As Wellington looks ahead to the 2025-26 school year, we continue to invest in people who will bring our mission to life: preparing curious and capable students who love coming to school and supporting a faculty that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and meaningful relationships.
We are excited to welcome five outstanding educators and staff members who began their roles in July. While additional new hires will join the community in August, these July 1 appointments represent the first wave of strategic hires aligned with our evolving priorities.
Their varied experiences, commitment to student growth, and passion for purposeful learning will strengthen Wellington across divisions and programs.
Nicole Franks
Assistant Head of Early Childhood and Lower School
Nicole Franks joins Wellington as Assistant Head of Early Childhood and Lower School. She brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood and lower school leadership, most recently at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, where she served as Director of Early Childhood and Associate Director for Kindergarten–Grade 2.
At Laurel, Ms. Franks led curriculum development, faculty growth, and initiatives focused on literacy, inclusion, and social-emotional learning. Her work reflects a deep commitment to student-centered learning and strong partnerships with families and educators — values that closely align with Wellington’s mission.
Dr. Nick Williams
Director of Athletics and Physical Education
Dr. Nick Williams joins Wellington as Director of Athletics and Physical Education. He brings experience across all divisions as an athletic administrator, student programming coordinator, coach, and physical education teacher. Most recently, he worked in student life at Vanderbilt University, where he earned a doctorate in leadership with a focus on student-athlete belonging and success.
A former Division I track and field athlete, Dr. Williams is passionate about the lifelong impact of physical education. His return to Wellington, where he was once a prekindergarten student, marks a full-circle moment and a strong step forward for the school’s Little Jags–grade 12 athletics program.
Latisha Humphries
Director of Community Engagement and Belonging
Latisha Humphries joins Wellington as Director of Community Engagement and Belonging. She brings a strong background in educational leadership, student-centered programming, and statewide school climate strategy. Most recently, she served at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, leading initiatives in student leadership, inclusive engagement, and restorative practices.
Ms. Humphries will support student programs across grade levels, from leadership development to service learning, while strengthening partnerships with families and building connections within the broader Columbus community. Her work reflects Wellington’s commitment to belonging, community, and purposeful engagement.
Dakota Elder-Thorn
Director of Performing Arts and Theatre Director
Dakota Elder-Thorn joins Wellington as Director of Performing Arts and Theatre. She brings a dynamic background in professional theatre and education, with nearly a decade of experience as a director, performer, designer, and teacher. Most recently, she taught 5th grade and vocal music for grades 3–8 at Clintonville Academy and remains an active company member of Available Light Theatre in Columbus.
Ms. Elder-Thorn holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and theatre/communications from Heidelberg University. Her collaborative, student-centered approach to the arts will help inspire creativity and confidence across Wellington’s performing arts program.
Sarah Allen
Director of Business Development, The Wellington Initiative
Sarah Allen joins Wellington as Director of Business Development for The Wellington Initiative (TWI). With experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, she brings a broad perspective on curriculum design, instructional leadership, and academic innovation.
Ms. Allen has served in key leadership roles, including Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Dean of Studies. She specializes in professional learning, strategic planning, and leveraging data to support student, teacher, and school growth. A frequent presenter at regional and national conferences, she has led sessions on data-informed leadership, project-based learning, and engaging instruction. Her work through TWI will help create high-impact learning environments at Wellington and beyond.
Learn more about The Wellington Initiative here.
These new appointments reflect Wellington’s continued investment in thoughtful, mission-driven leadership across all areas of school life. Each hire brings unique strengths that will help advance our strategic goals while enriching the daily experience of students, families, and faculty. We’re excited to welcome them to the Wellington community and look forward to the impact they will make in the year ahead.