Member Voices

Supercharging a Summer Camp with Sara Stern, Stanley British Primary School Nov 03, 2024

Sara Stern, Director of Admission and Summer Programs (CO) shares tips for starting and sustaining impactful summer programs - including supporting underserved populations, creating pathways to increase socioeconomic diversity, and approaching staffing effectively. Sara also shares strategies for fostering fruitful partnerships with regional organizations and establishing a robust parent ambassador program to strengthen admission efforts. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Approaching Teacher Well-being with Erik Wormwood, Advent School Oct 07, 2024

Erik Wormwood, Upper School Division Head at Advent School (MA) discusses how his school is navigating polarization and supporting student and educator well-being. He shares his approach to working with neurodiverse learners and some emotional proudest moments in education. We also talk about how “teaching is hard, even when you’re good at it” and Erik shares how he has dealt with some “spicy problems”, how he creates space for his team members to share what’s on their minds, and how he takes time for self-care. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Equipping Students in the Age of AI with Autumn Adkins-Graves, St. Anne's-Belfield School Sep 02, 2024

Jackie Wolking speaks with Autumn Adkins-Graves, Head of School at Saint Anne's-Belfield School (VA). In their conversation, Autumn shares the importance of curiosity is in the age of AI in our schools and how her school created a portrait of a graduate with a futurist lens. She also talks about change management and how we affirm what's working well to move things along and how we have to stop trying to control tech or dismiss it. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Transitioning to Headship with Maria Croley Madden, St. Martin's Episcopal School Aug 05, 2024

Maria Croley Madden, Head of School at St. Martin's Episcopal School (GA) is going into her second year as Head. She talks about the transition to headship and how she’s preparing for year two. She details how being a “product of independent schools” prepared her for her current role and gives some tips for others transitioning to headship on preparing for the interview, working with the board chair, getting up to speed on finance – and more. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Limiting Employee Turnover with Will Crissman, Tenacre Country Day School Jul 01, 2024

Tenacre Country Day School (MA), where Will Crissman is the head, has had almost no employee turnover the past few years. We talk about his approach to retention (and recruitment) during a time when many schools are struggling in this area. We also discuss Will’s approach to leadership – including keeping a steady emotional state, not asking people to do things he wouldn’t do himself, and having fun! You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Facilitating Classroom Conversations Around the Election Jun 02, 2024

Charlie Grossman, History Teacher, and Mary Gentry, Math Teacher, at Breck School (MN) discuss how to facilitate civil discourse in the classroom and how to address polarization with the impending election. They detail how they created and navigated a course around the general election in 2016, lessons learned, and what the course might look like this year. Mary and Charlie also share how they focus on connection before content in the classroom and try to create a “brave space” for their students. Ultimately, our conversation ends on an uplifting note - with the two educators focusing on how their students and colleagues inspire them, and how this time of polarization creates an opportunity for independent schools to shine. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Achieving Inclusivity in Polarizing Times May 06, 2024

Arvind Grover, head of school at the Meadowbrook School (MA) shares how his school strives for inclusivity in a polarized world. He stresses the importance of actively assessing your school’s progress, putting support structures in place, and stopping to ask “is there an opportunity here?”. We also discuss staff retention strategies - like the importance of creating opportunities for faculty growth and making new hires feel like they’re ahead of the curve. Finally, Arvind shares how being a head has given him perspective, and why, despite everything, he still jumps out of bed every morning. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

The Conversation: Navigating a Head Transition Apr 01, 2024

Ariane Baer-Harper, head of school at Austin International School (TX) speaks with Jacques Weber, head of the Dallas International School (TX) who was the outgoing head at Austin International when she started. The two were able to work together for the last three months of the 2022–2023 school year, and their collaboration has continued to this day. Here, Baer-Harper and Weber discuss their successful head transition, the keys to its success, and a roadmap for other heads to consider. This conversation was published in the Winter 2024 issue of Independent School magazine. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

