2025 Women’s Leadership Symposium

April 10 & 11, 2025 | The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa

Be part of AISNE’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Symposium. This event is a time for connection, dialogue, learning, and exploration for women in all levels of leadership in Pre-K – 12 education. Whether you are a Head of School, an aspiring school leader, or leading out in a teaching and learning role, you are welcome here.

Our agenda—developed by a committee of women independent school leaders—will center your unique experiences as women across sessions aimed at building your leadership skills, empowering your voice, and elevating your ability to make impactful decisions.

Engage with your peers from across the profession during a retreat-like atmosphere at the beautiful Equinox Resort. There will be time for networking with connections old and new.

AISNE’s Women’s Leadership Symposium is designed for women in all levels of leadership, including:

Heads & Assistant Heads of School
CFOs/COOs
DEIB Practitioners
Directors of Advancement, Enrollment Management, and other school offices
Deans, Department Chairs, and Division Heads
Aspiring School Leaders

This is a learning environment where anyone who self-identifies as a woman or non-binary belongs and is warmly welcomed.

Pricing and Location

Number of Attendees	Member Price	Non-Member Price
1 – 3	$459/person	$559/person
4 – 9	$415/person	$515/person
10 – 19	$369/person	$469/person

Your registration includes our welcome cocktails and dinner on Thursday night, breakfast and lunch on Friday, and access to all learning and networking session. Hotel reservations are not included (info coming soon).

Tickets are now sold out. Join our ticket waitlist.

Location Information
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
3567 Main Street
Manchester, VT 05254

For rooms contact Kelly Compton at the Equinox: kelly.compton@equinoxresort.com.

Agenda at a Glance

Thursday, April 10

4:00 – 5:30 PM | Event Check-In & Resort Time
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Welcome Reception
6:30 – 7:30 PM | General Session with Lise Charlier
7:30 – 9:00 PM | All-Attendee Dinner
9:00 PM – Late | Cocktails & Conversation

Friday, April 11

7:00 – 8:00 AM | Morning Self-Care Activities
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Breakfast & Networking
9:30 – 10:45 AM | General Session with Jennie Weiner & Panel
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Topic Sessions 1
12:15 – 1:15 PM | Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 PM | Topic Sessions 2
3:00 – 4:15 PM | General Session

Agenda

Thursday, April 10

4:00 – 5:30 PM | Event Check-In & Resort Time
Check into the hotel, explore the resort, and enjoy some of the amenities.

5:30 – 6:30 PM | Welcome Reception
Drinks and appetizers served. A chance to mingle and connect with fellow attendees.

6:30 – 7:30 PM | Leading for the Future: Insights and Aspirations from AISNE Heads of School

Facilitator: Lise Charlier | Head of School at the Cambridge School of Weston (Weston, MA)
A distinguished group of Heads of Schools from across New England will share their unique perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities facing independent schools. The panel, facilitated by Lise Charlier, President of the AISNE Board of Directors, will share their personal leadership journeys. This session will offer a blend of individual reflections and collective insights as each head of school discusses their current goals, the strategies they are implementing to achieve them, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Together, they will also share their aspirations for the future of independent education, exploring the evolving role of school leaders in fostering inclusive, innovative, and sustainable learning environments.

Panelists include:

Alixe Callen | Head of School at Milton Academy (Milton, MA)
Kathy Giles | Head of School at St. Paul’s School (Concord, NH)
Kim Ridley | Head of School at Fayerweather Street School (Cambridge, MA)
Margaret Schlachter | Head of School at The Mountain School at Winhall (Winhall, VT)
Noni Thomas López | Incoming Head of School at Poly Prep Country Day School (Brooklyn, NY)

7:30 – 9:00 PM | All-Attendee Dinner
Enjoy dinner with conversation and networking in a relaxed setting.

9:00 PM – | Cocktails & Conversations
After dinner, continue the evening with drinks and informal conversations at the resort bar. Relax and unwind in the company of peers.

Friday, April 11

7:00 – 8:00 AM | Morning Self-Care Activities
Choose from morning yoga, an outdoor walk in our beautiful resort surroundings, or a little extra sleep!

Rise & Recharge: Morning Yoga
Start your day with intention at the AISNE Women’s Leadership Symposium with an early morning yoga session. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just looking to stretch and reset, this session will offer a welcoming space to breathe, flow, and center yourself.

