Leadership

List of 13 members.

• 

  Rachel Rodriguez 

  Head of School

  305-460-8845

  Florida International University - B.S.
  Nova Southeastern University - M.S.

  Bio

  In partnership with the Board of Trustees, as the Head of School, I have the responsibility to carry out the school’s mission to train leaders that give more back to the community than they take from it. I have the honor of working with a leadership team that oversees the various components of Ransom Everglades School. Together we work to see that each student, family and community member has an unparalleled academic, athletic and artistic experience as each student grows and learns ways to carry out and live the school’s mission. After working in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 15 years as a teacher, English Department Chair, Exceptional Education Department Co-Chair and Educational Specialist, I joined Ransom Everglades School in 2005. I served as the Assistant Director of the Middle School for two years, and Head of the Middle School for 14 years. I worked as an education consultant during the 2021-22 school year, before returning to Ransom Everglades as the Interim Head of School for the 2022-23 school year. I earned a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University. In 2018, I completed a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Professional Education. My husband, Jose, and I have two sons, Christopher ’10, and Alec ’14 and a very large dog named Jack. Outside of Ransom Everglades, I enjoy yoga, Pilates, hiking and traveling.
• 

  John King Jr. 

  Associate Head of School, History & Social Sciences Teacher

  305-460-8230

  Emory University - B.A.
  Emory University - M.A.
  Vanderbilt University - Ph.D.

  Bio

  I am Associate Head of School and in my 24th year at Ransom Everglades. Prior to RE, I was a history professor at Belmont University. At RE, I have taught history and social sciences courses, coached several sports, conducted music ensembles, done college counseling, served as director of studies, and, as the senior class dean and sponsor, created the annual class retreat to the Circle F Dude Ranch. I oversee the Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities and direct the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics. I was the founding curator for TEDxCoconutGrove, a community event hosted for six years at RE. I published several scholarly pieces, most notably as lead author of The President's Position: The Cold War Presidents. For two decades I was a reader, table leader, and exam leader at the College Board's AP US History Reading, and I created the teacher's materials for Eric Foner's leading AP US History textbook, Give Me Liberty! I taught courses at Barry University, FIU, and John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. I also enjoy playing several musical instruments, scuba diving, hiking and camping, and supporting South Florida's professional sports teams, particularly the Miami Dolphins.
• 

  Bethania Cabrera 

  Chief of Human Resources

  305-460-7959

  Lehman College - B.S.
  Florida International University - MSHRM

  Bio

  As the Chief of Human Resources at Ransom Everglades, I partner with internal and external stakeholders to attract, develop and retain talented employees who share our passion for producing graduates who “believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it.” Before joining RE, I served as the Director of Human Resources Operations for Florida International University’s College of Engineering and Computing. Before that, I held several management positions at JPMorgan Chase, including Human Resources and Finance Manager. I earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from FIU, a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Management with a minor in Bilingual Bicultural Education from Lehman College in New York City, an accounting certificate from New York University and a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification. I am a wellness enthusiast who enjoys kickboxing and healthy eating.
• 

  David Clark 86

  Chief Operating Officer

  305-460-8846

  Dartmouth College - B.A.
  Florida Atlantic University - M.Ed.

  Bio

  As a proud Florida native, I had the privilege of attending Ransom Everglades for my final two years of high school. Transitioning from public school, I found myself not just absorbing information but actively shaping my educational experience. The school's supportive and challenging environment nurtured my intellectual and personal growth.
  
  

  After graduating, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics modified with Engineering at Dartmouth College, where I also showcased my athletic prowess by playing football and track and field. I was honored to hold several school records and had the opportunity to play in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.
  
  

  My passion for education led me back to Ransom Everglades in 1991, where I contributed to the Mathematics and Computer Science Department and took on roles as Dean of Students and Head Football Coach. In 1999, prioritizing my children's educational needs, I transitioned to another independent school. There, I held multiple leadership positions, including Dean of Students, Assistant Upper School Head, Interim Upper School Head, and ultimately Head of School at their PK to 8th-grade campus. During this period, I furthered my commitment to educational leadership by earning a Master's in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.
  
  

  Returning to Ransom Everglades in June 2022 as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School was a full-circle moment for me. With the appointment of a new Upper School Head in 2024, I refocused my efforts on collaborating with various departments, including Advancement, Admission, Athletics, Facilities, Safety and Security, and the Business Office.
  
