2025 Annual Conference | Speakers

When she’s not at events, she often contributes to thought leadership around customer experience and fandom. She’s been featured in hundreds of media outlets, from the New York Times to TMZ, and CNN to Cosmopolitan.

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Creativity strategist Natalie Nixon is “the creativity whisperer for the C-Suite.” She is a highly sought after keynote speaker, valued for her accessible expertise on creativity, the future of work and innovation.

She brings an innovative and unique perspective to every keynote, strategic advisory engagement, and leadership coaching session. Her experience living in five countries, combined with her background in anthropology, fashion, academia, and dance, distinguish her as a one-of-a-kind creativity expert.

Natalie is the author of The Creativity Leap, which draws on her background in business and the arts to show how to unlock our innate creativity to produce breakthrough products and services.

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Dr. Yeager is interested in understanding the processes shaping adolescent development, especially how social cognitive factors interact with structural and physiological factors to create positive or negative trajectories for youth.  He is also interested in learning how to influence these psychological processes, so as to improve developmental and educational outcomes for youth.

Dr. Yeager is the co-PI of the National Study of Learning Mindsets, the Texas Mindset Initiative, and the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. His book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, provides a groundbreaking approach to leading the next generation.

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Sarah Barton Thomas is the head of lower school at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte. She has served independent schools as a teacher, coach, and leader in Maryland, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. A strategic thinker and curious observer who seeks out moments of awe and laughter, she studies the intersection of mission, community, belonging, and wonder as part of her Doctor of Educational Ministry program at Virginia Theological Seminary.

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Ari Betof, EdD, MBA is the co-founder and partner of Mission & Data. A leading expert in independent school financial sustainability and organizational stewardship, Ari has consulted to more than 100 independent schools and membership associations. Ari has served as a trustee, head of school, chief advancement officer, director of institutional advancement, director of enrollment management, director of strategic planning, and faculty member. He has been an instructor in the University of Pennsylvania’s PennGSE Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership and Leadership Master’s Program. Additionally, he has served as a faculty member in the NAIS School Leadership Institute and as a mentor in Harvard University’s School Leadership Program and Cornell University’s Executive MBA Mentor Program. Ari earned his doctorate with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on the financial and organizational sustainability of independent schools, and an MBA with distinction from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

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Stories shape the way people see, feel, and act, and every school has the opportunity to tell a transformational story. With 15 years of experience in branding and marketing for PreK-12 schools and churches, Trey Boden leads with conviction, creativity, and a desire for all people to become who they were created to be.

From 2011 to 2021, Trey served as chief brand officer and founding faculty of the Innovation Diploma program at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta. He holds a Master’s in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary.

In 2021, Trey launched Roar, a brand and marketing agency that provides brand leadership to organizations without in-house teams. Roar exists to help leaders clarify their message, inspire action, and build long-term trust through design, strategy, and story.

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Stephanie Brooks, CFRE has over thirty-five years of fund development experience in all levels of philanthropic giving, nonprofit management, grantsmanship, volunteer management, event management, corporate, alumni, and board relations. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with a B.A. in general studies/journalism from Southeastern Louisiana University and an M.A. in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has worked in all aspects of nonprofit management but especially enjoys working in the field of education. The Altamont School is the first independent school with which she has worked.

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Sheri joined the SAIS staff in 2017 and currently serves as the director of research and resources. In this role, she develops and curates resources for member schools while managing the organization’s survey products and research initiatives.

Before joining SAIS, she spent more than 20 years in both public and private institutions, including three SAIS member schools. Sheri has served as a classroom teacher, accreditation coordinator, technology director, and curriculum coordinator.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Alabama.

Originally hailing from Boston, MA, Hacker Burr has spent the past 20 years working in independent schools in a variety of leadership roles. He is a people person and a connector at heart and has been an innovator throughout his career.

After earning a degree in English literature from Roanoke College, Hacker went on to earn his MBA from The Citadel. Starting out as a teacher and coach, he quickly rose in the ranks at Charleston Collegiate School, serving as division head, admission director, and advancement director along his path to headship.

After being appointed head of Charleston Collegiate in 2012, Hacker led the organization through a successful rebrand and explosive enrollment growth, while simultaneously serving as the organization’s primary major gifts officer.

Currently, Hacker is president and managing director of Big Back Pack LLC, a search consulting firm working with independent schools on the east coast.

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Miller Callaway has been an educator for over 20 years, primarily as a middle school Earth science and STEM teacher. Currently, he serves as the middle school technology coordinator at Webb School, where he assist teachers with integrating technology into the learning experiences. Beyond the classroom, he coaches FIRST robotics teams, coordinates the middle school broadcasting group (WOW – Webb on the Web), and support athletics as the stats coordinator for high school football and scoreboard operator for baseball. Passionate about hands-on learning, he is dedicated to fostering innovation and student engagement in STEM education.

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Jennifer Carroll is a partner in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office and a co-chair of the Education Practice Group. Jennifer counsels independent and private educational institutions on employee, student and board matters, in addition to litigating matters on behalf of school clients through trial, including on appeal.

Jennifer frequently presents at local and national conferences for various school groups on student, board, and employment issues and regularly conducts trainings for schools.

Chris Cleveland serves as the head of school at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, GA, where he has been a member of the administration since 2002. Originally from Atlanta, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University and a master’s in administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He currently serves on the boards of the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program; the Cleveland Group, Inc.; the Atlanta Rotary Club Education Advisory Council; the Rotary Charitable Foundation; and the Georgia Community Foundation.