The Conversation: Coping With Tragedy Mar 04, 2024

Two colleagues at St. Mary’s Episcopal School (TN) - Head of School Albert Throckmorton and Director of Communications Jennifer Parris – talk about what they’ve learned about community and a school’s purpose following a tragedy. This conversation was published in the Fall 2023 issue of Independent School magazine. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Working Through Anxiety with Jennifer Dirga, The Chestnut Hill School Feb 05, 2024

Jennifer Dirga, School Counselor at The Chestnut Hill School (MA) speaks to the importance of fostering connections inside and outside the classroom to decrease stress and anxiety in students. In this conversation with Jackie Wolking, she shares examples for how to build community and how to create safe and affirming spaces. Jennifer takes an active role in the classroom and advocates for mental health supports for staff. She’s a proponent of going slow, pausing, and reflecting more throughout life. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Combating Teacher Attrition with Fran Bisselle, Hathaway Brown School Jan 08, 2024

Fran Bisselle, head of school at Hathway Brown School (OH) discusses trends in teacher attrition, and how independent schools can bolster teacher retention by understanding the current workforce landscape and leveraging teacher-focused policies in their schools. Fran unpacks the effect of the pandemic on teacher burn-out and how Hathway Brown had to adapt to ensure teacher retention. She also describes how the hiring and on-boarding process in her school had to become more teacher-focused. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Recruiting and Retaining Top Teachers with Denise Spirou, The Greene School Dec 04, 2023

Denise Spirou, head of school at The Greene School (FL) describes how she looks for teachers that are joyful, and that are problem solvers – not problem starters. She shares how she helps her school stand out to potential job candidates, and how she prioritizes the mental health of her team by encouraging them to take days off and participate in walking meetings. Finally, Denise discusses the importance of servant leadership, not taking things personally, and being able to “fess up when you mess up”. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Restructuring Tuition with Aliya Pitts, The Prairie School Nov 06, 2023

Aliya Pitts, Chief Advancement Officer at The Prarie School (WI) talks about the importance of group innovation, careful communication, and making data driven decisions when undertaking a tuition redesign. Federal and state antitrust laws are designed to protect competition. NAIS complies with antitrust laws and supports competition through its commitment to the independence, innovation, and diversity of schools. NAIS members are each expected to make independent decisions as to the policies and practices that govern their individual organizations. In order to avoid even the appearance of improper coordination between competitors, please comply with the following: Do not discuss the details of institution-specific, competitively sensitive information (such as prospective rates/dollar amounts, increases/decreases, or calculations regarding tuition, financial aid, or staff compensation/benefits) with other institutions. Do not attempt to reach an agreement (whether express or implied) with other institutions about whether, where and how you will compete to attract students, teachers and staff.

Resetting Tuition with Nancy Lang, New School Oct 02, 2023

Nancy Lang, head of school at the New School (AR) shares how she addressed an erosion of trust in her market, adjusted to thinking about tuition strategically long term, and made sure everyone was on the same page throughout the process.

AI and the Future of Education Sep 04, 2023

Here's another episode from our sister NAIS podcast, New View EDU. This episode from Season 4 of New View EDU features host Tim Fish and educational innovators Christina Lewellen, of ATLIS, and Paul Turnbull, Head of School at Mid-Pacific Institute. Tim, Christina, and Paul take on a deep discussion about the rapid evolution of artificial Intelligence, and the impact ChatGPT and other AI innovations will have on the future of schools. Season 5 of New View EDU premieres later this Fall.

The Conversation: A Shared Leadership Model Aug 07, 2023

In this episode of Member Voices: The Conversation we are featuring a dialogue between a head of school and her board chair, published in the Summer 2023 issue of Independent School magazine. Ashley Harper, head of school, and Eileen Quenell, board chair at Wakefield School (VA), discuss the shared leadership model that grew from their almost instant chemistry and mutual respect, and what shared leadership looks like at their school.

