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Thursday, June 18
 

9:00am EDT

Keynote | Navigating Transitions: Supporting Leadership & Yourself Through Change
Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Organizational change is constant in independent schools, impacting senior leadership teams and those who support them. This workshop focuses on the unique role administrative professionals play during times of transition. Participants will explore practical strategies for navigating change, maintaining alignment, and supporting evolving leadership needs. The session emphasizes adaptability, communication, and relationship building. Through guided reflection, attendees will gain tools to move forward with confidence and purpose.

SESSION HOST: Flekeda Gilliam
Speakers
avatar for Liz Layne

Liz Layne

Freelance Executive Assistant
Liz is a seasoned administrative professional with 25 years of experience supporting senior leadership in New York City independent schools. Her career included roles in head of school and board offices, as well as finance and development, where she built systems that strengthened... Read More →
Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

10:15am EDT

Head of School Panel Discussion
Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Join an engaging conversation with heads and assistant heads of school as they share candid insights about the partnership between school leaders and their administrative assistants. This interactive panel moves beyond generic advice to offer real-world perspectives on what makes this relationship transformative for both the leader and the school.

You'll gain insight into
  • What heads value most in their administrative partners, from anticipating needs to exercising sound judgment in high-stakes moments.
  • Essential do's and don'ts for supporting school leadership effectively, including the subtle art of knowing when to shield and when to connect.
  • How to add strategic value by thinking ahead, managing priorities, and becoming an indispensable thought partner.
  • Building trust and credibility across multiple constituencies while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
  • Navigating different leadership styles and adapting your support to match your head's preferences and strengths.

The session features pre-populated questions designed to surface practical wisdom, followed by an extended audience Q&A, where you can ask the questions that matter most to your daily work. Whether you're supporting a new head, preparing for a transition, or looking to deepen an established partnership, this panel offers honest, actionable guidance from leaders who depend on exceptional administrative support every day.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and discover how to elevate your impact in this vital role.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Caponi

Heather Caponi

Associate Head of School, Ensworth
Dr. Heather Caponi is an educational leader with 30 years of experience in independent schools. Currently serving as the associate head of school at Ensworth, she transitioned into this executive role in 2023 after initially joining the community as lower school head in 2020. Her... Read More →
avatar for Meghan Fulton

Meghan Fulton

Director of Administrative Operations, Durham Academy
Meghan Fulton joined Durham Academy in 2017 as an athletic trainer. She was named assistant athletic director in 2019 and was asked to lead Durham Academy’s schoolwide Wellness Committee in 2021. After displaying strong organizational leadership in a variety of roles at DA, Meghan... Read More →
avatar for Tara Terry

Tara Terry

Head of School, The Fletcher School
Dr. Tara Terry is the head of The Fletcher School, an independent K-12 school for students with learning differences located in Charlotte. Tara has spent the majority of her career in schools that educate students with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD... Read More →
Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 12:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Keynote | Discretion, Diplomacy & Professional Self-Advocacy
Thursday June 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Administrative professionals supporting senior leaders in independent schools play a key role in managing trust, access, and communication. This session focuses on handling sensitive situations with discretion and diplomacy while also advocating professionally for one’s role, time, and expertise. Thoughtful self-advocacy strengthens effectiveness and sustainability in high-trust environments. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, confidentiality, and maintaining a calm, credible presence. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to navigate complex interactions while remaining confident, composed, and aligned with school values.

SESSION HOST: Laura Schott
Speakers
avatar for Liz Layne

Liz Layne

Freelance Executive Assistant
Liz is a seasoned administrative professional with 25 years of experience supporting senior leadership in New York City independent schools. Her career included roles in head of school and board offices, as well as finance and development, where she built systems that strengthened... Read More →
Thursday June 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

Roundtable Discussions: Small Group Problem-Solving Sessions
Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Roundtable Discussion Topics:
Working with the board and trustees
Celebrations and retirees
Crisis response and the admin assistant's role
Working effectively with administrative teams
Technology troubleshooting and shortcuts
Managing up: Supporting different leadership styles
First year as an admin assistant: Lessons learned
Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
 
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