Rise & Recharge: Morning Hike

Equinox Reservation Trust Trail Map and Guide
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and start your day with an invigorating morning hike on the stunning trails of the Equinox. Join Margaret Schlachter, Head of School at The Mountain School, entrepreneur, and outdoor enthusiast, for a refreshing walk through the Vermont landscape she knows and loves. A former ski racer who grew up in Southern Vermont and attended Stratton Mountain School, Margaret brings a deep connection to the area, shaped by years of adventure—skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trail running. After more than a decade in Utah, where she helped pioneer the sport of obstacle course racing, she’s returned to her roots and is excited to share the beauty of this place with you. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection or casual conversation, this walk is the perfect way to move, connect, and embrace the natural surroundings before a full day of learning and leadership.

8:30 – 9:30 AM | Breakfast & Networking
A casual breakfast to start the day and an opportunity to continue networking with fellow attendees.

9:30 – 10:45 AM | Breaking Barriers: Advancing Women into Leadership in Pre-K – 12 Education

Presenter: Jennie Weiner, EdD | Professor of Educational Leadership at University of Connecticut
What systemic obstacles prevent women from advancing into leadership roles within Pre-K – 12 education? UCONN Professor Jennie Weiner will draw on her extensive research and interviews with over 200 women educational leaders to highlight how gender bias—both implicit and explicit—impedes professional growth. Despite women representing the majority of educators in classrooms, they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions such as Heads of Schools, senior-level administrators, Deans, Department Chairs, and Division Heads.

Following the presentation, a panel of AISNE educational leaders will discuss the real-world implications of these findings, sharing their journeys and the challenges they’ve faced as women striving to break through the “glass ceiling” in educational leadership. Together, they will engage in a conversation with Dr. Weiner about things that continue to affect career progression.

The session will highlight strategies to empower women, including the importance of solidarity, leveraging networks of allies, and transforming organizational cultures to ensure women are given the opportunities and support they need to thrive in leadership roles. Panelists and attendees will engage in a discussion about how to create more inclusive and equitable leadership pathways in Pre-K – 12 schools, with a focus on actionable solutions and the collective action required to achieve systemic change.

Panelists include:

Cheryl Borek | Director of Spiritual Life at Cardigan Mountain School (Canaan, NH)
Angela Brown | Assistant Head for Admission and Strategic Initiatives at Dana Hall School (Wellesley, MA)
Allison Gaines Pell | Head of School at The Wheeler School (Providence, RI)
Raquel Majeski | Associate Head of School at Lawrence Academy (Groton, MA)
Aneesa Sen | Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Noble & Greenough School (Dedham, MA)

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Topic Sessions 1

The Assistant Headship: Fixing the “Broken Rung” of Women’s Education Leadership Pathways

Presenter: Jennie Weiner, EdD, | Professor of Educational Leadership at University of Connecticut
Join Jennie Weiner for an interactive session in which she shares her study and work looking at the experiences of female assistant heads in independent schools. The conversation will focus on how feminization—specifically stereotypes regarding women’s labor, pay inequity, challenges to autonomy, and a general devaluing of care work—shapes women’s ability to access and thrive as leaders of independent schools. This session explores these issues and their impact, centering the experiences of current and aspiring administrators while also highlighting the benefits of assistant and associate head roles.

Building Connections and Leveraging Relationships

Presenter: Rebecca Malotke-Meslin | Women’s Leadership Coach and Owner at Pleasantly Aggressive
Networking is just the beginning of building meaningful connections that can impact your career. This workshop will help you build authentic relationships that can lead to mentoring, job opportunities, and partnerships—all of which get you closer to your personal and professional goals. We’ll also tackle what might be holding you back from leveraging the relationships you’ve created. No one can do it alone, and the right network is crucial for women to lead and succeed. This session is led by leadership coach Rebecca Melotke-Meslin, co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership podcast.

The Midlife Shift: Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause in Leadership and Beyond

Presenter: Amy Patel, MD | Chief Medical Officer at Phillips Academy (Andover, MA)
Women often juggle the demands of their roles while navigating the profound physical, emotional, and mental changes that accompany perimenopause and menopause. This session provides a safe, empowering space to explore how these life stages impact personal wellbeing and professional life. We will review common symptoms and their impact on daily life and work and strategies to manage these transitions with resilience and confidence. You will gain insights into advocating for your wellness and workplace support. Together, we’ll normalize the conversation and empower women to lead with strength and authenticity at every stage of life.

12:15 – 1:15 PM | Lunch
A buffet-style lunch offering opportunities for informal networking and reflection on the morning’s session.

