Leadership

Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a navy blazer, purple striped shirt, pearl necklace, and hoop earrings outdoors with green trees in the background.

Patricia Gray
Head of School

Dear Jackson Walnut Park Families,

I am delighted to join the Jackson Walnut Park School. The values and spirit that reflect the school's rich history and CSJ charism will guide my efforts on behalf of the organization. 

Because of the incredible partnership forged by families, faculty, PSA members, and the Board of Trustees, last week we earned "first place" in two Boston Parents Paper Survey categories and a Top 5 Overall ranking! Garnering this accomplishment reflects the strength of our exceptional community. If you haven't seen or heard the news, click here for our Facebook announcement.

Today, I am excited to share our 2025-26 Strategic Priorities—a roadmap the Board approved to guide Jackson Walnut Park School as we revitalize our interfaith Catholic tradition and heritage. Our mission is to inspire students to love God, love learning, and love one another without distinction. Completing this year's five aligned priorities is the first step to securing our institution's longevity and vision of preparing children to excel academically while modeling exemplary service and gaining entrance into their best-fit schools.

  • Our five strategic priorities will be:

    1. Unification of Community   

    2. NEASC Joint Accreditation Renewal - American Montessori Society and Elementary 

    3. Increased K-6 Enrollment  

    4. Transformative Educator and Student Experiences

    5. Enhanced Competitive Profile

    Stay tuned for your invitation to attend an upcoming "Back-to-School" parent event--with a remote option--in early August, highlighting our priorities.

    Campus Leadership

    Goal achievement will involve all stakeholders; however, onsite leaders--already at work--will play a key role in managing our action plans. Thus, I am delighted to introduce the Senior Leadership Team helping move us forward expeditiously: Carolina Carvajal, Director of Admissions; Stephanie Marcucci, Senior Strategic Advisor; Amy Martins, Business Office Manager; along with Principals Clarissa Robyn (Montessori Early Childhood) and Kelly Sullivan (Elementary K-6).

    The professionals who will profoundly impact your children's social-emotional development include Megan Polli, School Counselor, and Directors Neal O'Brien (Kids' Corner) and Melissa Uhrynowski (Athletics & Auxiliaries).

    Based on parent feedback, the team has already ensured that all parents may choose from weekly "hot lunch" options from Phinix Kitchens Group (complete with new cafeteria-style seating), monthly Mass celebrations in the student center will begin in September, enhancements around calendar planning, and new K-6 curricula. 

    Fine-Tuning Our Focus

    The Montessori early childhood classrooms are flourishing because of significant physical improvements over recent years. This year, we will focus on upgrading the elementary building's classrooms and offices to level our campus support. Additionally, although we strive to unite our educators in both divisions further and will host joint PreK-6 professional development the week of August 25, our elementary faculty will begin training on August 18 to immerse themselves in the new curriculum.

    Along with collaborative classroom furniture ordered for elementary children and faculty, you'll also see new paint everywhere in the elementary division, showcasing sparkling floors soon to be highlighted by themed bulletin boards. Adding to our flurry of profile enhancements, improvements in individual learner support, more athletic options (cross country, soccer, and volleyball), updated branding, targeted marketing, and a refreshed website are in the making!                                                                 

    Unite with us in designing this new era by sharing our journey with your cultural, religious, and social networks--inviting others to join us, and continuing to invest your time, talent, and treasure to help bring our vision to life!

    Envisioning success every day,

    Patricia Gray
    Head of School
    Jackson Walnut Park School

Meet our Two Educational Division Principals

  • Portrait of a woman outdoors with greenery and yellow flowers in the background.

    Clarissa Robyn

    Montessori Early Childhood Principal

    I have grown as a member of Jackson Walnut Park School’s warm and welcoming community, living true to its mission to “Love God, love learning, and love one another without distinction.” My admiration for this community has deepened through my years as a Lead Guide, and now as Principal of Montessori Early Childhood. I am committed to upholding the authentic Montessori practices Jackson Walnut Park School is known for. It is an honor to work alongside such a talented team of educators to carrying forward what makes this school so special.

    EXPLORE Montessori
  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a red top outdoors with green shrubbery and a stone wall in the background.

    Kelly Sullivan

    K-6 Elementary Principal

    At the heart of my work as K–6 Principal are our teachers and students. I came into this role with a strong focus on curriculum, energized by the opportunity to strengthen what and how we teach. My “why” is to ensure our teachers have the support, training, and confidence they need to bring out the very best in every child. It is a privilege to witness the growth of both teachers and students, and to see our mission lived out in the classroom every day. I am committed to fostering an environment where teachers feel empowered, students thrive, and our school community continues to flourish.

    EXPLORE K-6 Elementary