Zanita Kelly

Dr. Kelly joined Westridge in 2019 as the Director of Lower School & Middle School, leading the day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives, and admissions procedures for Grades 4-8. A dedicated educational leader with 25 years of experience in charter, public, and independent schools, Dr. Kelly has taught, overseen curriculum and instruction, and served as an enrichment specialist and principal for grades K-8. Prior to coming to Westridge, she served as Upper School head at Saint Mark's School, Altadena, where she led the upper elementary program. Dr. Kelly has presented and published on such matters as global partnerships, facilitating change, social justice, multicultural classrooms, assessment practices, and the joy in social and emotional learning. She is also the co-founder of Notes to Butterflies, a mental-health and wellness service organization for young women in underserved communities.