Western Reserve Academy: How the Pandemic Changed Education

Ms. Petersen served as United States Peace Corps volunteer in Papua, New Guinea, setting the foundation for her curiosity about other cultures and dedication to service. She holds a BS in Education from Northwestern University and a MLA from Johns Hopkins University. During her career in education, Ms. Petersen has inspired high school students from the USA, Brazil and China with her sensitive and engaging approach. She has a passion for history and cherishes the many service and outdoor adventure trips she has completed with students over the years. As an Assistant Principal and later an Assistant Head of School, she has fostered teacher growth and positive school culture. A dedicated meditation practitioner, Ms. Petersen attends several silent retreats a year to deepen her practice. She is an avid cyclist, dedicated mindfulness trainer and loves exploring the mountains of Colorado on summer vacations. She shares a happy household with her husband and fellow educator Sean, and their three heavily indulged cats.