Ask the Expert 2025
Christine Saunders
St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School
Christine Saunders holds dual master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and earned her Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has participated in fellowship programs for the National Association of Independent Schools and has presented at state and national conferences. Christine brings over 25 years of teaching and 15 years of educational leadership experience to her new role as Head of School at St. Michael’s.
What drew you to St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School?
St. Michael’s impressed me immediately as a school confident in its history and enthusiastic about its future. We are proud of our classical core, and we purposefully ask our students to use their knowledge in ways relevant to today’s ever-evolving world. Our students apply their learning to uplift and positively impact their families, their school and their broader communities. Learning and leading go hand in hand.
What are the school’s core values, and how do they set the school apart from other independent schools in the area?
St. Michael’s mission is to inspire students to think critically, act responsibly, lead compassionately and innovate wisely. Our core values—compassion, diligence, respect, integrity and responsibility— guide our students to greet the world thoughtfully, with purpose and ethical care. Our Episcopalian roots frame and support our comprehensive program. Graduates of St. Michael’s advance to exceptional college-preparatory programs throughout the greater Sacramento region and nationwide. Our students lead with courage, empathy, skill and confidence.
You have considerable experience in school leadership. How will you utilize your expertise at St. Michael’s?
Our expert faculty is well-positioned to expand our existing innovative programming. Equally important is maintaining our unwavering commitment to providing a solid academic foundation, with individualized pedagogy that meets the needs of each child. Finally, it is a pleasure to return to Episcopalian schools. I believe deeply that we are called to nurture each child’s unique gifts and weave those gifts together into our larger caring community. I am honored and eager to begin!
2140 Mission Ave. Carmichael. 916-485-3418. smeds.net
