NAIS Member Voices Podcast Archives: Season 9

Season 9 Episodes: 2025-2026

Episode 117: Leading Through Uncertainty with Tom Woelper, Cheshire Academy (CT)

Tom WoelperTom Woelper, head of school at Cheshire Academy (CT), 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 a diverse boarding‑day community, and shaping personalized pathways that help students thrive academically and personally. Tom also discusses the enduring impact of international students, the school’s IB‑driven global outlook, and why returning to time with students keeps him inspired.

Episode 116: Expanding Access Through Philanthropy with Christopher Kramaric, Church Farm School (PA)

Christopher KramaricChristopher 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 evolution of its advancement strategy, and creative approaches to building partnerships with businesses, alumni, and local organizations. Christopher also reflects on his personal journey to independent schools, the importance of storytelling and relationship-building in philanthropy, and how experiential learning and community connections prepare students for a debt-free future.

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Episode 115: Leading a School for Boys with Greg Schneider, Belmont Hill School (MA)

Available April 6, 2026

Greg SchneiderThis month, Greg Schneider, head of Belmont Hill School (MA), joins guest host Link Nicoll to discuss 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 development and mental health. Schneider also highlights the significance of faculty recruitment and the role of governance at his school.

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NAIS Member Voices_Tom and Max FlemmaEpisode 114: The Conversation: AI in the Classroom

Tom Flemma, head of school at North Shore Country Day School (IL), and his son, Max—a senior at the school and a savvy AI user—discuss how AI is changing the way students think about schoolwork.

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Episode 113: Leading with Authenticity with Ryann Fapohunda, Beauvoir, The National Cathedral Elementary School (DC)

Ryann FapohundaRyann Fapohunda, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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, supporting faculty through inclusive leadership, and navigating the dual roles of equity practitioner and team leader. Ryann shares how she builds community with families, cultivates age-appropriate conversations around identity, and leads with authenticity, transparency, and care. She also reflects on mentorship, motherhood, and the importance of sustaining educators so they can show up fully for students.

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Episode 112: Technology Innovation in Independent Schools

Jalaj-Desai_150This 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 P. Wilson and Jalaj Desai, head of school at Saddle River Day School (NJ). Debra and Jalaj discuss how schools are responding to rapid technological change in different ways, and how Jalaj is integrating AI across all aspects of education at his school to drive innovation and future readiness.

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

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:

  • Independent School Magazine: Read the School News articles in each issue to learn about what independent school students are accomplishing.

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.

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Michelle Hirschy and Lucas JacobEpisode 109: 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 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.

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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?"