BFS Names New Head of Middle School

The following letter was sent to the BFS community by Head of School, Crissy Cáceres on March 3, 2025.

Dear BFS Community,

I hope that you are all doing well as we enter the first two weeks of March prior to a well-deserved Spring Break.

I am writing to proudly share that after an extensive national search, Nayantara Mhatre will be joining BFS as our next Head of our Middle School Learning Community. During our comprehensive search process, Nayantara met with various constituency groups at BFS, including students, colleagues, and family members. Following their time with her, each person had the opportunity to provide their reflections. One parent remarked, “Nayantara seems very approachable and warm, plus knowledgeable about education—and in particular middle school. I think she would continue building a safe space with joy and care.”

Indeed, this sentiment was also echoed by all of Nayantara’s references, and most pronounced by her current colleagues at Calhoun School, where Nayantara is in her sixth year as Assistant Director of the Middle School and also chairs the school-wide Social/Emotional Learning Committee. Previously, Nayantara served as a teacher and leader at Bank Street School for Children and Ethical Culture Fieldston School. She holds Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership and Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Tufts University. Her alignment with our school’s pillars is evident through her seven-year tenure on the New York State Association of Independent Schools’ (NYSAIS) Diversity Committee, where she has served as Co-chair for the past four years. She has also participated in the NYSAIS Emerging Leaders Institute, Stanley King Institute, SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity), the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, People of Color Conference, Restorative Practices for Educators, and the Art of Coaching Teams.

Colleagues shared:

“Nayantara answered all of the colleague’s questions thoughtfully, with a spirit of ‘wondering’ and, at the same time, clarity about what she believes. Her answers about curriculum emphasized interactivity and student identity, and she prides herself on being a compassionate and effective listener as a way to guide students. She clearly knows and loves middle schoolers.”
“Nayantara demonstrated a strong understanding of the breadth and depth of student support.  Similarly, there were several details woven into her answers that made clear that she has a high level of familiarity and comfort with DEB work. Her responses also demonstrated that she has the ability to hear perspectives of and empathize with students, families and colleagues.  She also seemed very knowledgeable about middle school aged students and their typical stages of development.  I also got the sense that she was both approachable and direct.”

Nayantara truly loved her time with our students, and they enjoyed their time with her too. They stated, “I really liked that she was open with us, and I could tell she was happy to be here and was really kind.” Another said, “I think that Nayantara is very experienced and I think that she has good people skills. She is personable and relatable, and I think that students can really connect with her not just through an academic standpoint, but from a personal level.”

I am grateful that a dedicated and talented leader is joining our school, which is at an electrifying moment in its history. Nayantara’s skills will certainly contribute to our current and future plans. As a fellow leadership team member shared, “Nayantara is strongly connected to the life, expertise, and systems needed for a thriving MS culture. She understands collaboration across leadership and departments, and clearly articulated her investment in the important developmental markers across MS years. She also connected through personal experiences to our all-school pillars.”

Thank you to all who participated in this important search effort.
Please join me in welcoming Nayantara in the months ahead.

In partnership,

Crissy

Below are personal words from Nayantara to all in our community.

Dear Brooklyn Friends School Community,

I am honored to join BFS as the Head of the Middle School Learning Community in July. I’ve long been drawn to BFS’ commitment to its values-driven education, academic excellence, and social justice. The care and intentionality I witnessed during my conversations with students, families, and colleagues was inspiring.

As I step into this role, I will build on the rich traditions of BFS while embracing new opportunities for innovation. I am eager to collaborate with you all to encourage our students’ creativity and curiosity and to empower them to become compassionate, critical thinkers and engaged members of our community and the world.

I look forward to meeting each of you in the coming months and working together to dynamically guide a Middle School experience that reflects the heart and mission of Brooklyn Friends School.

In partnership,
Nayantara