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Jared Colley is the chief innovation officer at The Mount Vernon School, where he also works as the resident competency-based education specialist, coaching and supporting teachers on CBE assessment and instructional practices. He also serves as a consultant and editor for MV Ventures, where he works with schools on topics related to teaching and learning and serves as senior editor of MV Ventures’ quarterly R&D Reports, publishing reports such as “A People-Centered Organization Living in an AI World” and “Imagine Then, Act Now: Futures Literacy for Learning Organizations.”

Jared is passionate about authentic assessment, purpose-driven learning, and the idea that collective intelligence is how we solve the world’s most wicked challenges. His most recent research and work focuses on how schools can adopt and develop a more robust “futures literacy” as a collaborative, learning organization by engaging in various foresight practices such as scenarios-based planning and speculative design fiction work.

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Russ Connell is the associate head of school at Bayside Academy in Daphne, AL. Prior to his move to the beautiful Eastern Shore, he served many years at SAIS member school The Donoho School in Anniston, AL, as a teacher, coach, advisor, dean of students, and the middle and upper school director.

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Ryan Cook has been the upper school director at Greensboro Day (GDS) School in North Carolina since July 2022. Prior to that, Ryan served as the middle school and upper school principal at Charleston Collegiate, a PBL school in South Carolina, and was the principal at the Baton Rouge International School, an IB World School in Louisiana. Before arriving in the United States in 2015, Ryan was a division director, a curriculum leader, and a teacher in the United Kingdom from 2003.

Ryan has taught a plethora of academic, higher education, and vocational courses, and currently teaches an Entrepreneurial Problem Solving class and a Globalization, Commerce, and Trade class at GDS.

Diana Curtis offers extensive educational experience at Webb School of Knoxville, where she has taught upper school English for eight years, following ten years as an English instructor at Maryville College. Her classroom expertise encompasses all levels of U.S. English curriculum, currently teaching AP Language and Literature and Honors English 11, both with emphasis on American Literature and Rhetoric. As the Educational Technology Coordinator and a key member of the Co-Lab leadership team, Diana serves as a technological leader, blending innovative digital methodologies with traditional literary instruction.

In addition to her English teaching responsibilities, Diana advises both the yearbook and journalism programs, providing students with practical publishing skills.

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Pat joined the SAIS staff in July 2023, after having previously served as the director of academic affairs at Athens Academy in Athens, GA, since 2004. His previous experience includes serving as English department chair, teacher, and coach at The Steward School in Richmond, VA, from 1996 until 2004. Pat earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia.

As vice president of member relations, Christina oversees the Enrollment Management Association’s (EMA) membership, business development, professional development, marketing and communications teams, providing programs and resources for over 1,200 independent schools and over 20,000 members. This includes EMA’s Annual Conference, Global Recruitment Fairs, Annual Special Reports and Data Dashboards, The Yield magazine, and related strategic initiatives.

With over twenty years in the education sector, Christina is passionate about EMA’s transformative work to support enrollment professionals, school leaders, community-based organizations, students, and families. As an industry thought leader, Christina has presented at numerous regional, national, and global conferences and events. She is also the host of EMA’s Enrollment Spectrum Podcast.

Before joining EMA in 2016, Christina served as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Proctor Academy in New Hampshire. Christina holds a BA in English, with a minor in education, from Colby College and a MPA from UNH.

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Kelsey Dowling, M.S. is the marketing production manager at NAIS. She is a graduate of the University of Lynchburg and Boston University with degrees in Communications and Television – Producing/Management. She started her career in live entertainment but found a new career outlet in education communication as a result of the global pandemic and shut down of entertainment around the world. She joined the St. Anne’s-Belfield School communications and marketing team in early 2021, bringing with her a unique background of media criticism and production. Over the next four years, she and her team excelled at telling student stories in new and innovative ways. Through their team’s media and press relation efforts, these stories gained community-wide attention, shining a spotlight on St. Anne’s-Belfield School. She now continues this work of educational storytelling and reaching schools across the nation with the membership, communications, and marketing team at NAIS.

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Jennifer Dulski is CEO and founder of Rising Team, a team performance platform that helps organizations increase employee engagement, retention, and team effectiveness. She has over 25 years of executive experience leading large, global teams at major tech companies, including Facebook, Google, Yahoo!, and Change.org. Dulski began her career as an educator, teaching high school and founding Breakthrough Pittsburgh before her career in tech. She serves on the faculty of the Stanford Graduate School of Business and teaches one of the most popular courses: “Managing Growing Enterprises” about scaling organizations and high performing teams. Dulski writes about leadership and the future of work for LinkedIn Influencers, Fortune, and Fast Company, and her first book, Purposeful, about how all of us can be Movement Starters, is a Wall Street Journal bestseller.

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Bernetta brings a heartfelt passion for strategic marketing, with a focus on customer retention and brand loyalty. With a strong background in crafting impactful campaigns and meaningful experiences, she thrives on building lasting connections within both professional and personal communities.

She is an alumna of Spelman and a Woodward Academy parent. Bernetta believes in the power of thoughtful engagement and data-driven insights to create customer experiences that not only resonate but endure.

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Liz has more than 25 years of experience working in, and now advising, independent school fundraising programs. At Huron | GG+A, Liz leads the team of consultants who conduct advancement program assessments, campaign readiness studies, and campaign planning (feasibility) studies for independent schools. The Huron team also counsels and supports heads, trustees, and advancement staff in identifying and seizing opportunities for fundraising growth.

Liz was a featured contributor to the NAIS book The Trustee’s Role in Fundraising and wrote the feature article, “The Importance of Fundraising Strategy,” in the spring 2021 issue of NAIS’ Independent School magazine.

Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College and is an alumna of Friends’ Central School.

