Administration

Letter from the Head of School

I’m just so happy to be the person to introduce you to Grier School, as I truly believe there’s no place like Grier. Grier is a come as you are not as the world tells you to be kind of place, where the mist rises each morning over the Allegheny mountain range and the sun reveals itself in all of its glory. It's a place where the natural beauty and clear air causes everyone to exhale and breathe. Girls are not only encouraged to find themselves; they're celebrated and encouraged to be themselves. Authenticity matters here.

With signature programs in riding, dance, and the arts, our students explore passions, tapping into gifts only they have, all the while engaging in a curriculum that is transformational instead of transactional: our classes transform students. Our teachers are passionate, nurturing, and experienced. There are classes for everyone and the academic program here is not a "one size fits all" approach; academic experiences are truly tailored to our students and we can accommodate a wide range of academic needs. The classes are diverse with 21 AP courses and supportive learning skills and tutoring programs.

A strong residential life program is such an important part of a boarding school environment. Here, residential life advisors, whom we call "house moms," live on each dorm floor and provide guidance and support. En-suite bathrooms shared by four girls provide privacy and practicality. With students from all over the United States and the world, girls make life-long friendships, as 85% of our students board. There are so many places here to make friends—our new Student Center, 1853, the rocking chairs on the colonnade, and the colorful Adirondack chairs on the lawn, not to mention the dance floor, riding ring, practice fields, yoga studio, stage, dining room, pool, or our brand new fitness center. No matter which corner of campus you're in, the laughter you hear reminds you that this campus belongs to our girls. Overall, like the quilts that are so famous in this central part of Pennsylvania, each student brings the fabric of her life to our metaphorical quilt, one that is warm and cozy, welcoming and beautiful in all of its diversity.

With a philanthropic and community driven ethos, there are opportunities for students to use their talents and gifts to give back, growing in their own character through community service and volunteer opportunities both on-campus and off. A commitment to social justice and equality shows we truly believe we are better and stronger together. Our community is committed to continual growth for all, as we are dedicated learners and dreamers who have our eyes to the future.

Here at Grier, we educate and help raise girls who become strong women. They have strong voices and brave hearts. They leave us knowledgeable, confident, with a strong sense of self, and a knowledge that this community is always here for them. They may leave the campus after graduation but they're forever "Grier girls" in their hearts and in ours.

Everyone wants to belong somewhere and our girls belong here. They find home here at our school among the trees. This is Grier, a place of true belonging. You are welcome here. Join us. We'll be waiting to hear from you.

Until then,
Kara Lawler, M.A.Ed.

Head of School

Meet the Administration

Deans

(From left to right - Cari Crago, Anthony Lang, Erin Guydish-Buchholz, and Katt Barr)
Geoffrey Grier (Director) and Kara Lawler (Head of School)

Meet the Administration

List of 7 members.

Geoffrey Grier

Director of Grier School
Kara Lawler

Head of School/Director of Enrollment and Marketing

Bio
Kara Lawler is the Head of School after serving as the Dean of Enrollment and Marketing, English Department Chair, and Assistant Director of Admissions over the course of her almost 18-year career at Grier. As part of her Head of School duties, Kara also oversees the enrollment process at Grier. Kara brings over two decades of educational experience to the school, with a B.A. in English and an M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Kara finds three things to be vocational: her career in girls’ education, her role as the mother of two growing children, and her work as a writer. Kara is the published author of two books, Everywhere Holy (Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, 12/19), A Letter for Every Mother (Hachette, 4/18), and a new children’s book, God, Right Here (IVP, 6/23). Additionally, Kara has written for The Today Show (Parents), The Huffington Post, and Parenting, among many others, where some of her essays have been read and shared millions of times. Kara has been married to Mike for almost 22 years and they have two children, Matt and Maggie. Kara lives with her family in Overlook, an on-campus house.
Harriet Grier

Director of Development Emeritus
Kathryn Barr

Dean of Academics
Caren Crago

Dean of Counseling, Wellness & Residential Life
Anthony Lang

Dean of Faculty\English Dept. Chair
Erin Guydish Buchholz PhD

Dean of Students & Belonging\Teacher

Bio
Erin, known to us all as Dr. Gb, came to Grier six years ago and has been a member of the English department ever since. She started teaching AP English a few years ago and has spearheaded efforts in various electives and programs. Erin is highly involved the extracurricular programing at Grier. National Honor Society, Bridge Club, GROW, and Poetry Club have been some of Dr. Gb’s favorite components of working at Grier. She also enjoys assistant coaching tennis as well as working hard with seniors to complete college essays in the fall. Her time on campus has also been spent lifeguarding and working in SAT prep courses. Erin holds the following degrees: a PhD in Literature and Criticism; M.A. in Literature and Criticism; and B.A. in English.