Announcing Our Next Head of School
Dear Linden Hall Community,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Shauna Carter will be joining us as our next Head of School, beginning in July 2025. Dr. Carter brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments in educational leadership, school administration, and curriculum development that align with Linden Hall’s commitment to academic excellence and community building.
Following a comprehensive, nationwide search in partnership with The Education Group, the Board unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee. Dr Carter will be the 47th Head of School at Linden Hall.
Dr. Carter currently serves as Middle School Director at The Baldwin School, where her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a supportive school environment, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and managing finances, guiding faculty development to enhance best practices in middle school education. She has a strong record of collaboration with school leaders, faculty, and families to meet both the academic and social-emotional needs of students.
"Dr. Carter brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to fostering educational excellence, inclusivity, and expanding opportunities for young women," said Board of Trustees President Heather Wilson ‘85. "We are confident that her vision and dedication will lead Linden Hall into an inspiring new chapter."
Previously, Dr. Carter served as Principal of Community Middle School in West Windsor-Plainsboro, New Jersey. In this role, she oversaw various essential functions, including staff hiring, performance evaluations, data analysis on student outcomes, and safety assessments. Her prior experience includes leadership roles as Assistant Principal and Dean of Discipline in several New Jersey schools, further strengthening her expertise in school operations and student support.
Before moving into administrative roles, Dr. Carter spent six years teaching high school English, a foundation that has deepened her understanding of the classroom experience. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is certified as a school administrator in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“I am thrilled to be the next Head of School at Linden Hall School for Girls. It’s a true honor to join a community that has empowered young women since 1746,” shared Carter.
This announcement follows a careful and thorough search process. In March 2024, the Board of Trustees shared the planned retirement of our current Head of School, Dr. Nan Wodarz, at the end of the 2024-25 school year, along with the formation of the Head of School Search Committee. Together with The Education Group, the committee sought candidates whose values and vision align with Linden Hall’s mission and strategic goals. Through a national search, we engaged a talented pool of candidates and are excited to announce our next Head of School.
As part of our long-term succession plan, Dr. Nan Wodarz will work closely with Dr. Shauna Carter and the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth transition. As Dr. Carter steps into this leadership role at Linden Hall. She will officially begin her role as Head of School on July 1.
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Carter to Linden Hall and to the exciting future her leadership will bring to our school.
Warm regards,
Tija Hilton-Phillips, Esq., P’2019
Search Chair
Linden Hall Leadership Search Committee