Divisional and academic leadership at Wellington ensures that our mission is lived out in every classroom. Working in close partnership with Head of School Eliza McLaren, these leaders guide curriculum and instruction, support faculty in their professional growth, and keep students at the center of daily decision-making.
From early childhood through upper school, they provide continuity across divisions while honoring the unique needs of each stage of learning. Their leadership affirms Wellington’s commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and well-being — values that guide teaching and learning across every division.
Early Childhood and Lower School
Shelley Brown P ’32 ’33 ’38, Assistant Head of School for Academics and Head of Early Childhood and Lower School
Shelley Brown serves as Wellington’s assistant head of school for academics and head of early childhood and lower school. A longtime member of Wellington’s leadership team, she has guided the lower school through programmatic growth, including strengthening literacy foundations with Fundations and expanding opportunities for project-based learning. In her school-wide role, she will launch the Center for Teaching and Learning as a hub for professional growth, strengthening curriculum alignment across divisions, and advancing a culture of challenge so every student feels stretched in meaningful ways. Mrs. Brown previously served as director of Wellington’s Summer Program, assistant division head, and head of the early childhood program. She holds a B.A. from Miami University and an M.A. in school administration and supervision from DePaul University.
Nicole Franks P ’38, Assistant Head of Early Childhood and Lower School
Nicole Franks joined Wellington in 2025 as assistant head of early childhood and lower school. She previously served as director of early childhood and associate director for kindergarten–grade 2 at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where she championed inclusivity, social-emotional learning, and literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading. At Wellington, Ms. Franks partners with faculty to strengthen foundational skills and foster curiosity, belonging, and joy in the earliest grades. She holds a B.A. in education from Bowling Green State University and an M.A. in child development from the Erikson Institute.
Middle School
Louis Frank, Head of Middle School
Louis Frank has served as Wellington’s head of middle school since 2023, guiding the division with a focus on fostering meaningful relationships, maintaining high expectations, and promoting authentic, student-centered learning. Under his leadership, the middle school has expanded math pathways to provide clearer progression, introduced a new world language rotation in grade 6 to broaden exposure, and added an honors humanities course to deepen opportunities for advanced study. Mr. Frank has spent his career in middle school education, most recently as English department chair at Shore Country Day School near Boston, where he oversaw curriculum design, faculty mentorship, and professional growth. He holds a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. in English literature from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English, and is pursuing an M.Ed. in educational leadership and policy at Boston College.
Sloan Magliery, Assistant Head of Middle School
Since joining Wellington in 2015, Sloan Magliery has been a steady presence in the middle school, serving as an English language arts teacher, dean of students, and now assistant head. She introduced the House System, which has become a defining feature of middle school life by strengthening belonging, community, and student engagement. Building on her background as a classroom teacher and student support leader, Mrs. Magliery continues to partner with faculty and families to guide students through the important years of early adolescence. She earned a B.A. in English from Kenyon College and an M.A. in English from Stanford University.
Upper School
Rishi Raghunathan P ’27 ’30, Head of Upper School
In his sixth year as head of upper school, Rishi Raghunathan continues to guide Wellington’s academic program with vision and purpose. He has overseen the introduction of the 5/4 schedule, expanded experiential learning opportunities through the launch of Model UN, and supported the rollout of the Wellington International Student Experience (WISE), which began under his tenure. Mr. Raghunathan has also led his division in exploring new ways to deepen student engagement, ensuring that Wellington students are both challenged and supported in meaningful ways. A graduate of the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute Leadership Lab, he serves as chair of the Equity and Justice Committee for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). He earned his B.A. in international relations from the University of Cincinnati. His leadership is defined by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to preparing students for the future.
Aaron Frim P ’19, Assistant Head of Upper School
With more than three decades of experience at Wellington, Aaron Frim brings deep knowledge of the school and a proven commitment to student growth in his role as assistant head of upper school. He has served as a chemistry teacher, grade-level dean, and dean of students, as well as director of the Wellington International Student Experience (WISE), which gives students meaningful opportunities to develop global competence through coursework and travel. Known for championing student voice and building inclusive, supportive communities, Mr. Frim continues to advise, teach, and lead alongside his administrative responsibilities. He holds a B.A. and B.S. in chemistry and chemistry education, and two master’s degrees in geology and environmental engineering, all from The Ohio State University.
Sharla Starker P ’17 ’22, Upper School Academic Dean
Sharla Starker has been part of Wellington’s faculty since 2015 and brings a wide range of classroom and student support experience to her role as upper school academic dean. She previously served as a kindergarten teacher and as an upper school learning specialist, overseeing academic accommodations and AP testing. In her role as academic dean, she supports faculty in curriculum development, assessment practices, and instructional design, helping to shape a strong and engaging academic program. Mrs. Starker earned her B.A. and M.Ed. in early childhood education.