NAIS Member Voices

NAIS Member Voices Podcast
The NAIS Member Voices podcast features stories from the thoughtful, hard-working individuals who make up the independent school community. You'll hear from faculty and staff at NAIS member schools about their roles, challenges, successes, inspiration sources, and more. Whether you are currently part of the NAIS community, considering joining, or simply interested in learning more about our industry, we hope you will listen and enjoy!

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to hear a new episode each month. 

Find Member Voices on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, TuneIn, Spotify, and other podcast apps.
Want to sponsor an episode? Click here for more information.

New! Season 9 Episodes: 2025-2026

Check back each month for a new episode!

Episode 111: Amplifying Student Voices with Jessica Bremmer, Westridge School

Available December 1, 2025

Jessica BremmerJessica 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 empowered, supporting faculty in times of change, and fostering trust across the community. Jessica also reflects on her journey from the classroom to leadership, the importance of modeling vulnerability and reflection, and how independent schools can nurture belonging while embracing challenge and growth.

Relevant Resources:

Episode 110: Practicing Civic Engagement with Spencer Burrows, Pacific Ridge School (CA)

Spencer Burrows Member VoicesSpencer 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 Academy, the importance of focusing on local issues to foster meaningful participation, and the development of essential soft skills—like communication and adaptability—throughout the program. Spencer also offers practical advice for schools looking to build or enhance their own civic engagement initiatives, all while navigating today’s polarized climate.

Relevant Resources:

Michelle Hirschy and Lucas JacobEpisode 109: The Conversation: Helping Students Manage Their Online Worlds

Release Date: October 6

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.

Relevant Resources:

  • 2025-2026 NAIS AI Webinar Series: Register for upcoming webinars and watch recordings.
  • NAIS-Close Up Student Event: From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths (December 3–6, 2025, Houston): Register a student cohort.
  • Michelle and Lucas have drafted a new framework for PK-12 social media literacy education. If you’re interested, connect with them for more information.

Patricia Sasser_Member VoicesEpisode 108: 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 global childhood to a career in television at ESPN and ultimately to leadership in independent schools. She 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. She 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.

Episodes 103-107: Celebrating 100 Episodes of NAIS Member Voices

Release Date: Weekly Episodes July 28-August 25

To celebrate 100 episodes of Member Voices, we are releasing five weekly mini-episodes compiling responses to key questions from all our past seasons, including:

  • “Was this always the plan?”
  • "Best pieces of advice that you've received?"
  • "What are you reading right now?"
  • "What's your biggest challenge? Source of inspiration?"
  • "What is your proudest moment?"


Season 8 Episodes: 2024-2025

Episode 102: The Conversation: Cultivating a Culture of Mattering

Two longtime thought partners—Jennifer Wallace (left), author of Never Enough, and Tara Christie Kinsey, new head at Charlotte Country Day School (NC)—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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Todd HeraufEpisode 101: 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 has 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.

This episode is sponsored by DSG | Storbeck.

DSG Storbeck

Relevant Resources:

 

Rob ShortEpisode 100: Innovating with Intention with Rob Short, Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School

Rob Short, head of 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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Liz JoyceEpisode 99: 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 well-being—as well as 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. Joyce reflects on her professional journey, lessons learned, and the evolving landscape of child development post-COVID, while also sharing her proudest moments in helping students and families navigate challenges.

Relevant Resources:

 

Episode 98: Advancing Gender Equity in School Leadership with Sarah Odell, San Francisco University High School

NAIS Research Analyst Brenna Foley speaks with Sarah Odell, dean of faculty at San Francisco University High School (CA), to discuss her research on gender equity and women in leadership. Odell 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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Episode 97: Embracing AI in Education with Ben Farrell, New England Innovation Academy

NAIS Director of Innovation Programs 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. Farrell 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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Episode 96: Learning as a Leader with Connie Coker, St. Anne's School of Annapolis

NAIS research analyst Margaret Anne Rowe speaks with Connie Coker, head of St. Anne's School (MD). Coker discusses her journey in education and leadership. She shares her experience 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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Greg MartinEpisode 95: 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 work-life balance and community. He also stresses the importance of faculty well-being, noting the need for schools to be mindful of preventing burnout and to create an environment where educators feel valued and supported.

Relevant Resources:

 

Sara SternEpisode 94: Supercharging a Summer Camp with Sara Stern, Stanley British Primary School

Sara Stern, director of admission and summer programs at Stanley British Primary School (CO), shares tips for starting and sustaining impactful summer programs—including supporting underserved populations, creating pathways to increase socioeconomic diversity, and approaching staffing effectively. She also shares strategies for fostering fruitful partnerships with regional organizations and establishing a robust parent ambassador program to strengthen admission efforts.

Relevant Resources:

 

Erik WormwoodEpisode 93: Supporting Teacher Well-Being with Erik Wormwood, The Advent School

Erik Wormwood, upper school division head at The Advent School (MA), discusses how his school is navigating polarization and supporting student and educator well-being. He discusses his approach to working with neurodiverse learners and shares some of his emotional, proudest moments in education. He also talks about how “teaching is hard, even when you’re good at it,” and how he creates space for his team members to share what’s on their minds.

Relevant Resources:

 

Autumn Adkins GravesEpisode 92: 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 St. Anne's-Belfield School (VA). In their conversation, Graves shares the importance of curiosity in the age of artificial intelligence, 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.

Relevant Resources:

 

Maria Croley MaddenEpisode 91: Transitioning to Headship with Maria Croley Madden, St. Martin's Episcopal School

Maria Croley Madden, who is going into her second year as head of St. Martin's Episcopal School (GA), talks about the transition to headship and how she’s getting ready for Year 2. She shares how being a “product of independent schools” prepared her for her current role and offers tips on the transition to headship, including preparing for the interview, working with the board chair, getting up to speed on finance—and more.

Relevant Resources:

 

Will CrissmanEpisode 90: 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 school's approach to retention (and recruitment) during a time when many schools are struggling in this area. Crissman also discusses his approach to leadership – including keeping a steady emotional state, not asking people to do things he wouldn’t do himself, and having fun.

Relevant Resources:


Archives: Episodes and Resources from Past Seasons

Questions? Comments? Stories you’d like to share on the podcast?

Please send thoughts and ideas to us at membership@nais.org.