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A former head of school with over 25 years’ experience, Julie has led successful and innovative change efforts in every area of school life and managed a wide range of multilayered communications challenges. She founded Stony Creek Strategy in 2022 to champion the concept of applied leadership – when communications and management meet, impact follows. Mission-driven leaders from the board of trustees on down need practical strategy, talented teams, and implementation skills to navigate complex times.

Julie’s previous roles include English department chair, academic dean, and assistant head at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick, MA, and Head at the Westover School, Middlebury, CT. She writes and speaks on topics related to applied leadership, organizational change, and innovative governance and has been featured at NAIS, TABS, and other national conferences. She holds a BA from Smith College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College.

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Prior to joining Huron, Lindsey served as vice president in the independent schools practice area at Grenzebach Glier and Associates (GG+A), which was acquired by Huron in 2024. Lindsey is an expert in principal and major gifts work, as well as campaign planning and execution. With 20 years of experience as an advancement professional, she has held advancement leadership and front-line fundraising positions in both higher education and independent schools, including Gaston Day School, The Fletcher School, and Providence Day School. Lindsey has been an active volunteer for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). In 2023, Lindsey completed a two-year term as chair of the District III cabinet and has been recognized with its prestigious CASE Laureate status for her service to the profession and CASE. Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hollins University and is an alumna of Darlington School.

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Karen joined The Bear Creek School community in 2002 when her younger children were in lower school, and now she is the parent of three alumni (classes of 2009, 2011, and 2021). After serving the school in myriad volunteer capacities, she joined the staff in 2015. Karen is passionate about nourishing a collaborative partnership among all members of the school’s community because she believes that when everyone strives to support Bear Creek’s mission and core values through their words and deeds, not only does this generation benefit but the generations to come.

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Ilanit is an employment and education attorney in Fisher Phillips’ Fort Lauderdale office. She represents educational institutions in a broad range of matters relating to student and employee issues, including claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and contract disputes.
In addition to her litigation work, Ilanit dedicates a significant portion of practice to providing practical advice to schools on preventive measures to mitigate legal risk, including counseling on day-to-day issues. Ilanit also provides employee training, conducts audits, prepares and reviews policies and drafts of contracts.

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Michelle Fiscus joined Providence Day in 2023 and serves as the chief communications officer. As a member of the school’s senior leadership team, Fiscus oversees the communication and marketing strategy to all audiences, including faculty, staff, parents, students, and the public at large. Fiscus also advises senior administrators on best practices for communication and provides leadership during crisis communication. She is also in charge of Providence Day’s overall image, including its messaging and branding, ensuring consistency across all channels.

Fiscus has over 20 years of expertise in her field, the last eight being exclusively in education. She has worked for several public North Carolina school districts and a nationwide marketing agency that exclusively serves independent schools. Fiscus began her career within the media and worked for large broadcast companies, including Hearst Argyle, I Heart Media, and Cox Media.

Mark is a principal at Borislow Insurance and founder of Captivated Health. Captivated Health is an innovative solution designed to help middle market employers “Bend the Healthcare Trend” by joining a community of like-minded organizations who change the way they finance their health benefits to take control of their future through insightful, actionable data to make healthcare easier and more affordable for employees and their families. Mark is a pioneer in the use of Consumer-Driven Health and Wellness Plans (CDHP) to lower healthcare costs and improve overall health and was named as a national Top 30 Benefits Advisor to Watch by Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit Adviser, as well as awarded Most Innovative Broker of the Year. Mark was an eight-year member of the board of directors for Massachusetts Health Connector and past National Legislative Council Chair for NABIP and is the current chair of the Delta Force Committee, reporting directly to NABIP board of trustees.

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Sam Geisler serves as chief advancement officer at Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ), overseeing the school’s admission, enrollment, marketing, and advancement efforts under one umbrella. Sam previously served as the school’s executive director of admission and enrollment for nine years and made significant contributions in the expansion of Episcopal to include its two lower schools.

She is an alumna of ESJ and earned a B.A. in Communications at the University of Alabama. Prior to working at Episcopal, Sam’s professional experience was in marketing/communications, both in the corporate world and independent schools.

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Kellen Graham is the head of upper school at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, AR. A 20-year educator, Kellen has spent the last 15 years serving in a variety of independent schools (coed, single-gender, Christian-based) as a division head, academic dean, English teacher, coach, advisor, and tutor. He is passionate about school leadership, team-building, and, above all, helping kids positively launch their lives. Kellen holds a Ph.D. and MA in English from Temple University and a BA in English from Lafayette College, where he also played outside linebacker on the football team.

Taylor Green serves as the director of communications at Brookstone School, an independent PK–12 school in Columbus, GA. With nearly a decade of experience in marketing and communications, she leads a dynamic, collaborative team focused on sharing meaningful stories and aligning messaging across platforms. Taylor works closely with Brookstone’s development and enrollment teams to support advancement efforts, believing that clear, consistent communication plays a key role in building trust and strengthening engagement. She is especially passionate about how collaboration across departments helps create a more cohesive and compelling narrative for the school community.

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The Rev. Adam S. Greene came to the Episcopal School of Jacksonville as head of school in 2016. Adam led the effort to merge the Beaches Episcopal School and the St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School into the Episcopal School of Jacksonville.
Episcopal is known for its rigorous, 21st Century-focused college-preparatory curriculum, which includes a learner-centered teaching approach that incorporates the Harkness method. The school stresses a “four pillar” approach to student life, believing that seeking excellence in all areas and living in balance across one’s academic, athletic, artistic, and spiritual life creates young men and women who are deep learners and who are better prepared for college and for a successful and service-oriented life.

Before coming to Jacksonville, Adam was a dean at Episcopal High School, Houston, TX. Before becoming an educational leader, Adam was a global investment and corporate finance banker for more than two decades.

