Brooke Carroll: Incoming Head of School

Learn More About Brooke

• Brooke Carroll will begin her headship in January 2027.
• DOWNLOAD: One-page summary with Brooke's bio, degrees, and career highlights
• READ: A recent Alumni Spotlight interview with Brooke, originally posted June 2025
• VIEW: A video welcome message from Brooke

Brooke Carroll, Ph.D., brings nearly 30 years of experience in school leadership, educational psychology, governance, and leadership development to her role as Head of Sandy Spring Friends School. She is a member of the Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting and a lifelong Quaker. An SSFS alumna (Class of ‘83), Brooke describes her education at SSFS as “transformational.”

After earning her B.A. in Psychology from Bates College in Maine, her Ph.D in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and helping to start a residential charter school in Massachusetts, Brooke returned to SSFS to serve as Director of Residential Life from 2001 to 2007. During her time in that role she developed residential programming and curriculum, supported boarding and international students, taught psychology and adolescent issues, and helped foster a strong sense of community while living in the dorm and raising her two small children.

Brooke went on to serve for nine years as Head of School at Seneca Academy, an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School, where she led all aspects of school operations, including academic programming, faculty development, enrollment, finance, advancement, and strategic planning.

Most recently, as Principal Consultant and Coach at Acies Strategies, Brooke supported independent schools and nonprofit organizations to strengthen leadership, governance, and strategic decision-making. An ICF-certified leadership coach and author of Governing the Small School: Strategies for Boards, Brooke has also served in leadership roles on numerous school and nonprofit boards, including Friends Community School, Siena School, The Kendal Corporation, and the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS).

Brooke’s leadership is grounded in deep listening, collaboration, and a belief in the importance of healthy, inclusive communities where every individual is valued. Brooke is excited to bring the skills and experience she has developed over her career back to SSFS and partner with the board, Assistant Head Meredith Shankle, the faculty and staff, parents, and students to strategically guide the school to mission-aligned health and strength. In Brooke’s words,  “The core mission of SSFS is more valuable and needed today than ever. The School is providing opportunities for young people to practice living in community, guided by Quaker values, while taking part in a strong academic program. We need more people in the world who are able to let their lives speak.”