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 digital world. From the constant stream of online images and videos of war and terrorism to the rapid rise of AI tools and political extremism on social media, Hirschy and Jacob reflect on how their evolving roles intersect to support student well-being and media literacy. In this candid exchange, they share how schools can help students develop the skills and mindsets needed to engage with digital content critically, compassionately, and responsibly—while also supporting each other as sounding boards and collaborators in a rapidly shifting educational landscape.
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. Patricia reflects on how her early experiences shaped her curiosity, empathy, and people-first approach to leadership. She discusses the transition from journalism to education, the power of storytelling in fundraising, and her commitment to faculty well-being and retention. Patricia also explores the nuances of working in boarding versus day schools, single-sex versus coeducational environments, and the importance of mentoring and human-centered leadership. Now on sabbatical, she opens up about prioritizing family, pursuing creative passions, and continuing her doctoral work—all while staying deeply connected to the mission of supporting students and educators. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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.org/membervoices.
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 visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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 can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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 professional journey. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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 always the plan?” You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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 leaders can foster a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and valued—and why that sense of mattering is foundational not only to teacher resilience, but to student success and thriving school communities. You can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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.