MENLO SCHOOL • SINCE 1915

La Vina Lowry

La Vina Lowery

Administration

Middle School Director

Biography

I have spent over 35 years working in Independent Schools, beginning my career in first-grade and as a professional choreographer. Over time, I’ve been Dean of Students for 9th and 11th grades and taught Human Development to 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. I also coached 5th-grade volleyball and was the go-to chaperone for all Outdoor Ed Trips for 5th-12th grade. I love the outdoors!

After 12 years, my career took a different direction, leading me to join a start-up Secondary School in Los Angeles. There, I served as the Admissions Director and Assistant Director of the Upper School for grades 6-12, where I developed a true appreciation for Middle School education.

The next chapter of my journey took me to Chicago, where I spent eleven years as the Middle School Head and taught 6th-grade Human Skills at a JK-12 Independent School in the northern suburbs. There, I developed the essential habits students needed to thrive, focusing on both social-emotional and academic skills to help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Originally from San Diego, California, I’m thrilled to be back home and part of the Menlo community.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking along the beach, watching whodunit movies, and spending quality time with friends and family.