Waterford — The Executive Committee of the LEARN Governing Board voted to appoint Catherine O’Brien as the new assistant principal at the Friendship School.

She began her position this week.

O’Brien has served as director of young children and families for LEARN since 2006. As director, she oversaw early education programs that provide professional development and technical assistance to area schools and school districts.

O’Brien earned her administrative credential from Sacred Heart University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Human Development from Wheelock College, and her bachelor's in Modern Languages from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.

“Catherine’s deep knowledge of high quality early learning experiences, coupled with her strong staff development skills, will be an asset to the school," Eileen S. Howley, LEARN's Executive Director, said in a statement. "Together with the principal, they will make a powerful team to lead the school to the next level of excellence.”

LEARN is a Regional Educational Service Center with the mission to improve the quality of public education for all learners. 

More information about LEARN is available at www.learn.k12.ct.us or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/learnresc.