Virtual Learning

January 14, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm CST
 

 

“Looking for the perfect pass” sums up Mark Crotty’s approach to life, work, and leadership. Inspired by his high school soccer hero, Vladislav Bogigevic, Mark first applied this concept on the field, playing through the semi-professional level. Over time, it became a core tenet of his leadership philosophy. For Mark, the “perfect pass” is about recognizing the potential in people, situations, and organizations and then creating opportunities for success. In soccer, it might mean anticipating where a player prefers the ball, while in leadership, it involves asking thoughtful questions, understanding colleagues’ strengths, and providing opportunities for growth and development. Mark demonstrated this approach by building a state championship soccer program at the Episcopal School of Acadiana, starting the program from scratch and leading it to a state title in just seven years. It also played a key role in his tenure as head of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, and, most recently, as Executive Director of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools. Under his leadership, NWAIS gained a national reputation as a dynamic, forward-thinking association. NWAIS has rethought the accreditation process and expanded its professional development offerings, which were often oversubscribed.

 

As the group responsible for the long-term well-being of a school, boards should engage in ongoing strategic planning. Yet many become bogged down in other issues or don’t fully understand how to do this essential work. This workshop will review why strategic work is so essential and how to shift some traditional practices to create space for it.
 

 

February 10, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am CST
 

 

Mike is a leader in neuroscience-based decision-making strategies, with decades of experience guiding executives and teams to make impactful decisions, foster alignment, and achieve measurable results. Drawing from his own experience navigating the complexities of high-stakes leadership, Mike deeply understands the challenges leaders face—and he is dedicated to equipping them with the tools to excel. Through his practical and proven frameworks, Mike empowers leaders to make confident, informed decisions that drive meaningful transformation within their organizations.

 

How can taking a coaching approach unlock deeper trust, alignment, and performance in your leadership team—especially when things are already going well?  Experienced Heads know that leading a high-functioning team takes more than good instincts and shared values. Under the right circumstances, adopting a coaching approach—rooted in inquiry and strategic reflection—can take team performance to the next level. In this session, we’ll explore how a Socratic, question-driven method can deepen thinking, strengthen relationships, and sharpen decision-making across your leadership team.  We’ll also examine how tools like CliftonStrengths, Everything DiSC, and Calling Cards can help uncover hidden dynamics and enhance mutual understanding.  Beyond interpersonal insight, we’ll look at how decision-making systems—often absent but urgently needed—can shape and sustain the kind of culture your strategy depends on.  You’ll leave with practical ways to integrate coaching, structure, and strategy into your leadership practice—equipping your team to move faster, think more clearly, and lead more cohesively. 
 

 

March 4, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST
 

Get ready for an exciting webinar designed to ignite your school’s alumni engagement from the ground up! Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow an existing program, this session will discuss the ways Austin Trinity took their first steps towards beginning a thriving alumni community and the steps Episcopal School of Baton Rouge is taking to sustain and grow an existing program. Learn the importance of a healthy database, dynamic events, and strategic growth to create lasting connections.
 

 

Dr. Carrie Steakley is in her sixth year as Head of School at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, a coeducational PreK-3 through 12th grade institution serving approximately 950 students. Prior to her move to Baton Rouge in 2020, Dr. Steakley spent 17 years at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she held several leadership roles including Head of the Upper School, Director of Studies, and Advanced Placement Biology teacher. Dr. Steakley earned her Doctor of Education in School Administration and Educational Leadership from Union University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to her work at Episcopal, Dr. Steakley serves on the Board of Trustees for the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools and on the Advisory Council for the Louisiana State University Ogden Honors College.

 

 

Jennifer Morgan is in her sixth year as Head of School at Trinity Episcopal School, a PreK–8 independent school in Austin, Texas. She began her tenure at Trinity 26 years ago as the school’s first kindergarten teacher and served as an admission officer and the high school placement director, and she spent six years as the head of lower school. Jennifer is a proud Vanderbilt University alumna, earning her Bachelor’s in Human and Organizational Development and Psychology and her Master of Education in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt’s Peabody School.

 

 

 

Susan Nicklos is Trinity Episcopal School’s Alumni Relations Coordinator, connecting past and present alumni by blending beloved traditions with fresh new ideas to grow the alumni program. After a career in marketing and sales — and 25 years raising her family — she returned to work with a passion for building community. Susan lives in Austin with her husband, John, their German Shorthaired Pointer, Lady Bird, and dreams of someday moving to Wimberley, Texas.

 

 

 

Lindsay Turner, Episcopal School of Baton Rouge’s Alumni Relations Coordinator, has been in her role for 6 years. Prior to her time at Episcopal she worked for the Tiger Athletic Foundation at Louisiana State University and the LSU Alumni Association. She is a graduate of Episcopal, married an Episcopal alum and her two children are current students. She loves creating opportunities for community between all alumni and helping to support the school by being a source for information and connectivity for those who graduate.

 

 

April 8, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST
 

 

Jill Goodman is the owner and founder of Jill Goodman Consulting, specializing in developing high-level strategy, executing and growing core programs to forward the mission of independent schools. With over 25 years of experience, Jill’s intense listening skills have enabled her to develop a reputation for delivering exceptional, solution-oriented results. Jill has a 360-degree understanding of the K-12 educational world – she has served as an administrator, staff member, grant maker, fundraiser, trustee, and volunteer.

 

The average independent school loses 11% of its student body annually, but the most successful schools lose 5% or less. What separates the top performers from the rest? Your admission team is working tirelessly to bring in new students but your school continues to lose its current families. It’s easy to explain away the attrition. Families move, they say they can’t afford the school any longer, or maybe a student’s needs have changed. Or, maybe you just don’t know because you don’t ask. A problem with retention cascades to all aspects of the school and can be an indicator of underlying issues. How can you keep the students you have and work to improve the performance and perception of your school?