Leadership
A Letter from the Head of School
Welcome to ESN! As we begin our tenth year, we’re focused on where we’ve come from and what comes next. This year’s theme, Purpose, Promise, Possibility, reflects both our foundation and our direction.
At ESN, our purpose is to know and love each child. That commitment shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we build community. Students learn best when they feel known, supported, and challenged. That’s the standard here.
We are an Episcopal school. We welcome students and families from many backgrounds. We do not aim to indoctrinate. Instead, we teach students how to think, not what to think. We help them ask meaningful questions, reflect on their beliefs, and develop purpose through service to others. Chapel is part of the school week. It is age-appropriate, grounded in shared values, and centered on reflection and connection.
Service learning is an integral part of our school. Through partnerships and hands-on experiences, students come to see their place in the world and their responsibility to others. We believe a diverse school—racially, economically, spiritually, and in thought—creates a stronger community and a richer education.
Academic growth matters. Strong teaching, real-world connections, and a culture of inquiry help students take on meaningful work. Our teachers are skilled and committed, and our students understand why their learning matters.
Our goal is for graduates to be thoughtful, kind, and capable, ready for future learning, meaningful work, and community leadership, while we stay grounded in relationships, excellent teaching, and a clear sense of mission.
If you’re considering ESN, come see it for yourself. Meet our team, visit a classroom, and ask your questions. I’d be glad to connect.
With Mind and Spirit Soaring!
Dr. James Jordan
Head of School
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Email Dr. Jordan or give him a call at 615.928.8611 × 5216.
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“I firmly believe that the purpose of education is to empower people to take control of their own destiny and to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Each of us has something meaningful to contribute to society, and it is a school leader’s responsibility to create or sustain environments in which people believe in themselves and the mission.”
“In this age of personalization, the demands for a ‘custom experience’ are growing, but the need for inclusive, just environments is even greater. As such, I work hard to lead my colleagues in nurturing happy, healthy, and successful students, knowing that ‘success’ looks different for each individual.”
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James is a twenty one-year veteran of independent school education and has served as Head of School at Episcopal since 2021. He arrived in Nashville from St. John’s Episcopal School in Rancho Margarita, California where he served as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head of School for Innovation for the PK through Grade 8 school.
James grew up in the north of England, viewed himself as an athlete only, and left school early to pursue a professional soccer career. A severe injury forced him to reconsider his chosen career. Unexpectedly he was offered a scholarship to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, which he accepted. Realizing the dramatic culture change, he majored in African American Studies and American History. Upon graduation, James served for nine years as a history and economics teacher and soccer coach at Stratford Academy. He moved to the Kinkaid School in Houston Texas for three years as Middle School Assistant Head where he coordinated the department chairs’ work and instituted a weekly communication to parents, faculty, and students.
From there he moved to St. John’s as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head for Innovation. His duties included aligning the school’s programming and resources to a STEAM approach to teaching and learning, increasing enrollment, and creating opportunities for feedback. He spearheaded their recent capital campaign, which transformed the learning spaces on campus. Along the way, James earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the George Washington University.
James loves to learn, travel, and explore Nashville’s amazing restaurant scene. He and his rescue cat, Biggles, continue to be avid soccer fans.
Board of Trustees
Officers
Chair: Mary Lea Bryant
Vice Chair: Dave Goetz
Secretary: Pam Schmidt
Treasurer: Dale Maxfield
Board of Trustees
Lisa Aston
Robert Black
Allie Bohannon
Mary Lea Bryant
Wendy Buntin
Lindsey Burgener
Dave Goetz
Catherine Grace
Drew Holcomb
The Rev. Randy Hoover-Dempsey*
Craig Laine
Jacob Liggett
Amos Maley
Dale Maxfield
Katherine Murrie
Robinson Regen
Pam Schmidt
Kathryn Thompson
Patrick Waddle
Amy Woodson
*Bishop’s Representative
Ex-Officio
Bishop John Bauerschmidt
Ketch Secor
Dr. James Jordan
Senior Admin Team
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Naima Bagot, M.Ed., is a passionate education leader currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University. She brings a decade of experience in enrollment strategy, admissions, student support and community engagement across independent, public, and international school settings. Naima is deeply committed to creating inclusive, welcoming environments where every family feels seen and supported. At Episcopal School of Nashville, she is excited to strengthen the school’s enrollment pipeline by building meaningful relationships and sharing the ESN story with families across the Nashville community!
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With over 30 years of experience in education, Suzie has served in a wide range of roles including teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, senior leadership specialist, and co-founder of an educational nonprofit. Her work with the national consulting firm Educational Directions allowed her to design and implement customized academic improvement plans that drove significant gains in student outcomes and strengthened educator effectiveness.
As principal of Harmony Elementary and Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary, Suzie led transformative efforts that closed achievement gaps and built a culture of high expectations and academic success. She is also a certified Trauma and Resilient Schools Specialist, Trainer, and Coach, deeply committed to supporting the whole child and the adults who serve them.
Suzie is excited to be a Purple Martin and feels honored to contribute to the vibrant Episcopal School community.
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Jason Indorato, BA, is a seasoned operations and strategic planning leader with over 15 years of experience in business management, crisis response, financial oversight, and large-scale construction and facilities planning. He has led multimillion-dollar capital projects, managed multi-campus operations, and completed advanced training in accounting and organizational systems through Harvard. Jason is recognized for building responsive systems and guiding institutions through complex challenges with clarity, compassion, and long-term vision. At Episcopal School of Nashville, he is excited to help create a strong, mission-aligned foundation where joyful learning and community can thrive.
Judi North
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
contact
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Judi North, M.Ed., brings over 25 years of leadership in independent schools and nonprofit organizations to Episcopal School of Nashville, where she leads fundraising strategy and donor engagement. A seasoned advancement professional, she has raised more than $33 million in support of mission-driven institutions and is passionate about building inclusive programs that reflect the values of the communities they serve. Judi is energized by the opportunity to help shape ESN’s next chapter through strategic growth, collaborative leadership, and a strong culture of philanthropy. A cradle Episcopalian, Judi is honored to join this vibrant school community and help ensure students, faculty and staff have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.