1:30 – 2:45 PM | Topic Sessions 2

The Power of Self-Promotion: Maximizing Your LinkedIn Profile

Presenter: Angela Brown | Assistant Head for Admissions and Strategic Initiatives at Dana Hall School (Wellesley, MA)
This session empowers women leaders to embrace the art of self-promotion by leveraging LinkedIn to highlight your achievements and build your professional brands. You will explore strategies for overcoming societal messages about “tooting your own horn,” while learning how to create an impactful LinkedIn presence that translates seamlessly to in-person conversations. This session will provide practical tips and tricks for showcasing strengths, highlighting every day accomplishments, and enhancing professional networks.

You Can’t Do It All By Yourself: Be a Better Delegator

Presenter: Rebecca Malotke-Meslin | Women’s Leadership Coach and Owner at Pleasantly Aggressive
For women leaders, admitting we need help may lead to feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. Alternatively, asking for help may seem like a burden rather than a relief. The more unnecessary tasks you have on your plate, the less time you have to work on achievingyour goals. We’ll dig into the fear and worry holding you back and create a plan for you to start delegating consistently and successfully. This session is led by leadership coach Rebecca Melotke-Meslin, co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership podcast

Building Resilience Together: Promoting Emotional Regulation in Yourself and Your Community

Presenter: Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter PhD, | Clinical Psychologist, Faculty/Supervisor, and Author
In this interactive session, Dr. Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter will delve into practical strategies for fostering emotional regulation and resilience within yourself and your school community. Drawing on her extensive expertise in psychology and education, Dr. Moorehead-Slaughter will guide participants in understanding the critical role emotional regulation plays in enhancing well-being, nurturing relationships, and fostering a supportive educational environment. Attendees will gain tools to manage stress, navigate challenging emotions, and model resilience for others. Through reflective exercises and group discussions, this session will empower educators and leaders to cultivate a culture of emotional awareness and connection, creating a stronger, more resilient community. This session is ideal for leaders and educators dedicated to personal growth and well-being, as well as the well-being of their communities, offering actionable insights for thriving in the face of challenges.

3:00 – 4:15 PM | Closing Keynote, Q&A, and Farewell
Leading with Your Best Self: Building Inclusive and Empowering Workplaces

Presenter: Judy Shen-Filerman, | Founder & CEO, Dreambridge
Imagine a workplace where every leader and professional operates as their Best Self—a space where belonging is not just a concept but a lived reality. In this inspiring closing session, Judy Shen-Filerman, will guide us through a powerful exploration of self-leadership, workplace culture, and inclusive leadership. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insights, Judy will help us uncover how we can embrace our Best Self Identity to fuel personal and professional growth, decode and navigate workplace culture with confidence and authenticity, and foster inclusive environments that maximize individual and organizational potential. As women and non-binary leaders in independent schools, we have the opportunity to shape cultures that engage, inspire, and empower those around us. This session will leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and practical tools to create a lasting impact in your schools and communities. Join us as we close the Women’s Leadership Symposium with clarity, connection, and a bold vision for leadership that centers belonging, authenticity, and transformational change.

Our Learning Community

Steering Committee
Thank you to the leaders in the AISNE community who are volunteering to help shape this event.

Pictured from left to right:
Vanessa Cohen Gibbons, headshot Lynn Hamlin, headshot Amy Smucker, headshot

Vanessa Cohen Gibbons, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Milton Academy (MA)
Allison Gaines Pell, Head of School, The Wheeler School (RI)
Lynn Hamlin, Director of Teachers and Instructional Technology, Erskine Academy (ME)
Amy Smucker, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs, Berwick Academy (ME)
Margaret Schlachter, Head of School, The Mountain School at Winhall (VT)
Aneesa Sen, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Noble and Greenough School (MA)

Join Your Peers

Learn and build connections with your fellow independent school leaders who have already registered.

