The Novato Unified School District announced the appointment of Stefanie Parnell as Interim Principal at Hamilton K-8 School for the 2021-2022 school year.
Parnell has been the Assistant Principal at Hamilton K-8 School for the past 8 years. Prior to this, she was the Dean of Students at Hamilton and taught middle school math at Sinaloa Middle School and Hill Middle School. She received a BS in Computer Science and a MA in Educational Administration from Sonoma State University.
Having been a part of Hamilton’s community for many years, Parnell said, “I’m excited for this new chapter and look forward to a seamless transition. My goal is to continue the great work at Hamilton and continue to build relationships with students, staff and families.” Steve Hospodar, former Hamilton principal, accepted a position as Superintendent/Principal at Wilson School/Wilmar Union School District in Petaluma in July.
NUSD also announced two new assistant principals at San Marin High School: Shawna Hettrich and Katie Waller.
Shawna Hettrich returns to NUSD having spent 3 years at Sonoma Valley High School. She previously taught at San Jose Middle School and received her BA in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Sonoma State and MA in Educational Leadership and Administrative Credential from San Francisco State. Shawna grew up in Novato and her family still lives here. She loves sports and animals, has two cats and two dogs, lives in Petaluma, enjoys outdoor activities, camping, and trying new foods.
Katie Waller was a Counselor at Herbert Hoover Middle School in San Francisco for 8 years before joining NUSD this summer. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s in education from the University of Virginia and M.A. Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco.
In addition, Jennifer Russell has been named Assistant Principal at the Hill Education Center. Russell has been with NUSD at Novato High School since 2006 as AVID District Director, Member of the Teacher Leadership Team, and other various committees. She has taught Psychology, AVID, Health and College and Career Readiness. Jennifer has BA in Psychology from Sonoma State, MA from JFK University in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Behavior. She also received her Teaching Credential in Health with a supplemental in Psychology and Administrative Credential from Sonoma State. Prior to working at NUSD (and until 2015), she was a Marriage and Family Therapist with a small private practice.
Russell was born and raised in Marin and her daughter attended NUSD schools.
“I am passionate about helping support all students in finding ways to achieve their academic and or career goals. I am proud of being part of the NUSD team and look forward to coming to work every day,” she said.
The Hill Education Center is home to Marin Oaks High School, NOVA Virtual Independent Study Program, and Adult Education.
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