Member Voices
Education & Explainer
About
NAIS Member Voices focuses on the hard-working individuals that make up the independent school community. Each episode will feature a discussion with a different staff member at an NAIS member school about his or her role, challenges, successes, inspiration sources, and more. For more information about NAIS or any of the resources discussed, visit www.nais.org or contact us at membership@nais.org.
Episodes
- Expanding Access Through Philanthropy with Christopher Kramaric, Church Farm School
Christopher Kramaric of Church Farm School explains how innovative fundraising and community engagement advance the school's mission. He covers the school's history, advancement strategy, partnership building, and preparing students for a…
- Leading a School for Boys with Greg Schneider, Belmont Hill School (MA)
Greg Schneider, head of Belmont Hill School, joins host Link Nicoll to discuss the challenges and opportunities of educating boys, focusing on mentorship, masculinity, character development, mental health, faculty recruitment, and school g…
- The Conversation: AI in the Classroom
This episode of Member Voices, titled 'The Conversation: AI in the Classroom,' explores the topic of artificial intelligence within educational settings.
- Leading with Authenticity with Ryann Fapohunda
Ryann Fapohunda, Director of DEIB and Director of Specialists at Beauvoir School, shares her path from literacy tutor to school leader. She discusses fostering belonging, inclusive leadership, and authentic practices in early childhood edu…
- Technology Innovation in Independent Schools
Jalaj Desai, Head of School at Saddle River Day School, discusses with NAIS President Debra Wilson how schools are adapting to rapid technological change and integrating AI across educational aspects to foster innovation.
- Amplifying Student Voices with Jessica Bremmer, Westridge School
Jessica Bremmer, English department chair and upper school English teacher at Westridge School (CA), shares how her background in English and passion for storytelling shape her leadership and commitment to amplifying student voices. She di…
- Practicing Civic Engagement with Spencer Burrows, Pacific Ridge School
Spencer Burrows, Equity and Civic Engagement Coordinator at Pacific Ridge School (CA), shares how he’s making civics real for students through hands-on experiences like internships, advocacy trips, and direct engagement with local governme…
- The Conversation: Helping Students Manage Their Online Worlds
Michelle Hirschy, director of wellness, and Lucas Jacob, director of writing, communication, and media literacy at La Jolla Country Day School (CA), explore the challenges and opportunities of guiding students through today’s complex digit…
- Connecting Through Curiosity with Patricia Sasser, Former Assistant Head of School, Saint Mary’s School
Patricia Sasser, former Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at Saint Mary’s School (NC), shares her journey from a globally nomadic childhood to a career in television at ESPN, and ultimately to leadership in independent schools.…
- What is your proudest moment?
In our last compilation episode, school leaders share their proudest moments. This episode is the final part of a series celebrating 100 episodes of Member Voices. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais…
- What's your biggest challenge? Source of inspiration?
As we continue to celebrate 100 episodes of Member Voices, we hear from school leaders about the biggest challenges they've faced, and where they turn to for inspiration. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiti…
- What are you reading right now?
We are celebrating 100 episodes of Member Voices with compilations of responses to key questions from all our past seasons. In this episode, school leaders share what they've read that they feel has helped prepare them for this moment. You…
- Best pieces of advice that you've received?
To celebrate 100 episodes of Member Voices, we are releasing 5 “bitesize” episodes compiling responses to key questions from all our past seasons. In this episode, past guests share the top pieces of advice they're received on their profes…
- Was this always the plan?
To celebrate 100 episodes of Member Voices, we are releasing 5 “bitesize” episodes compiling responses to key questions from all our past seasons. In this episode, past guests discuss their career journey and answer the question, “Was this…
- The Conversation: Cultivating a Culture of Mattering
In this episode, two longtime thought partners—Jennifer Wallace, author of "Never Enough," and Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey, new head at Charlotte Country Day School—discuss what it means for educators to truly matter. They explore how school…
- Leading with Relationships with Todd Herauf, Head of School, The Galloway School
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…
- Innovating with Intention with Rob Short, Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School
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 Y…
- Building Relationships with Liz Joyce, School Counselor, Nashoba Brooks School
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. Sh…
- Advancing Gender Equity in School Leadership with Sarah Odell, San Francisco University High School
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…
- Embracing AI in Education with Ben Farrell, New England Innovation Academy
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 sha…
- Learning as a Leader with Connie Coker, St. Anne's School of Annapolis
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…
- Rethinking Retention and Recruitment with Greg Martin, Vermont Academy
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…
- Supercharging a Summer Camp with Sara Stern, Stanley British Primary School
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 approac…
- Approaching Teacher Well-being with Erik Wormwood, Advent School
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 emoti…
- Equipping Students in the Age of AI with Autumn Adkins-Graves, St. Anne's-Belfield School
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…
- Transitioning to Headship with Maria Croley Madden, St. Martin's Episcopal School
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 independe…
- Limiting Employee Turnover with Will Crissman, Tenacre Country Day School
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…
- Facilitating Classroom Conversations Around the Election
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…
- Achieving Inclusivity in Polarizing Times
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,…
- The Conversation: Navigating a Head Transition
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 to…
- The Conversation: Coping With Tragedy
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 conve…
- Working Through Anxiety with Jennifer Dirga, The Chestnut Hill School
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…
- Combating Teacher Attrition with Fran Bisselle, Hathaway Brown School
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 pol…
- Recruiting and Retaining Top Teachers with Denise Spirou, The Greene School
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, a…
- Restructuring Tuition with Aliya Pitts, The Prairie School
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…
- Resetting Tuition with Nancy Lang, New School
Nancy Lang, head of school at the New School (AR) shares how she addressed an erosion of trust in her market, adjusted to thinking about tuition strategically long term, and made sure everyone was on the same page throughout the process.
- AI and the Future of Education
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…
- The Conversation: A Shared Leadership Model
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 Quene…
- Supporting Staff and Board Members with Melinda Bihn
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…
- Stacey Roshan & Jenna Borrelli, Bullis School
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 ea…
- Matt Gerber, Chief Innovation Officer, Western Reserve Academy
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 studen…
- Seth Hanford, Head of School, Elgin Academy
Seth Hanford, head of school at Elgin Academy (IL), discusses the importance of connection, community values, and spending time with students during challenging times.
- How Equity and Well-Being Work Together in Our Schools
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 Bla…
- Kori Rimany, English Teacher, The Frederick Gunn School
Kori Rimany, an english teacher at The Frederick Gunn School (CT), shares her impressions of faculty health and well-being today, including how to continue moving forward and what it looks like to teach when you're not okay,
- The Conversation: The Power of Affinity Spaces for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asians
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 inc…
- Briel Schmitz, Head of School, and Alexa Carver, Former Board Chair, Spruce Street School
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…
- Mark McKee, Head of School, Viewpoint 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.
- Taryn Upchurch, Director of Outreach, Tru School
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 wi…
- Gary Krahn, Head of School, La Jolla Country Day School
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 think…
- Joe Powers, Head of School, The Woods Academy
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.