Leadership

A Letter from

Head of School:

Dr. Jordan

Welcome to ESN! As we begin our tenth year, we’re focused on where we’ve come from and what comes next. This year’s theme, Purpose, Promise, Possibility, reflects both our foundation and our direction.

At ESN, our purpose is to know and love each child. That commitment shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we build community. Students learn best when they feel known, supported, and challenged. That’s the standard here.

We are an Episcopal school. We welcome students and families from many backgrounds. We do not aim to indoctrinate. Instead, we teach students how to think, not what to think. We help them ask meaningful questions, reflect on their beliefs, and develop purpose through service to others. Chapel is part of the school week. It is age-appropriate, grounded in shared values, and centered on reflection and connection.

At ESN, our purpose is to know and love each child. That commitment shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we build community. Students learn best when they feel known, supported, and challenged. That’s the standard here.

Academic growth matters. Strong teaching, real-world connections, and a culture of inquiry help students take on meaningful work. Our teachers are skilled and committed, and our students understand why their learning matters.

Our goal is for graduates to be thoughtful, kind, and capable, ready for future learning, meaningful work, and community leadership, while we stay grounded in relationships, excellent teaching, and a clear sense of mission.

If you’re considering ESN, come see it for yourself. Meet our team, visit a classroom, and ask your questions. I’d be glad to connect.

With Mind and Spirit Soaring!




Dr. James Jordan
Head of School

  • Email Dr. Jordan or give him a call at 615.928.8611 × 5216.

  • “I firmly believe that the purpose of education is to empower people to take control of their own destiny and to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Each of us has something meaningful to contribute to society, and it is a school leader’s responsibility to create or sustain environments in which people believe in themselves and the mission.”

    “In this age of personalization, the demands for a ‘custom experience’ are growing, but the need for inclusive, just environments is even greater. As such, I work hard to lead my colleagues in nurturing happy, healthy, and successful students, knowing that ‘success’ looks different for each individual.”

  • James is a twenty one-year veteran of independent school education and has served as Head of School at Episcopal since 2021. He arrived in Nashville from St. John’s Episcopal School in Rancho Margarita, California where he served as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head of School for Innovation for the PK through Grade 8 school.

    James grew up in the north of England, viewed himself as an athlete only, and left school early to pursue a professional soccer career. A severe injury forced him to reconsider his chosen career. Unexpectedly he was offered a scholarship to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, which he accepted. Realizing the dramatic culture change, he majored in African American Studies and American History. Upon graduation, James served for nine years as a history and economics teacher and soccer coach at Stratford Academy. He moved to the Kinkaid School in Houston Texas for three years as Middle School Assistant Head where he coordinated the department chairs’ work and instituted a weekly communication to parents, faculty, and students.

    From there he moved to St. John’s as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head for Innovation. His duties included aligning the school’s programming and resources to a STEAM approach to teaching and learning, increasing enrollment, and creating opportunities for feedback. He spearheaded their recent capital campaign, which transformed the learning spaces on campus. Along the way, James earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the George Washington University.

    James loves to learn, travel, and explore Nashville’s amazing restaurant scene. He and his rescue cat, Biggles, continue to be avid soccer fans.

Board of Trustees

Officers

Chair: Mary Lea Bryant
Vice Chair: Dave Goetz
Secretary: Pam Schmidt
Treasurer: Dale Maxfield

Board of Trustees

Lisa Aston
Robert Black
Allie Bohannon
Mary Lea Bryant
Wendy Buntin
Lindsey Burgener
Dave Goetz
Catherine Grace
Drew Holcomb
The Rev. Randy Hoover-Dempsey*
Craig Laine
Jacob Liggett
Amos Maley
Dale Maxfield
Katherine Murrie
Robinson Regen
Pam Schmidt
Kathryn Thompson
Patrick Waddle
Amy Woodson

*Bishop’s Representative

Ex-Officio

Bishop John Bauerschmidt
Ketch Secor
Dr. James Jordan

Senior Admin Team

Winter Brice

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

  • Winter Brice brings a strong background in nonprofit and school finance, along with an MBA from Union University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Lane College. She currently serves as Accounting and Finance Director at Dark Horse Institute, where she oversees financial reporting, cash management, audit, payroll, and the annual budget process, and has helped strengthen benefits and financial systems. Prior to ESN, Winter held finance leadership roles in New York, including at Northside Center. Winter is leading the transition to bringing ESN’s financial operations fully in-house and building clear, reliable systems that support strong decision-making.

Claire Gonzalez

DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT

  • Claire brings more than three decades of experience in education, including over eleven years at Harpeth Hall, where she served as Academic Dean and as a Spanish teacher. Over the past four years, she has also been involved in admissions, helping evaluate applicants, guide prospective families, and communicate the program clearly.

    Claire helps families understand not only the ESN experience, but where it leads, guiding your first interaction with our school into your child’s future.

Christy Malone

PRINCIPAL

  • Christy brings nearly two decades of experience in elementary education and school leadership. She began her career as a classroom teacher, teaching Kindergarten, early literacy, upper elementary grades, and middle school, and has remained closely connected to the work of teaching and learning throughout her time in leadership.

    She currently serves as Principal of Concordia Lutheran School in Seattle, where she has led the school for the past nine years. Concordia is a pre-k through eighth grade school similar in size to ESN. Its early childhood program is play-based, with a gradual shift toward more formal academics as students grow.

    In that role, she has led a period of enrollment growth and strengthened the academic program through a clear focus on mission, consistent instructional practices, and Responsive Classroom.

    Christy is a relational and present leader who spends time in classrooms and works closely with teachers through coaching, feedback, and clear expectations. She brings a strong commitment to whole-child education and to building a school culture rooted in trust, belonging, and high standards.

Judi North

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

  • With more than 27 years of leadership experience in independent schools and nonprofit organizations, Judi serves as Director of Development at Episcopal School of Nashville, where she leads fundraising strategy and donor engagement. A seasoned advancement professional, she has raised more than $35.5 million in support of mission-driven institutions and is passionate about building inclusive programs that reflect the values of the communities they serve.

    Judi is energized by the opportunity to help shape ESN’s next chapter through strategic growth, collaborative leadership, and a strong culture of philanthropy. A cradle Episcopalian, she is honored to be part of this vibrant school community and is committed to ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Rev. Heather Daugherty

CHAPLAIN

  • Coming soon!