Olney Friends School Announces Faculty Promotions
BARNESVILLE – Olney Friends School is pleased to announce the promotion of four faculty members to key roles within the school community.
By accepting their new responsibilities, these individuals are helping to advance the school’s mission to provide a transdisciplinary, college-preparatory education within a supportive community.
“Having the best faculty in place ensures we continue to deliver our one-of-a-kind learning experience to students from diverse backgrounds,” Head of School Christian Acemah said. “I am proud of the dedication of all my colleagues and congratulate those who have received promotions.”
The following faculty members have stepped into new positions this school year:
- Anne Marie Taber, Dean of Learning & Institutional Stewardship
Anne Marie Taber is a 1979 graduate of Olney Friends School. Prior to becoming the new Dean of Learning & Institutional Stewardship, she served as Director of Development for eight years.
In her new role, she is focused on how learning spans many areas of school life, from students’ growth and progress to faculty members’ professional development. In terms of stewardship, she is responsible for safeguarding and preserving the school’s rich and long history. In addition, she remains involved with fundraising activities and alumni relations.
After earning her diploma from the school, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Spanish and Women’s & Gender Studies, as well as a master’s in Library and Information Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2010, she returned to the Barnesville campus and rejoined Olney as its librarian.
Born and raised in Barnesville, Anne Marie grew up on the campus as the child of faculty. Today, she also teaches Health and has coached Yoga and Folk Dance. She lives in Barnesville with husband Steve Martin. She can be reached at annemarie@olneyfriends.org or by phone at 740-425-3655, ext. 210.
- Anne Medeiros, Director of Admissions
Anne Medeiros’ affiliation with Olney began as the parent of a student who graduated in 2019. She started working for the school as a part-time admissions associate, recruiting new students to the campus. This year, she transitioned to the full-time, remote role of Director of Admissions.
A native of Uganda, Anne focuses largely on recruiting international students. She is also working with the Domestic Admissions Counselor to formalize all systems within the school’s Admissions Department. Currently, about two-thirds of the student population consists of international students hailing from nations such as Uganda, China, South Africa, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Ethiopia. Domestic students, including both day students who commute to classes and boarding students who live on campus throughout the school year, are drawn from states including Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Anne previously held senior roles in international organizations such as Oxfam GB, Amref Health Africa, and an international logistics company and has worked in banking and public relations. She can be reached at amedeiros@olneyfriends.org or by phone at 740-425-6447.
- Joseph Sullivan, Associate Head of School
Joseph Sullivan has held a number of titles at Olney since he joined the school in 2014 as Director of Admissions. He has also served as Director of College Counseling, Director of Student Life and Advising, Director of Operations and Finance and Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations.
After being named Associate Head of School in July, Joe is taking on a larger role with more authority to make important decisions whenever the head of school is unavailable. He also is responsible for providing professional development opportunities and mentorship for faculty and staff.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dominican College and a master’s in education: school counseling from Long Island University. He previously worked in college admissions. In addition to his administrative positions at Olney, he has coached basketball and served as a teacher in the school’s Metanoia program, which is a required, in-depth reading and writing program for students in ninth through 12th grades that is based on philosophy and a guiding question.
Joe has a family that includes a daughter who has been raised in Barnesville. He can be reached at jsullivan@olneyfriends.org or by phone at 740-425-3655, ext. 214.
- Kristina Estle, Communications & Marketing Manager
Kristina Estle began her Olney career in July 2024 as a part-time grant writer, but Associate Head of School Joseph Sullivan said bringing her on full time and changing her position is allowing the school to better use all of her talents as a marketing professional. Among the skills she brings is the ability to create more engaging social media posts, as well as to leverage her community connections to highlight the school in venues and sectors it may not have reached previously.
As a faculty member, Kristina teaches Olney’s Media Lab class and coaches Cross Country.
A 2005 graduate of Barnesville High School, Kristina holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in public history from Southern New Hampshire University. She serves as Director of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing. She also founded and is the current president of the History Detectives of Belmont County. The Barnesville native lives locally and has two children who attend Barnesville schools. Kristina enjoys hiking, yoga, kayaking, camping, gardening, reading, researching, and genealogy.
One highlight of her work is the creation and launch of Olney’s “Friday Fun with Friends” podcast. As part of that program, which can be found on Olney’s iHeart Radio channel, local personalities interviewed by students have included Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh, Barnesville Mayor Jake Hershberger, Bruce Yarnall of Barnesville Area News, Mary Sidwell of Barnesville’s Watt Center, and Belmont County GIS Director Anthony Atkins.
Kristina can be reached at kristina@olneyfriends.org or by phone at 740-391-3135.
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Founded in 1837, Olney Friends School blends Quaker values with modern education, embracing diversity and student empowerment.
Students actively shape their community, from dorm life to academic choices, developing crucial life skills alongside rigorous college preparation.
The school’s 350-acre farm is marking 10 years of USDA organic certification in 2025. The campus serves as a living laboratory with the working farm and surrounding ecology.
The curriculum balances core college preparatory material with flexibility for in-depth exploration, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. To learn more, visit olneyfriends.org or check out the school’s Facebook page.
(Olney Friends School press release)
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