BIO:
 

Dr David Willows is Co-founder and Strategic Director of [YELLOW CAR]. A globally recognised thought leader, author, and speaker, today he helps educational institutions around the world design and measure the experience of school.

CONTACT:

david@yellowcar.io

yellowcar.io

BIO:
 

Andrea Gribble is on a mission to make every school’s story shine. As founder of #SocialSchool4EDU, she helps schools and districts celebrate students and staff while connecting with their communities through social media. She’s the author of Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas for Celebrating Your Students & Staff – While Keeping Your Sanity and host of the weekly podcast Mastering Social Media for Schools.

CONTACT:

andrea@socialschool4edu.com

www.socialschool4edu.com

linkedin.com/in/andreagribble

BIO:
 

Brendan Schneider spent 28 years working inside K-12 independent schools in enrollment, advancement, and marketing before founding SchneiderB Media, a digital marketing agency that helps independent and private schools grow enrollment. He's the author of School Marketing The Right Way and the creator of The MarCom Society and SchoolMarketingCRM. Brendan speaks nationally on AI in school marketing, inbound enrollment, SEO, and digital advertising, and has presented at EMA, NAIS, AISAP, FCIS, TAIS, and Enroll26.

CONTACT:

brendan@schneiderb.com

www.schneiderb.com

www.linkedin.com/in/brendanschneider

BIO:

Lisa Leidy is an agency principal at Square Spot Design—a creative agency focused on working solely with clients in the non-profit sector—where she has been developing creative strategies for non-profits since 2003. Her expertise is in helping mission-driven organizations find their authentic voice as a foundation for impactful communications. Prior to Square Spot, she was a graphic designer at Danilo Black in San Francisco and was instrumental in the redesign of several large publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle. Most recently, Lisa was a presenter at the 2023 CASE-NAIS Conference in NYC, and the 2023 EMA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. She serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Small Boarding School Association. Lisa’s open and informative nature provides clients with the guidance they need to make informed decisions regarding brand strategy and design.

CONTACT:

lisa@squarespotstudio.com

www.squarespotdesign.com

www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-leidy

BIO:

Andrew Esparza is Founder of Kingdom Analytics, helping schools use data, audience intelligence, and AI to strengthen enrollment and advancement. A nationally recognized speaker, he is a Top 100 Marketing and Advertising leader and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

CONTACT:

Andrew@kingdomanalytics.com

Kingdomanalytics.com

www.linkedin.com/in/esparzaace

BIO:

Dr. Andrew Weller is Dean of Admissions at Birch Wathen Lenox School in NYC and Chair of the Admission Directors Institute. A veteran enrollment leader, he has held senior roles at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, Avenues, Ridley College, and CHA.

CONTACT:

andrew.weller@gbwl.org

www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtweller

BIO:

Founded in 2010, Tara’s agency, Design TLC, specializes in WordPress websites and digital marketing for small schools and education-focused nonprofits. Tara combines her marketing and technical experience with the perspective of a parent whose children attended both public and private schools, and participated in various camps and enrichment programs.

When Tara isn’t in front of a computer screen, she can be found volunteering for a nonprofit, running and biking with friends, watching movies with her husband and pets, or visiting her now-grown children.

CONTACT:

tara@designtlc.com

designtlc.com

www.linkedin.com/in/taraclaeys

BIO:

Alex joined EMG in 2025 with more than six years of experience as an independent school admission professional. Prior to that, she honed her skills in client services at a recruitment marketing startup and gained valuable expertise in digital advertising while working for a major consumer brand. As an Account Manager, Alex is passionate about helping schools succeed and dedicated to delivering impactful, results-driven digital marketing strategies.

CONTACT:

alexandra@enrollmediagroup.com

www.enrollmediagroup.com/about

www.linkedin.com/in/alexandracpratt

BIO:
 

Mike Marich is the founder of Mindset Curated Advisory Services, where he partners with school leaders, athletic directors, and coaches to develop people, strengthen relationships, and build the systems and cultures that allow athletic programs to thrive.

Mike began his career in human resources with Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Deloitte before transitioning into education, coaching, and school leadership. At The Frederick Gunn School, he served as Head Boys’ Lacrosse Coach and Athletic Director & Dean of Co-Curricular Programming, building programs, developing coaches, and connecting athletics to the broader mission of the school.

Mike has also served on the NEPSAC Executive Board, as District IV President, and as Commissioner of the New England Eight-Player Football League.

Today, through Mindset Curated, Mike works with schools to think strategically about athletics and its broader role within the institution. He is also the co-host of Sideline Ascent, a podcast exploring coaching, leadership, culture, and the evolving landscape of athletics.

