Ms. Lydia Van Hoven Stoye is one of the many new faculty members at Dana Hall this year. She is the new Upper School Dean of Students, a ninth-grade Class Dean, and a ninth-grade advisor.

Ms. Stoye has always loved helping people and solving problems. She believes that education is a unique field and says that “life is about taking risks and learning.” Students often think that having to talk to the Dean of Students is automatically a bad thing, but Ms. Stoye believes that these conversations help people learn.

Brianna Revanche ‘25, one of Ms. Stoye’s advisees, said that “she is a very kind advisor, and emphasizes the fact that she is there for me when I need her.” Brianna also noted how “welcoming and accommodating she is and how she believes that she will make a positive impact on Dana.” 

Ms. Stoye’s favorite aspect of Dana Hall is the School’s culture, passion, and dedication. She was first attracted to the School because of its history as an all-girls school. Moreover, she was interested in what it would mean to be a part of a traditional all-girls school in today’s society. Ms. Stoye is specifically impressed with the student leadership at Dana and how important she sees it is to Dana students. She said that “students have a voice and want to use it in order to lead and thrive for what works for them.” Ms. Stoye feels privileged to be working at Dana Hall, adding that she believes the School is a key developmental step for students who will make a significant impact on the world. 

Ms. Stoye hopes to influence students by listening to them and seeing what works best for them. Since in the past she has worked primarily at boarding schools, she hopes to work closely with Donna Corrigan, the Director of Residential Life, to better build and support the boarding students as well as enrich the boarding program. She also wants to see the student body take action by sharing their goals and discussing the improvements they want to make.

Outside of school, Ms. Stoye likes to kickbox, dance, play volleyball, and spend time with her two kids.

This is Ms. Stoye’s second year living in Massachusetts. She lived most of her life in Michigan but graduated high school in South Carolina. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in mathematics, and a master’s in higher education administration.

Ms. Stoye started her career in mental health, working in a secure mental health facility, before moving into education. Prior to Dana Hall, Ms. Stoye worked at Interlochen Academy in Michigan for five years and Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA, for one year.