Head of School Announcement, Sarah L. Houston

We are privileged to welcome a distinguished educator with a wealth of experience and an infectious passion for learning. Greg’s illustrious career spans three decades across various esteemed independent schools, where he has excelled in roles ranging from Assistant Head of School and All-School Academic Dean to coach and faculty member. His journey, marked by a genuine love for education, reflects a commitment to nurturing the potential of every student.

 

After beginning his career within the college ranks, Greg quickly came to love working with younger grades and students as an English instructor at Saint Ursula Academy, a school that launched a learning support program in 1982 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Subsequently, he was the All-School Academic Dean at Cincinnati Country Day School where he directed the PK-12 pedagogical growth & development program for faculty and staff. Greg and his family moved to California where he was named the Upper School Head at La Jolla Country Day School, serving for 6 years before heading to the east coast where he is currently the Assistant Head of School at The Ranney School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. During his time at Ranney, enrollment in the Upper School has grown significantly as the result of a series of effective strategies.

 

Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, a Master of Arts in English Literature from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a Doctorate in English Literature from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego, California, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University.

 

Greg loves to “transform and reinvent” himself. He also likes to have fun, and a few of the hobbies he has picked up along his journey include playing the guitar, ice hockey, bread-baking, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, volunteering within the community, and spending time with his family – his wife Courtney Byrne, their three college-aged children, and their puppy Reggie.

 

Central to our search process was the quest for a visionary leader who champions neurodiverse students and embraces innovation with unwavering passion. Greg’s appointment epitomizes our collective commitment to excellence, compassion, and inclusivity. His genuine respect for educators, love for students, and dedication to empowering non-traditional learners resonate deeply with Woodlynde’s ethos.

 

Greg’s appointment as Woodlynde’s Head of School is the culmination of an inclusive search process supported by Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CSA) and led by trustee Elizabeth Maglio. From a robust pool of highly qualified applicants, the search committee narrowed the field to three exceptional finalists, all of whom were warmly received and recognized by the Woodlynde community as highly capable leaders. The Search Committee was particularly impressed with Greg’s innovative and visionary approach to education as well as his exceptional communication skills.