CONTACT:

mike@mindsetcurated.com

www.mindsetcurated.com/thefullroster

www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marich

BIO:

Will Bladt is the founder of ElevatED Leadership Coaching, where he partners with independent school leaders to help them grow, lead with clarity, and succeed on their own terms.
 

Over more than 30 years in independent schools, Will has served as an athletics coach, science teacher, lower and middle school director, enrollment management director, athletic director, development director, and associate head of school. This breadth of experience has shaped his belief in the power of strong, supported leadership and its impact on an entire school community.

Through ElevatED Leadership Coaching, Will focuses on developing the leaders who drive the daily life of schools, including athletics administrators and staff, division directors, assistant heads, deans, and department chairs. His approach is grounded in collaboration, candor, and practical tools that help leaders move forward.

Outside of his professional work, Will enjoys snowboarding, camping, biking, and spending time with his family, including supporting his daughters in ballet and soccer.

CONTACT:

will@elevatedleadership.us

elevatedleadership.us

www.linkedin.com/in/will-bladt

BIO:

Joe Monzo is the owner and creative director of Monzo Media Productions, a video production and strategy company dedicated to helping independent schools elevate their marketing and enrollment efforts. A graduate of a small independent school himself, Joe brings a unique insider perspective that allows him to understand both the culture and challenges schools face. Over the years, he has partnered with schools across the country to craft authentic, story-driven videos that don’t just inform—but connect deeply with their audiences and inspire action.

CONTACT:

joe@monzomediapro.com

monzomediaproductions.com

www.linkedin.com/in/monzojoe

BIO:
 

Emily Cretella is a School Story Architect & Strategist with 20+ years of experience helping independent schools and education organizations tell powerful stories that attract dream families, increase inquiries and enrollment, strengthen communities, and grow school influence.

As the founder of CursiveContent.com and SchoolStorytellers.com and creator of the Master School Story Framework, Emily has partnered with more than 75 schools across 25 states and five countries to clarify their positioning and strengthen long-term enrollment success.

Prior to focusing exclusively on schools, Emily served as the Director of Strategy at a Connecticut marketing agency, leading high-impact campaigns for clients ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500 brands. Today, she is a sought-after speaker, an industry award winner, and a trusted advisor to school leaders nationwide.

CONTACT:

emily@cursivecontent.com

cursivecontent.com

www.linkedin.com/in/emilycretella

Bio:

Madison is a both-sides-of-the-brain kind of thinker. She’s always had a passion for making things look better and work better. It’s a knack she funneled first into design and then into brand strategy. She helps schools craft the stories and brands that make them stand out.

Contact:

hello@creativechameleonstudio.com

www.creativechameleonstudio.com

www.linkedin.com/in/madisoncarr

Bio:

Trey Boden is the Founder and Principal at Roar, a brand strategy and creative studio, started in 2021. Before working with clients, Trey spent years running brand as the Chief Brand Officer at the Mount Vernon School in Atlanta, Georgia. That's where he learned that strategy had to come first, or the creative work is just window dressing.

Contact:

trey@createwithroar.com

createwithroar.com

www.linkedin.com/in/treyboden

BIO: 

Dale Seabury brings 19+ years of independent school experience, including 13 at The Pingry School in Admission and MarCom leadership. She provides high-level, heart-based marketing strategy to help schools attract and engage mission-aligned families.

CONTACT: 

dale@seabury-consulting.com

seabury-consulting.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dale-vecere-seabury

BIO:

Dana Nelson-Isaacs brings 25+ years of experience helping independent schools navigate enrollment strategy and growth. A trusted consultant, speaker, and facilitator, she partners with school leaders to solve complex enrollment challenges.

CONTACT:

dana@dniconsulting.biz 

dniconsulting.biz

 www.linkedin.com/in/dnisaacs

BIO:

Laurie is a marketing strategist with almost 25 years of experience helping independent schools advance their enrollment, marketing, and communications initiatives. She co-founded Thrive Hive in 2024, leads Elevate Marketing Strategy, and frequently presents at local + national education conferences and workshops.

CONTACT:

laurie@elevatemarketingstrategy.com

Thrivehive.group

www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebehrlich

BIO:

Susanne Carpenter is on a mission to help leaders and leadership teams unlock their full potential, elevate their performance, and lead with impact. As the principal and founder of Carpenter Leadership Consulting, she brings years of leadership experience to her leadership coaching and consulting work, where she focuses on building high-performing and strategy-focused teams. Drawing on her own journey as a leader, Susanne fosters confidence and effectiveness in others, enabling them to achieve meaningful success.

