Westridge Names Next Director of Upper School: Dr. Melanie Arias

Dr. Melanie Arias courtesy of Westridge School

Westridge School is excited to announce its next Director of Upper School, Dr. Melanie Arias, who will join Westridge in July 2024.

“Melanie’s appointment comes with overwhelming support from the faculty, students, parents, and administrators who met with her as part of our comprehensive national search process, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what she will bring as an educator—and as a human—to our school,” Head of School Andrea Kassar wrote in an announcement to the community

Melanie has 19 years of teaching and school leadership experience. For the past 11 years, she has been with Windward School, a grades 7-12 independent school on the Westside of Los Angeles. Currently, she serves as Associate Director of the Windward Prep Division, where she oversees department chairs and program directors, mentors new faculty, develops and implements curricula, and supports students and parents. Her previous roles at Windward include Director of Global Programs, History Department Chair, and member of the middle and upper school history faculty.

“Melanie’s diverse administrative experience prepares her for the many facets of running the Upper School, but it is her personal qualities that will allow her to excel as a leader,” Kassar said. “She combines strong emotional intelligence—with the ability to connect with others in both serious ways and in lighter interactions—with true intellectualism.

Melanie has been active in diversity and inclusion work at Windward, and in programs there designed to support girls, including serving as advisor for Girls Learn International and Girl Up! campus organizations and facilitating a Young Women’s Retreat.

Melanie’s academic credentials include a B.A. in history from Carleton College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy focused in U.S. history from UCLA. While at UCLA, she taught students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Join Westridge School in welcoming Dr. Melanie Arias!

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.