  

  In my current role, working closely with our Board of Trustees, I oversee campus development and facilities management, ensuring that our learning environments are safe, modern, and conducive to academic excellence. I serve as the liaison for RE with construction projects, working closely with architects, contractors, and stakeholders to enhance our campus infrastructure. Additionally, I prioritize improving campus security measures to provide a safe environment for our students and staff.
  
  

  Family and community are central to my life. My wife, Nicole, and I are proud parents to three daughters—Amber, Autumn, and Ashleigh—all of whom have pursued careers in education. Beyond my professional commitments, I enjoy traveling with my family, particularly on cruises, and am an avid bowler. Demonstrating my dedication to community service, I serve on the Board of Trustees at the Fuller Center in Palm Beach and volunteer across South Florida in various capacities.
• 

  Donald Cramp Jr. 

  Head of the Upper School

  305-460-8854

  University of Miami - B.S.
  Florida International University - M.S.
  Florida International University - Ed.D.

  Bio

  I am incredibly proud and honored to serve the Ransom Everglades community as the Head of the Upper School and work with colleagues in a shared mission to give our students an education that is filled with joy, community building and an authentic love of learning. From 2002-14, I was part of the RE community as a science teacher (biology and ecology), coach (football, tennis and softball), Dean of Students, and Assistant Head of the Upper School. In 2014, my family and I moved to Houston, Texas, where, for ten years, I was the Head of Upper School at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (sister school to Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart). My educational journey started at the University of Miami where I earned my undergraduate degree in marine science and biology. I earned my master’s degree in science education and doctorate in educational administration and supervision. I am excited to share that my dissertation focused on the power of caring attitudes at Ransom Everglades’ predecessors: the Adirondack-Florida School and Ransom School. My wife, Michelle, and I have three daughters, Victoria, Matilda and Eleanor, and two dogs, Kai and Lola. Outside of Ransom Everglades, I love everything outdoors; walking the dogs, bike rides with my family, snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking and just about anything that allows me to enjoy the environment.
• 

  Peter DiPace 

  Head of the Middle School, History & Social Sciences Teacher

  305-250-6871

  Florida State University - B.S.
  St. Thomas University - J.D.
  Northeastern University - Ed.D.

  Bio

  In 2011, after practicing law for several years I started working as a teacher and lacrosse coach for Ransom Everglades. For a decade, I served in a variety of roles including, Middle School Dean of Students, Director of Summer Programming and Assistant Head of the Middle School. For two years I gained invaluable perspective as Head of the Upper Elementary Division at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. I returned home to RE in 2023 to serve as a school leader with a passion for building experiences that promote each student's sense of belonging and citizenship. I have earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State, a law degree from St. Thomas University and a doctorate from Northeastern University. My wife Nicola and I are the proud parents of Luca and Marc. Outside of my faith, family and vocation, my most passionate pursuits include cooking, rooting for the Yankees and playing along with Jeopardy. I also kind of have a thing for Johnny Cash and peacocks.
• 

  Wendell Graham 74

  Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement

  305-460-8889

  Columbia University - B.A.
  University of Miami - J.D.

  Bio

  As Director of Inclusion and Community Outreach, I am responsible for our efforts to maintain a welcoming environment where every member of the school community can live, study and work at their highest level of creativity and productivity. I practiced law for 38 years, serving as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, arbitrator, mediator and county court judge. I graduated from Ransom School in 1974, received my BA from Columbia University, and JD from the University of Miami School of Law. I love music, fishing, and the outdoors. My wife runs a non-profit for children aging out of foster care. We have one child in college, and the others are adults working in the armed services, arts and retail, and education.
• 

  Jason Locke 

  Co-Executive Director of College Counseling

  305-460-7956

  Alfred University - B.A.
  The University of Vermont - M.Ed.

  Bio

  After more than two decades in higher education leadership positions, I joined Ransom Everglades School in the inaugural role of Executive Director for College Counseling where I am leading the transformation of the college counseling experience for RE students and families. Before joining the RE community, I served as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and then as Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment at Cornell University. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University, a Master of Education degree at the University of Vermont, and a Postgraduate Certificate from Peking University in Beijing, China. I am currently completing my Doctor of Education degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have enjoyed participating in the Ithaca Twilight 5K Run, Vinophile Society and Supper Club, and serving as a Friend of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 
• 

  Diana Morales 

  Director of Finance

  305-460-8849

  Barry University - B.A.

