Meet the SAIS Team

You do it all. We’re here so you don’t have to do it alone. We are your school’s support system, partnering in the moment and preparing for the future.

Our approach? Think of it as warm hugs & crispy bacon.

So who can you call on for the help you need? Meet the SAIS staff and let us know how we can be of service.

Joanne Andruscavage
Director of Special Accreditation Projects
joanne@sais.org
Joanne joined the SAIS staff as director of accreditation in 2014 and transitioned to the director of special accreditation projects in 2023. She assists schools through both the membership and accreditation processes. Joanne has served as a teacher, administrator, and head of school, and she was the accreditation coordinator for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. She holds a B.S. in education, an M.Ed. in educational leadership, and a certificate in nonprofit management.

Sheri Burkeen
Director of Resources
sheri@sais.org
Sheri joined the SAIS staff as the director of professional development in 2017 and became the director of resources in 2021. She develops content and resources for the SAIS website, social media channels, monthly publications, and manages survey development and reports. Sheri holds a B.S. in education and an M.A. in educational psychology. She has served schools for more than 20 years as a teacher, technology coordinator, and curriculum development coordinator.

Pat Cuneo
Director of Accreditation
pat@sais.org
Pat joined the SAIS staff in 2023. He manages the accreditation process from the request for participation, school and team training, through the final report. Pat previously served as the director of academic affairs at Athens Academy in Athens, GA. Prior to that he served as English department chair, teacher, and coach at The Steward School in Richmond, VA. Pat holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Virginia.

Clay Gibney
Director of Technology
clay@sais.org
Clay joined the SAIS staff in 2019. He manages all association technology including the SAIS website, career center, accreditation portal, Head of School Database (HSDB), and the association management software. Clay brings over three decades of hands-on technology support experience, including nine years as the IT director at an international association.

Elizabeth Maglio
Director of Professional Learning
elizabeth@sais.org
Elizabeth joined the SAIS team in 2021. She oversees all professional learning program content and speakers including webinars, virtual roundtables, institutes, and conferences. Elizabeth has served as a leadership program faculty advisor for middle school students, an upper school learning specialist, head of lower school, and assistant head of school. She holds a B.A. in communications and an M.S. in education.

Jill McKenzie
Member Service Manager
jill@sais.org
Jill joined the SAIS staff in 2023. She maintains the SAIS member database, manages member retention and engagement, develops membership reports, and manages listserv subscriptions. Jill holds a B.A. in English and is a Certified Association Executive bringing more than 20 years of experience in association management.

Abby Schultz
Director of Events
abby@sais.org
Abby joined the SAIS team in 2019. Abby plans and manages all event logistics from registration through onsite management. Before joining SAIS, she worked for Marriott International as both a banquet and restaurant manager. Abby holds a B.A. in English and translation studies, an M.S. in hospitality business management, and is a Certified Meeting Professional.

Lori Spear
Acting President
lori@sais.org
Lori joined the SAIS staff 2003 and has served as the executive vice president for 20 years. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization and oversees all association operations including membership, events, communications, and board relations. Lori is currently serving as the acting president during the search for the next SAIS president. Before joining SAIS, she worked at two other membership associations. She holds a B.A. in public relations and is a Certified Association Executive.

Anna Taylor
Director of Marketing
anna@sais.org
Anna joined the SAIS staff in 2014. Anna handles all exhibitor and sponsor relations, event marketing, and SAIS publications. Before joining SAIS, she worked as an intern, administrative assistant, and substitute teacher at The Suzuki School. She holds a B.A. in sociology.

Carole Weems
Accreditation and Survey Manager
carole@sais.org
Carole joined the SAIS staff in 2015. She handles scheduling for accreditation visits, governance workshops, and SAIS surveys. Carole previously worked at McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, as executive assistant to the head of school as well as administrative assistant to the vice president for planning and board relations. She holds a B.S. in education.

Additional contact information can be found on out staff contact page.