Supporting Staff and Board Members with Melinda Bihn Jul 03, 2023

Melinda Bihn, head of school at the French American International School and International High School (CA), shares how she approaches selecting a board chair, orienting new trustees, and providing opportunities for leadership development among her staff.

Stacey Roshan & Jenna Borrelli, Bullis School Jun 05, 2023

Stacey Roshan, former teacher and former director of innovation and educational technology at Bullis School (MD), and Jenna Borrelli, director of wellness at Bullis, share classroom tools that help all kids connect to their teachers and each other, wellness techniques for teachers, and the importance of reflection and awareness to well-being.

Matt Gerber, Chief Innovation Officer, Western Reserve Academy May 01, 2023

Matt Gerber, chief innovation officer at Western Reserve Academy (OH), describes his practical approach to innovation, the types of courses his school's innovation center offers, and the impact these factors have already had for his students in the real world.

Seth Hanford, Head of School, Elgin Academy Apr 02, 2023

Seth Hanford, head of school at Elgin Academy (IL), discusses the importance of connection, community values, and spending time with students during challenging times.

How Equity and Well-Being Work Together in Our Schools Mar 13, 2023

Listen to an episode from our sister NAIS podcast, New View EDU. In last season's finale, two school heads with deep expertise in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work join host Tim Fish and special guest co-host Caroline Blackwell for a conversation about equity, well-being, and the future of inclusion efforts in independent schools. The new season of New View EDU drops March 14.

Kori Rimany, English Teacher, The Frederick Gunn School Feb 06, 2023

Kori Rimany, an english teacher at The Frederick Gunn School (CT), shares her impressions of faculty health and well-being today, including how to continue moving forward and what it looks like to teach when you're not okay,

The Conversation: The Power of Affinity Spaces for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asians Jan 19, 2023

In this episode of Member Voices: The Conversation, we are featuring a dialogue between colleagues at NAIS member schools, published in the Winter 2023 issue of Independent School magazine. Dot Kowal, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Sonoma Academy (CA), and Rochelle Reodica, head of school at The Independent Day School (CT), discuss what prompted them to create a study group for Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian educators, why it matters, and what they've learned along the way.

Briel Schmitz, Head of School, and Alexa Carver, Former Board Chair, Spruce Street School Jan 03, 2023

Briel Schmitz, head of school, and Alexa Carver, former board chair at Spruce Street School (WA), discuss how they each ensured that they stayed in the appropriate "lane", how their partnership fostered risk taking and innovation, and how they worked together to confront crises at their school.

Mark McKee, Head of School, Viewpoint School Dec 05, 2022

Mark McKee, head of school at Viewpoint School (CA), shares his experience of leading as an introvert, orienting new board members, and dealing with school crises.

Taryn Upchurch, Director of Outreach, Tru School Nov 07, 2022

Guest host Joe Corbett, NAIS senior research analyst, speaks with Taryn Upchurch, director of outreach at Trū School (CA) about using Jobs-to-be-Done in marketing, personalizing messaging for families, and finding students that resonate with your school’s mission.

Gary Krahn, Head of School, La Jolla Country Day School Oct 03, 2022

Gary Krahn, head of school at La Jolla Country Day School (CA), joins us to discuss how to develop developing student media literacy, the importance of treating everyone with dignity, and how educators can encourage students’ ways of thinking.

Joe Powers, Head of School, The Woods Academy Sep 05, 2022

Joe Powers, head of school at The Woods Academy (MD), discusses how elementary school leaders can innovate, the future of elementary school leadership, and how he stays in the moment.

Casey Hitchcock and Johnathan Harris, Co-heads of School, Lynnhaven School: The Conversation Jul 04, 2022

In this episode of Member Voices: The Conversation, we are featuring a dialogue between colleagues at NAIS member schools, published in the Summer issue of Independent School magazine. Casey Hitchcock and Johnathan Harris, co-heads of school at Lynnhaven School (VA), discuss how they landed on this leadership model, the benefits of two heads, and what makes it work for them.

