Leah Novak is the Early Childhood and Lower School Division Director where she supports and coaches teachers and oversees the foundational academic, social, and emotional growth of students from Nursery School through 5th grade. With over 30 years of experience in early education, she is deeply committed to creating a joyful, safe, and inclusive learning environment where young minds can thrive and students can be immersed in playful student-centered learning and community building.
Prior to joining the administrative team, she taught 1st Grade at WDS for 16 years incorporating community building, connections with nature, music and theater into her classes. Her earlier experiences include being a Naturalist and then a Director at an outdoor education school in California called the Web Of Life Field School where she focused on community building, ecology and connecting students to the natural world. Prior to that, she was the assistant director of a children’s theater where she helped children develop their passions in theater and performance.
Believing that strong community ties are essential to student success, Leah prioritizes open communication and collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, and families alike. She holds a Masters of Science for Teachers and a BA in Geography and Environmental Studies, and is trained in Orton Gillingham and Responsive Classroom. She is also a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor for children.
Outside of the classroom, Leah is part of a co-housing community and loves to travel, as well as enjoy music, food, and nature with her family. She has two children in the WDS Upper School who have been at WDS since they were babies and have become wonderfully passionate individuals.