“I’ve really enjoyed the people I’ve met and the support I feel from the community,” Ms. Satterfield said. “Meeting parents and students has been a joy, and the teachers are phenomenal. I feel the spirit of community every time I step on campus.”

Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Ms. Satterfield joins Graland after serving as director of institutional equity at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a Lower School teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University in Portland and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from North Carolina Central University.

Ms. Satterfield describes herself as a teacher first, someone who finds joy in sparking curiosity and helping children discover their own potential. “I was a serious student who loved school,” she said with a smile. “Even as a kid, I wanted to help others learn. That feeling has stayed with me my whole life.”

Her early love of learning was shaped by a close-knit family and educators who inspired her to see teaching as both a calling and a craft. “My mom worked in the school cafeteria, and my aunt and uncle were teachers,” she recalled. “I grew up helping them prepare their classrooms, sharpening pencils, sorting papers, smelling the fresh copies coming off the machine. I loved everything about the school environment.”

Now at Graland, Ms. Satterfield is eager to build on that lifelong passion by supporting teachers and students alike. “I am a teacher at my core,” she said. “When teachers are enthusiastic about their work, that enthusiasm transfers to students. Supporting teachers as they help students grow and reach their full potential is the most wonderful feeling.”

That philosophy of joyful, purposeful learning aligns naturally with Graland’s Live the Learning approach. Ms. Satterfield is inspired by how Live the Learning is reflected in classrooms across campus. “Live the Learning represents what education should be,” she said. “When students are active participants, asking questions, exploring ideas, and making connections, they develop a genuine love of learning that stays with them. That’s what great teaching looks like.”

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Satterfield enjoys cooking, crocheting, listening to audiobooks, singing, and attending musical theater performances. Her son, Kevin, recently moved to Colorado with her, and she credits him as her biggest source of encouragement.

Ms. Satterfield steps into her new role with gratitude for those who came before her, including longtime educator and Master Teacher Nan Remington. With a thoughtful approach and a teacher’s heart, Ms. Satterfield looks forward to leading with authenticity and purpose, helping Graland’s youngest learners grow as confident, curious, and compassionate students.