It might be summer but we’re already gearing up for another fabulous year at Wolf. This year, we’re thrilled to be welcoming so many new talented faculty and staff! New to our Wolf community is our new Director of Enrollment, Elizabeth Nolan Conners. Learn more about her in this month’s We Are Wolf interview!
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Personally, I was born in Rhode Island but my family moved to California when I was one and I grew up there in Napa. I went to UC Davis, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Human Development and Education, but then came back East to go to grad school and I’m still here! I received my Master’s in Reading, Language, and Learning Disabilities from Harvard and my Ph.D. in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. I’ve been working in private schools my whole career, and at times teaching at the college level or working in a testing clinic.
What inspired you to want to work with Complex Learners?
I’ve always found working with Complex Learners so rewarding. There is nothing like helping a
child to learn and believing in them so that they can believe in themselves. My original training
was as a reading specialist, and being able to help a child learn to read is like giving them a
lifelong gift. It never gets old!
What are you most excited about regarding your new role as Director of Enrollment?
Well, I’ve always loved admissions work and it has always been part of my job in schools where
I’ve worked, but I’m excited to be engaged in admissions/enrollment every day all year long. I
also love how each student at Wolf is so unique. That makes the admissions process interesting
and it’s a great feeling when you think a child is a good “fit” and you know that they are going to
thrive here.
In your time getting familiar with Wolf, what has stood out to you?
Right from my first visit, I could “feel” something different at Wolf. I saw teachers who wanted to
be here and students who wanted to be here, and everyone was learning. There’s a sense of
community here that you can see and feel, as well as a sense of respect. I am thrilled to be part
of it!
What is your favorite way to spend a free afternoon?
If I’m not spending time with my family (husband Jim and college-age kids Anne and Jack, as
well as rescue pup Emma), then I love doing community theater or seeing plays. I also love to
read and blog my book reviews. In the fall, I love to take Emma on walks on the Rail Trail near
our house. We love to travel, too. And I will admit to enjoying the occasional afternoon nap on
the weekends!
Welcome, Beth! We are so excited to have you at Wolf and grateful for your expertise and passion! To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!