Mount St. Dominic Academy Announces New Head of School

The Board of Trustees of Mount St. Dominic Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliette M. Picciano as its next Head of School, effective June 1. With more than a decade of experience spanning educational leadership, development, strategic planning, and enrollment management, Ms. Picciano brings a proven record of institutional advancement and a deep personal and professional connection to the education of young women in the Catholic tradition.

“The opportunity to serve as Head of School at Mount St. Dominic Academy brings together my passion for all-girls Catholic education and my love of the Dominican intellectual and spiritual tradition,” said Ms. Picciano. “As a graduate of an all-girls Catholic high school myself, I know how transformative this environment can be. I look forward to building on the Mount’s legacy of excellence and serving its mission to form young women in truth and in charity.”

Ms. Picciano joins Mount St. Dominic Academy from Cathedral High School, a Catholic all-girls college preparatory school in Manhattan, where she has served as the school’s first President since 2022. With strategic oversight for academics and student life, admissions, advancement, and finance, Ms. Picciano led the school through a successful campus relocation and transformative renewal. Under her leadership, Cathedral launched its first-ever comprehensive campaign, raising $8.5 million from just 20 gifts to fund scholarships and financial aid.

Kelly King, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Mount St. Dominic Academy, said, “From our first conversations, it was clear that Juliette brings an inspiring perspective to Catholic education. Her leadership is visionary and deeply grounded in mission. The Mount is ready for the next successful chapter in our 132-year history—and I’m confident she will lead our school with wisdom, faith, and joy.”

Ms. Picciano’s professional journey reflects a track record of mission-driven innovation. Prior to Cathedral High School, she served in several leadership roles within the Development Office of the Archdiocese of New York, including Director of the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal where she oversaw a $21 million annual fund, pledge redemption efforts, and offertory initiatives across 288 parishes. Earlier in her career, she spent two years at The Montfort Academy in Mount Vernon, NY, where she taught theology and art history and served as Director of Admissions, responsible for implementing strategic initiatives that doubled the school’s enrollment.

“Juliette’s background reflects an extraordinary blend of strategic vision and heartfelt mission,” saidLynn Burek, Interim Head of School for Mount St. Dominic Academy. “She is a relationship-builder and a courageous leader who inspires excellence and brings a spirit of innovation grounded in faith. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Mount community.”

Ms. Picciano received her Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, where she was awarded the Harriet Jackson Ely Prize for excellence and promise in theology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies with French and Religion Minors summa cum Laude from the University of Richmond.

Together with her husband and four children, Ms. Picciano is a parishioner at the Dominican Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer–St. Catherine of Siena in Manhattan. With her long-standing commitment to the Dominican charism and her dynamic leadership style, Ms. Picciano is well-positioned to lead Mount St. Dominic Academy into a bold and faith-filled future.

About Mount St. Dominic Academy

Founded in 1892 by the Sisters of St. Dominic, Mount St. Dominic Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school committed to educating young women of diverse ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. Nestled in the scenic town of Caldwell, New Jersey, the Mount has empowered generations of young women through a rich tradition rooted in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and mission. With a strong focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development, Mount St. Dominic Academy inspires students to discover their unique purpose and make a meaningful impact in the world.