HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Garine Palandjian, Head of School
Dr. Garine Palandjian became the Head of School of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in July 2023. She is currently working towards completion of her Principal PreK-8 Licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Palandjian has been an educator for over 15 years. Growing up in the Armenian Community of Rhode Island, Garine is a proud graduate of Mourad Armenian Saturday School and Sunday School at St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. Her passion for teaching and Armenian education was inspired by her parents, teachers and mentors.
In 2022, Garine completed her PhD in Educational Policy and Evaluation with a focus in Qualitative Inquiry and Comparative and International Education at Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Prior to ASU, Garine worked at the American University of Armenia (2013-2017) where she set up the Center for Student Success and student support services.
SSAES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Board of Directors
The St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Board of Directors is a diverse and dedicated group of individuals elected from the school community and administration. Board members are often current or alumni parents who are deeply committed to the school’s mission and continued success. Entrusted with ensuring the school operates ethically, in accordance with its educational mission, the Board is responsible for the financial stability and accountability through strategic planning and policies. In collaboration with the Head of School, the Board oversees the implementation of the school’s overall mission to provide an exceptional American education with a strong foundation in Armenian culture and language. This governance is aided by the work of the Board committees whose membership is comprised of a Board liaison and individuals whose skills match the needs of the committee. Current Board committees include: Alumni, Building and Facilities, Education, Finance, Fundraising and Development, Heath, Marketing, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Safety, Technology, and Transportation.
Primary Responsibilities of the SSAES Board
- Strategic and long-term planning
- Approve an annual budget and oversee the finances
- Provide guidance to the school’s committees
- Assess programs, operations, and plans to ensure compliance with school policies and local and state regulations
- Lead major fundraising initiatives
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian | President |
| Michael Guzelian | Chairman |
| Taline Kebadjian | Vice-Chairman |
| Meher Nerkizian | Treasurer |
| Krista Aslanian | Secretary |
| Dina Apovian | PTO Liaison |
| Raffi Afeyan | Development Committee |
| Cheryl Baljian | Health Committee |
| Rita Chekijian | Safety Committee |
| Tom Gengozian | Technology Committee |
| Aram Orchanian | Transportation Committee |
| Arpi Youssoufian | Alumni Committee |