Praise for our team.
JIM
BEST
Jim is authentic. He is the consummate listener and a vital thought-partner. Jim’s coaching was key as I transitioned to my current role as director of the Klingenstein Center five years ago. His coaching remains important to me today. I leave every conversation we have with a new level of clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Jim’s expertise is rooted in his 30-year career as an educator-leader in independent schools. His commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as a practice and way of thinking is palpable. Yet it is how he draws on his expertise and values that sets him apart. Jim wonders. He generates precise and authentically curious questions that, for me, have led to new inquiry and a deeper awareness of the possible. In short, he knows the best way to coach is with a great question, and the best coach to have is one who believes deeply in your capacity to learn, change, and lead.
Nicole Brittingham Furlonge
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, THE KLINGENSTEIN CENTER TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Jim speaks with a bold voice, but also shows great care and concern, as well as a welcoming sense of humor. As Executive Director of the NY Interschool consortium, I found Jim to be a generous Head of School colleague who listened intently, and always shared strategic advice and alternative solutions to complex problems. He remains a trusted advisor who is sensitive, sincere, and loyal—and a strong advocate for new leaders. His wisdom and experiences are invaluable.
Adrienne Barr
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
NEW YORK INTERSCHOOL
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I have learned a lot from Jim over the years that I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside him. He is a gifted and authentic connector of people. He genuinely takes joy from bringing talented individuals together to collaboratively take on big ideas. In fact, the way we met was through his reaching out via a mutual acquaintance just to meet and say hello. Fast-forward a few years, and he was inviting me to be on a board that he had been leading. I’ve seen firsthand the ways that Jim facilitates and navigates complex issues around governance and strategy, always helping to keep groups operating at the most appropriate elevation. Jim’s creativity and optimism are infectious. He is a deeply trusted partner and someone I feel like I can go to with any question, idea, or concern in and around the future of schools and leadership.
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Dr. Reshan Richards
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, EXPLAIN EVERYTHING (ACQUIRED BY PROMETHEAN, INC.)
LECTURER, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, TEACHERS COLLEGE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
RONNIE
CODRINGTON-CAZEAU
I met Ronnie as my mentor during the Aspiring Heads Fellowship, but our coaching relationship extended well beyond that and the confines of that program. From the very start, Ronnie understood me and it was simply and deeply affirming to have that in a mentor. Ronnie encouraged me to work at the next step in my career in a multitude of ways- from reading letter drafts, to practicing interviews, to just simply reminding me of my own unique traits as a leader- all of this helped to build my confidence as a school leader. Ronnie is funny and also direct- I love this about her- if I have a conundrum to contemplate, Ronnie will get right to the heart of the matter with me. She is FULL of practical advice and this was so helpful to me on the job search. Finally, I want to say Ronnie, in her busy busy life always made time for me and her support has been absolutely invaluable in my leadership journey.
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Pankti Sevak
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS SCHOOL,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Ronnie was my mentor through the NAIS Aspiring Heads Program and is someone who I still reach out to when I'm navigating a challenge. She draws on her depth of experience, from governance and development to inspiring people and rethinking processes, when sharing sage advice. Even better than that, she knows what questions to ask to get to the heart of any issue. I value Ronnie's wisdom, candor, humor, and direct approach. She gets people. I'm grateful for her investment in my development as a leader.
Sue Belcher
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL,
SEATTLE, WA
KATHERINE
DINH
It was my good fortune to be coached throughout the '21-'22 school year by Katherine. Through her gentle questioning and insightful prodding at key moments, Katherine was able to help me clarify and structure strategic thoughts, consider hitherto unrealized solutions and compassionately nurture a healthy approach to both work and life. Katherine brought her deep experience and broad wisdom to bear in a way that was collegial, professionally rewarding, and frankly, fun too.
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Christian Sullivan
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
BULLIS SCHOOL, MD
It's been a real joy and gift to work with Katherine. As a coach, Katherine listens carefully while offering questions and comments in a manner that invites deep reflection and careful consideration. She's not one to tell me what to do. Rather, she helped me to process and arrive at my own conclusions and solutions. In addition to being wise, caring, and warm, she offers laughter and optimism even while grappling with a gnarly challenge.
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Lisa Sun
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL, PA
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In my first year as Head, I had the opportunity to be coached by Katherine, who supported me greatly with her thoughtful questions, careful listening, and wise insight. As an experienced and successful leader, she advised and mentored me if I asked for that, but mostly she held the space for me to bring topics, hash out dilemmas, and develop concrete plans to reach my desired goals. Working with Katherine was a valuable and rewarding experience for me, and one that I believe could benefit leaders at any stage of their career.
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Shannon Harris
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
ANTILLES SCHOOL, V.I.
