OKEMOS, Mich. — Montessori Radmoor School announces the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Wood as the next Head of School beginning July 1, 2019. Mr. Wood’s appointment represents the culmination of a national search that began in November of 2018. Wood will succeed Susie Hyatt, who will complete her 28th year as Head of Montessori Radmoor School in June.
Joseph Wood is currently the Executive Director of Small Savers Montessori, a year-round Montessori school located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Mr. Wood holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph University (Miami, FL) and received his B.S. in Physical Education from Mississippi State University. Prior to his work in Montessori, Wood worked extensively with children in athletics and pursued full-time coaching. As a result of his experience and genuine love of working with children, Wood followed his calling and became a teacher in the elementary classroom. Mr. Wood has spent the past decade wearing many hats in private schools in the District of Columbia where he has worked with children between the ages of three months and twelve years.
According to Jay Salliotte, President of Radmoor’s Board of Trustees, “During his interviews with Radmoor’s diverse group of stakeholders, Joseph expressed to us his deeply rooted belief in the value and importance of an authentic Montessori education. Mr. Wood’s past experiences, leadership accomplishments, and enthusiasm for Montessori education make him a good fit for our community. We look forward to welcoming Joseph to the Greater Lansing area.”
Wood’s predecessor Susie Hyatt will step down in June at the end of the school’s 50th anniversary year. Salliotte remarks, “Susie Hyatt has played an integral part in the school’s growth and success. Her tenure has left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all Radmoor students, past and present. We will miss her gentle guidance and thoughtful words and plan to honor her exceptional work in an all-school celebration in June.”
Salliotte concludes, “These are big changes for our beloved school. Change tends to conjure up feelings of wonder and worry, but I believe in our school. I believe in our staff. I believe in the culture we have built. And most importantly, I believe we are strongly positioned for growth and the next big chapter in Radmoor’s history.”
For more information about Montessori Radmoor School or to arrange an interview, please contact Irina Jamison, Director of Business Operations at (517) 351-3655 or visit www.montessoriradmoor.org [montessoriradmoor.org].
About Montessori Radmoor
Montessori Radmoor School is located at 2745 Mt. Hope Road in Okemos, Michigan. The school was founded in 1968 to provide an authentic Montessori program based on the educational philosophy and methodology of Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori Radmoor serves over 150 children ranging from ages 18 months to 12 years through its two Toddler, three Primary, and two Elementary classrooms. The school is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and is affiliated with Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the Michigan Montessori Society. Montessori Radmoor is currently celebrating its 50thAnniversary during the 2018-19 school year.
Montessori Radmoor School respects the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual and does not discriminate in the administration of any of its programs or policies on any basis including but not limited to ethnicity, family structure, gender identity, geographic origins, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
It is the school’s mission that children will discover their unique potential by living the Montessori lifestyle hand in hand with parents and staff.
