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Monday, June 22
 

10:00am EDT

Pre-Con: Lead With Your Strengths
Monday June 22, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Separate pre-registration required.Great schools don’t happen by accident.The single greatest driver of a school’s success is the effectiveness of its leadership.Today’s school leaders carry extraordinary responsibility: shaping culture, driving teacher performance, aligning teams, and delivering on mission, strategy, and outcomes. Yet the most impactful leaders don’t just work harder;...
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Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Maglio

Elizabeth Maglio

Director of Professional Learning, SAIS
Elizabeth joined the SAIS team in July 2021. She began her career in education in 2005 as a leadership program faculty advisor for middle school students at Envision EMI in Washington, D.C. She continued there as a program coordinator and professional development manager. In 2012... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Walden

1:00pm EDT

Registration & Snacks
Monday June 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Say hello, pick up your name badge, and grab a snack before we kick off! 

  • White Cheddar Popcorn | V
  • Ms. Vickie's Baked Potato Chips | V
  • Pretzels | V
  • Brownies | V
  • Blondies | V
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten


Monday June 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Midway

2:00pm EDT

Keynote | Leading Self: Learning Who You Are, Again & Again
Monday June 22, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
At the heart of great leadership is the ongoing practice of leading ourselves. The most influential leaders know that self-awareness isn’t something you master once. It’s a practice you return to throughout your life. Leading Self means continually rediscovering who you are, noticing how you’re changing, and paying attention to the inner patterns that quietly shape your leadership. In this...
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Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bostian

Michelle Bostian

Executive Coach, Principal Consultant, Bostian Coaching and Consulting
Michelle Bostian is a seasoned executive coach, leadership consultant, and developer of the Certified Thought Partner™ Coach Training program. With over 25 years of experience in coaching, change management, and organizational effectiveness, she brings a warm, experiential approach... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

3:00pm EDT

Beverage Break
Monday June 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Caffeine acquired. Legs stretched. Brain rebooted. See you in a breakout!


Monday June 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

Leading Self as a Developer of People
Monday June 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Strengthen your identity as a coach by examining your feedback tendencies, blind spots, and growth triggers. This session helps you build the self-awareness needed to develop others with clarity, confidence, and intention.
Speakers
avatar for Doreen Kelly

Doreen Kelly

Executive Coach, The Creds Group
Doreen Kelly is a Board-Certified Coach (BCC) with over 20 years’ experience as a nationally recognized educational leader as a head of school. Doreen is certified in the use of several 360°- feedback tools and personal assessments to help her clients. A dual degree graduate from... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Burnham

3:30pm EDT

Your Leadership Operating Rhythm
Monday June 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Identify the habits, workflows, and patterns that shape how you show up as a leader each day. You’ll create a simple personal rhythm that helps you focus, prioritize, and eliminate friction in your work.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Ebeling

Michael Ebeling

Head of School, Summit School
Michael has served as Summit School’s head of school since 2008. A career educator, he has taught and learned alongside students and colleagues from early childhood through graduate school and has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to division director to director of teaching... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Keynes

4:30pm EDT

Beverage Break
Monday June 22, 2026 4:30pm - 4:45pm EDT
Refuel, recharge, and reset!
Monday June 22, 2026 4:30pm - 4:45pm EDT

4:45pm EDT

Your Personal Response to Ambiguity
Monday June 22, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Explore how you react under pressure and uncertainty, and learn the internal skills required to stay grounded when challenges feel complex. Participants will build a personal clarity map to guide decision-making in uncertain moments.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bostian

Michelle Bostian

Executive Coach, Principal Consultant, Bostian Coaching and Consulting
Michelle Bostian is a seasoned executive coach, leadership consultant, and developer of the Certified Thought Partner™ Coach Training program. With over 25 years of experience in coaching, change management, and organizational effectiveness, she brings a warm, experiential approach... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Walden

