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NAIS Member Voices Podcast Archives: Season 1

Season 1 Episodes: 2017-18 

Alex BrosowskyEpisode 1: Alex Brosowsky, Head of School, The Quaker School at Horsham

Alex Brosowsky, head of school at The Quaker School at Horsham (Pennsylvania), talks about running and marketing a small school, changes he’s noticed in independent schools over time, and the need to stop and take deep breaths.

Ann KlotzEpisode 2: Ann Klotz, Headmistress, Laurel School

Ann Klotz, headmistress at Laurel School (Ohio) speaks with us about her theatrical background, women in independent schools, and daring to fail gloriously.

Relevant Resources:

EpisoRuth Glassde 3: Ruth Glass, Head of School, Lake Tahoe School

Ruth Glass, head of school at Lake Tahoe School (Nevada) discusses the need for community, how she approaches meeting with parents, her proudest moments, and more.

Relevant Resource:

  • NAIS Connect, an online community to share ideas and resources with peers. 

Crissy CaceresEpisode 4: Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School, Georgetown Day School

Crissy Caceres, assistant head of school at Georgetown Day School (Washington, DC), joins us to discuss best practices for creating an inclusive school community, the value of social activism, and how she spends her “free time.”

Chaka CummingsEpisode 5: Chaka Cummings, Middle School Director, Blake School

Chaka Cummings, middle school director at the Blake School (Minnesota), explains how his background in corporate finance shaped his pedagogy. He discusses his experience as a division head of color and shares some of his favorite movie quotes.

Stacy RouthierEpisode 6: Stacy Routhier, Director of Marketing and Communications, Renbrook School

Stacy Routhier, director of marketing and communications at Renbrook School (Connecticut), discusses marketing do’s and don’ts, staying afloat as an office of one, and the importance of getting away from your desk.

Relevant Resources:

Marja BrandonEpisode 7: Marja Brandon, Head of School, Woodland School

Marja Brandon, head of school at Woodland School (California), shares stories of her Quaker upbringing, growing up with learning differences, and the importance of a strong handshake.

Relevant Resources:

  • The NAIS School Heads community allows heads of school to connect with peers to share ideas, find solutions, and expand their network.
    This specific group is open to heads of NAIS member schools only, but there are many other groups available for other roles. Please contact membership@nais.org if you have questions regarding this resource.
  • The Spring 2017 issue of Independent School magazine, with the theme “The Innovation-Education Continuum.”
  • Learn more about Marja on her blog.

Matthew PearceEpisode 8: Matthew Pearce, Executive Principal, Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science

Matthew Pearce, executive principal at Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science (New Jersey), discusses being a founding head of school, working with non-native English speakers, and his school’s unique model and approach.

Relevant Resources:

Deanna Dement MyersEpisode 9: Deanna Dement Myers, Director of Development, Fayerweather Street School

Deanna Dement Myers, director of development at Fayerweather Street School (MA), provides tips for development officers, talks about what it’s like to work in and have a child who attends an independent school, and describes how she, as a multiracial administrator, learns from students of color.

Relevant Resources:

  • Our Principles of Good Practice for Fundraising help school advancement programs exemplify the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Data and Analysis for School Leadership (DASL) allows schools to explore their annual giving history and benchmark against peer schools. Only NAIS members can access all school data in DASL.
  • The Development Community in NAIS Connect is a great way to connect and network with other development professionals. This community is accessible to NAIS members only.
  • The CASE-NAIS Independent School Conference draws more than 1,000 advancement professionals from around the world to learn about strategies and opportunities to enhance donor and alumni outreach at independent schools.

Lisa DamourEpisode 10: Lisa Damour, Consulting Psychologist, Laurel School

Lisa Damour, consulting psychologist at Laurel School (OH) and author of Untangled, describes what it’s like working at an all-girls school, how to help students build resilience, and what she’s reading right now.

Relevant Resources:

Martha PerryEpisode 11: Martha Perry, Principal, St. Clement's School

Martha Perry, principal at St. Clement's School (Canada), tells us about her leadership journey, how she approaches transgender issues at her school, and what surprises her most in her role.


Amani ReedEpisode 12: Amani Reed, Head of School, The School at Columbia University

Amani Reed, head of school at The School at Columbia University (NY), joins us to discuss his work in equity and justice, what he's baking right now, and the importance of laughing a lot.

Relevant Resources:

Member-Voices_LarryGoodman-448

Episode 13: Larry Goodman, Head of School, Andrews Osborne Academy

Larry Goodman, head of school at Andrews Osborne Academy (OH), tells us why he has the best job in the world, the vital importance of creative thinking, and his dream of becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles.

Relevant Resources:

Kathryn McNameeEpisode 14: Kathryn McNamee, High School Principal, St. Mary's Academy

Kathryn McNamee, high school principal at St. Mary's Academy (CO), tells us about the challenges that come with modern technology, her passion for her students, and what she's planning to do in retirement.

Relevant Resources:

  • Join the discussion in the NAIS Division Heads, NAIS Dean of Students, or other groups that interest you on NAIS Connect.
  • Review the Principles of Good Practice for Teachers and Supervisors of Teachers.

Peter GurtEpisode 15: Peter Gurt, President, Milton Hershey School

Peter Gurt, president at Milton Hershey School (PA), speaks with us about servant leadership, life at a boarding school, and his acting background.

Relevant Resources:

Doug WorthenEpisode 16: Doug Worthen, Director of Mindfulness, Middlesex School

Doug Worthen, director of mindfulness at Middlesex School (MA), joins us to discuss his practice, what it's like living with 30 adolescent boys, and meditating while scuba diving.

Relevant Resources: