Meet the Leaders Behind the Mission

A proud Montessori alumna, Hadley Ruggles brings deep experience and dynamic leadership to Gladwyne Montessori. She joined the school as Head of School in July 2022, following a distinguished career in independent and charter schools across Silicon Valley, New York City, and Arizona. Her roles have included Head of School at BASIS Scottsdale—ranked the #1 high school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post—and Founding Head of a PreK–Grade 12 school in Brooklyn, NY.

A lifelong champion of the Oxford comma, Dr. Ruggles began her career as an English teacher and continues to believe in the transformative power of education. A lifelong advocate of Montessori philosophy, she has both lived and witnessed its lasting impact.

She holds master’s degrees in American Literature and in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, and received her Doctor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. A recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities grant, Ms. Ruggles has been featured in Crain’s, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, Education Next, and other media outlets.

Outside of school, Hadley is a fan of long walks and longer Russian novels. She also enjoys shorter walks with her Great Pyrenees mix and family.

Michael has served the school since 1997, providing vision and leadership through numerous property acquisitions, leadership transitions, and program evolutions. For nine years, he served as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and currently serves on the board of trustees as treasurer of the PAISBOA Health Insurance Benefit Trust.

Michael is both a CPA and a licensed psychologist. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Villanova University and his doctorate in psychology from Immaculata University. He has experience in public accounting, municipal finance, clinical psychology, and adjunct teaching at the master's and doctoral levels.

Gladwyne Montessori is a supportive and caring community, and Michael believes the school's mission and values align well with his own personal values. In his spare time, Michael enjoys an active lifestyle that includes football, softball, bodyboarding, snowboarding, and traveling.

Gwen brings 25 years of experience to Gladwyne from teaching in Montessori classrooms, mentoring teachers, guiding families, working on curriculum and program designs, and directing a teacher training center. She was drawn to the dynamic and positive culture and community of Gladwyne Montessori as well as the stimulating and dedicated faculty. Gwen enjoys presenting to parents and teachers and sharing her passion of Montessori as a way of life. Gwen also has raised a "Montessori child", now in college, and is excited to dedicate her empty nest time to Gladwyne's community. In her free time, Gwen enjoys the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her pets and family, as well as volunteering for arts groups. Gwen also serves on the Board of the Deep Time Journey Network, which promotes the principles of cosmic education, a key aspect of Montessori education.