Before founding her firm, Susanne served as the Assistant Head of School at Walnut Hill School for the Arts and held leadership roles at Nashoba Brooks School and Worcester Academy. Her professional background provides a rich foundation for her work, empowering leaders to navigate complexity and inspire organizational growth.

Susanne holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and is a graduate of Westover School. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Certified Team Coach, and a Certified Facilitator of the LEGO® Serious Play® Method. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Westover School. Susanne lives in the Boston area with her family.

CONTACT: 

susanne@carpenterleadership.com

www.carpenterleadership.com

www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-carpenter

BIO:

BARBARA BARRON is one of the most respected and highly sought-after independent advancement professionals in the country, having worked with dozens of schools across the United States and internationally. 

Barbara is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and presenter. She is considered a thought leader in the world of advancement, with her writing widely shared by professionals in school advancement offices worldwide.

Barbara’s love for advancement work began when she joined the development office at Watkinson School, in Hartford, CT where her children were enrolled. It was there she fell in love with the work of inspiring passionate supporters to financially support a school’s mission and fostering a thriving culture of philanthropy. She further honed her skills at other schools in CT, NYC, and San Francisco, raising over $20 million for those schools where she served as the Director of Development. In 2017, as word of Barbara’s leadership in the independent school world spread, she began her own consulting business, and she has watched her roster of schools blossom.

Her passion for philanthropy and its powerful impact on quality advancement programs is unlimited. She believes in independent schools and their inspiring missions. Today, her consulting practice focuses on building leadership giving programs and growing the capacity of professional and volunteer teams by increasing competence, confidence, and joy. Specific descriptions of projects she’s managed and positions she’s held, along with endorsements from current and former clients, colleagues, supervisors, and Board members, can be found at her website.

CONTACT:

Barbara@Barbarabarron.com

BarbaraBarron.com

www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-barron

BIO:

Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is a Leadership Coach who specializes in helping early and mid-career women leaders in schools and nonprofits grow into confident, effective, and authentic leaders.

CONTACT:

rebecca@pleasantlyaggressive.com

www.pleasantlyaggressive.com

www.linkedin.com/in/malotke-meslin

BIO:

Trevor Waddington is the Founder and Principal of Truth Tree, an enrollment agency that works exclusively with schools. A former educator, he specializes in digital psychology, behavioral economics, and how families choose schools.

CONTACT:

trevor@truthtree.com  

truthtree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-waddington

BIO:

Allison Davis works on the Member Experience team as the Associate Director of Member Success (Enrollment) at E3n. In this role, she serves as a primary resource for members’ enrollment-related questions and partners with independent schools and associations across the United States to share insights on regional and national enrollment trends. She joined legacy EMA, now E3n, in 2022 after serving as the Director of Upper School Admission at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

During her time at E3n, Allison has visited and worked with schools across the country, giving her a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing schools of varying sizes, missions, structures, residential models, and more. Allison also supports E3n’s Admission Directors Institute, which provides professional development and support for new admission directors as they navigate their first few years of enrollment leadership. Giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation of enrollment leaders is especially important to her.

Outside of E3n, Allison enjoys traveling with her family and cheering on her alma mater, the University of Tennessee, at sporting events.

CONTACT:

adavis@e3n.org

www.e3n.org

www.linkedin.com/in/haleallison

BIO:

Bobby works with Orr Group’s nonprofit partners to strengthen operational systems through thoughtful technology implementation, automation, and responsible AI adoption. His work focuses on helping organizations reduce administrative burden, improve internal workflows, and build scalable systems that give staff more time and capacity to advance their missions. Bobby supports clients through assessment, training, and hands-on implementation of AI and automation tools tailored to each organization’s goals and operational realities.

In addition to client work, Bobby leads Orr Group’s internal technology stack, ensuring tools are effectively implemented, maintained, and aligned with best practices. He trains Orr Group staff on practical and responsible uses of AI and automation, enabling the team to deliver innovative, efficient solutions to partners across sectors.

Prior to joining Orr Group, Bobby spent a decade in nonprofit arts organizations, including the University of Maryland, College Park School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, and the Kennedy Center. In these roles, he managed complex operational systems for scheduling, budgeting, staffing, facilities, and technical training, and led cross-disciplinary teams of artists and administrators to deliver engaging, large-scale audience experiences. This background informs his collaborative, systems-oriented approach to helping nonprofit organizations build operations that are both sustainable and human-centered.

