Our Administrators

Mrs. Nicole Schafer

Principal

Biography:
Ms. Schafer has dedicated her career to education since 1999. Before joining Immaculate Conception, she taught first and second grades and served as a Literacy Coach and Instructional Interventionist for grades K–5 in the North Little Rock School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with certifications in Early Childhood Education (P–4), Elementary Education (K–6), and Middle School Social Studies (5–8).

In addition, Ms. Schafer earned a Literacy Coach Graduate Certificate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a certified RISE trainer for the Diocese of Little Rock. She also holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in Catholic Education, further strengthening her commitment to fostering faith-centered and academically supportive learning environments.

Ms. Schafer believes that education should nurture the whole child, mind, heart, and spirit, so that every student is empowered to grow confidently into the person God calls them to be.

Mrs. Schafer’s Teaching Philosophy:
I believe all children can learn! When inspired by faith in Christ, we can support, challenge, and educate our students as they grow as individuals and as members of family, church and world.

Mrs. Sonni Runnells

Assistant Principal

Biography:
Mrs. Runnells has been at IC since 2017 and brings over a decade of experience in education and educational research. She is a proud product of Catholic education in the Diocese of Little Rock, having graduated from St. Joseph School in Conway. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Master's of Secondary Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Mrs. Runnells is a certified teacher for Arkansas, specializing in social studies for grades 7-12. Throughout her tenure at IC, Mrs. Runnells has actively contributed to various committees and has dedicated her services to the Diocese by serving on the Social Studies Curriculum Committee.

Mrs. Runnells's Philosophy: 
I believe that education is a transformative process that should nurture the whole person, integrating academic excellence with spiritual formation, character development, and service to others. Through a Christ-centered learning environment, I believe students can grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.