Kathy Meskell tapped as new Deerfield lower school director

ALBANY — Deerfield-Windsor School Headmaster Dave Davies on Tuesday announced the appointment of Kathrin (Kathy) Meskell as DWS’s new Lower School Director effective July 1. Meskell was selected from more than 20 candidates for the position.

Currently a teacher in the sixth grade transition program at Woodward Academy North Campus in Johns Creek, Meskell has also taught second grade, primary science, middle school, and high school in several other private and public schools. She directs Woodward’s highly successful Odyssey of the Mind Program and has served as summer science camp director and Odyssey of the Mind Summer Camp Director.

“We brought (Meskell) in for a day and a half and she had an exceptional visit,” Davies said. “She is a very impressive woman and is student-centered. She leads Woodward Academy’s Odyssey of the Mind program which emphasizes problem solving, divergent thinking and creativity.”

“We hope she will bring our programs forward with new ideas in innovative and creative ways.”

A graduate of Furman University, Meskell earned her Master of Education degree in Special Education from Georgia State University. She has also studied at Azusa Pacific University and Mercer University and expects to complete her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer this summer. Meskell is also a graduate of the Leadership Woodward program.

“She is excited about getting out of the metro (Atlanta) area and getting into an environment in which she will be more comfortable,” Davies added.

Meskell replaces former lower school director Cary Stoudenmire, whose contract was not renewed.

Meskell has three children, Alex, Jared, and Cora. Alex lives in Boone, N.C.; Jared recently graduated from the University of Alabama; and Cora is a sophomore at Auburn University.