor’s degree from William Smith College with a major in dance therapy and a minor in education. She has two graduate degrees from Hunter College: a master’s degree in dance and movement therapy and a MSEd in special education. Amy and her husband, Doug, have two children, son Henry (age 10) and daughter Audrey (age 5), and reside in Tarrytown, New York.
Thank you to every member of our school community for your investment in Brick and your engagement and participation in our Director search. A thoughtful transition process in partnership with Lydia Spinelli is underway, and we will soon schedule opportunities for members of the Brick community to get to know Amy even better. We look forward to Amy’s leadership at the Brick Church School!
Sincerely,
The Brick Church School Director Nominating Committee