Her educational career began as a teacher of third grade in the public schools followed by teaching in several independent schools in the Boston area. She then went on to log 22 years as Head of Mary Institute (MO) and then Spence School (NY). She served as President of the Board of Lesley University (MA), the New York Association of Independent Schools, the Headmasters' Association, the Country School Headmasters' Association and the National Association of Schools for Girls. Edes also served for 12 years as a member of the Board of TIAA-CREF.

Currently, she is a member of the Advisory Board of Teach for America New York City, the program that places recent college graduates as teachers in public schools. She is President of the Board of Bay Chamber Concerts (ME) and a member of the Development Committee of Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Edes graduated from Vassar with a degree in Child Development and Religion. Her Masters' Degree from Lesley University is in Educational Administration. She lives in St. Louis, MO and Maine, and travels whenever she gets the opportunity.