Ojai Valley School is led by Head of School Lars Kuelling, a dedicated Board of Trustees, strong administrative teams on both campuses, and talented faculty and staff committed to the philosophical goals of the school. The OVS community is warm, welcoming and supported by parents who invest in their children’s education and alumni who carry their OVS experiences into their daily lives. Here’s a look at our school leaders:
Lars Kuelling
An experienced educator and administrator, Lars Kuelling was appointed in November 2021 to serve as the next Head of School at OVS, succeeding longtime President/CEO Mike Hall-Mounsey. The Board of Trustees voted to return to “Head of School” as the title for the school’s top officer and Lars received the full support of the Board following a nationwide search. Mr. Kuelling is excited to lead OVS and to continue to build its reputation as a leader in the world of independent schools. Click here to read the Charge from the Board of Trustees for the Head of School that was published in fall 2022.
Mr. Kuelling previously served as the Assistant Head of School for Academic Programs at The Harley School, a coeducational day school in Rochester, New York, with 515 students in nursery through 12th grade. There, he led the creation of a new approach to professional development and evaluation, a comprehensive mental health and wellness program, and a student retention program. Prior to his arrival at Harley in 2016, he served as the Head of School at Grosse Pointe Academy, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, where he stabilized the school’s finances, guided the creation of a new mission statement and strategic plan, and strengthened the academic program with new learning opportunities, such as a STEM lab and a partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Grosse Pointe Academy, he was at the Canterbury School in Indiana, where he served in a variety of roles, including high school faculty member, ninth grade dean, and director of the middle school. In addition to the aforementioned experiences, Mr. Kuelling also served as the Assistant Director at the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, his wife’s hometown in Mexico, and he began his career at the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, Maryland. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Latin American Studies and a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in Anthropology. Mr. Kuelling and Patty have three adult children, Tate, Aiden, and Sadira.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is comprised of alumni, past and current parents, and grandparents, who govern and articulate the vision for the school. The Board’s role includes upholding the school’s philosophy and, in collaboration with the President/CEO, overseeing a sound financial plan to strategically lead the school forward. Members of the Board assist in developing fundraising plans along with participation in capital campaigns. The Board sets relevant policies and regularly reviews these policies. Board members also serve on a variety of committees and devote considerable time to advancing the school’s goals.
Nicholas Thacher (L60), Chair
Patricia H. Farber, Treasurer
Andrew Helman, Secretary
James Casey (L95)
Kimberly Cluff (L83)
Robert G. Cooper Jr. (L61)
John B. De Nault III
Ousmane Fofana (U09)
Craig Marcus
Sally McClenahan Dyer (L87, U91)
Vahagn Nahabedian
Gail “Gigi” Ordway (U78)
Gretchen Schuette
Katharine Wang
Bob Zheng (U09)
Craig Floyd – Head of Upper Campus
Mr. Floyd began leading the Upper Campus in June 2017. He previously served as Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs, Director of Summer Programs, and Director of Athletics. A graduate of the Upper Campus in 1983, he has always followed his passion for sports. He began his coaching career in college when he coached high school basketball, football and baseball in the Bay Area. he played professional fast-pitch softball in New Zealand before helping to run his family business, operating and managing four boutique inns. He returned to OVS in 2007 to supervise athletics and run the resident program. Mr. Floyd and his wife, Michele, also an OVS alum, have two boys, Connor and Gavin, who are both Upper Campus graduates.
Laurie Clark – Head of Lower Campus
Mrs. Clark joined OVS in June 2020. Originally from California, she earned her B.A. in Humanities from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. She went on to earn her M.A. in Education from Adams State College, as well as a Master Teacher Certification in Outdoor Education from Four Corners School of Outdoor Education. Mrs. Clark also received her certificate in International School Leadership from the PTC. Mrs. Clark has taught grades one through five. She served as Head of Lower School at Cedar International School in British Virgin Islands and as the Lower School Principal at Rancho Solano Prep School, a PK-12 school, in Scottsdale, Arizona. During her 25 years as an educator, Mrs. Clark has developed curriculum, taught workshops, trained teachers, evaluated schools, and much more. She and her husband, Peter, recently become empty nesters as their daughter headed off to college in Arizona.