Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne McCanles.
Hi Suzanne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I attended William Jewell College and majored in Elementary Education. I began my teaching career at The Barstow School where I taught 4th grade – I enjoyed coaching field hockey, as well as track and field. My passion and talents led me to grow and develop the school’s before and after school program, after school classes, and summer program. I transitioned out of the classroom to focus on these programs for several years; the summer program grew to an astonishing 600+ students per week as well as approximately 100 faculty and staff. I enjoyed leading a team…painting a vision…watching it come to life.
After 14 years at The Barstow School, I became the Head of School at Oakhill Day School in Gladstone, MO where I have been for the past 19 years. We have grown from 200 students to 385 students over the years surviving the pandemic and coming out stronger…more confident in who we are as a school and community. I am fortunate to lead and work alongside approximately 80 talented faculty and staff. I am fueled by the synergy the team and community creates – leaning into the school’s 79 year old mission and making every decision around what is best for the students…their education. I enjoy challenges…I thrive during these times – helping guide everyone in the same direction for the same cause.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growth (in itself) is exciting, yet challenging. With growth comes increased revenue, increased expenses, increased personnel, and even more need for a clear vision – a clear path to pursue the mission. The pandemic brought new and unique challenges – leaning into our mission and who we are helped us make our way through this challenging time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
All I have ever know (since graduating college) is Independent, private education…governed by a Board of Trustees, and independent from state and federal educational regulations (we receive no funding outside of tuition and the school business).
I love “cloud jumping”…looking from 10,000 feet at the puzzle pieces below…how might they be rearranged and reimagined. I love dreaming and thinking way outside of the box – brainstorming ALL possibilities – maybe not what is expected, simple, or easy, but what is innovative, exciting, and best for the school – for our students. I spend lots of time in the “weeds”, but jumping to 10,000 feet invigorates me…and ultimately – my team.
I am proud of the culture at Oakhill; I keep my finger on the pulse each hour of every day to make sure the climate and culture is what we want, need, and promise to our families.
Oakhill maintains a high bar when it comes to expectations….from students to staff to families – we ALL have to give our best each day to fulfill our mission and achieve our goals!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck is created/influenced by positive energy/attitude, effort, planning, and “eyes wide open”. I “paint” a vision of where I want to go or be, prepare a loose plan to get there, and lean into the “side doors and paths” along the way. A bit of risk-taking is involved as well. Opportunities and/or luck are found through open eyes…a willingness to explore, a readiness to make a decision, and a resolve to take a chance. I don’t see decisions as right or wrong, but better and best – that is where luck can push the decision to go from good to better to best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oakhilldayschool.org