Kevin Costa, Director of Innovation and Learning, McDonogh School Jun 06, 2022

Innovation is vital to school transformation. Member Voices is taking a closer look at innovation in a three-part miniseries. In the final episode of “Fostering Innovation,” NAIS Director of Innovation Programs Jackie Wolking speaks with Kevin Costa, director of innovation and learning at McDonogh School (MD). Kevin describes his school's innovation rubric, the importance of calling out what's already there, and the biggest barriers to introducing new ideas.

Liz Walgamuth, Head of School, Grace School May 02, 2022

Innovation is vital to school transformation. Member Voices is taking a closer look at innovation in a three-part miniseries. In the second episode of “Fostering Innovation,” NAIS Director of Innovation Programs Jackie Wolking speaks with Liz Walgamuth, head of school at Grace School (TX). Liz shares how she redesigns space within the confines of an older school building, how “mistakes lead us to the next thing,” and why sometimes innovation work is “just about moving forward.”

Greg Chalfin, Head of Middle School, Stanley British Primary School Apr 04, 2022

Innovation is vital to school transformation. Member Voices is taking a closer look at the work of fostering innovation in a three-part miniseries. In the first episode of “Fostering Innovation,” NAIS Director of Innovation Programs Jackie Wolking speaks with Greg Chalfin, head of middle school at Stanley British Primary School (CO). Greg describes the school’s new block model approach, the importance of relational learning, and why he likes asking why not?

New View EDU: Schools as Practice Zones for Adulting (with Julie Lythcott-Haims) Mar 07, 2022

Listen to an episode from our sister NAIS podcast, featuring bestselling author, speaker, and former Dean at Stanford, Julie Lythcott-Haims. Julie joins NAIS Chief Innovation Officer Tim Fish and author and futurist Lisa Kay Solomon to share her insights on the role of schools in creating capable, responsible adults -- not just high-stat students who achieve academically but struggle to "adult" beyond the classroom.

Luthern Williams, Head of School, New Roads School Feb 07, 2022

Diverse and inclusive communities benefit everyone. In the third and final episode of the Member Voices miniseries “Cultivating Diverse and Inclusive Communities,” we talk with Luthern Williams, head of New Roads School (CA). Luthern shares how he strives to be a servant leader, his vision for well-being as the foundation of education, and how we all should promote the linkages and honor the differences.

Noni Thomas Lopez, Head of School, The Gordon School Jan 03, 2022

Diverse and inclusive communities benefit everyone. Member Voices is taking a closer look at the work of cultivating diverse and inclusive communities in a three-part miniseries. In the second episode of “Cultivating Diverse and Inclusive Communities,” we talk with Noni Thomas Lopez, head of the Gordon School (RI). She talks with us about how becoming a more diverse and inclusive school is like peeling an onion, the importance of finding opportunity in discomfort, and why battling misinformation keeps her up at night.

Randall Dunn, Head of School, Latin School of Chicago Dec 06, 2021

Diverse and inclusive communities benefit everyone. Member Voices is taking a closer look at the work of cultivating diverse and inclusive communities in a three-part miniseries. In the first episode of “Cultivating Diverse and Inclusive Communities,” we talk with Randall Dunn, head of Latin School of Chicago (IL). He describes the importance of building a strong team, the unpredictability of the independent school model, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion work is everyone's work.

Enrollment Trends Amid the Pandemic: Special Episode – Part 2 Nov 01, 2021

In our second and final episode on the topic of enrollment, Joe Corbett, NAIS research analyst, speaks with Amada Torres, NAIS vice president of studies, insights, and research about national trends. These trends include enrollment changes due to the pandemic and those unique to lower schools, along with how these trends compare to previous years and recessions.