CONTACT:

rhunter@orrgroup.com  

orrgroup.com

www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hunter-pm

BIO:

As a Director, Zac advances the identification, design, and implementation of AI and automation initiatives internally at Orr Group and with our nonprofit partners to strengthen workflows and operational efficiency. Zac contributes to the evolution of Orr Group's AI governance practices and supports internal training efforts to build AI fluency across the firm. This work is grounded in a commitment to ensuring that emerging technology is adopted responsibly and in ways that meaningfully support the people and organizations behind the work.

Before joining Orr Group, Zac spent over six years at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts as a Production Manager, where he served as a primary internal expert on operational management platforms and led cross-departmental adoption of Microsoft 365 cloud-based tools. His experience translating complex organizational needs into practical, durable systems gives him a grounded perspective on how technology can serve mission-driven teams.

CONTACT:

zgilbert@orrgroup.com 

orrgroup.com 

www.linkedin.com/in/zac-gilbert

BIO:

Edward Hollinger is an educational leader specializing in transitional leadership, team development and professional coaching. Ed holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Temple University and is certified in Organizational Change and Leadership Coaching from Northwestern University.  His work guides individuals and schools to discover and develop their best professional selves.  He has served as a transitional leader in 12 different NAIS schools and has coached over 100 Heads of School and aspiring school leaders

CONTACT:

edward.hollinger@gmail.com

www.hollingergroupconsulting.com

www.linkedin.com/in/edward-hollinger

BIO:

Leigh Toomey is the Founder & CEO of Leadhership Educational Solutions and a former Head of School with over 16 years of experience in independent school leadership. She brings more than 25 years of combined experience across education, nonprofit, and for-profit business management, giving her a rare perspective on the intersection of mission-driven leadership and operational effectiveness.

ACC-certified Executive Leadership coach with an MBA, MST, and M.Ed., Leigh specializes in helping leaders move from capable administrators to confident, strategic executives. Through her work, she supports women leaders in strengthening authority, navigating complexity, and building sustainable leadership practices that benefit both their teams and communities.

CONTACT:

leigh@leadhershipeducationalsolutions.com

LeadHERshipEducationalSolutions.com

www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-toomey-leadhership-educational-solutions

BIO:

Barbara Beachley, ISM’s Vice President of Research & Partnerships, brings over 20 years of school leadership and consulting experience to helping independent schools align leadership, culture, and mission for sustainable growth.

CONTACT: 

bbeachley@isminc.com

www.isminc.com

www.linkedin.com/in/barbarabeachley

BIO: 

Over her 20+ years in non-profit work, education, and school leadership, Miriam has developed a deep understanding of the need for healthy workplace culture, strategy, and program design. A specialty area is enrollment strategy for schools, camps, and leadership. She has lectured nationally on enrollment strategy, systems, and workplace dynamics, and works with each client to create a tailored and personalized program to meet their needs.

As a lifelong learner, Miriam is a graduate of Atidenu, Prizmah’s signature program in enrollment strategy training, in the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI), and is a certified executive coach, and facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius by the Table Group.

Miriam holds a BA in Jewish History from the University of Pennsylvania and Masters Degrees in Education and in Jewish Studies from George Washington University. She is a certified executive coach, and certified facilitator in The Six Types of Working Genius. Miriam lives in the suburbs of Washington, DC, with her co-pilot husband, children, and their dog, Ruby.

CONTACT:

miriam@thrivehive.group 

www.thrivehive.group

www.linkedin.com/in/miriamstein

BIO:

Laurie is a master storyteller and strategist, excelling at creating and implementing campaigns that compel people to act. She brings to the table a data-driven mindset combined with multi-channel marketing strategy and planning, content creation, cross-team collaboration, corporate communications, and digital media expertise.

She loves sharing her passion for marketing with others. Laurie is a seven-time judge for the annual InspiredSM Brilliance Awards, participates on multiple marketing and communications lay committees, and her speaking resume includes the Niche K12 Enrollment Summit, American Camp Association’s Tri-State Conference, Finalsite University user conference, Prizmah Annual Conference + multiple masterclasses, and many others.

Laurie holds a M.B.A. in Management + Corporate Communication from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business in New York City and a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Maryland, College Park. She and her husband live in the D.C. ‘burbs with their two boys who have boundless energy and are begging for a dog.

CONTACT:

laurie@thrivehive.group

www.thrivehive.group

www.linkedin.com/in/laurieehrlich

BIO: 

Adam Hotchkiss is the founder and principal consultant at LeadershipOne Technologies. Drawing on a 20+ year career working in and with independent school technology, he helps schools streamline data flow and get the most from their software investments.

