Meet The Faculty

Fanning Hearon serves as Palm Beach Day Academy’s Head of School. Mr. Hearon served three years as Head of School at Maple Street School, prior to which he was Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont. Prior to beginning his administrative career, Fanning spent thirteen years at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he was an AP Spanish teacher, Senior Class Dean, Chair of the Modern Languages Department, and coached lacrosse. Fanning began his 30-year career in independent school education at his alma mater, the Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, where he served as a teacher, coach, dorm parent, Director of the WFS Summer School in Spain program, and Assistant Director of Admissions.

Fanning is the proud parent of two adult sons, Miles and Aicher..

Martha Bjorklund is the Head of Lower School. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Skidmore College and her M.S. in Reading from Fordham University. Martha served as the Assistant Head of Lower School among other duties at Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, NY for 18 years following 16 years of teaching at Saint David’s School in New York City. She has been at PBDA since 2018.

Shana was appointed Head of Upper School beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to serving as Head of Upper School, she was the Director of Student Learning at PBDA from 2016-2022 where she oversaw the academic support program for both campuses. She also worked with students in Grades 6-9 as a learning specialist. Shana taught at PBDA from 2001-2007. Prior to returning to PBDA, she owned a private practice and worked as a learning specialist for 9 years. She graduated with a M.A. in Reading Education from Columbia University – Teachers College, and a B.S. in Special & Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She is also a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Shana is the parent of Nikolai 2021, Bohdan 2024, and Mirek 2026.

Michael Murphy is the Chief Finance and Operating Officer. He joined PBDA in 2022. Prior to joining PBDA, Michel worked at Tuxedo Park School for the last 11 years in a similar role. Michael brings to his role a combined 19 years of independent school experience and another 18 years of corporate work experience. He earned his accounting degree from St. Peter’s University and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Michael and his wife, Anne, have two sons, Ryan (21) and Brandon (16).

Meghan Monteiro is the Director of Philanthropy, and has been at PBDA since 2020. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Vermont. Meghan previously worked in philanthropy at Free Arts NYC, American Red Cross, JP Morgan Chase, and Rainforest Alliance in New York City. Meghan was born and raised in Palm Beach County and moved back home in 2018 to be closer to family. Meghan worked in Development and Community Engagement for Miami City Ballet in the Palm Beaches before starting with PBDA. She has a mini goldendoodle, Chester and a brand new baby girl, Margot.

Stephanie is the Director of Admission, and has been at PBDA since 2019. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications from University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University. Prior to PBDA, she was a First Grade Teacher and then an Assistant Principal in New York City. Stephanie is the parent of Clara 2033.

Brent Gallagher is the Director of Marketing and Communications, and has been at PBDA since 2019. She graduated with a B.A. in Strategic Communications and a minor in Spanish from Elon University. Prior to PBDA, Brent has worked at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School, L’Oreal, and Magrino PR.

Kimberley Belfi is the Controller/HR Manager. She has been at PBDA since 2012 and is the parent of Zara 2014. Kimberley is also the School’s Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer.

Marius Paraschiv is the Director of Technology and has been at PBDA since 2021. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Academy of Economic Studies in Romania. Prior to PBDA, he worked in the banking industry IT field and at Palm Beach Atlantic University as the IT Support Analyst for five years.