Several Administrative Appointments Announced In Darien Public Schools

DARIEN, CT — Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley this week announced several administrative appointments across the district.

Katherine Dimoulas, principal, Middlesex Middle School

Dimoulas began teaching in 2009 at the Norwich Free Academy after graduating from Connecticut College, the district said in an announcement. She moved to Newtown and taught language arts at the middle school level and later served as an English teacher and critical literary coach.

In 2017, Dimoulas became the assistant principal at Darien High School.

"I am grateful for the seven years I have spent with the Darien High School community and am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the district as Principal of Middlesex Middle School," Dimoulas said in a news release. Her first day in her new role will be July 29. "I look forward to getting to know and work with the students, faculty, and families at MMS!"

Addley said Dimoulas' experience "will help ensure continuity of leadership and a smooth transition" at MMS.

Timothy Monahan, assistant principal, Middlesex Middle School

Monahan has been a middle school assistant principal for the last three years in Ridgewood, N.J. Prior to that, he taught high school social studies for 17 years, the district said.

Monahan has earned several professional honors thoughout his career.

"I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families of Darien and Middlesex Middle School," Monahan said in an announcement. He's expected to join the school district shortly before the next school year. "I believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and I am looking forward to joining the Darien school community to help our students grow in a safe, healthy environment. I will be working diligently to support and foster student growth in academics, but also socially & emotionally."

Meghan Emanuelson, assistant principal, Darien High School

Emanuelson began her school counseling career in 2002 at Trumbull High School, and she later moved to Fairfield Warde High School, Saxe Middle School in New Canaan and the New Fairfield Day Alternative Learning Center.

From 2011 to 2014, she served as the director of school and college counseling at a school in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emanuelson joined Darien High School in 2014 as a school counselor and later became the director of school counseling.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Darien Public Schools as an Assistant Principal at Darien High School. I am greatly looking forward to supporting students, families, and staff in this new role," Emanuelson said in an announcement.

Her first day will be July 29.

Keith Keeler, assistant principal, Darien High School

Keeler has spent his entire career in Darien, first as a social studies teacher from 2004 to 2017, then as a depatment coordinator for social studies from 2015 to 2017, according to the district.

In 2017, Keeler transitioned to the social studies department chair, a role he served in up to this latest appointment.

"Keith’s 20 years of teaching and administrative experience in Darien and his expertise in high school curriculum, teaching and learning provide him with the necessary skills to be a welcomed addition to the high school administrative team and be an invaluable resource to our high students, staff and families," Addley said.

Keeler begins his new role on July 29.

Jaclyn Welsh, assistant principal, Ox Ridge Elementary School

Welsh was an elementary school teacher in Virginia for six years before she became a special education teacher in 2019.

After serving as a lead special education teacher, she became an assistant principal at Bush Hill Elementary school in Alexandria, Va. in 2022, according to the district.

"I am beyond honored and excited to join Darien Public Schools and return to my Connecticut roots. I look forward to immersing myself in the community and partnering with the students, staff, and families of Ox Ridge Elementary School to foster a nurturing and thriving educational environment," Welsh said in an announcement.

She begins her new role on Aug. 15.

Kristin Colonies, English department chair grades 6-12

Colonies began her teaching careerat the Manhattan East School for Arts and Academics in 2003, and served as a sixth and seventh grade teacher until 2010 when she joined the teaching staff as a sixth grade reading and writing teacher in Darien.

Throughout her career, Colonies has presented at professional development sessions, both at her previous school, through Teachers College, and in Darien. Colonies has also served as the TEAM district facilitator in Darien, coordinating the state’s induction program for new administrators.

"I am honored to accept the position of English Department Chairperson for grades 6-12 and am excited to continue working with my talented colleagues, leading them in fostering our vibrant learning community," Colonies said in an announcement. "I am confident that we will continue to learn from each other, share best practices, and continuously improve our instruction to support student growth and build upon the strong foundation we've established over the years."

Addley said Colonies' 14 years of expertise as a middle school classroom teacher, team leader and her skills in curriculum writing and pedagogy will make her successful in her new role.

Colonies' start date will be Aug. 15.