Enrollment Trends Amid the Pandemic: Special Episode – Part 1 Oct 04, 2021

In the first of a two-part enrollment series, Joe Corbett, NAIS research analyst, speaks with Duane Emery, director of enrollment management at Sycamore School (IN). They discuss enrollment declines due to the pandemic, enrollment in lower grade levels, and how the school navigated these challenges.

Tucker Foehl, Head of School, Sonoma Academy Sep 06, 2021

As we welcome this year’s cohort of new heads of school, Member Voices is taking a closer look at the transition to headship in a three-part miniseries. In the third and final episode of Transitioning to Headship, we talk with Tucker Foehl, head of school at Sonoma Academy (CA). Tucker details how he worked to build up his skills prior to before his first year as head, the relationship-building that occurred during the search process, and what was has been most helpful to him during his tenure thus far.

Free Preview: New View EDU from NAIS Aug 18, 2021

New View EDU episode one comes out on August 10.

Jennifer Landis, Head of School, Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child Aug 02, 2021

As we welcome this year’s new heads of school, Member Voices is taking a closer look at the transition to headship in a three-part miniseries. In the second episode of Transitioning to Headship, we talk with Jennifer Landis, new head at Oak knoll School of the Holy Child (NJ). She shares how she finds joy and balance in her work, how being a division head prepared her for headship, and what she's looking forward to in her new role.

Suzanne Walker Buck, Head of School, Western Reserve Academy Jul 05, 2021

New heads of school often begin their tenure in July, and as we welcome this year’s new heads, Member Voices is taking a closer look at the transition to headship in a three-part miniseries. In the first episode of Transitioning to Headship, we talk with Suzanne Walker Buck, head of Western Reserve Academy (OH). She describes how she approached the board-head relationship, balancing budgets, and questions of legal liability as a new head of school.

The Trustee Table - Fundraising Fundamentals - The Trustee’s Role in Philanthropy Jun 06, 2021

In this special crossover episode from our sister NAIS podcast, the Trustee Table, Dave Sternberg explains the biggest misconceptions trustees have about fundraising, how they can become more comfortable in their fundraising role, and presents ways to build and sustain donor relationships. Dave has been a fundraising professional since obtaining his BA Degree from The Ohio State University. He is a faculty member at The Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Fund Raising School, where he teaches courses such as Building the Annual Fund and Marketing for Fundraising. Dave is also a Senior Governance Consultant for BoardSource and is the only person in America to be affiliated with both the Lilly School of Philanthropy and BoardSource. In 1996, Dave founded Loring, Sternberg and Associates providing fundraising counsel to educational foundations, social service organizations, higher education, and membership organizations. In 2008, Dave authored the second and third edition of Fearless Fundraising for Nonprofit Boards; a publication for BoardSource and a best seller since its publication.

Ray McGaughey, Director of Admissions, High Mountain Institute—Part 2 May 03, 2021

In the second and final part of my conversation with Ray, recorded in February 2021, we revisit our pre-pandemic conversation to see how he and his school are doing and how the events of the past year have changed his approach.

Ray McGaughey, Director of Admissions, High Mountain Institute - Part 1 Apr 05, 2021

In the first of two parts, recorded in March 2020, Ray discusses his semester school’s unique model that emphasizes time in the outdoors, how he approaches recruiting, and why he loves running without headphones.

Kim Evelti, Director of Curriculum and Computer Science Teacher, The Williston Northampton School Mar 01, 2021

Kim tells us about how her school approaches staff professional development, how she builds curriculum in such a turbulent time, and what she misses most about her role pre-pandemic.

Andre Withers, Assistant Head of School, The Madeira School - Part 2 Feb 01, 2021

In the second and final part of my conversation with Andre, Andre discusses his leadership of his school's COVID-19 task force, how schools can create a unique value proposition for families, and how critical issues for schools can be opportunities.