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Dr. Grimes currently serves as a professor at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, in the Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, where she teaches at the master’s and doctoral level and directs Peabody’s M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership. Her expertise ranges from community building in online professional degree programs, early childhood education, strategic planning, institutional advancement, emotionally intelligent leadership and instruction, and programmatic design/management. Dr. Grimes’ professional passions include imaginative problem solving, creative partnerships, curriculum design, community/culture building, evidence-based quality improvement, emotional intelligence, and leadership within school settings.

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Lisa Hà, M.P.A. joined St. Anne’s-Belfield School in September 2020 in the thick of the pandemic, with a newborn, husband, and virtual schooling fourth grader in tow. After 15 years in higher ed and non-profits, she quickly found that the world of independent school comms was due for a revolution. Taking an in-house agency approach, her team was able to get their partners to stop viewing them like an on-demand print center and start viewing them as strategic partners. Together, they yielded the highest enrollment in school history and earned two PRSA Philadelphia Chapter awards. This same approach saw great returns in a prior role at Mary Baldwin University, realizing a 222% increase in residential enrollment and earning two AMA Central VA Chapter awards and a national AMA award. Hà co-presented at the NAIS Thrive 2025 conference and Niche’s first PK-12 Enrollment & Marketing Summit in 2022.

Eric Heilman is the executive director of the Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools, based at Maret, an independent school in Washington, DC, and is also the senior institutional research strategist at the firm Mission & Data. In both roles, Eric helps schools and associations better leverage data to deliver their missions.

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Elizabeth Helfant is in her first year as the associate head for academic affairs at Ravenscroft She brings a wealth of experience from her previous 25-year tenure at MICDS. Elizabeth frequently shares her insights at prominent national and international conferences, including ISTE, ASCD, STLinATL, and NESA.

Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of vital educational areas. She presents engagingly on topics such as best practices in assessment, teaching essential skills with technology, applying brain research to enhance classroom learning, designing dynamic student-centered curriculum, and implementing effective student engagement strategies. Additionally, her proficiency extends to utilizing design-thinking principles and advancing STEM education initiatives. Elizabeth is highly skilled in creating and delivering meaningful professional development for educators, adeptly linking training opportunities to established faculty growth models like Danielson’s or Marzano’s frameworks. Complementing her school leadership roles, she has also served as an educational consultant for the past 15 years.

Brendan Hoyle is the director of arts and innovation at Norfolk Collegiate School in Norfolk, VA. With almost two decades of independent school experience, he focuses on building creative, inclusive programs that foster student agency and support positive faculty culture. Brendan oversees both the Fine & Performing Arts and Design Thinking & Computing departments and chairs the school’s Educational Technology Committee. A frequent presenter and facilitator, he brings a playful, dynamic approach to professional development, often using games, design thinking, and storytelling to build trust and spark collaboration. His writing has appeared in both Independent School magazine and Educational Leadership magazine. He holds a Master’s in Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College.

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Jane Hulbert is the founding partner at The Jane Group and has been the NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) crisis communications consultant since 2000. She counsels independent, international, for-profit, and charter schools on crisis and reputation management issues, crisis planning, messaging, media management, and media training. Jane and Jim conduct trainings across the U.S. and internationally.

Prior to consulting, Jane was a communications executive at McDonald’s Corporation responsible for the Crisis and Media Relations Department. She was the key spokesperson on high profile global crises, including the “hot coffee” incident. Jane is a graduate of the Park Tudor School (IN) and a cum laude graduate of Boston University.

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Jim Hulbert, J.D., is a partner and CEO at The Jane Group and a labor and employment lawyer by training. Jim manages the firm’s ongoing caseload, and he is the lead consultant on the firm’s crisis management training for school leadership and school boards. Jim also oversees the firm’s international business and works with international school leadership and international school boards on all aspects of crisis management.

Jim graduated from Culver Academies (IN). He was a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Jim earned his law degree at Boston College, cum laude.

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Fabio A. Hurtado is the head of upper school at Cannon. His first year teaching came in 1994-95 at Rosa Parks Elementary in Baltimore. He has taught middle and high school and has served in various leadership roles for 30 years as an educator. Fabio is passionate about the role that stories play in shaping reality for school leaders. He published Masticate and Swallow: A Cuban American Childhood (2017), a childhood memoir of Cuba. His second book, How to Destroy an Eclipse and Other Tales of Redemption: The Jersey Years (2022), is a fictionalized memoir set in the 1980s. Fabio holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Kean University, an M.A. in Theology, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. His dissertation work explored the role of stories in shaping the fabric and the culture of independent schools.

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Ellen Ives is passionate about middle school education and fostering environments where students learn to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and challenge the status quo. She prioritizes a supportive and inclusive community, helping students develop resilience, empathy, and open-mindedness as they navigate the world.

Now in her tenth year in middle school education, Ellen continues to teach, lead extracurricular activities, and build strong relationships with faculty, students, and parents. She began her career as a middle school English and History teacher before moving into literacy coaching, where she collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum and instructional strategies.

As Associate Head of Middle School at Ensworth in Nashville, TN, Ellen focuses on fostering academic excellence, school culture, and student growth. She is dedicated to empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential through meaningful learning experiences, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

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Brett joined the SAIS team in July 2024, having most recently served as the chief executive officer at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta. During his tenure, the school experienced exponential growth in enrollment and gained a national reputation for innovation in education. Illustrating this, Mount Vernon’s upper school launched a school-within-a-school model, Innovation Diploma, whose students have served as consultants for Delta, Mercedes, AT&T, Porsche, and the National Center for Civil & Human Rights. In 2012, Brett started an R&D lab known as Mount Vernon Ventures, serving educational communities throughout the world. Over the past decade, Ventures has welcomed more than 1,000 teachers and administrators to education visitation days, workshops, and summer conferences. Recently, he founded Mount Vernon Online, an online high school, enrolling its first cohort of students in August 2022.

