Farrell named next head of school at Sophia Academy

PROVIDENCE – Maura L. Farrell has been named the next head of school at Sophia Academy, according to a late September release by the Providence-based all-girl middle school.

Alison Eichler, Sophia Academy board chair, said the school is “delighted to welcome” Farrell. In a statement, she added: “We are confident that she will fully embrace the mission and culture of Sophia – valuing our unique strengths – and build upon them. We also look forward to introducing her to our community partners over the coming year.”

Farrell, who is serving currently as associate head of school at Winchester Thurston in Pittsburgh, will take up the role on July 1. She succeeds Gigi DiBello, who will be leaving the school after 11 years.

“I’m deeply impressed and inspired by the school,” Farrell said in the statement. “Sophia’s guiding principles, mission and values resonate with my own convictions about education, about girls and women, and about equity.

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Farrell previously served as assistant head for planning, director of institutional advancement, director of the capital campaign and director of communications at Winchester Thurston. She received a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Sophia Academy, which was founded in 2001, is located in the capital city’s Elmwood neighborhood and currently has 61 students enrolled with four full-time faculty.

Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.