PODCAST · education
Member Voices
by audio podcast by NAIS
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 [email protected].
Episodes
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An Update on NAIS Member Voices
In this final episode of NAIS Member Voices, we take a moment to reflect on the conversations, stories, and perspectives that have shaped the podcast over the past 10 years. From educators and leaders across independent schools, Member Voices has been about learning from one another and sharing...
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Leading Through Uncertainty with Tom Woelper, Cheshire Academy
Tom Woelper, Head of School at Cheshire Academy, shares how he approaches leadership as a balance of vision, accountability, and community energy—drawing on the three meanings of a conductor to guide a 230‑year‑old institution. He reflects on navigating financial pressures, fostering belonging in…
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Expanding Access Through Philanthropy with Christopher Kramaric, Church Farm School
Christopher Kramaric, Chief Advancement Officer at Church Farm School (PA), shares how his school advances its mission of providing a college preparatory education to all boys through innovative fundraising and community engagement. He discusses the school’s unique history as a working farm, the...
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Leading a School for Boys with Greg Schneider, Belmont Hill School (MA)
This month, guest host Link Nicoll speaks with Greg Schneider, head of Belmont Hill School (MA). Greg discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of running a school for boys – including the importance of mentorship, the nuances of masculinity, and insights on approaching character...
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The Conversation: AI in the Classroom
The Conversation: AI in the Classroom by audio podcast by NAIS
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Leading with Authenticity with Ryann Fapohunda
Ryann Fapohunda, Director of DEIB and Director of Specialists at Beauvoir, The National Cathedral Elementary School (DC), reflects on her journey from AmeriCorps literacy tutor to school leader and the values that guide her work. She discusses fostering belonging in early childhood education,...
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Technology Innovation in Independent Schools
This month we bring you another episode from our sister NAIS podcast, New View EDU. This episode from Season 8 features a conversation with NAIS President Debra Wilson and Jalaj Desai, Head of School at Saddle River Day School (NJ). Debra and Jalaj discuss how schools are responding to rapid...
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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 discusses creating spaces where students feel heard and...
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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 government. He discusses the creation of the Civic Leadership...
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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 digital world. From the constant stream of online images and...
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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. Patricia reflects on how her early experiences shaped her...
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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.org/membervoices.
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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 visiting nais.org/membervoices.
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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 can find some related NAIS resources from this episode by...
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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 professional journey. You can find some related NAIS resources...
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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 always the plan?” You can find some related NAIS…
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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 leaders can foster a culture where teachers feel seen,...
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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 to people-first leadership, clear communication, and...
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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 Your Path” philosophy, the design of their discovery period...
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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. She emphasizes the need for relationally based learning and...
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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 the leadership pipeline, the evolving landscape of hiring...
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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 shaping AI policies, and fosters a culture of experimentation...
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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 the parallels between her role as a school leader and her...
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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 to the needs of Generation Z employees, who prioritize...
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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 approaching staffing effectively. Sara also shares strategies for...
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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 emotional proudest moments in education. We also talk about how...
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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 of a graduate with a futurist lens. She also talks about...
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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 independent schools” prepared her for her current role and gives…
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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. We also discuss Will’s approach to leadership –…
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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 navigated a course around the general election in 2016,...
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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, and stopping to ask “is there an opportunity here?”. We…
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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 together for the last three months of the 2022–2023 school...
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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 conversation was published in the Fall 2023 issue of…
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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 shares examples for how to build community and how to…
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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 policies in their schools. Fran unpacks the effect of the...
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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, and how she prioritizes the mental health of her team by...
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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 are designed to protect competition. NAIS complies with...
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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.
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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 Institute. Tim, Christina, and Paul take on a deep...
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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 Quenell, board chair at Wakefield School (VA), discuss the…
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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 among her staff.
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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 each other, wellness techniques for teachers, and the...
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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 students in the real world.
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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.
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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 Blackwell for a conversation about equity, well-being, and…
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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,
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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 inclusion at Sonoma Academy (CA), and Rochelle Reodica, head…
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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 they worked together to confront crises at their school.
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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.
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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 with your school’s mission.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 [email protected].
HOSTED BY
audio podcast by NAIS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Member Voices have?
Member Voices currently has 121 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Member Voices 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...
How often does Member Voices release new episodes?
Member Voices publishes regularly with 121 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Member Voices?
You can listen to Member Voices on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Member Voices?
Member Voices is created and hosted by audio podcast by NAIS.
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