School Leadership - Key School

Head of School

Since his appointment as Head of School in 2015, Matthew Nespole has guided Key with a steady focus on academic excellence, community and forward-looking growth. He earned a B.A. in history and theater from Bates College and an M.A. in educational leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Before arriving at Key, Mr. Nespole served as Head of School at Rippowam Cisqua School (Bedford, NY) for six years. His independent-school career also includes seven years as director of admission and five years as assistant head of school at Packer Collegiate Institute, and an earlier role as associate director of admission at Trinity School in New York. Throughout his career, he has remained directly engaged with students, teaching and coaching, and bringing that same hands-on approach to his leadership at Key.

Selected Achievements & Leadership Highlights

Selected Achievements & Leadership Highlights

Fusco Athletic Park: Led the acquisition and development of the 70-acre Fusco Athletic Park, expanding Key’s recreational, environmental, and athletic capacity and providing new fields, courts, trails, and support facilities.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: Actively supported and advanced Key’s DEIB efforts, strengthening programs, professional development, and community engagement to make the School more inclusive and responsive to all students and families.
Strategic leadership: Guided the School’s strategic planning and long-term vision, charting a clear path forward for programmatic growth, campus priorities, and student experience.
Campus and program development: Oversaw major campus improvements and program expansions that align facilities and offerings with Key’s educational mission.
Growth and enrollment: Oversaw the strategic return of the Lower School to three sections per grade level, thoughtfully expanding enrollment capacity to meet growing demand while preserving Key’s commitment to small classes, strong relationships, and individualized learning.

Senior Leadership Team
Board of Trustees

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Administrative Team supports the Head of School in the daily operation and management of Key School. It comprises the four Division Heads and the directors of the School’s non-instructional offices. Together, they ensure a cohesive experience for students, families, and faculty.

Kristen Addison
Lower School Division Head
kaddison@keyschool.org

Kate Austin
Director of Communication
kaustin@keyschool.org

Nina Austin
Director of Academic Technology
naustin@keyschool.org

Caroline Ewing
Director of Finance and Operations
cewing@keyschool.org

Becky Fetters
First School Division Head
bfetters@keyschool.org

Noel Gasparin
Director of Facilities
ngasparin@keyschool.org

Vanessa Gutierrez
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
vgutierrez@keyschool.org

Natalie Hood
Director of Human Resources, People, and Culture
nhood@keyschool.org

Sarah Judd
Director of Curriculum & Instruction (Middle & Upper Schools)
sjudd@keyschool.org

Anissa Kossakowski
Director of Advancement
akossakowski@keyschool.org

Dave Magnus
Middle School Division Head
dmagnus@keyschool.org

Brian Michaels
Upper School Division Head
bmichaels@keyschool.org

Matthew Nespole
Head of School
mnespole@keyschool.org

Jennifer Ramsey
Director of Curriculum & Instruction (First & Lower Schools)
jramsey@keyschool.org

Shamika Thompson
Director of Enrollment and Outreach
shthompson@keyschool.org

Board of Trustees

Key School is governed by a Board of Trustees, a policy-making body entrusted with the long-term well-being of the School. The Board establishes broad policy and strategic direction, carries fiduciary responsibility for the School’s financial and physical assets, and partners with the Head of School to ensure Key’s mission and academic program are sustained and advanced. Comprised of community leaders, alumni, and parents, Trustees also steward major campus and program decisions, lead fundraising and oversight efforts and work through committees to provide transparent, continuous governance.