Andre Withers, Assistant Head of School, The Madeira School - Part 1 Jan 04, 2021

In the first of two parts, Andre discusses how he and his team are working to avoid burnout, his role as assistant head in transitioning a new head of school, and how he approaches implicit bias in hiring.

Jaimi Boehm, Director of Middle School, Wildwood School Dec 07, 2020

Jaimi shares her experience of navigating a new role and a pandemic at the same time. She also talks about how she and her colleagues led productive conversations during the presidential election and her podcast recommendations.

Anne Glass, Head of School, Purnell School Nov 02, 2020

Anne talks with us about her journey from investment banking to headship, the unique value of girls-only education, and the importance of knowing who you are as a school.

Jamie Williamson, Head of School, The Windward School Oct 06, 2020

Jamie joins us to discuss how being a school psychologist has informed his approach to headship, the work he has done for children with learning differences, and what it was like being new to his school community when the pandemic hit.

Ralinda Watts, Dir of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Assoc Dir of Admission, The Buckley School Sep 07, 2020

Ralinda tells us how she has dealt with the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, how she feels the Black@ movement is the best “racial audit” for schools, and how she wants this time to be “not a moment but a movement.”

Henry Fairfax, Head of School, Revolution School Aug 03, 2020

Henry joins us to discuss what it was like dealing with a pandemic in his school’s first year, how his school is “planning around yellow lights” when preparing to reopen in the fall, and what his experience has been like as a student, teacher, and administrator in independent schools.

Aretina Hamilton, Assoc. Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Interlochen Center for the Arts Jul 27, 2020

In this episode devoted to race and racism in independent schools, we speak with Aretina about how schools should “lean into being uncomfortable” when creating anti-racist spaces of belonging and how the Black@ movement provides school leaders with an opportunity to openly discuss the “whispers in the hallway.”

The Trustee Table - Mastering Crisis Management: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve Jul 06, 2020

Jim Hulbert, a partner and lawyer at the Jane Group, shares his expertise on crisis management in this special crossover episode from our sister NAIS podcast, the Trustee Table.

NAIS Member Voices Season 4 Jun 28, 2020

The new season of Member Voices starts July 6!

Daphne Carr, Associate Director of Advancement, Campbell Hal Jun 22, 2020

Daphne shares how she and her team had to pivot to virtual events when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, how they’re reimagining their fundraising efforts for next year, and how she won both of her Emmys.

Liz Morrison, Head of School, Antilles School May 18, 2020

Liz discusses what it’s been like managing two crises—a hurricane and the current pandemic—at her school in a short amount of time and what lessons she's learned.

Rob Phillips, Head of School, Seattle Academy Apr 27, 2020

Rob shares his school’s approach to asynchronous and synchronous online learning, what it was like working in one of the first cities where COVID-19 hit, and how he feels his unique life experience helped prepare him for this moment.

Marjie Murphy, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Sacred Heart Schools Mar 02, 2020

Marjie discusses her school's unique instructional coaching program, how she's developed her "empathy muscle", and shares a few reading recommendations.

Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School, Georgetown Day School (Rerelease) Feb 17, 2020

Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School at Georgetown Day School (Washington, DC) joins us to discuss best practices for creating an inclusive school community, the value of social activism, and how she spends her “free time”.

Mark Devey, Headmaster, Perkiomen School Feb 03, 2020

Mark tells us what it was like being a headmaster's son, what he thinks schools aren't doing very well, and an important lesson he learned from his students.

Nicole DuFauchard, Head of School, The Advent School (Rerelease) Jan 06, 2020

Nicole DuFauchard, head of school at The Advent School (MA), tells us about how her school recruits and retains top talent, the many books she's reading, and her love of Wonder Woman.

Christina Pommer, Library Director, Saint Stephen's Episcopal School Dec 02, 2019

Christina takes us inside the library and discusses its value, how technology has changed her role, and why you shouldn't use pepperoni as a bookmark.