The transformational story at Mount Vernon was recognized in 2021 by NBOA, when Brett received the inaugural Jeffrey Shields Innovation in Operations Award. Additionally, he was highlighted by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the 2017 Most Admired CEOs in the education category. Prior to coming to Mount Vernon, he served as head of school at Second Baptist School in Houston, Texas, where he began his teaching career and deepened his expertise as division head, dean, and development director.

As founder of the Deans’ Roundtable, Bridget Johnson brings over two decades of strategic educational leadership to her New York-based consultancy. Her career reflects a passionate commitment to transformative change in academic institutions, with particular expertise in leadership development and strengthening student life programs. Johnson’s collaborative approach has established her as a trusted advisor to academic administrators nationwide, facilitating innovative solutions to complex educational challenges. Her work bridges theory and practice, empowering institutional leaders to create more responsive, inclusive learning environments. Through the Deans’ Roundtable, Johnson continues to champion progressive educational methodologies that prepare both administrators and students for success in an ever-evolving academic landscape.

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Rev. Palmer B. Kennedy is the head chaplain at Porter-Gaul School. He holds a BA from Auburn University and an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Nashotah House Theological Seminary.

John King is the founding director of the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics at Ransom Everglades School. In this capacity, he has developed a speakers series, a roundtable discussion series, advisory activities, and leadership programs around the concept of ethics. As part of this initiative, Ransom Everglades has partnered with Students Shoulder to Shoulder to expose students to models of ethical leadership around the world.

At Ransom Everglades, John is also the Director of the Dan Leslie Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities, and Associate Head of School. He was an original founder of TEDxCoconutGrove and now advises the student run TEDxRansomEvergladesSchool. John also serves as a chair for SAIS accreditation visiting teams. Based on a series of workshops they did last fall, with a colleague John is currently developing programming on civil discourse for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education.

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Jon Kleiman, M.A. is the school and district partnership manager for Challenge Success. Jon’s chief mission is helping organizations and individuals challenge the status quo. In this role, Jon has worked with dozens of schools over the past several years in reimagining how schools might better support the needs and growth of its students. Previously, Jon worked at a university helping students to engage in “vocational wayfinding.”

Dr. Michelle Klosterman is a dedicated educator who believes in the power of student-centered learning. As the assistant head of school at Forsyth Country Day School, she oversees a wide range of programs that support student growth, including curriculum development, faculty training, library services, college counseling, educational technology, and special education. With over 20 yeaJon Kleiman, M.A., is the School and District Partnership Manager for Challenge Success. Jon’s chief mission is helping organizations and individuals challenge the status quo. In his role as a School & District Partnership Manager with Challenge Success, Jon’s worked with dozens of schools over the past several years in reimagining how schools might better support the needs and growth of its students. Previously, Jon worked at a university helping students to engage in “vocational wayfinding.” Jon lives in Portland, Maine with his wife and three kids. Jon also hates writing bios.rs of experience, Dr. Klosterman has a proven ability to create engaging learning environments that inspire curiosity and foster critical thinking. Her strong academic background in curriculum, special education, and biomedical engineering allows her to bring innovative approaches to the classroom and empower students to reach their full potential.

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Nina Kumar is co-founder and chief executive officer of Authentic Connections, an organization aimed at maximizing well-being in school communities using a holistic approach and cutting-edge surveys. Prior to Authentic Connections, Nina was a product manager at IBM Watson Health.

She graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in computer science and psychology and a concentration with honors in cognitive science. Nina is a published author of several papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and articles for practicing educators. Nina uses her multi-domain background to help school leaders better understand how school climate informs community mental health.

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Caitlin Lopez Rogers is a graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama. She began her career in public librarianship with the Jefferson County Public Libraries before transitioning to school librarianship at The Altamont School, where she served for eight years in roles including librarian and archivist, standardized testing coordinator, independent study coordinator, and alumni relations coordinator. Now serving as the alumni and advancement services manager at Altamont, she manages alumni programs and oversees database systems, supporting development and engagement efforts through data-informed strategy and relationship building.

An active leader in the information literacy field, she has chaired the Youth Services and School Library Division of the Alabama Library Association and served on the Junior Board of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama. Caitlin is passionate about community connection and lifelong learning.

Rob MacDonald, co-founder of Trey Education, brings extensive expertise in innovation, schedule design, assessment, teaching & learning, and STEAM. Previously, he served as director of academics at NuVu and held various leadership roles at Beaver Country Day School, including director of the Research + Design Center and Math department chair. Rob holds degrees in Mathematics (Wesleyan University) and Creative Writing (Emerson College).

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Michael Magno serves as the associate head of school at Providence Day School. As a member of the school’s senior leadership team, Magno is charged with overseeing the TK through 12th-grade curriculum, encompassing all academic programs, policies, and practices.

Magno received his undergraduate degree from DePaul University, with a double major in Psychology and Biology and a minor in Communication. He holds a Masters Degree in Education from Montana State-Bozeman, specializing in Performance Assessments. Magno is also working on his Ed Doctorate from Vanderbilt University, with a focus on Learning, Leading, and Organizations.

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Nija Majmudar Meyer is the vice president for enrollment management at Woodward Academy, the largest independent school in the continental U.S., where she oversees admissions, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and institutional research.

In 2022, she was honored with the EMA Rising Star Award for her innovative work in enrollment management. Nija is also a member of the EMA board of trustees and has served as a presenter and panelist at numerous industry conferences and webinars.

