Golda Och Academy Names Heather Brown as Principal of the Wilf Lower School Campus

Golda Och Academy has named Heather Brown Principal of its Wilf Lower School Campus. For the past 12 years, she has been an active and devoted member of the Golda Och Academy community — first as a parent and school ambassador, and for the last three years as Assistant Principal of the Lower School and Director of Early Childhood Education. Her connection to GOA runs deep; in fact, her family moved to the area 13 years ago specifically to be part of the vibrant school community. 

Mrs. Brown is a highly regarded Jewish educator and administrator. She holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism and a BA in English from the University of California, Irvine and brings a lifelong passion for Jewish learning and leadership to her role. With a professional background spanning experiential and early childhood education, she is committed to weaving Jewish joy, pride, and meaning into every aspect of the student experience. Heather is also a proud graduate of the Day School Leadership Training Institute.

"I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of Principal at the Wilf Lower School Campus,” said Mrs. Brown. “For the past 12 years, Golda Och Academy has been my home. It is a privilege to now lead our dedicated Lower School team as we continue to evolve and grow, always keeping the whole child at the center of our mission."

 

As an educator and leader, Mrs. Brown is dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with students, families, faculty, and the broader community. She believes that genuine connection is the foundation for growth, and she is excited to continue working collaboratively to guide, support, and inspire the Wilf Lower School Campus community to thrive and evolve.

 

GOA’s Head of School Carrie Z. Siegel, said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Heather Brown over the past three years in her position as Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education. I’ve witnessed firsthand her remarkable ability to connect with students, support faculty, and partner with parents—always with empathy, insight, and a strong sense of purpose. Heather’s unwavering commitment to the GOA experience and our community makes her exceptionally well-prepared for the role of Principal. I’m delighted to continue collaborating with her as Head of School and confident that our Lower School is in outstanding hands under her leadership.”

 

Mrs. Brown has now assumed the role of Lower School Principal, succeeding Mrs. Siegel, who was recently promoted to Head of School. A longtime member of the Golda Och Academy community, Mrs. Brown is also a proud GOA parent—her children, who began their journey at the school in Pre-K, will be entering 9th and 11th grade this fall.    

 

“We are extremely excited and honored to promote Heather to lead our Lower School,” said GOA Board Chair David Moss. “We look forward to continuing to cultivate a learning environment where each child can achieve academic success in a way that honors their individuality, supports their emotional and social well-being—critical foundations for success in today’s world—and offers immersive, memorable experiences that connect students deeply to Israel and Jewish life.”