Ojai Valley School is led by the President/CEO and two Heads of School and is supported by many active groups. This includes a strong and supportive Board of Trustees, parents who invest in their children’s education, alumni who carry their OVS experiences into their daily lives, and faculty and staff committed to the philosophical goals of the school.
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.
Mr. John B. De Nault III, Chairman
Mr. Michael J. Hall-Mounsey, President/CEO
Mrs. Patricia H. Farber, Treasurer
Mr. Andrew Helman, Secretary
Dr. Robert G. Cooper Jr. (L61)
Ms. Kimberly Cluff (L83)
Mr. Spencer Garrett (L62, U65)
Mr. Craig Marcus
Ms. Gail “Gigi” Ordway (U78)
Mr. Nicholas Thacher (L60)
Michael J. Hall-Mounsey – President/CEO
Michael J. Hall-Mounsey was appointed President/CEO in 2009. Mike came to OVS in 1981 and has served in varied leadership roles prior to the presidency, most recently as Headmaster at Lower Campus for 19 years. His prior positions included the directorships of advancement and summer programs, assistant headmaster, teacher, and coach. Prior to OVS, Mike taught and coached at Cams Hill High School and Christ Church with Elmfield Comprehensive High School, both in England. He has served as a member of WASC/CAIS accreditation teams and the Ojai Rotary Club and is a former board member of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. In addition to his degrees, Mike has completed the Independent School Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Craig Floyd – Head of School, Upper Campus
Craig stepped into the role as Head of School, 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, Craig 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. Craig 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. Craig has also taught economics and worked in the Development Office. Craig and his wife, Michele, also an OVS alum, have two boys, Connor and Gavin, who are both Upper Campus graduates.
Laurie Clark – Head of School, Lower Campus
Laurie Clark was named Head of School, Lower Campus, in June 2020. Originally from California, Laurie 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. She also received her certificate in International School Leadership from the PTC.
Laurie has taught grades one through five. She served as the Head of Lower School at Cedar International School in British Virgin Islands, and most recently served as the Lower School Principal at Rancho Solano Prep School, a PK-12 school, in Scottsdale, Arizona. During her 25 years as an educator, Laurie has developed curriculum, taught workshops, trained teachers, evaluated schools, and much more. She believes in educating the whole child, and feels strongly that challenging academics should be taught hand-in-hand with a robust co-curricular program.
Laurie also loves traveling, cooking, gardening and the outdoors. She and her husband have recently become empty nesters as their daughter has recently graduated and moved on to university.
