Carlbrook School
Halifax, VA

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Tim Brace Announces Retirement

Dear Colleagues,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Tim Brace, our Headmaster and founding member of the Carlbrook School Board of Regents, will be retiring in June of this year. Tim and his wife Kathleen have played an instrumental role in the creation and development of Carlbrook School since 2001, and we have been truly honored to work with such talented, caring and inspirational individuals.

Tim has been more than just a leader - he has been part of the soul of this institution since its inception. In many ways he embodies that which is best about our organization: kindness, compassion, dedication, professionalism, sincerity and integrity. He is both a colleague and a friend, and while we may wish our colleague were staying past this summer, we know that we speak for the entire faculty when we say that we wish our friend a rewarding and well-deserved retirement. While everyone at Carlbrook School will undoubtedly be saddened by his departure, we want to make sure that we honor his accomplishments and recognize his countless contributions to the school and our community. He has touched thousands of lives.

Known as a man who is always thinking of others ahead of himself, we asked Tim to take a few moments and reflect upon his own career and impending retirement:

It truly is a surreal feeling to even imagine retirement, let alone to reflect back on all the events and, most importantly, all the people who have given me so very much. They taught me how to dream, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the impact they have had on my life to this point.

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to affect demonstrative change in adolescents and their families over the past four decades. I find, in looking back, that the students, their families and the referring professionals have given far more to me that I could ever repay. Their trust, support and care were always the impetus for me to look deep inside - to draw from within and to build safe and clear paths with direction and purpose. It was through this discovering and creative process that I too became a better man, as well as a better husband, father, friend, colleague and now a grandfather.

From the very beginning of my journey, I have been fortunate to have worked closely with the finest professionals in our field, and how thankful I am to have shared the dynamic force of helping so many during the pioneering era of therapeutic boarding schools. I should also note that nothing would have been possible without the continuing support, trust and care of the talented members of the educational consultant community. The professional relationships that we have shared with so many families and students, combined with the deep personal camaraderie, leaves me humbled and forever in debt.

Yet the true swan song and summit of all I have learned has been these past twelve years at Carlbrook School, and I have been blessed to finish my career by joining former students and helping to create an exemplary educational and therapeutic environment. And what a life affirming experience Carlbrook has become…one which has allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise with a new generation of professionals while continuing to help young people discover their talents and find their way. As such, I will always be grateful to the amazing faculty and staff here, including the passionate and creative leadership of the school's Board of Regents, with whom I have shared such an important part of my life.

Finally, none of this would mean very much at all if not shared with my generous and loving wife, Kathleen. Her companionship and trust, her feisty yet calming heart, gives me the freedom to always be myself. We feel so fortunate to have raised our children on campuses surrounded and inspired by amazing students and colleagues. I so look forward to sharing my love, closer and more frequently, with my amazing children and grandchildren: Josh and Trish, young Lily and Dylan, Heather, Mike and our newest, little Koji. They represent legacies yet to be passed on…just imagine the possibilities!

Although the impact that Tim has had on our students, parents and faculty can never truly be replaced, the Board will be working with him over the next five months to ensure a smooth transition. As part of this process, we are pleased to announce that Christopher Soto, Ed.M., Ed.D., our current Dean of Academics, will be assuming the Headmaster position upon Tim's departure. Dr. Soto, who holds a Master's degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, has worked with adolescents and their families for many years and has a unique understanding of and appreciation for the interplay between educational excellence and emotional well-being. We are all excited that Dr. Soto will be taking on this important role and we look forward to the next chapter of the school's development.

Although we will be saying goodbye to Tim Brace this summer, we know in our hearts that he will never really leave us, as the benefits of his work will be felt by our students and families for many years to come. Let us thus conclude by simply emphasizing our overwhelming appreciation for having the opportunity to work with such an accomplished and caring man. We have all benefitted from his presence.

Respectfully,


Andrew Coe, Dean of Students
Jonathan Gurney, Dean of Advising
John Henson, Dean of Administration
Justin Merritt, Dean of Faculty
R. Grant Price, Dean of Admissions
Christopher Soto, Dean of Academics
Alison Streeter, Dean of Alumni & Transition Services
Floyd Wiseman, Medical Director