4:45pm EDT

Building Team Clarity & Performance Rhythms
Monday June 22, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Discover how to establish role clarity, expectations, and meeting rhythms that make your team more effective. You’ll design a simple structure that improves execution and reduces day-to-day confusion.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Maglio

Elizabeth Maglio

Director of Professional Learning, SAIS
Elizabeth joined the SAIS team in July 2021. She began her career in education in 2005 as a leadership program faculty advisor for middle school students at Envision EMI in Washington, D.C. She continued there as a program coordinator and professional development manager. In 2012... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Keynes

5:30pm EDT

Reception | Beverages & Bites
Monday June 22, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Cap off our first day together with a beverage and some light bites in the Fountainview Room on the lobby level.Grilled Marinated Vegetables | Grilled Zucchini, Squash, Red Bell Peppers, Asparagus (Vg, AVG) | Pesto Dipping Sauce (V, AVG)International Cheese Board | Imported & Domestic Cheeses (V, AVG) | Gourmet Crackers & Breads (V)Little Italy Antipasto | Cappicola, Salami, Prosciutto,...
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Monday June 22, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Fountainview
 
Tuesday, June 23
 

8:00am EDT

Light Breakfast
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
A light conference breakfast will be available from 8-9 AM:Yogurt | V, AVGWhole Wheat English Muffin with Scrambled Cage-Free Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage, Provolone CheeseCoffee & SodaV vegetarian | AVG avoiding glutenOther breakfast options include:On-Site Restaurant: Fountainview (opens at 6:30 AM)On-Site Starbucks/University Cafe (opens at 6AM)Room Service (opens at 6AM)Famous Toastery (8-min...
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Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lakeshore 3-4

9:00am EDT

Keynote | Leading Team & Others: A Proactive Approach to Leading From the Middle
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Stepping into leadership often marks an exciting time for an individual in their career growth and development. For many, it plays a pivotal role in determining whether to pursue a career in senior leadership. Almost always, entry into leadership reflects that an individual has excelled in their previous role, which may or may not engage the skillsets needed in their new role. This is a crucial...
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Speakers
avatar for Nadia Johnson

Nadia Johnson

Founder, Small Axe Educational Consulting
Nadia Johnson draws on over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and organizational culture to help educational institutions and non-profits meet their strategic goals. Her work is grounded in the foundational beliefs that meaningful change happens at the systemic level... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

10:00am EDT

Beverage Break
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Stretch your legs, top off your cup, and get ready to be inspired!


Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

Leading Teams Through Change & Transition
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
This session provides tools for team sensemaking, adaptive leadership, and navigating resistance during transitions. Leaders will practice how to guide teams through uncertainty with clarity, empathy, and shared purpose.
Speakers
avatar for Brett Jacobsen

Brett Jacobsen

President, SAIS
Brett joined the SAIS team in July 2024, having most recently served as the chief executive officer at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta. Since joining SAIS, he has overseen the launch of the Governance Health Index; enhanced data and benchmarking, including monthly pulse surveys... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Walden

10:30am EDT

Coaching & Feedback That Accelerate Growth
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Learn practical frameworks for giving feedback that motivates rather than overwhelms and coaching techniques that build capacity in every conversation. Participants will leave with a repeatable approach they can apply immediately with their teams.
Speakers
avatar for Imana Sherrill

Imana Sherrill

Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School
Imana A. Sherrill is a mission-driven educational leader and executive coach with 30+ years in independent schools, specializing in strategic planning, instructional leadership, DEI, and leadership development. She serves as head of school at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Burnham

12:00pm EDT

Lunch Buffet | South of the Border
Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
ENTREESLemon-Lime Chicken Breast, Chimichurri, Griddled Onions | AVGPork Carnitas, Roasted Plantains, Pickled Red Onions | AVGSALAD BARRomaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onions, Relish, Black Beans, Cucumber, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | Vg, AVGCotija Cheese, Chipotle Ranch Dressing | V, AVGSIDESYellow Rice with Fresh Herbs, Peas, Tomatoes | Vg, AVGRoasted Squash & Peppers with Cilantro, Lime |...
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Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 3-4

