School Leadership

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.

John B. De Nault III, Chairman
Michael J. Hall-Mounsey, President/CEO
Patricia H. Farber, Treasurer
Missy Stoen, Secretary
Robert G. Cooper, Jr. (L61)
Lawrence Fisher
Spencer Garrett (L62, U65)
William H. Hair
Cooper Hefner (U09)
Andrew Helman
Elizabeth (Curran) Hermes (L66, U69)
David Trudeau

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.

Carl S. Cooper – Head of School, Upper Campus
Carl was appointed headmaster in 1989, but his OVS experiences began much earlier. His father, Robert G. Cooper, was the first headmaster of the Upper Campus, taking the reins in 1964 after serving as a popular teacher and coach. That was the same year Carl graduated from the Lower Campus and he followed later with a diploma from the Upper Campus. His years at OVS were filled with sports and studies, camping and a bit of mischief. But they were formative years; time that shaped his belief that learning takes place in many ways and in many places. Carl returned to OVS as a history teacher, coach, and later administrator. A ubiquitous presence on campus, usually with his dog, Harley, at his side, he is a confidante and a cheerleader, urging students and faculty to reach beyond limits, take on challenges, and try again should they fail.

Gary Gartrell – Head of School, Lower Campus
Gary began his career at Ojai Valley School as a dorm parent and has worn many hats over the years, including math and computer teacher, coach, director of summer programs, and resident program director. For the last 30 years, he served as the assistant headmaster and recently assumed the role of Head of School for the Lower Campus. Accompanying his degree in physical education, Gary has earned his teaching credential in both physical education and special education. Gary’s wife, Linda, and daughters, Kelsey Bailey and Nicole Ferro, both work as educators at the school. Gary enjoys watching all sports, especially soccer. He loves to mountain bike, hike, and garden. Gary and Linda have been married for more than 30 years and have both lived in the Ojai Valley their whole lives.