If there is one person who has literally had a hand in bringing every family to Graland for the past decade, it’s Kristin Ryder. Now the director of admission, her career journey at Graland has taken her down many paths and afforded her a deep understanding of what makes the school unique.

With a bachelor’s degree in English and environmental studies, Kristin came to Graland in 1999 to teach kindergarten for one year and Lower School science for another four. That kindergarten class has since graduated from college, she notes. “It really puts perspective what 20 years means to a child and their family,” she says. 

As much as she loved being a teacher, her goal was always school administration, and all throughout her career Graland has encouraged her to follow her passions. With help from professional development funds, Kristin earned a master’s degree in administration and policy studies. When the opportunity came to be the assistant head of Lower School, she jumped at the chance. At the same time, she took on the Gates Invention and Innovation Program, serving as both director and coach. She led, grew and expanded the program for nine years.

The next time she reinvented herself was in 2008 when she made the move to the admission office as assistant director. “It was the perfect way to blend my overall knowledge of Graland with my background as a teacher and administrator,” she says. 

After four years, she stepped into the director role where she thrives in helping families find the best school for their children. In giving campus tours and speaking with prospective families, Kristin loves to share that Graland is ever growing and ever changing. “We as educators are constantly learning and pushing ourselves,” she shares. “It’s an amazing place.” 

A Graland parent as well as administrator, Kristin knows the campus inside and out, but she experienced the school community in a more profound way last year when her son was diagnosed with cancer as an eighth grader. “The strength of our community came to light for me when Burke was sick,” she says. “Professionally and personally, people jumped in to help or to give a word of encouragement or a hug. When I think about the pink bracelets that everyone wore to show their support, it brings me to tears. We still wear our bracelets as a reminder.”

The tight-knit community is one of the reasons Kristin has stayed at Graland. 

“I never felt like I was just treading water,” she says. “Every Head of School in my 20 years has helped me pursue my goals and build my knowledge and experience and expertise. There’s no other place like Graland.”