1:00pm EDT

Panel Discussion | Leading Community
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Leadership doesn't happen in isolation: it lives in the relationships, conversations, and culture we build together. This panel brings together experienced school leaders to reflect on the intersection of people, change, and systems at the community level. Panelists will share candid insights on navigating complex challenges, sustaining culture, and leading with clarity and purpose. Come ready to...
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Speakers
avatar for Kristen Klein

Kristen Klein

Associate Head of School, Durham Academy
Kristen is a seasoned independent school administrator and progressive educator with more than 23 years of experience and expertise in innovation, curriculum, change management and coaching. She is currently the associate head of school at Durham Academy in Durham, NC. Her interests... Read More →
avatar for Todd Ballaban

Todd Ballaban

Head of School, Charlotte Preparatory School
Todd Ballaban is proud to serve as head of school at Charlotte Prep. Previously, he led the middle school at Charlotte Latin School for eight years, where he drove enrollment growth and spearheaded major school-wide initiatives. Before moving to Charlotte, he held leadership and teaching... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Keaney

Stephanie Keaney

Executive Director, North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
For almost 30 years, Stephanie Keaney has been involved in independent school education. Stephanie is a highly relational leader committed to empowering those around her. She has held various positions in her career, from classroom teacher to state-level leader. She is currently the... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Nagel

Lisa Nagel

Head of School, Duke School
Lisa Nagel is an accomplished educational leader with nearly three decades in independent school leadership, including 14 years as head of school. She currently serves as head of school at Duke School in Durham, NC. Her work centers on the human dimensions of leadership—connection... Read More →
avatar for Michael Magno

Michael Magno

Associate Head of School, Providence Day School
Michael Magno has served as associate head of school at Providence Day School since 2024 and was assistant head of school for academic affairs for five years prior. In this role, he has overseen key aspects of the school’s bold strategic plan, 2030 & Beyond, in addition to leading... Read More →
avatar for Imana Sherrill

Imana Sherrill

Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School
Imana A. Sherrill is a mission-driven educational leader and executive coach with 30+ years in independent schools, specializing in strategic planning, instructional leadership, DEI, and leadership development. She serves as head of school at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

2:00pm EDT

Break & Snacks
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Time for a little afternoon pick-me-up!

  • White Cheddar Popcorn | V
  • Ms. Vickie's Baked Potato Chips | V
  • Pretzels | V
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Communicating Change to Build Trust & Alignment
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
This workshop focuses on crafting clear, transparent communication that builds understanding during moments of change. Participants will develop a messaging plan that strengthens trust across faculty, families, and students.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Renken

Maggie Renken

Consultant, Independent School Management
Maggie joined ISM in 2025 with a background that bridges research, classroom practice, and institutional leadership. She most recently served as director of modern learning at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia, where she led academic innovation and STEAM programming across all... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Walden

2:30pm EDT

Cultivating a Culture of Growth & Belonging
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Discover how to build a school environment where feedback, reflection, and professional growth are embedded into everyday interactions. This session explores practical strategies for strengthening belonging and creating the psychological safety necessary for a community to thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Meghan Fulton

Meghan Fulton

Director of Administrative Operations, Durham Academy
Meghan Fulton joined Durham Academy in 2017 as an athletic trainer. She was named assistant athletic director in 2019 and was asked to lead Durham Academy’s schoolwide Wellness Committee in 2021. After displaying strong organizational leadership in a variety of roles at DA, Meghan... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Klein

Kristen Klein

Associate Head of School, Durham Academy
Kristen is a seasoned independent school administrator and progressive educator with more than 23 years of experience and expertise in innovation, curriculum, change management and coaching. She is currently the associate head of school at Durham Academy in Durham, NC. Her interests... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Burnham

3:30pm EDT

Break & Snacks
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm EDT
You've been working hard. Time for a sweet treat!

