School opens on September 7, with Helen L. Marlette as new head of school. To support her, SEM has created two new positions on its administrative team: Sophie Michaud is now the assistant head of school - academics and Natalie Stothart is now the assistant head of school - community life.
"Natalie and Sophie each bring a passion for all-girl education to their roles and we are lucky each has chosen to help lead SEM," said Helen. "Natalie's experience at Bay Path College makes her a natural for contributing to the quality of community life at SEM. She has worked with young women of all ages and from all over the world. Her energy, sense of adventure, and counseling experience will add a new dimension to the community at SEM. Sophie has followed her heart and become a leader at SEM. She is a constant learner and shares her knowledge and understanding of educational practices."
Sophie is well known to the SEM community as an inspirational French teacher and most recently as dean of faculty. A native of France, she has degrees from both the Université Catholique de Lille (BA) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (MA).
"I see this new position as an extension of my service as dean of faculty for the past two years," Sophie explained. "While I will continue to work closely with our outstanding faculty, I look forward to developing further as an administrator under Helen Marlette's leadership and to serve SEM in a larger context. I am also ecstatic at the prospect of welcoming a new colleague with incredible talent, Natalie. Last but not least, I will cherish my time with the girls in the classroom, which continues to be a daily source of energy and inspiration for the educator at heart that I am."
Natalie, a native of Canada, is new to SEM but not to Western New York - she attended Niagara University where she played Division 1 volleyball. Most recently she was executive director of student engagement at Bay Path University in Massachusetts, a women's undergraduate institution. Natalie, her husband, and two children will live on campus in the newly christened Jody Douglass House.
"I am thrilled to be a part of the SEM community," she said. "The staff and faculty already feel like family, and their continued support guidance is greatly appreciated during my transition as the new assistant Head. I am looking forward to the start of the new school year, and can't wait to meet the students. I am eager to learn, listen, and engage with the school community, and have lots to look forward to at SEM!"
