Lori CohenConsultant, Lori Cohen Consulting
Lori has worked in education (both public and independent schools) for over 25 years, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, school leader, professional development facilitator, and published author whose expertise spans a range of topics: coaching and leadership development, teacher development, school transformation, growth and evaluation, professional development design and facilitation.
Lori is a contributing author of The Art of Coaching Workbook (2020), co-author of The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development (2022), and co-author (with Elizabeth Denevi) of Integrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Practices for Leaders (2025). She is currently working on a book on lesson planning, due out in 2026.
Lori designs and facilitates with a balance of humility, humor, and heart. Lori currently works as an educational consultant.
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Stephanie Malia KraussAuthor, Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn & Thrive
Stephanie Malia Krauss is a social worker, educator, and author who focuses on helping young people and their families thrive now and in the future. She is the founder of First Quarter Strategies and the author of Whole Child, Whole Life, Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World, and the forthcoming Wired to Thrive:16 Essentials to Help Kids Navigate Stress, Mental Health, and Tough Times.
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Peyten WilliamsFounder, CEO, Consultant, Bowbend Consulting
Peyten Williams is the founder of Bowbend Consulting, a company dedicated to inspiring and equipping parents and communities to raise thriving children of character. Peyten offers parent coaching, workshops for parents and schools, consulting for schools, and professional development for teachers.
Peyten’s career as an educator spans 16 years. Along with her role as middle and high school English teacher, she served until 2022 as the director of teaching and learning at Westminster in Atlanta, leading professional development and coaching teachers. An award-winning educator, Peyten has a passion for fostering character development and building community.
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David AyersDean of Student Life, The Mount Vernon School
David Ayers is a dedicated, experienced, and trusted educator with a passion for shaping young minds and fostering holistic growth. With extensive experience spanning middle and lower grades, he has honed his skills as both a teacher and administrator. As the dean of student life in an innovative independent school, David is committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Barbara BeachleyInterim Head of School, Charleston Day School
Barbara recently transitioned into the role of interim head after 13 years as a consultant for Independent School Management. In her previous role, she specialized in faculty culture, professional growth and development, constituent survey research, brain-based pedagogy, governance, strategic academic planning, and leadership coaching. She also co-authored Comprehensive Faculty Development: A Guide to Attract, Retain, Develop, Reward, and Inspire. Previously, she served as a French and Spanish teacher, advisor, coach, and administrator in independent schools. Barbara’s personal-professional mission is to ensure that all beings feel seen, heard, and valued.
Sam BorkovicDirector of Student Athlete Well-Being, Ravenscroft
Samantha (Sam) Borkovic (she/her) is the director of student athlete well-being at Ravenscroft in Raleigh, NC. She oversees the mental and emotional health of over 800 student athletes in grades 7-12 at the school. She partners with local clinicians, families, coaches, and school administrators to support student wellness.
She earned a Masters of Education in Professional School Counseling from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a National Board Certified Counselor. Outside of school, Borkovic serves as the board president for Harry E. Sheldon Calvary Camp in Conneaut, OH, a year round retreat center and summer camp. Borkovic is a former D-III women’s soccer player, avid runner, coach, and outdoor enthusiast. She believes athletics is a critical mechanism for leadership development.
Melissa BrownDirector of Professional Development and Intercultural Programs, The Global Education Benchmark Group
Melissa is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience teaching and leading in public and independent schools. A former National Board Certified K-12 world language teacher, she brings deep expertise in intercultural competence, curriculum design, faculty development, and global education.
Now at the Global Education Benchmark Group, a leading organization supporting schools in global education, Melissa directs professional development and intercultural programming, fostering meaningful cross-cultural engagement among students and educators worldwide. She collaborates with schools to develop global education initiatives, assess program effectiveness, and implement risk management strategies.
Previously, she led diversity, well-being, and global education initiatives at a top independent school, designing innovative 3-12 programs and embedding inclusive practices in faculty hiring and training.
Melissa has served on the boards of GEBG and the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools and presents internationally on experiential learning, faculty leadership, and intercultural education.
Marianne ClareHead of Middle School, Charleston Day School
Marianne Clare is the head of middle school at Charleston Day School, where she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. Prior to her current role, Marianne served as head of the intermediate school and curriculum coordinator, where she honed her skills in shaping dynamic, innovative learning environments.
Throughout her career, Marianne has been dedicated to fostering both student and teacher success, with a particular passion for supporting professional growth. She is an advocate for empowering teachers, whether they are new to the field or seasoned veterans, by providing guidance, resources, and opportunities for development. Marianne’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that both educators and students thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect and creativity. With her extensive background and enthusiasm for education, she continues to inspire a positive, forward-thinking culture at Charleston Day School.
Lori Cohen Consultant, Lori Cohen Consulting
Anna ConnUpper School Director, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
Over the past 22 years at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, Anna Maria Conn has done everything from teaching mathematics in the upper school to serving as academic dean to coaching cross country and is now the upper school director. Out of all of the various jobs and duties, the one that Anna found most rewarding was developing an advisory curriculum for grades 9-12 with a focus on student wellness.
