Julie Galles 

During the height of the pandemic, The Wesley School was grieving the sudden and tragic loss of head of school Ernie Levroney. As Julie Galles stepped in as interim head of school in August 2020, she excelled at the difficult tasks of consoling the community, overseeing its exciting growth and development during the toughest year in its history, and honoring Ernie’s legacy and desire to promote Wesley’s mission.

“When I reflect upon the tremendous work the Wesley faculty and staff have accomplished this year, I am inspired and proud,” she says. “The efforts of our parent volunteers have been no less heroic. Through the truly sacrificial efforts of these groups, the students have learned and grown, and the Wesley community remains as vibrant and committed as ever.”

After growing up in Alaska, England and California, Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in education from Stanford University. She served as a classroom teacher for 15 years, and she has also served various educational organizations as dean of faculty, academic coordinator, assistant head of school and, for the last six years, head of school. 

Julie brought her experience in crisis management and strategic programming to Wesley, along with an empathetic approach to K–8 teaching and learning, an innovative perspective on pedagogy, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. When she’s not at school, she enjoys spending time with her wife and two nearly grown children. She holds a second-degree black belt in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do and also serves on various nonprofit boards.

“I am grateful to all within the extended Wesley family who continue to support and encourage our school and who have extended grace and kind words to me in my first year,” Julie shares. “In the words of Mr. Ernie Levroney, we are Wesley Strong.”