Mark Silver, Head of School, Hillbrook School Nov 04, 2019

Mark speaks with us about his school's social-entrepreneurial focus, how he draws from his school's unique history, and what he's currently reading in his book club.

Shanelle Henry, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Greens Farms Academy Oct 06, 2019

Shanelle discusses the importance of relationship-building, taking a moment before reacting, and keeping a candy dish on your desk.

Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid, The Avery Coonley School Sep 03, 2019

Rebecca tells us her approach to retention management and working with millennial parents, and how she's a little protective of her Rosie the Riveter mug.

Logan Bowlds, Head of School, Stratford Academy Aug 05, 2019

Logan describes what it was like to be appointed head of school at the age of 29, how he got to this point in his career so quickly, and how he finds balance with two young kids at home.

Scott Erickson, Head of School, Phillips Brooks School Jul 01, 2019

Scott talks about how he's gotten better at "issue-spotting" and addressing communication gaps with his school and board, as well as how he uses his training as an ordained minister.

Phil Higginson, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, Ravenscroft School Jun 03, 2019

Phil gives us insights into the field of advancement and best practices for funding the future, and talks about how he's an "introvert wannabee."

Patti Wilczek, Head of School, Helios School May 06, 2019

Patti Wilczek discusses what it's like to work at a school for gifted students, how she has managed crises at past schools, and how she could have been a geologist.

Connie Fink, Fifth-grade Social Studies Teacher, University School of Nashville Apr 01, 2019

Connie talks to us about making her classroom an inspiring place to learn, finding balance, and what kind of impact she wants to have on her students.

Robert Brisk, Head of School, Wellington School Mar 04, 2019

Robert Brisk, head of school at the Wellington School (OH), discusses how his school is deepening student engagement, how he builds an effective team, and what his Jersey roots taught him about communication.

Adam Nye, Assistant Head for Educational Strategy, Winchester Thurston School Feb 04, 2019

Adam Nye, assistant head for educational strategy and chair for City as Our Campus at Winchester Thurston School (PA), talks to us about taking on a new role, how his school is preparing for the future, and his new years resolutions.

Nicole DuFauchard, Head of School, The Advent School Jan 07, 2019

Nicole DuFauchard, head of school at The Advent School (MA), tells us about how her school recruits and retains top talent, the many books she's reading, and her love of Wonder Woman.

Tekakwitha Pernambuco-Wise, Head of School, Sea Crest School Dec 03, 2018

Tekakwitha Pernambuco-Wise, head of school at Sea Crest School (CA), shares five tips for aspiring heads, her school's approach to student health and well-being, and her daily rituals.

John Kerney, Executive Director and CEO, Winchendon School Nov 05, 2018

John Kerney, executive director and CEO at Winchendon School (MA), reveals the unique approach his school took to help ensure financial sustainability, how much fun he's having in his job, and his love of the podcast How I Built This.

Trina Moore-Southall, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Brentwood School Oct 01, 2018

Trina Moore-Southall, director of equity and inclusion at Brentwood School (CA), shares how she never planned to be in this role, the challenges she's faced, and the importance of prayer in her life.

Frazier Stowers, Director of Admission and Tuition Assistance, Woodberry Forest School Sep 04, 2018

Frazier Stowers, director of admission and tuition assistance at Woodberry Forest School (VA) describes his mentors, his "working definition" of leadership, and his love of spending time outside.

Helen Rankin, Board Chair, Hathaway Brown School Aug 06, 2018

Helen Rankin, board chair at Hathaway Brown School (OH), tells us about being a "lifer", tips for great governance, and her love of cooking.

Jill Cross, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, TMI Episcopal Jul 02, 2018

Jill Cross, dean of curriculum and instruction at TMI Episcopal (TX), speaks with us about how to start strong in a new role, being a cheerleader for teachers, and her love of George Washington. 074633

Doug Worthen, Director of Mindfulness, Middlesex School Jun 11, 2018

Doug Worthen, director of mindfulness at Middlesex School (MA), joins us to discuss his practice, what it's like living with 30 adolescent boys, and meditating while scuba diving.

