Hames Named Next Head of Lower School

Following a nationwide search, it was announced this week that Cara Hames is The Foote School’s next Head of Lower School, effective immediately. She has been serving as Interim Head of Lower School since July.

Meeting with colleagues, parents, and the Search Committee, Cara distinguished herself among a highly competitive group of candidates as a passionate educator and human being, deeply committed to developing relationships, and devoted to the Foote School mission. Colleagues describe her as unwaveringly committed to helping others grow and inspiring students and teachers through supportive collaboration.

“This is among the most challenging of times for an introduction to a school leadership role, yet Cara has proven she was more than up to the task,” said Head of School Aléwa Cooper.

Current parents also enthusiastically supported Cara in this new role. According to one parent, “In our five years as Foote parents, we were never lucky enough to have Cara as a teacher (though, my goodness, we lucked out with every teacher we've had!). That said, everyone I know who did luck out, loves and trusts her immensely… I think Cara would grow into this position beautifully. With energy, wisdom, heart — anything it takes.”

Before her role as Interim Head of Lower School, Cara had served as a third and mixed-age/ looping first- and second-grade teacher since 2013, advancing the Yale RULER approach to social-emotional learning, and playing an integral part in the growth and development of our school-wide Professional Development program.

In her years at the Foote School, Cara has had an opportunity to view her role from a number of different perspectives.

“From the moment I stepped onto Foote's beautiful campus in 2013, I knew there was something special here that I wanted to be a part of. As a teacher, colleague, and parent, I have enjoyed every year since,” she said. “I am grateful, humbled, and inspired to officially take on this role within this amazing community.”

Before coming to Foote, Cara spent 11 years as a second- and third-grade teacher at the John F. Kennedy School in Milford. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Green Mountain College, graduating magna cum laude. She earned a Master of Arts in Learning and Thinking from The Graduate Institute in Bethany in 2012. Cara lives in Orange with her husband, Rob, and their three children.

The Search Committee was comprised of Barrington Fulton, Mike Golschneider, Felicia Gotta, Susan Keegan, Toby Welch, and Heather Zetterberg.