Before joining Woodward Academy, Nija held strategic marketing and consulting roles with Fortune 500 companies. She graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from Emory University and earned a master’s degree from the Harvard Business School.

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Taylor Marlatt, CFRE is the director of annual giving at Christ Church Episcopal School, where she has led fundraising efforts for the past six years. With a background in fundraising and marketing for theater companies, she brings creativity and strategy to donor engagement and philanthropy. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Taylor is passionate about building strong annual giving programs that inspire community participation.

She is a proud graduate of Presbyterian College and thrives on connecting people with meaningful opportunities to support education. Whether launching innovative giving days, increasing faculty and parent participation, or stewarding major gifts, she believes fundraising is all about storytelling and relationships.

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Ed Martin, CFRE has more than 25 years experience in fundraising and leadership roles with independent schools and youth-serving non profits in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, Texas, and Mannheim, Germany. He currently serves as assistant head for institutional advancement at Brookstone, a pre-K through 12th grade independent school in Columbus, GA, serving 810 students. He works with a dynamic, mission-impact team overseeing enrollment, marketing/communications, fundraising, alumni relations, and strategic initiatives. He also serves as the school’s major gift officer, responsible for donor relations and gifts of $100K+. Ed holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential and is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, with a BS degree in Public Relations and Marketing.

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Dr. Yolanda J. McClure is an experienced educational leader specializing in professional learning and development. As the director of teaching and learning at Forsyth Country Day School, she leverages over 15 years of experience to empower educators through coaching, mentorship, and professional learning programs.

She holds a doctorate in education from Northeastern University, specializing in Teaching, Leadership, and Learning, as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In addition to her leadership and teaching roles, Dr. McClure’s strategic leadership has consistently driven improvements in instruction, student learning outcomes, and school culture. Through her work, she continues to advocate for professional learning that equips educators to meet dynamic student needs and foster long-term academic success. Her unwavering passion for professional growth and student success continues to inspire those she leads and works alongside.

Jennifer McGee brings over two decades of expertise to independent education, currently serving at a K-12 independent school. Her versatile teaching background spans multiple subjects across both lower and middle school divisions, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of developmental learning processes.

With a master’s degree in reading, Jennifer was initially a reading specialist before evolving into her current role. As a member of the leadership team, she combines academic support with instructional coaching responsibilities.

Jennifer’s student-centered approach includes managing the after-school Learning Lab, implementing data-driven academic support groups, observing teachers, conducting instructional coaching cycles, coordinating psychological educational evaluations, and facilitating extended time testing accommodations. She excels in creating targeted interventions that help students develop essential executive function skills necessary for academic success.

Jill McKenzie, CAE is the member services manager for SAIS. With more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jill brings a passion for helping members and connecting them with resources and tools to make their jobs easier.

Jill’s responsibilities encompass vital aspects of membership management, such as supporting new members, meticulously maintaining the SAIS database, promptly addressing inquiries, and ensuring the renewal of existing members. Her overarching goal is to guarantee that all members can fully access the extensive array of benefits offered by SAIS.

Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell is a seasoned educational leader and current head of school at Currey Ingram Academy, a nationally recognized K-12 independent school for students with learning differences. With over three decades of experience in Canadian and American independent schools, Dr. Mitchell has held senior leadership positions at St. George’s School, Park Tudor School, and Tuscaloosa Academy.

He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Special Education from the University of British Columbia and has taught at the university level in areas ranging from developmental psychology to educational assessment.

Under his leadership, Currey Ingram has seen transformative growth in enrollment, endowment, programming, and outreach. Dr. Mitchell has authored over 50 professional articles and speaks frequently on governance, learning differences, and school strategy. He served on the SAIS board and now serves on the TAIS board. He is widely respected for his vision, data-driven leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success.

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Dr. Michael Neel has spent the last 13 years working as a researcher, professor, and doctoral advisor at Vanderbilt University and the University of Maryland, working with organizational leaders on challenges of learning, development, and human flourishing. He currently teaches in Vanderbilt’s Independent School Leadership Master’s program and operates an independent coaching business that supports leaders across industries to flourish in life and work. Michael’s teaching, scholarly, and coaching interests focus on designing for learning and leadership development.

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Anne Parker is the director of enrollment at Brookstone School, where she leads the admissions process and plays a pivotal role in shaping the school’s student body. With a passion for education and a deep understanding of the Brookstone community, Anne is committed to ensuring that mission-appropriate students and families are stewarded during the admission process and transitioned into the Brookstone community with confidence and excitement.

Anne’s expertise in enrollment strategies, her dedication to fostering strong relationships with prospective families, and her commitment to maintaining Brookstone’s high standards make her an integral part of the school’s continued success. Her work ensures that each new generation of students at Brookstone receives the opportunity to thrive in an inspiring and supportive academic setting.

David Peden is the assistant head of school at the Galloway School in Atlanta, GA, a school community where learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged as students “find out who they are and become that person.” In this role, he oversees the implementation of the PreK-12 school’s current strategic plan and supports all aspects of school life, including arts, athletics, and the school’s Center for Teaching and Professional Growth.

The school’s partnership with Authentic Connections was initiated through the implementation of this strategic plan led by David. Through partnerships with external organizations, much of David’s work is centered in the school’s dedication to experiential learning and its Atlanta as a Classroom initiative. Prior to his current position at the Galloway School, David was the head of upper school at the Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, and the founding chair of Battle Ground Academy’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

Stewart Peery is an alum of Charlotte Country Day School and earned his BA at Middlebury College and M.Ed. at UNC Charlotte. He has been teaching at Country Day for 21 years and has been leading the International Baccalaureate Program for 13 years. In addition to IB Coordinator, Mr. Peery currently teaches Biology I and IB Biology HL.