Peter Gurt, President, Milton Hershey School May 14, 2018

Peter Gurt, president at Milton Hershey School (PA), speaks with us about servant leadership, life at a boarding school, and his acting background.

Kathryn McNamee, High School Principal, St. Mary's Academy Apr 10, 2018

Kathryn McNamee, high school principal at St. Mary's Academy (CO), tells us about the challenges that come with modern technology, her passion for her students, and what she's planning to do in retirement.

Larry Goodman, Head of School, Andrews Osborne Academy Mar 13, 2018

Larry Goodman, head of school at Andrews Osborne Academy (OH), tells us why he has the best job in the world, the vital importance of creative thinking, and his dream of becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles.

Amani Reed, Head of School, School at Columbia University Feb 13, 2018

Amani Reed, head of school at the School at Columbia University (NY), joins us to discuss his work in equity and justice, what he's baking right now, and the importance of laughing a lot.

Martha Perry, Principal, St. Clement's School Jan 16, 2018

Martha Perry, principal at St. Clement's School (Canada), tells us about her leadership journey, how she approaches transgender issues at her school, and what surprises her most in her role.

Lisa Damour, Consulting Psychologist, Laurel School Dec 12, 2017

Lisa Damour, consulting psychologist at Laurel School (OH) and author of Untangled, describes what it’s like working at an all-girls school, how to help students build resilience, and what she’s reading right now.

Deanna Dement Myers, Director of Development, Fayerweather Street School Nov 14, 2017

Deanna Dement Myers, director of development at Fayerweather Street School (MA), joins us to share her experience working in and having a child who attends an independent school, tips for development professionals, and how she learns from students of color at her school as a multi-racial administrator.

Matthew Pearce, Executive Principal, Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science Oct 10, 2017

Matthew Pearce, executive principal at Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science (New Jersey), discusses being a founding head of school, working with non-native English speakers, and his school’s unique model and approach.

Marja Brandon, Head of School, Woodland School Sep 12, 2017

Marja Brandon, head of school at Woodland School (California), shares stories of her Quaker upbringing, growing up with learning differences, and the importance of a strong handshake. Marja Brandon, head of school at Woodland School (California), shares stories of her Quaker upbringing, growing up with learning disorders, and the importance of a strong handshake.

Stacy Routhier, Director of Marketing and Communications, Renbrook School Aug 15, 2017

Stacy Routhier, director of marketing and communications at Renbrook School (Connecticut), discusses marketing do’s and don’ts, staying afloat as an office of one, and the importance of getting away from your desk.

Chaka Cummings, Middle School Director at the Blake School Jul 11, 2017

Chaka Cummings, Middle School Director at the Blake School (Minnesota), joins us to discuss how his background in corporate finance shaped his pedagogy , his experience as a division head of color, and some of his favorite movie quotes.

Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School, Georgetown Day School Jun 13, 2017

Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School at Georgetown Day School (Washington, DC) joins us to discuss best practices for creating an inclusive school community, the value of social activism, and how she spends her “free time”.

Ruth Glass, Head of School, Lake Tahoe School May 16, 2017

In this episode, Ruth discusses the need for community, how she approaches meeting with parents, her proudest moments, and more.

Ann Klotz, Headmistress, Laurel School Apr 09, 2017

Ann Klotz, headmistress at Laurel School (Ohio) speaks with us about her theatrical background, women in independent schools, and daring to fail gloriously.

Alex Brosowsky, Head of School, The Quaker School at Horsham Mar 12, 2017

Alex Brosowsky, head of school at The Quaker School at Horsham (Pennsylvania) speaks with us about running and marketing a small school, changes he’s noticed in independent schools over time, and the need to stop and take deep breaths.

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