April 2, 2026



Dear Shady Hill Community,


After 35 extraordinary years shaping the lives of Shady Hill’s youngest learners, Laura Ryan will retire at the end of this school year.

Laura joined Shady Hill in 1987 as a Kindergarten teacher alongside Carol Segar (married to Joe Segar, Shady Hill’s third Head of School). Two years later, she began a decade-long partnership with Betsy Anderson—an early chapter in a career defined by deep collaboration, care, and joy in teaching. Beyond the classroom, Laura brought that same spirit to all she did, including creating and leading the beloved Learn to Skate program for lower school students during a time when the school day ended at noon for our youngest children.

After taking time away to welcome her daughter, Olivia, Laura returned to Shady Hill and went on to serve as a Beginners Gradehead in the Lower School. She has brought a profound respect for children and a steady, thoughtful presence that has left a lasting impression on students, families, and colleagues alike. This year marks her 16th year teaching with Maggie Beasley in B-North. Over the course of her tenure, Laura has had the rare and meaningful experience of teaching the children of former students—a testament to the enduring relationships she has built within this community.


Laura is often among the first to arrive on campus each morning, greeting the day with quiet dedication. Her understanding of how children learn, think, and feel runs deep, yet she carries that wisdom with humility and grace. Children sense this immediately: when they walk along one of our paths hand in hand with Ms. Ryan, they know they are seen, known, and believed in. A steadfast champion of Shady Hill’s play-based curriculum, Laura has always found creative and joyful ways to nurture curiosity and foster a love of learning.


To generations of Shady Hill families, Laura has been more than a teacher—she has been a guiding presence at the very beginning of a child’s journey. Her impact is woven into the fabric of this school, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.

We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and wisdom Laura has given to Shady Hill. We will miss her dearly and wish her all the very best in this next chapter with her family.


Warmly,


Mark J. Stanek 

Head of School