CONTACT:

adam@leadershiponetech.com

leadershiponetech.com

linkedin.com/in/jahotchkiss

BIO:

Alisa Evans is the Founder and CEO of Mission Enrollment, a Certified B Corporation that helps K–12 private and independent schools navigate the increasingly complex work of financial aid with greater capacity, consistency, and confidence.

For more than 25 years, Alisa has worked alongside independent schools and higher education institutions to strengthen the work behind financial aid decisions. Her expertise spans financial aid strategy, policy, family financial review, awarding, enrollment planning, and the thoughtful stewardship of institutional resources.

At the heart of Alisa’s work is a belief that every financial aid application represents a family, every award represents an important institutional decision, and schools deserve the expertise, tools, and capacity to approach both with care. Through Mission Enrollment, she has helped schools of all sizes and enrollment models build financial aid practices that support access and enrollment while keeping their policies, priorities, budgets, and mission in view.

Alisa is a frequent speaker and trusted trainer on financial aid trends, practices, and emerging challenges at local, regional, and national conferences. In addition to leading Mission Enrollment, she brings the perspective of school governance to her work as a treasurer and trustee on two independent school boards.

CONTACT:

evans@missionenrollment.com

www.missionenrollment.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-enrollment 

www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-evans

BIO:

Karl Boehm is the founder of Help One Hundred Schools and Spiral Marketing. For over 20 years he has been a marketing champion for independent schools, aligning leadership and admissions goals through clear planning, messaging, and digital strategy.

CONTACT:

karl@spiralmarketing.com

www.spiralmarketing.com 

www.Help100Schools.com

www.linkedin.com/in/karlboehm

BIO:

With 30+ years of experience, Karen McCann McClelland brings a wealth of knowledge to the business and leadership of auxiliary programs at independent schools. She presents nationally on a variety of topics and is a certified executive coach.

CONTACT:

Karen@SPARCNational.com

www.sidwellsummer.org

www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mccann-mcclelland

This conference is 100% virtual.

That means you and your team can join from anywhere without the added cost of flights, hotels, or meals. A virtual format also makes it easier for multiple members of your team to participate in sessions live or on replay, so more people can benefit from the expert speakers, practical strategies, and resources we share—at a more affordable price than most in-person events.

YES! We are thrilled to announce our Early Bird Pricing, available October 22 – December 17, 2026. Take advantage of a 25% discount on Individual, Team, and VIP tickets. Our aim is to make this conference accessible to everyone. Make sure to reserve your spot early and enjoy the savings! Use code 'LEADERS2027' at checkout to receive 25% any ticket.

Associations can enjoy 20% off using code 'SCHOOLS2027'.

All tickets include 26+ sessions (marketing, enrollment, development, leadership) plus panels, a live podcast recording, a roundtable, and post-event recordings/resources.

Individual — $97
Best for solo attendees (Heads, admissions, marketers, development leads) who want practical ideas fast. Cost-effective way to get the full program and watch on your schedule.

Team — $197
Best for schools that want alignment across roles. Unlimited seats for your school so admissions, marketing, development, and leadership can learn together and implement the same playbook.

VIP — $497
Best for schools that want yearlong support and accountability. Unlimited conference seats for your school plus Small School Solutions PD membership: monthly Guest Expert trainings, group coaching, and ongoing resources to keep you implementing.

Association — $997
Best for associations investing in member PD at scale. Unlimited seats for every school in your association, easy to share, and simple to report engagement.

🎁 Early-bird bonus: Register by January 22, 2027 to get on-demand recordings from our Spring Summit ($197 value).

Upon purchasing the Team Ticket and VIP Ticket, you'll obtain a distinctive registration link for your school within 24 hours. Colleagues can use this code to register, completely free of extra charges.

After purchasing the Association Ticket, you'll receive an exclusive registration code for your schools/organization within 48 hours. Schools associated with your organization can utilize this code for registration, with no additional costs involved.

Within one week after the conference, you'll receive session recordings and resources directly in your online portal. These valuable materials will remain accessible for up to six months following the event! 

Added Bonus: VIP registrants will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in Guest Expert trainings over the next 12 months.

Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for the event. However, if you are unable to attend, don't worry! Within one week after the event concludes, you can access recordings and resources in the conference portal.

Certainly! Reach out to our team at hello@easyschoolmarketing.com, and we'll assist you. We can generate invoices and explore alternate payment methods tailored to suit your school's needs.

This event page provides details about every session, including information about the speakers and the scheduled times. You can also find this information in the conference portal.

Kindly be aware that session details are subject to change.