School Leadership

Head of School

Christopher R. Carter

D.Min (Educational Leadership) Virginia Theological Seminary

M.A. The College of William and Mary
B.A. Washington and Lee University

With over twenty years as a teacher, administrator, and head in independent schools, and over half that time spent in Episcopal schools, Chris Carter is committed to the freedom that independent schools have to focus a unique mission and meet the individual needs of students and their families. He is particularly committed to Episcopal schools and their distinctive vision that schools should be Christian communities who understand that all knowledge comes from God and whose missions integrate spiritual formation into all aspects of the educational experience. Before coming to St. Mark’s in 2008, Dr. Carter was the Head of Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, Kansas, having previously served schools in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He has been listed twice in “Who’s Who in American High School Teachers” and continues his ministry of teaching both in school chapel services and by teaching and enrichment class in the Middle School. Dr. Carter has two children enrolled at St. Mark’s.





Preschool Director
Jessica Russo
M.A.T. Centenary College
B.A. Davidson College

Her passion is implementing developmentally appropriate programs for pre-school children and ensuring that every child’s first school experience is rich and exciting for the children and for their parents. Under Miss Jessica’s nurturing leadership, children in the White House have a wonderful time developing all the skills necessary for success in the elementary grades.





Lower School Director
Darlene Fair
M.S. Plus 30 with Reading Specialist Certification, Centenary College
B.S. Nicholls State University

Mrs. Fair leads the Lower School at St. Mark’s. With thirty-seven years in elementary education as principal, curriculum coordinator, and 2nd grade classroom teacher, she brings a wealth of experience to our students and teachers. Mrs. Fair is committed to ensuring that the fundamental knowledge and skills of the elementary curriculum inspire students to love learning and excite each individual student. She also coordinates all standardized testing and any additional academic support for students in both Lower and Middle Schools. Mrs. Fair’s office is always busy with students getting help or teachers seeking advice.





Middle School Director
Olivia Bradley
B.A. Louisiana State University

Madame Bradley has spent twenty-five years teaching French and leading the Middle School of St. Mark’s. Deeply committed to her students and to St. Mark’s, Mme Bradley makes sure that Middle School students are held to high academic and behavioral standards in order to prepare them for high school, even as she makes sure they have adequate adult emotional support for the trials and tribulations of the difficult middle school years. An important part of Mme Bradley’s duties includes helping students and their parents find the right school for their high school studies.





School Chaplain
Judy Kane
D. Min. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
M.T.S. St. Meinrad Seminary
B.S. DePaul University

Chaplain Kane teaches Christian Education for grades 4-8 and organizes and leads chapel services for all divisions. She has a long career in parish religious education and schools and loves to help young people become excited about their own spiritual growth. In addition to her classroom and chapel duties, Chaplain Kane provides pastoral support to students and families in times of need; whether it’s coping with the loss of a loved one or how to be a better friend, she strives to help students know God’s love and share God’s love with others. Chaplain Kane also helps coordinate the school’s community service programs and leads two Bible studies for the Cathedral congregation.





Athletic Director
Jay Turner
B.S. University of Louisiana at Monroe

In addition to his duties as P.E. teacher and boys’ basketball coach, Coach Turner oversees schedules and planning for all Middle School sports at St. Mark’s, and helps coordinate communication and planning for Lower School teams in area youth sports programs. Coach Turner’s goal is that St. Mark’s students will not only achieve athletic success, but will understand that integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship are what matter the most. As the father of two young sons, Coach Turner knows the importance of athletics but believes that academics always come first.





Cathedral Dean
The Very Rev. Jacob Owensby
Ph.D. Emory University
M. Div. The University of the South
M.A. Emory University
B.S. Emory University

The Very Rev. Dr. Jacob Owensby is Dean of St. Mark’s Cathedral and spiritual leader of the entire St. Mark’s community. Dean Jake served churches in Florida, Alabama, and Missouri before being called to St. Mark’s. Prior to his call to ordained ministry, Dean Jake was a philosophy professor, and teaching remains an essential part of his ministry. Dean Jake officiates and preaches at both Family and Divisional Chapel services as well as other special chapel services throughout the year. Dean Jake’s youngest son attends St. Mark’s Cathedral School.