LANDIS
GREEN
I knew from my initial meeting with Landis that he was going to be a great mentor and coach. Landis is always offering me opportunities to grow and deepen my learning. He helps me by giving me honest feedback. He offers books to read, professional development opportunities, and access to other heads and coaches who may give me additional insight to help me grow.
Christina Kyong
ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL,
WILDWOOD SCHOOL
Landis’ ability to ask the right questions enabled me to feel more confident that my decisions were well reasoned while allowing me the space to think through potential obstacles to progress. He is direct and honest in his feedback which provided a model to emulate.
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Lori Strauss
HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE FIELD SCHOOL, WASHINGTON
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My time with Landis was always time well spent. Through his thoughtful, probing questions, and his deep, reflective listening, it was clear that he was invested in my well being and success. Never prescriptive, Landis partnered with me to seek clarity and strive towards my larger purpose with courage and conviction. I am deeply grateful.
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Guybe Slangen
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT,
SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS SCHOOL
THAN
HEALY
Than Healy is a great institutional leader, mentor, and coach, one who devotes his energy and his skills to giving real agency to those around him so they can accomplish goals, overcome challenges, and move schools forward. Than has high EQ, asks great questions, thinks fast and works hard, provides timely and authentic praise and critique, focuses on the future, demonstrates humility, and he has a great sense of humor. He’s not afraid to take a risk on a good idea, provided it’s well thought through and well-executed. For him, decisions are easy when values are clear. I learn something from Than every time I speak with him, and I am so grateful for his wise counsel over the 20+ years I’ve known him.
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Elaine Christensen
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL,
BELLEVUE, WA
Working with Than over the last six years has given me (and many others) a master class in twenty-first century leadership. He is a deeply strategic thinker, able to shape complex problems towards wise solutions. He demonstrates unwavering integrity, humility, and optimism, even in moments of great uncertainty, and is deft at pushing teams towards innovative and creative outcomes. He is an amplifier, in the truest sense of the word. But perhaps most crucially, Than is an exceptional coach. He models authenticity and transparency, fosters open communication, and empowers diverse leaders. No matter the challenge I face, I know that I will rise to it with more grace as a result of his generous and inspiring guidance.
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Maren Jinnett
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC INNOVATION,
MENLO SCHOOL,
ATHERTON, CA
ANN
MELLOW
Ann leads from the heart and the head as a consultant and coach. Ann listens intently and coaching sessions with her allow me to put my own oxygen mask on first before approaching a thorny or complicated topic with my team. She has skillfully guided me in unpacking previously experienced complexities. Her team retreats are dynamic, informative, and upbeat, and the team often refers to her guidance and the learning we experienced.
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Jalene Spain Thomas
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
ST. PATRICK'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL, WASHINGTON, DC
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Ann's expertise in the leadership and governance of independent schools helped our school navigate the successful transition from a longstanding head of school to a first time one. The support and guidance she provided me as a new Board Chair was invaluable and set me on a solid path. Her thoughtful counsel and passion for mentoring made it a joy to work with her.
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Melanie Weston
BOARD CHAIR,
GRACE CHURCH SCHOOL,
NEW YORK, NY
Ann has served as a favored speaker in our cohort program for emerging leaders. Her broad experience as a teacher, head of school, trustee, and association professional coupled with a warm manner and an engaging sense of humor makes her uniquely qualified to facilitate adult learning in support of institutional growth. I could not recommend her work more highly.
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George Swain
DIRECTOR FOR EVALUATION AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING, NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
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Ann brings a wealth of knowledge about how schools work and offers deep skills in facilitation and strategic thinking. She helped our school and church find new ground together during a challenging chapter in our history. Ann has been a mentor and guide to me as a new head and I credit her with my ability to grow and make new gains as a leader and person.
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Jennifer Danish
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
GRACE EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL, WASHINGTON, DC
BERNIE
NOE
Bernie has been an exceptional advisor, mentor, and friend for many years. He brings great judgment, plain-spokenness, and integrity into every conversation we have. What I appreciate most is his powerful drive for excellence and capacity to respect and integrate a wide array of viewpoints. A true leader in every sense of the word.
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Edwin P. Gordon
HEAD OF SCHOOL,
CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL
Bernie is a transformational leader. During his two decade tenure as Head of School, he rallied the public Lakeside community around his vision of an institution committed to academic excellence, diversity, and global citizenship. Bernie launched and scaled a number of innovative programs—Global Service Learning, Global Online Academy, Downtown School—that will benefit students for decades to come and prepare them to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
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Bertrand Valdman
FORMER BOARD CHAIR,
THE LAKESIDE SCHOOL,
SEATTLE, WA