Monica Palmer

Monica Palmer has extensive work experience in the education sector, spanning various leadership and administrative roles. Monica has recently been appointed as the Upper School Principal at Milton Academy. Prior to that, they served as the Dean of Faculty at The Governor's Academy from 2017 to 2022. Monica also held the position of Director of Fine & Performing Arts at Lake Forest Academy from 2011 to 2017. Earlier in their career, they worked at The Madeira School, where they served as Residential Life-House Adult-Dean of Students Office from 2004 to 2011 and held multiple roles including Fine and Performing Arts Chair and Enrollment Manager. Monica also has experience outside the education sector, having worked as an Assistant to the Artistic Director at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater from 1999 to 2000. Monica started their career as a Graduate Assistant/Resident Director at Barnard College from 1995 to 1998.

Monica Palmer holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania, which they completed between 2012 and 2015. In 2011, they obtained a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from Columbia University's Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership. Prior to this, Palmer received a Master's Degree in Theater (M.F.A.) from Columbia University's Oscar Hammerstein II Center for Theater Studies in 1998. Monica completed their Bachelor's Degree in Dramatic Arts and Law & Society at UC Santa Barbara between 1990 and 1993.