Member Voices

Todd Herauf, Head of School at The Galloway School (TX), reflects on his transition from public education to independent schools, the lessons he's carried forward, and the values that guide his leadership style. He shares how a commitment to people-first leadership, clear communication, and relationship-building has helped him strengthen school culture, engage with the board, and support his faculty. Todd also discusses the joys and challenges of leading a small school, his approach to governance and strategic change, and what inspires him most as a lifelong educator. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Rob Short, Head of School at Trinity Episcopal School (VA), discusses how his school integrates innovation, AI, and creativity across the curriculum while fostering student wellness and agency. Rob shares the story behind their “Discover Your Path” philosophy, the design of their discovery period and innovation challenges, and the importance of balancing new technologies with ethical thinking and human connection. He reflects on his own journey from microbiology to school leadership and offers insights into navigating complexity through strategic planning and student-centered design. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Liz Joyce, School Counselor at Nashoba Brooks School (MA), discusses the multifaceted challenges she faces in her role - particularly regarding student wellbeing - the impact of social media, and the importance of engaging with parents. She emphasizes the need for relationally based learning and community support among faculty and staff. Liz reflects on her professional journey, the lessons learned, and the evolving landscape of child development post-COVID, while also sharing her proudest moments in helping students and families navigate challenges. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Brenna Foley speaks with Sarah Odell, PhD, Dean of Faculty at San Francisco University High School (CA), to discuss her research on gender equity and women in leadership. Sarah shares insights from her work on the challenges women face in the leadership pipeline, the evolving landscape of hiring and retention in independent schools, and strategies for fostering inclusive school communities. She also reflects on her personal journey, the mentors who shaped her career, and the importance of balancing innovation with institutional values. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Jackie Wolking speaks with Ben Farrell, Interim Head of School at New England Innovation Academy (MA), to discuss the role of AI in education and innovation. Ben shares how his school embraces emerging technologies, engages students in shaping AI policies, and fosters a culture of experimentation and adaptation. He also reflects on his journey in education, the importance of mentorship, and how independent schools can prepare students for an AI-driven future. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Margaret Anne Rowe speaks with Connie Coker, Head of St. Anne's School (MD), to discuss her journey in education and leadership. Connie shares her experiences transitioning from public to independent schools, the influence of mentors, and the parallels between her role as a school leader and her background as a competitive soccer goalkeeper. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

Greg Martin, Dean of Faculty at Vermont Academy (VT) outlines a proactive year-round hiring approach focused on building relationships with potential candidates to enhance recruitment and retention. He highlights the importance of adapting to the needs of Generation Z employees, who prioritize work-life balance and community, while emphasizing faculty wellbeing to prevent burnout. Greg also stresses the importance of faculty wellbeing, noting the need for schools to be mindful of burnout and to create an environment where educators feel valued and supported. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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, 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,

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

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 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 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.

Mary Ellen tells us about how she developed Maryvale's leadership program, what it looks like today, and why her work with young women is so important.

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.

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.

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.”

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New View EDU episode one comes out on August 10.

New View EDU episode one comes out on August 10.

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.

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.