January 31, 2025
Honoring Oakwood’s 2025 Retirees
After 17 years, Karen Bowland is retiring from her role as Oakwood’s Director of Finance. Reflecting on her time at the school, Karen describes it as “the best job she’s ever had,” filled with memorable moments and meaningful relationships. When she began in 2008, the business office was housed in a small building with just a handful of staff. Since then, Karen has witnessed incredible growth—not only in the size of the office but also in the scope of programs that enrich students’ lives. From watching science projects unfold outside her window to seeing students embark on transformational Immersion trips, she has cherished the unique opportunities Oakwood provides. Karen has been inspired by the school’s steadfast commitment to its philosophy and values, which have remained beloved and intact.
Karen attributes much of her joy at Oakwood to all the incredible people she has worked alongside, and will always hold an especially deep appreciation, gratitude, and affection for Elliot, Sam, Jim, Chris, Patricia, Pam, Nate, and Nvard. Describing her colleagues as both partners and friends, Karen takes pride in fostering a culture of honesty, empathy, and mutual support. She shares that the most rewarding part of the job has been helping others achieve their best, and recognizing the unique strengths each person brings to the table. As she steps into retirement, Karen looks forward to the freedom of unstructured days but will always carry with her the memories of a career defined by extraordinary people and a school that truly feels like a family.
After over 12 years at Oakwood, Kelly Finn is retiring after this school year. He first joined Oakwood’s Advancement team in 2012, helping to launch Oakwood’s BlackbaudNet Community on the Advancement side. Since then, he has played a vital role as Director of Advancement Data Management and will be deeply missed.
Among his many fond memories, Oakwood’s special events are a highlight, offering moments of celebration, music, and connection. As he looks ahead to retirement, Kelly is eager to focus on his passion for music—writing, playing guitar, and even selling his work—while also dedicating time to native plant restoration projects. After 35 years in nonprofit data management, he welcomes the opportunity to step away from solving complex logic problems and embrace this next creative and restorative chapter in his life.
What he will miss most is the people—the colleagues who have become his “daytime family”—and the welcoming, down-to-earth culture that makes Oakwood so special. Though he is stepping away, Kelly leaves with deep gratitude for the friendships, experiences, and sense of community that have made the past 12 years so meaningful.
Melissa Palmer is retiring in June after an extraordinary 33-year journey at Oakwood, where she has been a steadfast presence, guiding students, families, and colleagues with compassion and dedication. Melissa first joined the Oakwood school community in 1992, hired by Jim Astman to work in the Advancement Office. She recalls the excitement of opening the Math Science Building and the Music, Dance, and Athletic Center. In 1997, after completing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Melissa transitioned to her role as a college counselor—a position she has held for 28 years. Reflecting on her time, she points to the school’s unique philosophy—treating children with respect and as equals—as a guiding principle that has shaped her career and empowered her own children (Jojo ‘20 and Clara ‘22). She has seen firsthand how meaningful relationships with teachers who take students seriously can inspire confidence and transformation. Oakwood, she says, “practices what it preaches—‘seriousness of purpose with a sense of play.’”
Guiding seniors through the college process has been one of Melissa’s greatest joys. From the first draft of a personal statement to the moment a student commits to their next chapter, she has cherished the opportunity to walk alongside them on this journey of self-discovery. Melissa has also deeply valued her role as an advisor, creating meaningful bonds with students through years of partnership and growth. She will miss traditions like the big show at the annual arts festival and heartfelt graduation ceremonies, as well as the “fearless DEIB work that reflects Oakwood’s commitment to equality and collaboration.” As Melissa steps into her next chapter—spending more time with family, visiting loved ones in Calgary, and launching a small independent college counseling practice—she will be remembered at Oakwood for her kindness, respect, and unwavering support. For Melissa, Oakwood has been a place of profound purpose and joy, and she is forever grateful to have spent her life’s work in a community that truly values children and the transformative power of education.
Nancy Goldberg’s remarkable journey at Oakwood spans 38 years, beginning as a kindergarten teacher and evolving into her current role as Director of Elementary Campus Admission. Drawn to Oakwood as a parent when her son Michael entered 7th grade, Nancy quickly became a beloved member of the community, taking on multiple roles and ultimately discovering her passion for admission. Nancy reflects on the joy and fulfillment she has found in her roles, appreciating the chance to grow and contribute to the life of the school. Nancy finds great joy in meeting prospective families and introducing them to the unique values of the Oakwood community. Her commitment to admission extends beyond Oakwood, as she has also represented the school through leadership roles in organizations like LAIS.
Nancy has witnessed Oakwood’s remarkable growth and evolution, while cherishing its commitment to core values. She is particularly proud of the school’s dedication to fostering diversity and recalls launching its first affinity gathering along with Mitchell Butler eight years ago. She credits the school’s leadership for meeting the needs of students and prioritizing social-emotional well-being. For Nancy, many memorable moments have come from watching parents build lasting friendships and she will miss the relationships that have shaped her own experience—the kids, the families, and her colleagues. Nancy shares that Oakwood has always been a place defined by relationships, collaboration, and joy—a sentiment echoed by her experiences with the supportive Elementary Campus team. As she looks ahead, Nancy takes with her countless cherished memories and the lasting impact of a community that has meant so much to her.
Angel Ruelas has retired after more than 35 years of devoted service to Oakwood. Since 1988, Angel has been a steady presence through decades of growth and change. When he first arrived, the campus spanned from the theater to the sculpture studio, and he has since witnessed its transformation, growing three to four times its original size. Angel’s dedication to overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the success of countless events has left a lasting impact on the Oakwood community. His colleagues marvel at his dependability and commitment—there wasn’t a single event he didn’t oversee with precision and care.
Known for his easygoing nature and unwavering willingness to help, Angel has built strong relationships with colleagues like Jose Meza, who has worked alongside him for many years. In his retirement, Angel is looking forward to traveling to his hometown and spending more time with his family, including his seven children, the youngest of whom is 14. His retirement marks the end of an era, and he will be deeply missed for his dedication, reliability, and the many memories he helped create over the years. Angel officially retired on Spirit Nite, where he was sent off with a heartwarming countdown from the Oakwood community. His hard work and kindness will forever be part of Oakwood’s story.
Mike Smith is retiring after an extraordinary 38 years of shaping Oakwood’s Physical Education program. Starting in 1986 on what was meant to be a one-year position while finishing his junior year at UCSB, Mike quickly fell in love with Oakwood and never looked back. Over nearly four decades, Mike has coached, mentored, and inspired generations of students. Some of his most meaningful moments have come when alumni, whom he once taught, return with their own children now enrolled in Kindergarten. Seeing two generations of families grow and thrive at Oakwood has been both humbling and deeply rewarding for Mike. From leading the 6th-grade varsity basketball team to championship victories to witnessing daily moments of growth and connection, Mike has experienced firsthand the remarkable progress each student makes in their unique way.
Mike emphasizes the school’s evolution, noting how the opportunities for students today are unparalleled while still holding onto the principles that have defined Oakwood for decades. He takes great pride in fostering values like sportsmanship and respect, which he hopes will be his lasting legacy. Mike is excited for the next chapter, which will include hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, and exploring the open road in an RV with his brother. He will miss the “boundless energy and unbridled joy” that greet him each day as he steps onto campus. Above all, Mike is profoundly grateful to have been part of such a vibrant community, where every student’s personal growth and well-being have been at the heart of his work.