SAIS Logo
Back to Events

2025 Timely Challenge Conference

Monday, November 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM (EST) to Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM (EST)
Register Now Speakers Schedule
Menu

Retention & Recruitment Strategy Imperative

Attracting and retaining top faculty and staff is one of the most pressing challenges facing independent schools today. The Timely Challenge Conference brings together school leaders to explore innovative strategies for recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Over two days, attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, peer discussions, and case studies that address:

  • Building a compelling employee value proposition
  • Navigating generational shifts in the workforce
  • Compensation and benefits beyond salary
  • Community and belonging in faculty retention
  • Creative pipelines for hiring and talent development

This conference is designed to provide actionable insights, strategic frameworks, and collaborative problem-solving opportunities to ensure your school remains a destination for top-tier educators and staff.

Keynote Presenters

Dr. Carrie Grimes
Assistant Professor, Department of Leadership, Policy, & Organizations  
+ Director, Independent School Leadership
Vanderbilt University 

Andy Walker
Managing Director, Employee Experience Global Growth Leader
Willis Towers Watson (WTW)

Registration

Member: $395
Non-Member: $459

Sponsored By

 
Marcia Bettis
View
Marcia Bettis Senior Director of Human Resources & Strategy Mount Pisgah Christian School
Julie Bianchi
Julie Bianchi Associate Head of School The Out-of-Door Academy
Anne Bisbano
Anne Bisbano Head of Middle School Trinity Episcopal School-LA
Toni Boyd
View
Toni Boyd VP of Finance The Westminster Schools
Shawn Brower
Shawn Brower Head of School Westminster Schools of Augusta
Frank Brown
View
Frank Brown Director of DEI & Community Engagement The Westminster Schools
Joy Buzzard
Joy Buzzard Director of Finance & Operations The New Community School
Joi Calloway
Joi Calloway Director of Human Resources Whitefield Academy
Heather Caponi
Heather Caponi Associate Head of School Ensworth School
Hunter Chapman
View
Hunter Chapman Director of Strategic Academic Initiatives Brookstone School
Glyn Cowlishaw
View
Glyn Cowlishaw Head of School Providence Day School
Alecia Cravey
Alecia Cravey Director of Human Resources Brookstone School
Charleen Crawford
Charleen Crawford Chief Financial Officer Hancock Day School
Julie Deppa
Julie Deppa Director of Culture and People Development The Bear Creek School
Becky Donahue
Becky Donahue Wardlaw Upper School Director Atlanta Speech School
Cindy Drew
View
Cindy Drew Director of Enrollment Management Hancock Day School
Lauren DuPriest
Lauren DuPriest Interim Lower School Head The Westminster Schools
Matt Edmonds
Matt Edmonds History Department Chair St. Andrew's School - DE
Nina Esmark
Nina Esmark Business Manager Clayton-Bradley Academy
Kanette Fenstermacher
View
Kanette Fenstermacher Middle School Principal St. Martin's Episcopal School
Andrés Galindo
Andrés Galindo Director of Diversity, Equity & Engagement Durham Academy
Cara Gallagher
Cara Gallagher Researcher/Consultant Cara Gallagher Consulting
Iris Goodson
Iris Goodson Director of Human Resources Atlanta Speech School
Michael James Griffin II
View
Michael James Griffin II Faculty Advisor & Humanities Instructor Mount Vernon School
Christa Hansen
View
Christa Hansen Director of Human Resources The Westminster Schools
Meika Harris
Meika Harris Human Resources Manager St. Martin's Episcopal School
LaToyia Hawkins
LaToyia Hawkins Early Childhood Principal St. Martin's Episcopal School
Monica Javia
Monica Javia Head of Human Resources The Lovett School
MaSheena Johnkins
View
MaSheena Johnkins Assistant VP of Human Resources Woodward Academy
Eva Jones
Eva Jones Human Resources Ravenscroft School
Kelly Jordan
View
Kelly Jordan Head of School The Raleigh School
Deedra LaPlace
Deedra LaPlace Lower School Head The Dunham School
Marsha Little
View
Marsha Little VP, Professional Learning Carney, Sandoe & Associates
Beth Lucas
Beth Lucas Director of Human Resources Charlotte Latin School
Kristy Lundstrom
View
Kristy Lundstrom Head of School Mount Vernon School
Kerry Ann Masoner
Kerry Ann Masoner Head of Lower School Ensworth School
Allyson McCloud
Allyson McCloud Dean of Faculty Randolph School
Amanda McIlwain
Amanda McIlwain Director of Upper School The Dunham School
Stephanie Medcalfe
Stephanie Medcalfe Assistant Head of School for Academics Cape Fear Academy
Melanie Miller
Melanie Miller Director of Human Resources St. Anne's-Belfield School
Grace Moore
Grace Moore Chief Financial Officer Hammond School
Danette Morton
View
Danette Morton Executive Director, Center for Teaching The Westminster Schools
Matthew Neylon
Matthew Neylon Chief Talent & Experience Officer Mount Vernon School
Sara Onstad
Sara Onstad HR Recruiter Charlotte Latin School
Brady Orr
Brady Orr Director of Finance Clayton-Bradley Academy
David Peden
View
David Peden Assistant Head of School The Galloway School
Lynne Perry
View
Lynne Perry Lower School Principal St. Martin's Episcopal School
Thad Persons
View
Thad Persons Dean of Faculty The Westminster Schools
John Petrey
John Petrey Lower School Principal Westminster Schools of Augusta
Mackenzie Rackley
Mackenzie Rackley ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE LIFECYCLE Ravenscroft School
Kim Rich
Kim Rich CFO/COO The Alfred and Adele Davis Academy
Tiffany Russell
Tiffany Russell Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion The Galloway School
Franeen Sarif
Franeen Sarif Executive Director Atlanta Jewish Academy
Patrick Schuermann
View
Patrick Schuermann Founder Strategic Compensation & Coaching Partners
Christy Scroggin
Christy Scroggin Director of Human Resources Pulaski Academy
Lauren Sims
Lauren Sims Director of Advancement St. Martin's Episcopal School
Carly Tesolowski
Carly Tesolowski Director of Human Resources Christ Church Episcopal School
Kavita Vasil
Kavita Vasil Head of School Highlands School
Jennifer Walker
Jennifer Walker Instructional Coach; Upper School English Teacher; Dir. of Summer Academics Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
Bryan White
Bryan White Head of Upper School Westminster Schools of Augusta

HOTEL BLOCK: Book your room at the SAIS negotiated rate by Oct 19. Both hotels are located approximately 4 miles from Westminster. Space is limited!

Courtyard ATL Vinings/Galleria

  • Rate: $139
  • Cut-off: Friday Oct 24
  • Address: 2889 Overlook Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339

Hotel Indigo Atlanta Vinings Galleria 

  • Rate: $138
  • Cut-off: Friday Oct 24
  • Address: 2857 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Please be aware that occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. SAIS recommends making your arrangements directly with the hotel and not through a third party.
Review Event FAQs at this link.
  • For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org. 
  • For questions about speakers and sessions, contact elizabeth@sais.org.