Administration

Head of School

Ann Goewert, Ph.D.


Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; M.Sc., Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Biology, Iowa State University; B.Sc., Biology, Saint Louis University; Certificate of School Management and Leadership, in process, Harvard University, Graduate School of Education

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2020

Ann Goewert video screenshot
In Ann's words - A highlight video

“I am committed to safeguarding the legacy of excellence with which Mount Madonna was founded. I am committed to developing new opportunities to strengthen its academic program, enhance the student experience, and increase enrollment, diversity and equity on campus.

"I am drawn to MMS because it instills an unquenchable passion for learning. The school fosters curiosity in students, challenges them to dig deep and question ideas, and encourages intellectual risk-taking. The mission of great schools demand more than academic excellence; great schools are committed to developing compassionate individuals who strive to improve their communities and the world.”


Division Directors


Blythe Collier ('12), M.A.

Blythe Collier
Dean of Students, Middle School Coordinator
M.A. in Organizational Psychology, Alliant International University, California School for Professional Psychology; B.S, Psychology, Santa Clara University

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2022



Shannon Kelly ('92), B.A.


Director of Upper School, High School Faculty
B.A., Politics, Minor in History, University of California, Santa Cruz

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2008


Administrative Directors



Nicholas Cabassa, M.A.


Middle School Athletic Director, Elementary Faculty and Coach
M.A., Education, Specialization in Teaching Best Practices, National University, San Jose, CA; B.A., Liberal Studies, Minor in American Popular Culture, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA; A.A., Gavilan College, Gilroy, CA; Cengage Online Teacher Training Program; CBEST and CSET Certified

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2015


Nicole Tervalon, Ph.D.


Director of Technology, High School Faculty, "Ramayana!" Co-Producer
Ph.D., MIT, Cambridge, M.A. and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole; M.A. (Joint Program), M.S., Oceanographic Engineering, MIT; B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2004


PK McDonald ('04), B.S.


High School Athletic Director, High School Faculty and Coach
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2009

Mount Madonna School Graduate, Class of 2004