Meet our Panelists: Jodi Hafenbrak

With over 30 years of teaching experience, including 22 years dedicated to educating girls, Jodi Hafenbrak is a passionate about teaching and learning in a girls’ school. From a classroom teacher to being an administrator, she has worked to foster relationships with her students so they know that she is someone they can turn to. Jodi has spent years supporting her students to develop strategies to manage anxiety and stress. She empowers them to recognize when they can handle challenges independently and when it's important to seek help.

As a mother of two elite-level soccer players, Jodi understands the unique challenges that come with balancing high-performance sports and education. She has firsthand experience dealing with the anxiety and stress that accompany such demanding schedules. This personal insight has fueled her dedication to helping teenage girls navigate the sometimes stormy waters in their journey from adolescence to adulthood.

In all of her roles, teacher, principal and mom, Jodi works hard to foster a nurturing environment where resilience, collaboration, and a growth mindset are key components of learning. She believes in the power of "yet" and encourages her students and her daughters to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.