Senior lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dr. Elizabeth City is a widely respected educator, strategist, and author whose career spans the full spectrum of teaching, school leadership, and systems-level transformation. Having served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school principal, and professor, she has consistently focused on helping all children—and the educators who support them—realize their full potential.
Dr. City is especially passionate about early literacy and currently co-leads Reach Every Reader, an initiative focused on preventing reading difficulties and building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Her work combines deep empathy for the classroom with sharp strategic insight, helping schools design equitable, learning-rich environments where every child can thrive.
A prolific writer and sought-after thought partner, she has authored or co-authored several landmark books in the field of education, including Meeting Wise, Data Wise, Strategy in Action, Instructional Rounds in Education, Resourceful Leadership, and The Teacher’s Guide to Leading Student-Centered Discussions. Her writing has shaped how educators worldwide approach collaboration, leadership, and instructional improvement.
At Sagebrook, Dr. City’s guidance reflects her unwavering belief in the power of early learning, and in the systems and relationships that make great learning possible. Her expertise will inform our literacy programs, professional development structures, and the design of a school culture where curiosity and care go hand in hand.
Honorary Principal
BA English (First Class Honours), University of Cambridge
Andrew Halls OBE is one of the most respected figures in British education. A Cambridge graduate, he led two of the UK’s most prestigious schools—Magdalen College School, Oxford,and King’s College School, Wimbledon—guiding them to record-breaking academic success.
During his 14-year tenure at King’s Wimbledon, the school consistently achieved some of the best public examination results in the UK and was twice named Independent School of the Year by The Sunday Times.
Mr Halls is the only headmaster to have received The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year award for two different schools, and was named Best Head of a Public School by Tatler. He also played a pivotal role in establishing King’s College International School, Bangkok, shaping its vision to become one of Asia’s leading schools.
Beyond school leadership, Mr Halls is a prominent voice in education. He has written for The Times, Daily Mail, and HMC on issues ranging from exam grade inflation and mental health in young people to the risks of social media addiction and the value of literature. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an OBE for services to education in the 2020 New Year’s
Honours List.
At Sagebrook, Mr Halls brings unmatched expertise and international perspective. His guidance will support the Board of Governors and leadership team as we build a school that blends academic excellence with a deep commitment to student well-being.
Counselling Psychologist
Dr. Varudhini Kankipati is a highly respected psychologist with over two decades of experience across India, the United States, and Canada. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in individual, family, and group therapy. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, attention challenges, addiction, grief, trauma, and family or relationship difficulties.
After earning her Ph.D. in Family Sciences from the University of Kentucky, USA, and a Master’s in Holistic Psychological counselling from Montfort College, India, Dr. Kankipati has built a distinguished career supporting both individuals and communities. She brings a holistic, systems-based approach to care—drawing on practices such as CBT, Gestalt, and REBT—while collaborating closely with child specialists, schools, and healthcare providers.
A passionate advocate for community-based models of care, she believes in addressing behavioral health not only through the therapeutic relationship but also by strengthening the broader social and family systems around each individual. Her guidance at Sagebrook reflects her deep commitment to nurturing emotional wellbeing and resilience in children and families.
President, Early Childhood Association and Association for Primary Education and Research
Dr. Swati Popat Vats is a globally recognized expert in early childhood education and one of the most influential voices in the Indian educational landscape. With a career spanning over three decades, she serves as the President of the Podar Education Network and is the founding President of the Early Childhood Association (ECA) and the Association for Primary Education and Research (APER).
A visionary educator, Dr. Vats pioneered the philosophy of ‘Kiducation’, an approach that prioritizes the child’s perspective and developmental needs above all else. She has been instrumental in shaping curricula that integrate brain research with socio-emotional learning to create stress-free, nurturing environments. Her advocacy has redefined how kindergartens and primary schools approach holistic development, bridging the gap between home and school.
Dr. Vats is also the National Representative for the World Forum Foundation and a prolific author of books on parenting and pedagogy. She serves as a vital consultant for policymakers, playing a significant role in establishing quality standards and advocacy for child rights within the national education framework.
At Sagebrook, Dr. Vats brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge regarding the formative years of learning. Her guidance will be instrumental in shaping our early years strategy, ensuring our youngest learners benefit from a foundation that is deeply respectful of childhood curiosity, joy, and developmental well-being.