  • Cookies | V
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

Future-Back Thinking for Strategic Leadership
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Use foresight tools to anticipate trends, clarify long-range direction, and make bold decisions with confidence. Participants will use scenario planning to stress test strategic vision over the next 1–3 years.
Speakers
avatar for Ann Marsh Rutledge

Ann Marsh Rutledge

Director of Strategic Design & Innovation, SAIS
Ann Marsh joined the SAIS staff in 2025. She previously served as the executive director of Mount Vernon Ventures, where she led Educational Consulting and Research & Development. Over the course of her 15-plus years in education, she has taught and tutored students in grades PK through... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Walden

3:45pm EDT

Designing Community-Wide Rhythms & Routines
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Explore how well-designed systems create belonging, predictability, and collaboration at the schoolwide level. Leaders will map out community rhythms that support engagement and reduce friction across divisions.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Nagel

Lisa Nagel

Head of School, Duke School
Lisa Nagel is an accomplished educational leader with nearly three decades in independent school leadership, including 14 years as head of school. She currently serves as head of school at Duke School in Durham, NC. Her work centers on the human dimensions of leadership—connection... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Keynes
 
Wednesday, June 24
 

8:00am EDT

Light Breakfast
Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
A light conference breakfast will be available from 8-9 AM:Yogurt | V, AVGCroissant with Scrambled Cage-Free Eggs & Cheddar Cheese | VCider-Wood Smoked Bacon | AVGCoffee & SodaV vegetarian | AVG avoiding glutenOther breakfast options include:On-Site Restaurant: Fountainview (opens at 6:30 AM)On-Site Starbucks/University Cafe (opens at 6AM)Room Service (opens at 6AM)Famous Toastery (8-min walk,...
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Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lakeshore 3-4

9:00am EDT

Keynote | Leading Forward
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Over the course of the forum, participants have explored the work of leading self, guiding teams, and strengthening community. The closing keynote steps back to consider what comes next. By examining emerging signals across the education landscape and the transitions reshaping schools, this session explores the evolving skillsets leaders will need to navigate uncertainty, interpret change, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Brett Jacobsen

Brett Jacobsen

President, SAIS
Brett joined the SAIS team in July 2024, having most recently served as the chief executive officer at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta. Since joining SAIS, he has overseen the launch of the Governance Health Index; enhanced data and benchmarking, including monthly pulse surveys... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

10:00am EDT

Beverage Break
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Step away, breathe, and grab a refill — we'll be here when you're ready for more.


Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

Designing Talent Pipelines for the Future
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Plan for the future by identifying potential leaders, strengthening internal capacity, and aligning development to emerging school needs. This session helps you envision a sustainable approach to cultivating tomorrow’s talent.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Magno

Michael Magno

Associate Head of School, Providence Day School
Michael Magno has served as associate head of school at Providence Day School since 2024 and was assistant head of school for academic affairs for five years prior. In this role, he has overseen key aspects of the school’s bold strategic plan, 2030 & Beyond, in addition to leading... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Burnham

10:30am EDT

Executing Strategy Through Clear Tools & Dashboards
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Translate strategy into action with systems that track progress, align teams, and maintain momentum. You’ll create a 90-day execution map with metrics and milestones that bring your goals to life.
Speakers
avatar for Penny Abrahams

Penny Abrahams

Founder & Principal, Penny Abrahams Consulting
Penny Abrahams, founder & principal of Penny Abrahams Consulting, is a consultant specializing in constituent engagement for private and independent schools. She brings more than two decades of experience as a school administrator and consultant in marketing, communications, enrollment... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Keynes

12:00pm EDT

Adjourn
Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:00pm - 12:00pm EDT
As we go our separate ways, carry with you not just the resources and ideas shared, but the relationships you've built over the past few days. They are part of the foundation of the work ahead. Stay connected, lean on one another, and know that this community is here with you every step of the way.
Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:00pm - 12:00pm EDT
 
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