Laguna Beach, Calif. (September 29, 2021) – Anneliese Schools, an award-winning private institution dedicated to providing unique educational opportunities for nursery school through 6th grade, today announced Wendy Bana, Ph.D. has returned as Head of School of the Willowbrook Campus.
Bana returns to Anneliese Schools with a wealth of experience as an educator and administrator. In her previous position as Head of School for LePort Schools in Irvine, she directed all faculty and administrative staff throughout academic services and maintained annual budget administration, while leading cross-functional teams within an educational environment and generating $1.6M in annual revenue.
In 2014, Bana first joined the Anneliese team as a Special Programs Lead Teacher, managing all aspects of development and implementation of learning plans based upon curriculum instruction. Within this role Bana challenged students in core academic areas while successfully establishing professional development of school faculty and administration. After three years in this role, Bana became the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for two of the Anneliese campuses. In this position she executed operational oversight for all organizational levels, managed the development and deployment of curriculum and instruction focused on behavioral and developmental course design. She supported faculty and staff, ensuring optimal performance within a learning environment.
Given Bana’s past success, Anneliese is excited to have her step into her new role as Head of School. In this position, Bana will serve as a support structure for the various department heads, including the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Preschool Directors, Manager of Administrative Services, Director of Operations, and Director of Human Resources. Bana’s goals in this new role include creating an inclusive and cohesive environment that promotes a positive learning and working experience, which is a key element in her educational philosophy. Wendy is a firm believer in the power of education within a community, and is committed to creating learning environments that make students feel safe, loved, and empowered to better themselves and their communities as they mature and grow.
“Wendy has been a crucial and valuable part of the Anneliese team for many years now, and we are very proud of everything she has accomplished thus far,” said Liesa Schimmelpfennig, Research and Development Director of Anneliese Schools. “Wendy’s educational methodologies coupled with her robust expertise and experience in education will continue to add even more depth to the Anneliese community. We look forward to her continued successes within Anneliese as Head of School.”
Bana is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society, Psychology and the Ninety-nines Club, Women Pilots. She holds a Master of Science degree, Applied Information Management from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts, Teaching from Oregon State University. Bana received a Ph.D. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition & Learning from Grand Canyon University.
About Anneliese Schools
Anneliese Schools is an award-winning private institution dedicated to providing rich educational opportunities to grow the intellect, humanity, curiosity, and creativity of children. Founded in 1968 with 3 locations in Laguna Beach, Anneliese Schools offer nursery school up to 6th grade, with various enriching programs offered across the unique campuses. The school teaches to the many facets of the intellect, while fostering independence and freedom to learn. Fundamental to the school’s mission is helping children develop a strong understanding of self and a passion for lifelong learning. For more information, please visit https://annelieseschools.com/
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