Maria officially assumed her role on July 1, bringing to Rome a deep commitment to academic excellence, community, and international education.
Maria arrives at St. Stephen's from The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she served as Upper School Division Head. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for fostering high academic expectations while building school communities rooted in care, belonging, and meaningful relationships.
Although her official tenure began this month, Maria's transition has been underway for several months. She has worked closely with the Board of Trustees and school leadership, spent time on campus meeting students, faculty, and staff, and visited classrooms to begin learning about the distinctive culture that has shaped St. Stephen's for more than six decades.
"Maria has already demonstrated her commitment to building relationships, her intellectual curiosity, and her thoughtful approach to leadership," wrote Board Chair Libby Morris in a letter to the St. Stephen's community welcoming the school's new Head.
Maria succeeds Jill Swisher Muti, who retires after four years as Head of School and a distinguished forty-year career in education. Under Jill's leadership, St. Stephen's strengthened its academic program, expanded the boarding experience through the opening of the Collegio, modernized classrooms and campus spaces, and positioned the School for continued growth. The Board expressed its gratitude for Jill's dedicated leadership and the strong foundation she leaves for the future.
In her first message to the community, Maria reflected on the many visits she made to Rome before officially joining the school and the impression St. Stephen's left on her.
"Each visit left me with a deeper appreciation for the people who make St. Stephen's such a distinctive place. I saw students deeply engaged in their learning, faculty who clearly cared about their work, and a community that welcomed me with warmth and generosity."
She also expressed her gratitude to Jill Swisher Muti for the care and generosity she demonstrated throughout the leadership transition, noting that the thoughtful partnership has helped position the school for a successful start to the new academic year.
Looking ahead, Maria emphasized that her first priority is listening and learning.
"Whenever I join a new community, I begin by learning. I spend time with people, ask questions, listen carefully, and seek to understand what makes a place distinctive before considering what might come next."
Throughout the summer, Maria will continue meeting with colleagues and preparing for the opening of school. Beginning in late August, she looks forward to connecting with students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends through a variety of formal and informal opportunities designed to build relationships and shape the School's next chapter together.
As St. Stephen's begins the 2026–2027 academic year, the School does so with confidence in its future, building upon a strong foundation while welcoming a new leader committed to listening, learning, and strengthening the remarkable community that defines St. Stephen's School.
Letters to the community from Chair of the Board of Trustees, Libby Morris, and Head of School, Maria Nunes:
