Maya Severns

Director of Development and Marketing

Maya Severns is the Director of Development and Marketing following over a decade of experience on our middle school leadership team. She began her journey at LION in 2007 and has served as French, Latin, English, and math teacher, department chair, after-school coordinator, Dean of School Life and Student Support, Interim Middle School Director, and Director of Student Services and Support. Additionally, she was the founding adviser of the middle school’s National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, and National Elementary Honor Society. Her leadership has centered on expanding enrichment options for students, strengthening teacher leadership, fostering a positive school culture, and promoting opportunities for student voice and choice. She enjoys building strong relationships with LION families and community members as well as witnessing students blossom during their thirteen years at school and beyond.

In addition to her time at LION, Maya taught at the École Polyvalente and the École Prisse d’Avennes in Paris,The Urban Assembly School for Applied Math and Science in the Bronx, and Long Island City High School in Queens. She graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Arts in French and Comparative Literature from Haverford College. Additionally, she completed a post-baccalaureate program in Latin and Ancient Greek at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a Master of Arts degree in French and Adolescent Education, an Advanced Certificate in Administration and Supervision, and a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Hunter College. Her dissertation focused on rehumanizing mathematics education and fostering positive mathematics identity using a youth participatory action research approach.