School Leadership

Beth D. Johnson '77

Head of School
Beth D. Johnson, a Friends' Central alumna, brings more than 35 years of independent school leadership to her role as Head of School at Friends’ Central. Since assuming the role in 2021, Beth has driven significant advancements in enrollment and philanthropy, while maintaining a strong focus on diversity, equity, and justice. Her leadership has resulted in the creation of the School's first Department of Diversity, Equity, and Justice, a visionary strategic plan, and the transformation of campus facilities, including the new Audrie Gardham Ulmer ‘37 Center for Innovation and Design.

Beth holds a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph's University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Her career includes roles as Upper School Principal, Dean of Students, Assistant Head of School, and Admissions leadership.

In addition to her work at Friends' Central, Beth serves on several educational boards, including the Friends Council on Education, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), and the Friends Collaborative. She is also a frequent presenter at national conferences, offering insights on leadership, diversity, and student life. Through her dedication to fostering inclusive environments and her commitment to Quaker values, Beth continues to enhance the educational experience at Friends' Central.

Alexa D. Quinn '98

Associate Head of School 
Alexa was the principal of Friends’ Central’s Middle School from 2012 to 2021 and a member of the Middle School administrative team since 2008. Before becoming principal, Alexa spent 10 years as a teacher of Language Arts and Writers’ Workshop, an advisor, and coach at FCS. Alexa holds a Master’s degree in English from Middlebury College and a Master’s in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a graduate of Friends’ Central, Class of 1998, and the parent of two Lower School students.

Lydia Martin

Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, Communications, and Strategic Planning
Lydia Martin is the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives. Though she grew up in Boston Massachusetts, she has lived in this area for many years. She is a graduate of Haverford College where she received her BA in history. She continued on to the University of Pennsylvania and received her MPA from the Fels School of Government. At Friends' Central, Lydia has served in a number of roles, including, Director of Institutional Advancement, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Varsity lacrosse coach. Before joining the FCS community in 1994, Lydia taught middle school English and history at St Albans School and worked as an Analyst at The United States General Accounting Office in Philadelphia.

Lee Payton

Upper School Principal 
Lee joined the Friends’ Central leadership team in July 2022. He comes to us from William Penn Charter School, where he was, most recently, the Assistant Director of Upper School. Lee is a seasoned teacher, advisor, coach, and administrator. He began his career of over 20 years at Penn Charter teaching social studies/history and went on to serve in many roles, including Department Chair, Director of the College Prep program, and Quakerism teacher. In addition to his work at Penn Charter, Lee has served on the boards of the Friends Council on Education and the School in Rose Valley. He has also served as a trainer for Lion’s Story, an organization that prepares individuals and organizations to identify and address issues around race. 

Lee holds a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Temple University with a BA in History. He is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and a graduate of Friends Select, where he met his wife Karyn. They have three children.

Andy White '03

Middle School Principal
Andy White '03 returned to the Friends' Central community as the Middle School Assistant Principal in July 2020 and became Middle School Principal during the 2022-2023 school year. Andy earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds two master's degrees, one in cinema studies from the University of Southern California and another in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to FCS, he taught English at Hopkins School and St. Bernard’s School before becoming their Head of Upper School (gr. 7-9). At St. Bernard’s, Andy was responsible for hiring, retaining, evaluating, and supporting faculty; he strengthened and led the advisory program and programming for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also reviewed and evaluated curriculum and academic offerings, oversaw admissions efforts, built strong partnerships between families and the school, and was beloved by his students.

Melody R. Acinapura

Lower School Principal
Melody joined Friends' Central in July 2017 as Assistant Principal before becoming Lower School Principal in July 2019. Previously, she served as Dean of Lower School and Director of Student Support Services at Greene Street Friends School. Melody has a BA in Elementary and Special Education from Saint Joseph's University and a Master's in School Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She received a certificate from the New and Aspiring School Leadership Institute at Harvard University. Melody is also the Founding Executive Director of Horizons, a six-week summer program, the first Philadelphia-based affiliate of this national program that supports underserved youth ages kindergarten - grade 8. 

Dr. John Daves

Director of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusivity
Dr. John Daves began his career as an English teacher at Friends’ Central School 25 years ago. Throughout John’s educational leadership career, he has led independent school communities in how to learn from and value the people who come into our lives. For example, within school classrooms, John has led schools in understanding the relationship between teaching and learning best practices and inclusive excellence. Teaching and learning best practices involve teachers placing students at the center of their learning experiences. Inclusive excellence enables faculty to serve as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging guides, coaches and educators for students’ journeys towards becoming more self aware and confident life-long learners and leaders. The FCS community is also excited for John to share with the FCS community his experiences leading DEIJ strategic planning for independent schools. He has also served independent school communities as a Dean of Faculty, a Upper School Principal and an ambassador for advancement and admissions offices.

John has a B.A. in Political Science from Susquehanna University, a Masters of Arts and Teaching in English Literature from Colgate University, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.