LUKIE WELLS, B.A., M.S., MSOD

Lucretia “Lukie” Wells is a thirty-five year independent school veteran. Working at schools such as Groton School, Oregon Episcopal School, George School, Darrow School, and Milton Academy, her career culminated with a Head of School position at Buckingham Friends School. Life off campus took her to the role of Director of Accreditation for the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. While working at PAIS, Lukie returned to graduate school to pool her passions and earn a Masters in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. Early on, Lukie understood one of the best ways to support students was to understand the learning process and development of the student as learner. She earned an MS in Special Education from Portland State University which solidified her passion for student success within the educational landscape. Throughout her career, Lukie has sought to address systems and culture as a means of serving the individual and helping teams and groups to understand their role in organizational health.  

A senior partner at Design Group International, Lukie has focused her efforts on Boards of Trustees and senior leadership to support them in navigating the complexities of time, resources, and culture. Working closely with the National Association of Independent Schools and other regional associations, Lukie has worked to bring coaching and support to school leaders through one-on-one models, Board Chair and Head of School, and team coaching. Additionally, Lukie is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation and a group coach through the Group Dynamics Questionnaire. 

Lukie was drawn to Birches as an opportunity to give back to a school and community with a big heart, a love of the outdoors, and a leader in progressive education.