As dean of faculty, Thad leads sourcing, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and on-boarding for 300+ Westminster faculty across three divisions, pre1st-12th grade. As part of Westminster’s leadership team, Thad works directly with division heads to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent and to help amazing teachers make a difference in the lives of students. Thad has been involved with independent schools for over 30 years, including Holland Hall in Tulsa, Harpeth Hall in Nashville, and The Westminster Schools in Atlanta.

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Brooke Peterson is the assistant head of school for teaching and learning at Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham, AL. In this role, she works closely with the teaching and learning team to promote a culture of trust, growth, and excellence in all areas of student learning.

Prior to working at Advent, Brooke served as the middle school head, iPad integration specialist, and English teacher at Tuscaloosa Academy. With more than two decades of experience as a middle and high school English teacher in independent schools in Alabama and Ohio, her work with young people in the classroom continues to guide her role as an administrator.

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Natalie Pitchford, director of strategic communications and marketing, began her teaching career in higher education. In the last decade, Natalie has enjoyed roles both at the Lovett School and the Galloway School in Atlanta, GA, most recently serving as director of fine arts before transitioning to her current role. She is the founder of the Fine Arts Leadership Consortium and was a 2023-2024 Leadership + Design fellow. Natalie holds a MM from Southern Illinois University and a BFA from Elon University.

Tricia is a Dallas native who built a winning career in sports and behind the admissions desk.

Tricia is a respected leader in innovative admissions practices through engaging parent groups, student groups, and the school community as a part of the admissions process. She also has immense experience in branding, marketing, and communicating effectively with prospective students and families to create a welcoming environment that engages and attracts mission-driven students.

Tricia understands the importance of communicating a clear message to prospective families that emphasizes a value proposition, as well as providing current students and parents the nurturing support they need to retain them at the school. Through years of implementing and creating strategic plans for the admissions office, she knows how to create obtainable, but lofty, goals and achieve them.

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Michelle Rosenthal is the school engagement coordinator for grades 7–12 at Woodward Academy, a role she began in fall 2022. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections between families, students, and the school community.

Before joining the staff, Michelle was a longtime volunteer leader at Woodward, serving in various parent board roles, including president. Her dedication and enthusiasm helped strengthen the parent-school partnership and foster a welcoming environment.

Michelle is also a proud parent of two Woodward graduates and has been a part of the Woodward community for 17 years. Her deep roots and broad experience give her unique insight into the needs of both students and families. In her role, she works to support engagement, communication, and community spirit for families throughout the Academy.

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With nearly two decades of experience in independent school and higher education settings, Jessica was named Lovett’s chief engagement officer in January of 2021. She previously served as director of college counseling at Lovett and as an undergraduate admission officer at the University of Georgia and Emory University. Jessica was named president of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) in 2018 and has also served on Dickinson College, Lynn University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Georgia’s Counselor Advisory Boards. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Georgia and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership through the Harvard Business School and Graduate School of Education. Jessica is the recipient of Lovett’s Surdyk Award, SACAC’s Rising Star Award, and NACAC’s Excellence in Government Relations Award.

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Graeme has almost 40 years of experience in education, with 25 of these working internationally in Hong Kong, Dubai, The Hague, and Bangkok. He is an experienced international school leader and educational consultant. Previously head of a UK state school, Graeme has also worked as principal at the International School of The Hague, in the Netherlands for seven years, followed by six years as Deputy Superintendent at the International School Bangkok. His most recent school-based role was as founding director of Fairgreen International School in Dubai. He is now executive chairperson of MARIO Education, an organization that supports schools in measuring and improving well-being and learning. He also serves as trustee of a multi-academy trust with 23 schools in southwest England and has a specific focus on safeguarding and governance.

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Warren Sepkowitz is currently the middle school head and interim assistant head of school at Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, NC. At these positions, and at previous administrative positions as head of school, assistant head of school, upper school head, and director of professional development, Warren has been part of faculty evaluations/assessments/feedback at multiple schools. Warren earned his undergraduate degree from UC-Santa Barbara and his graduate degree from Duke University.

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Dr. Sepúlveda is the director of community engagement and belonging at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, SC. With extensive experience as a teacher-trainer and educational consultant, he holds a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics, an M.Ed. in Bilingual Education and Diversity Studies, and a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Intercultural Competence.

As an instructional coach at Harvard’s Project Zero, Dr. Sepúlveda has facilitated learning for educators in over 25 countries and presented his work at national and international conferences. He is also a published author of book chapters and peer-reviewed articles.

In 2023, the American National Diversity Council awarded him the “National Latino Leader Award” for his leadership excellence. He serves as faculty for the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute and Student Diversity Leadership Conference, a mentor in AIELOC’s Aspiring Leaders of Color Program, and Chief Culture Officer at the Next World Learning Lab.

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As an independent school educator and academic leader for over two decades, Meera has mentored teachers, overseen the professional growth of faculty at the department and all-school level, run leadership teams, and shepherded curricular and programmatic change in schools. Meera founded Trey Education to help independent school leaders move their faculty and programs forward. As a consultant, she’s provided thought partnership and mentorship for academic leaders, facilitated leadership development programming for department chairs, coached teachers and developed teacher mentorship programs, led team retreats, partnered with regional associations, supported schools and leaders with program visioning and development, optimized schedules, conducted senior administrative searches, and more. In short, Meera provides strategic school leaders with added capacity, expertise, and third-party perspectives and facilitation. Meera partners with schools and leaders with the belief that change, growth, and empowerment are intertwined, and thus prioritizes authentic relationships, responsive design, and collaboration in her work.

