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505 E. Buck Rd
Wilmington, DE, 19807
United States

(302) 472-0021

Christ Church Episcopal Preschool educates young children, creates community among school, families, and church, and honors and nurtures children in the Episcopal tradition. We welcome children aged two to five in small classes where all are affirmed as children of God and are inspired and encouraged to become their best selves—socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually. 

Head of School Search

Dear Members of the CCEP Community, 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce that Sheila Abio has accepted our invitation to serve as the next Head of School at Christ Church Episcopal Preschool, effective July 1, 2024. She will succeed Denise Gilliam, our current Interim Head of School, concluding the leadership succession process that began when Kim Wagner stepped down as Head of School last year.  

Sheila is passionate about early childhood and elementary education, especially within Episcopal communities. She’s an experienced Head of School, leading Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, an early childhood school with 160 students and 30 teachers. While their Head, Sheila led them through a strategic planning process and a successful accreditation process while creating trusting partnerships and continuous engagement with parents, students, teachers, and trustees. In her fifteen years in Episcopal schools, Sheila has highlighted the spiritual foundation for children, instilling in them a lifelong love of learning and successful achievement. Play is an important part of her approach to early childhood education, and she was attracted by our commitment to outdoor spaces for our children. Her most recent leadership has been with St. Philip’s School and Community Center, a PK through 8th grade Christian school in Dallas, Texas.  

From her visit with us as a finalist, we asked faculty and parents to rate Sheila. The responses demonstrate Sheila’s alignment with CCEP, manifesting the qualities and experience we named for the next Head of School. They are: 

  • a commitment to servant leadership that includes empowering and inspiring others, working in partnership, and holding people accountable in ways that support continued professional and personal growth; 

  • demonstrated success in the classroom and in leadership roles in early childhood and/or elementary education; 

  • the capacity to facilitate inclusive dialogue, make difficult decisions, have courageous conversations, and build trust; 

  • an appreciation for the Episcopal Church traditions and values and the positive role they play in a school environment; 

  • proficient understanding of strategic financial sustainability, budget development, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and enrollment management; 

  • a deep love for children, an earnest belief in joyful learning, and unbridled enthusiasm for the school’s compelling mission of guiding young children to do and be their best; 

  • an inspiring communicator who is warm, personable, collaborative, transparent, and approachable and who listens deeply to all community members while taking the time to understand the culture of CCEP; 

  • a visionary builder who can think strategically in partnership with a hard-working Board and capably execute plans to bring initiatives to fruition, while managing community expectations and the impact of change; 

  • skilled in building relationships within and beyond the CCEP community, generating excitement about the school’s mission to instill in its students curiosity, compassion for others, and faith. 

In meeting with Sheila, one of the faculty commented, “She seems to be a strong leader who is not afraid to get her “hands dirty” by helping in the classroom when needed. A child-first mentality means you sometimes have to put aside other seemingly important tasks to take the time to support the teachers so that we can support all the children equally.”  

From one of the parents we heard, “Sheila presented as a very friendly, warm, sincere, and down to earth type of person. She seems very much qualified for the position based on her academics and job history. She had excellent (and genuine) responses to the questions presented to her.” 

Here is what Sheila has said about joining us. “CCEP truly honors early childhood development by recognizing the value of play-based learning. Fostering kindness, inclusivity, and service are values central to CCEP’s Episcopal identity and support my philosophy of education and leadership. The last 25 years of my professional career have focused on improving the lives of our children. Understanding whole-child development and supporting each child emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically in a loving, faith-based, and nurturing environment brings lifelong success to our children. I will lead with integrity, compassion, and faith to embrace CCEP’s history, traditions, values, and especially its people.” 

The selection of the Head of School is one of the greatest responsibilities of my own leadership of our parish and preschool. I am grateful for the commitment and wise discernment given by each member of the Search Committee and from our consultant George Sanderson with Educators Collaborative. In this extensive national search process, I was pleased that Denise Gilliam was also identified as a finalist. Denise is a treasure for us and graciously extended her support and enthusiasm for Sheila’s new ministry here. Each member of the Trustees appreciates the leadership she has taken up through this transition, and Denise has my heartfelt gratitude and my support for the next ministry God has in store for her.  

In the days to come, you will hear of another visit from Sheila and her husband, Vince, as she introduces him to CCEP and they search for a new home here. A transition plan will be created to include several opportunities for the community and Sheila to become better acquainted once she has arrived this summer. Whether at her spring visit, her arrival this summer, or with the start of the next school year, I am confident that each of you, in your own way, will extend a warm welcome to our new Head of School. 

On behalf of the Board, I want to express my deep appreciation to David Nichols for his tireless efforts on behalf of CCEP, as well to our fellow members of the Search Committee: Chuck Arensberg, Vera Belger, Stephanie Dallaire, Ted Lauzen, Bart Reese, Chip Sawyer, and Sarah Saxberg, who devoted countless hours and great care to the search process to ensure its successful outcome. They, along with every stakeholder who took the time to participate in the process, deserve our heartfelt gratitude as well. 

With the prospect of exciting new leadership and the continuing dedication of our faculty and staff, the Trustees and Directors join me in anticipating a bright future for Christ Church Episcopal Preschool. 

Faithfully, 

 

The Rev. Ruth L Beresford 

Rector, Christ Church Christiana Hundred