  Bio

  As Director of Finance at Ransom Everglades, I oversee the financial operations of the school. I started at RE in 2000 as the controller and served in the same capacity until February 2024. Prior to my time at Ransom Everglades, I served as controller for a couple of multinational corporations including United Technologies Corporation. I earned my bachelor's degree at Barry University in 1994, and I have been an active Certified Public Accountant since 1997. Gardening and traveling are among my favorite activities. Gardening soothes my soul and "grounds" me. I love to travel mostly because I love to connect with different people and listen to different perspectives. However, what I have come to understand in my travels is that we are more alike than different. We all love our families and our communities.
• 

  Jordan Shapiro 

  Co-Executive Director of College Counseling

  305-460-8836

  University of Central Florida - B.S.
  Suffolk University - M.S.

  Bio

  I am thrilled to serve the Ransom Everglades community as the Co-Executive Director of College Counseling. I have dedicated my career to helping students and families navigate the complexities of the admissions process. Originally from Boston and raised in Coral Springs, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in psychology and earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Suffolk University. My career includes roles in the admissions office at the University of Miami and as a college counselor at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. After relocating to Boston in 2021, I returned to admissions, most recently  as Director of Admissions Engagement at Northeastern University. I couldn’t be more excited to be back in Miami where I met my wife, Cynthia. I enjoy trying new restaurants, rooting for Boston sports, and going on adventures with my wife, our son, Marty, and our corgi, Hugo.
• 

  Amy Shipley 

  Director of Communications

  305-460-8212

  Princeton University - B.S.E.

  Bio

  After 25 years in journalism, I joined Ransom Everglades in December 2015 as Director of Communications, a position that gives me the privilege of sharing the great work that goes on at RE, and ensuring that the school's community members feel informed and connected. Prior to my arrival at Ransom Everglades, I spent 15 years at The Washington Post, where I covered international sports and the Olympics. I also worked as an investigative reporter at the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and the beat writer for the Miami Heat and then-Florida Marlins at the Miami Herald. I received a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University and, surely to the relief of my professors there, I have never worked in that realm. I love serving at Plymouth Congregational Church and am happiest when sipping wine from St. Estephe in Bordeaux. I am the proud mother of Sabrina '22.
• 

  Victoria Williamson 88

  Director of Advancement

  305-460-8826

  Boston College - B.A.

  Bio

  Vicki Carbonell Williamson ’88 serves as Director of Advancement and has been a part of RE’s Advancement Office since 2009. Her work includes alumni engagement, community engagement and fundraising in all areas including the annual fund, major gifts and planned gifts. She has been in the field of advancement for 30 years and, prior to her time at RE, held leadership positions at Palmer Trinity School (Director of Development and Communications) and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Director of Development and Membership). She is a Miami native who chose to move back to Miami upon graduation from Boston College, where she received her BA in Communications and Spanish. She feels so fortunate to be a part of the RE community and is proud to be a part of the REconnect wave, which reminds our community regularly of all the connections each community member brings. Alumni, parents, parents of alumni, members of the professional community, trustees and former trustees all make up the fabric of RE and will forever be a part of the school and its future. A proud member of the RE Class of 1988, she is also the mother of Mia Williamson ’20 and Juliana Williamson ’22.
• 

  Amy Zichella 93

  Director of Admission and Enrollment Management

  305-250-6874

  Florida State University - B.A.

  Bio

  As the Director of Admission and Enrollment Management at my alma mater, I have the privilege of guiding prospective students and families through the admission and financial aid processes. A proud alumna from the Class of 1993, my formative middle and high school years at Ransom Everglades not only bestowed upon me an exceptional education but also connected me with an extraordinary alumni network that became a source of lifelong friendships. I also can't help but mention our victorious state championship in volleyball during my time here as an athlete. Returning to Ransom Everglades in 2002, I first took on the roles of English teacher, admission officer, and coach for volleyball, basketball, and track. My commitment to education and enrollment management extended to serving on the national Board of Directors of the Enrollment Management Association for six years, and I continue to stay actively involved in this organization. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University, where I double majored in English and Education with a minor in Spanish. Beyond the professional realm, my life revolves around enjoying the offerings of our beautiful city alongside my husband Eric and our two daughters, Abigail '29 and Ava. More often than not, you'll find us in a gymnasium, enthusiastically cheering on both our girls during their volleyball tournaments.