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Kasey Short is the middle school director of studies and an eighth grade English teacher at Charlotte Country Day School. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a Bachelor of Arts in middle school education. She then went on to earn a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Winthrop University. She frequently shares ideas from her classroom and leadership role with educational blogs such as Edutopia and MiddleWeb.

Jason, the middle school associate principal at Atlanta International School, leverages his leadership role to champion student well-being and academic growth. As associate principal, he draws upon his Master’s in Special Education and prior experience as head of Grade 7 to foster a supportive learning environment. His deep understanding of the middle school experience is further informed by his background as a learning support teacher and work in adolescent substance abuse prevention. Jason is deeply committed to empowering students to reach their full potential and thrive.

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Meg Stewart is the director of annual giving and alumni relations at Brookstone School for the past 11 years. Meg plays a vital role in fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring the continued success of the school’s fundraising initiatives. With a deep commitment to supporting Brookstone’s mission, Meg works closely with the school’s leadership and community to strengthen engagement, promote philanthropic giving, and build lasting connections with alumni, parents, grandparents, and the entire Brookstone family. Her efforts help to sustain the school’s growth and enrich the student experience.

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Amber Stockham, SPHR holds a master of business administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources to her role at NBOA. Prior to joining NBOA in 2020, Amber’s career spanned a variety of industries, including social services, manufacturing, and construction. She found a passion for education when she served for six years as the director of human resources at Miss Hall’s School, an independent boarding/day school for girls in grades 9-12.

In her role as Senior Director, Human Resources Programs at NBOA, Amber designs and leads courses and workshops on topics ranging from difficult conversations and employee supervision to benefits administration, thus developing opportunities for sustainable benefits and strong faculty and staff support.

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Dr. Bre Stricklin is an accomplished educational leader who currently serves as both the middle school principal and director of curriculum and instruction at UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, AL. In her dual role, Dr. Stricklin leads with a commitment to academic excellence, overseeing curriculum development while fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment for both students and teachers.

She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she furthered her skills in educational leadership while focusing on adult learning theory and the positive impacts of instructional coaching. With a passion for innovation in teaching and learning, Dr. Stricklin works closely with faculty to implement effective instructional strategies that empower students and educators alike to reach their highest potential.

Louis Tullo, M.Ed., TLIS works at the intersection of technology and education, drawing on experience in both corporate and academic settings to help institutions better support learners. As chief information officer at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC, he leads initiatives that combine infrastructure improvements with educational innovation, using technology to promote equitable, student-centered growth.

As a member of the E.E. Ford Design Team for FolioCollaborative, Louis contributed to enhancements for myFolio—a platform supporting teacher reflection and professional growth. He regularly participates in the educational technology community as an ATLIS conference presenter, mentor for developing tech leaders, and contributor to Access Points, where he advocates for thoughtful edtech integration. His is also a member of ATLIS’ TLIS Certification Council, where he collaborates with peers on a credentialing program for independent school technology leaders.

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Claire Vaughn is the head of school at Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham, AL. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Claire blends strategic thinking with a grounded, relational leadership style. She is known for balancing institutional clarity with care for the people she leads, helping to build cultures of purpose, curiosity, and collaboration. With a background in advancement and enrollment, Claire brings a deep understanding of school communities and a steady focus on aligning daily work with long-term vision.

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Theresa M. Ward spent more than a dozen years in the financial technology space, in roles from sales to product innovation to strategic training. She founded Fiery Feather in 2017 and has become known as her clients’ chief momentum officer. Theresa facilitates workshops and champions initiatives that increase team effectiveness, with a focus on solid systems and interpersonal intelligence. With experience in myriad industries (including utilities, non-profit, media, hospitality, and healthcare), Theresa understands human behavior in every professional space and is passionate about creating conditions where anyone can learn, change, and grow.

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Connie White is a visionary educational leader who has served as the director of learning & innovation at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA, since 2015. A former upper school Physics, Chemistry, and Math teacher, Connie was among the first technology & learning directors to launch a 1:1 program in the southeast.

She specializes in innovation initiatives, STEAM education, strategic planning, curriculum design, assessment, brain-based strategies, and professional development. A nationally recognized speaker, Connie has conducted hundreds of workshops and seminars across the U.S. and internationally. She currently serves as president of AATE and sits on advisory boards for the Association for Academic Leaders, The Academic Forum, Toddle, and R.E.A.L. Connie’s work has earned her multiple honors, including the ISTE ISEN Outstanding Educator Award, the ATLIS Pillar Award, and EdTech Digest’s Top 100 Influencers. Most recently, she received ERB’s national Data Innovator Award.

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Scott, a 40-year leader in independent schools, joined ISM as a full-time consultant and executive coach in 2021. Before joining ISM, Scott served as president and head of school at Baylor School (Tennessee) from 2009 until his retirement from headship in 2021.

Prior to his appointment at Baylor in 2009, Scott enjoyed successful tenures as head of school at both Brookstone School (Georgia) and Valwood School (Georgia). Scott also served both Baylor and Hammond School (South Carolina) as a teacher, coach, and member of both schools’ leadership teams.

A leader in state and regional associations, Scott has served as a director for the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS), and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

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Dr. Yeager is interested in understanding the processes shaping adolescent development, especially how social cognitive factors interact with structural and physiological factors to create positive or negative trajectories for youth.  He is also interested in learning how to influence these psychological processes, so as to improve developmental and educational outcomes for youth.

Dr. Yeager is the co-PI of the National Study of Learning Mindsets, the Texas Mindset Initiative, and the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. His book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, provides a groundbreaking approach to leading the next generation.

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