Dr. Randi D. DaysSchool Counselor, University School of Nashville
Dr. Randi D. Days is a passionate leader in education with over 17 years of experience. Dedicated to fostering student success and promoting equity, Randi is known for her ability to build supportive school cultures and address barriers to learning through trauma-informed practices.
She has held pivotal roles, including middle school counselor at the University School of Nashville, district lead trauma-informed specialist for Metro Nashville Public Schools, and lead counselor for the Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Region. In these positions, she spearheaded initiatives to support social and emotional wellness for students and families.
Randi’s work centers around helping children develop self-regulation and emotional management skills through tools like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and movement. She thrives on connecting with students and families, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to promote their overall well-being and success.
Dr. Jason ErbPrincipal, Wesleyan School
Dr. Jason Erb has led teams in strategic planning, organizational health, change management, and principles of leadership. Dr. Erb is the lower school principal at Wesleyan School just outside of Atlanta, GA. He is also the founder and CEO of Aspiring Christian Leaders, an organization dedicated to encouraging and equipping Christian leaders.
A teacher at heart, Dr. Erb achieved National Board Certification in English Language Arts and received his doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia. He is a life-long learner who has devoted his professional life to creating opportunities and hope for students of all abilities.
Andrew ForresterAssociate Head of School, The Bolles School
With over twenty years of experience in independent schools in Florida, Andrew has recently joined the Bolles School as associate head of school. Bringing experience as a teacher, advisor, theater/music director, residential life team member, as well as departmental and multi divisional leadership, Andrew is excited to share his experiences in developing meaningful connections with students through a robust advisory program.
Andrew’s current area of research with the University of South Florida is exploring what sets an independent school apart when recruiting and retaining faculty, as well as how school leaders build a culture of trust, collaboration and mutual support based on the needs of the students in their care. Andrew continues to support aspiring school leaders and welcomes the opportunity to connect across the SAIS community.
Leah HannonHead of Middle School, The Mount Vernon School
Leah is the head of middle school at Mount Vernon School, which has 1,230+ students and 200+ faculty. Students and teachers dive deep into design-thinking, maker, design, and engineering, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and competency-based education. Mount Vernon middle school incorporates the school’s mission of inquiry, innovation, and impact by instilling student agency and student voice and fostering a culture of human-centered thinking.
Leah holds a master’s degree in educational studies from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in music education from the University of Georgia. Beyond school, she extended her leadership influence as co-founder of the Low Country Student Diversity Conference, board chair for the Susie King Taylor Community School (K-8 charter school), and accreditation team member and New Teacher Faculty for SAIS. In 2023, she was named one of Atlanta’s 40 Under 40 Inspiring Innovators.
Amy HarritonHigh School Assistant Principal, Fellowship Christian School
Ms. Harriton has 23 years of experience in independent schools, where her work has included developing innovative programming, cross-curricular alignment, vertical sequencing, policy and process improvement, and, recently, leading school AI readiness and positioning, resulting in an open-armed yet well-informed approach to AI use in the classroom.
Stephanie Malia Krauss Founder + Principal, First Quarter Strategies
Kristen OrsiniHead of Middle School, St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School
Kristen Orsini is the head of middle school at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School in Tampa. Prior to moving to Florida in 2021, she was a teacher and administrator at Westminster in Atlanta for 25 years. In addition to teaching French and Spanish, she served as PLC facilitator, curriculum coordinator, and director of summer school.
Meera ShahExecutive Director, Trey Education
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.
Dr. Bryan SmythDirector of Research and Senior Consultant, ISM
Bryan joined ISM in 2013 following 13 years in independent school administration. His central purpose is to help students flourish. He believes the enhancement of school environments and cultures is the best way to facilitate growth in children and adults.
Bryan has consulted over 100 schools primarily in the areas of scheduling and strategic planning. He is also the director of research and guides ISM’s survey instrument development.
Bryan came to ISM from Mount Pisgah in Georgia, where he served as the vice president, head of the upper school, guidance and college advisement director, varsity head coach, and teacher over the course of his tenure.
Bryan holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Marquette University in Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. He also earned an MBA from Reinhardt University in Georgia.
Kendra VarnellAssociate Head of School for Student Affairs, Ravenscroft
Kendra Varnell is the associate head of school for student affairs at Ravenscroft and is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience working in educational and clinical settings.
Kendra graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, completing her doctoral internship at Duke University. Kendra joined Ravenscroft in the fall of 2017 and has previously served schools as middle school counselor, upper school counselor, department chair, and co-director of clinical services.
Latricia WatkinsHigh School Counselor, University School of Nashville
Latricia Watkins is the high school counselor at University School of Nashville (USN), with nine years of experience as a K-12 licensed professional school counselor.
In addition to her role at USN, she serves as a university supervisor for the Counselor Education graduate program at Lipscomb University and is a member of the Counselor Education Advisory Board at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education (K-12) and a Master of Education in School Counseling.
Watkins is deeply involved in the USN community, serving as the faculty advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and co-advisor for the Peer Educators and Assistants. Passionate about incorporating social-emotional learning into school-wide initiatives, Watkins believes this approach is essential for fostering academic success. Her counseling style is student-centered and solution-focused, always prioritizing the unique needs of students and families.
Peyten Williams Founder, CEO, Consultant, Bowbend Consulting
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