Elevating Excellence: Meet Our Newest Meadows Leaders

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three outstanding leaders to The Meadows School, each bringing extraordinary talent, energy, and vision as we continue to elevate our Pursuit of Excellence. These individuals represent the very best in their fields: accomplished, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to student success. Their collective expertise and leadership will further strengthen The Meadows School’s standing as one of the most elite and innovative independent schools in the country. As we continue to grow, evolve, and dream boldly about our future, these additions reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence across every dimension of our community.

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome:

Mr. David Figueroa

We are honored to welcome Mr. David Figueroa as Associate Head of School, a globally accomplished and visionary leader whose experience and intellectual depth will help shape the next chapter of The Meadows School. A graduate of Princeton, New York University, and Columbia Law School, with advanced certification from Harvard in school leadership and management, David brings an extraordinary academic pedigree paired with more than two decades of transformative leadership. Currently serving as a Head of School and fluent in three languages, he offers a rare international perspective shaped by work across premier independent schools around the world.

David’s career reflects a consistent ability to build, scale, and elevate high-performing institutions. He has designed innovative academic programs at leading schools including Princeton Day School and The Lawrenceville School, led the founding and successful launch of Land School International from vision to full operation, and served as Academic Director at the School of the Nations, where he guided PK–12 strategy, supervised division leadership, and drove meaningful innovation in curriculum and pedagogy. Across every role, he has demonstrated a disciplined ability to align mission, talent, and systems to achieve exceptional outcomes. 

Known for his presence, clarity of vision, and ability to galvanize communities, David brings both strategic precision and deep relational leadership. During his visit to campus, one community member shared, “David brings a vast amount of experience that will be a huge asset to the school,” while another noted that “his credentials, experience, and energy make him an absolutely outstanding addition to TMS.” His arrival strengthens Meadows at a pivotal moment, enhancing our capacity to integrate academic excellence, global perspective, and institutional ambition at the highest level. He is exceptionally well positioned to partner in advancing a bold, future-focused vision for The Meadows School.

Mr. Paul Catania

We are excited to welcome Mr. Paul Catania as Lower School Director, an elite, results-driven leader whose record of building high-performing schools is among the most compelling in Nevada. With more than 25 years of experience across diverse CCSD communities, Mr. Catania has repeatedly transformed schools into models of excellence. As principal of Bonner Elementary, he led the school to the top tier of performance, earning High Achieving status, a Five-Star rating, and ultimately National Blue Ribbon recognition, while being named Nevada PTA Lynel Cunningham Site Administrator of the Year.

He went on to open Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis Elementary, where his leadership established immediate and sustained excellence. The school debuted as the #1 ranked elementary school, with a perfect Nevada School Rating Index score, leading the district in both reading and math proficiency. Vassiliadis Elementary has continued to earn significant recognition, including multiple appearances on the CCSD Superintendent’s Honor Roll and district-wide distinction for academic achievement and engagement. His work reflects a rare ability to combine operational precision, instructional clarity, and culture-building into a cohesive, high-impact model.

Widely recognized for his energy, visibility, and ability to inspire excellence at every level, Mr. Catania brings a leadership presence that is both dynamic and deeply grounded in relationships. During his time on campus, faculty, students, and families were immediately struck by his authenticity, clarity, and momentum-building style, with one noting that “there is a reason his schools have consistently achieved at such a high level,” while another shared that “his leadership brings a sense of energy and direction that is both exciting and reassuring!” He builds cultures where expectations are clear, students are known and supported, and success is shared across the community. Paired with Mrs. Newman’s deep institutional knowledge and trusted relationships, the Lower School is exceptionally well positioned for a seamless transition and a powerful next chapter of growth and excellence.

Mr. Case Cookus 

We are proud to welcome Mr. Case Cookus as Assistant Athletic Director, a dynamic and accomplished leader whose combination of elite athletic performance and emerging coaching excellence brings immediate energy and momentum to our program. A record-setting quarterback and nationally recognized talent, Case earned both the Jerry Rice Award and STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Year honors at Northern Arizona University, and later set a USFL record with five total touchdowns in a single game. His experience competing at the highest levels, including time with the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants, reflects a deep understanding of preparation, resilience, and high-performance culture.

Already a valued member of the Meadows community, Coach Cookus, aka The Chef, has made a meaningful impact as a quarterback coach and P.E. instructor, building strong relationships with students and elevating expectations through a focus on fundamentals, discipline, and leadership. His coaching experience spans mentoring top-performing athletes and contributing to high-powered collegiate offenses, consistently emphasizing both individual development and team success.

Known for his authenticity, relatability, and competitive drive, Case quickly earned the respect of students and colleagues during his time on campus. As one community member shared, “He connects with our students in a way that is both genuine and inspiring,” while another noted that “his presence brings a level of energy and credibility that elevates the entire program.” Case will also serve as Head Coach of the Meadows football team, leading day-to-day operations while working alongside Coach Jack Concannon, who will remain Head Coach Emeritus to support and guide the program. Needless to say, Meadows Athletics is ready for a powerful and exciting new chapter defined by growth, pride, and championship-level performance.

Please join me in welcoming David, Paul, and Case to The Meadows School. Each brings exceptional talent, proven leadership, and a shared commitment to our students and community.

At Meadows, our pursuit of excellence is dynamic, intentional, and always forward-looking. These additions reflect our commitment to continually raising the bar and investing in the very best for our community.

The future of Meadows is bright, and it is accelerating.

Mustangs Always!

Dr. Jay Berckley
Head of School