Leadership Team

Travis Brantingham
Head of School

Taking the reins in 2014, Travis Brantingham has committed himself to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of teaching and learning; developing student leadership, character, and community; and ensuring that Principia School students benefit from a relevant, hands-on, education that equips them to be effective global citizens. Travis holds a BA from Principia College and an MA from Maryville University.

Dr. Peter Dry
Associate Head of School for Innovation and Strategy

Bringing a wealth of international experience, Dr. Peter Dry focuses on professional development, equipping Principia’s teaching team with the tools to incorporate student-led discovery and authentic learning with an emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and intellectual and emotional resilience. Peter holds a BA from the University of Natal, South Africa; an MA from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia; and an EdD from Capella University.

Christen Alford
Principal—Upper School

For more than 25 years—both as a classroom teacher and as an academic adviser and college counselor—Christen Alford has helped prepare and guide students toward successful college experiences. Christen holds a BA from Principia College and a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, Los Angeles.  

Melanie Duffy
Dean of Students

After more than a decade working with students at Berkeley Hall School in Los Angeles, California, Melanie Duffy joined Principia School in 2017. An Upper School graduate, Duffy played Division I softball and basketball at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she obtained a BA in history. She holds a master’s degree from Emporia State University in Kansas.

Samantha Dry
Principal—Middle School

Responsible for the day-to-day academic program, Sam Dry works to ensure that an integrated, experiential approach and global awareness infuse teaching and learning across the disciplines in Middle School. Sam holds a BA from the University of South Africa and an MA from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Heather Tibbetts
Principal—Lower School

During more than a decade of teaching in elementary schools and providing individual and small-group support to students, Heather Tibbetts brings skills in differentiated instruction and cross-curricular, experiential education to her oversight of teaching and learning in the Lower School. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MS from Missouri Baptist University. 

Dorothy Halverson
Principal—Early Childhood

Dorothy Halverson has a deep love of young children and an inspired commitment to their formative learning experiences. With skills and empathy gained over more than 30 years of teaching at the elementary and kindergarten levels, she supports new parents and their infants and toddlers in our on-campus and online Acorn Programs and in our Early Learning Center. Dorothy holds a BA from Principia College and an MA in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.