Martina Albright, Director | Apple Orchard School
Eliza Alexander, Director of Research and Special Programs | AISNE
Megan Alwis, Dorm Counselor | Eagle Hill School
Abbey Baker, Academic Coordinator | Rock Point School
Danielle Beale, Associate Head of School | Nantucket New School
Maddie Beitler, Science Instructor | The Taft School
Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Learning and Community Programs | AISNE
Courtney Bishop, Director of Finance | Long Trail School
Beth Black, Head of School | Wellan Montessori School
Courtney Bliss, Teacher | Cardigan Mountain School
Cheryl Borek, Director of Spiritual Life | Cardigan Mountain School
Ildulce Brandao-DaSilva, Assistant Head of Lower Division | The Park School
Christina Breen, Incoming Head of School | Laurel School
Jessica Brennan, English Department Chair | Noble and Greenough School
Angela Brown, Asst. Head of Admission & Strategic Initiatives | Dana Hall School
JoAnn Brown, Lower School Dean of Teaching & Learning | Milton Academy
Dee Bunstein, Business Director | Apple Orchard School
Kristan Burke, Director, The Saturday Course | Milton Academy
Cory Butler, Manager of Events | Milton Academy
Heather Callaghan, Director of Health and Wellness | Avon Old Farms
Alixe Callen, Head of School | Milton Academy
Mary Jo Carabatsos, Upper School Director | Berwick Academy
Margaret Caron, Assoc. Dean of Students | St. Mark’s School
Amanda Chapin-Deehan, Director of Counseling | Milton Academy
Lise Charlier, Head of School | The Cambridge School of Weston
Liz Christo, Special Projects Manager | Milton Academy
Elizabeth Clayton, Associate Head of School | Charles River School
Vanessa Cohen Gibbons, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer | Milton Academy
Mary Curtis, Grade 7 Class Dean; English Teacher; Advisor | Milton Academy
Amy Davis, Principal | Learning Prep School
Suzanne DeBuhr, Director of Restorative Practices | Milton Academy
Gage Dobbins, Director of Institutional Advancement | Brooks School
Lauren Duwel, Teacher & Community Life Coordinator | Berwick Academy
Liza Elkin, Dean of Students | Eagle Hill School
Katherine England, Assistant Head of School | The Beech Hill School
Gretchen Forsyth, Head of School | Glen Urquhart School
Meredith Frost, Director of Residential Life | Cardigan Mountain School
Annie Fuerst, Director of Innovation | Belmont Day School
Molly Gabarro, Upper School Dean of Students | Berwick Academy
Allison Gaines Pell, Head of School | The Wheeler School
Kim Genecco, Assistant Head of Upper School | Noble and Greenough School
Kathleen Giles, Rector | St. Paul’s School
Carol Giusti-Cahalane, Interim Chief Advancement Officer; Director of Development | Milton Academy
Sarah Golden-Martin, Assistant Head of School for Academics | The Sage School
Jamie Goldsmith, Director of Enrollment Management | Wolfeboro Camp School
Shannon Guidotti, Co-Dean of Faculty; Science Instructor | The Taft School
Lynn Hamlin, Director of Teachers and Instructional Technology | Erskine Academy
Jill Harrington, Academic Dean; Registrar; Science Faculty | Avon Old Farms
Genevieve Healy, Audio Visual Services Director | Milton Academy
Sarah Herman, Head of School | Our Sisters’ School
Katherine Hesko, Dean of Faculty | Shady Hill School
Kate Hillman, Associate Head of School | Berkshire Country Day School
Azurae Hood, Director of Enrollment and Marketing | Wellan Montessori School
Jessica Howie, Teacher | The Pike School
Laurence Huughe, French Teacher; Department Chair | Milton Academy
Jessica Hunt, PEAKS Coach | Cardigan Mountain School
Olivia Hussey, K-12 Administrative and Events Coordinator | Milton Academy
Abigail Isom, STEM Department Chair | St. George’s School
Madison Janicola, Social Worker | The Rashi School
Tara Joly-Lowdermilk, Dean of Students: Elementary-Middle School | Landmark School
Sharon Jones-Phinney, Head of Lower School | The Winsor School
Kyla Joslin, Teacher | Cardigan Mountain School
Susan Karp, Math Teacher and Dorm Parent | Milton Academy
Katherine Kelleher, Class Dean; Teacher | Milton Academy
Katharine Knuppel, Head of Primary School | Fay School
Eleza Kort, Performing Arts Department Chair; Faculty | Milton Academy
Laurie Lambert, Head of School | Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Joanna Latham, Upper School Science; Class Dean; Teaching & Learning | Milton Academy
Julie Mackey, Director of Advancement & Enrollment | Maple Street School
Raquel Majeski, Associate Head of School | Lawrence Academy
Libby Margraf, Assistant Head of School | Lawrence Academy
Korina Martin, Director of Admissions | Learning Prep School
Ariel Martin-Cone, Academic Dean: High School | Landmark School
Sara Masucci, Director of 9th and 10th Grades | Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall
Shiva McClellan, Interim Lower School Division Head | Shady Hill School
Becky McCormick, Mathematics Department Chair | Milton Academy
Kaitlyn McHugh, Assistant Head of Middle School | Nashoba Brooks School
Mary Ellen Mega, Dean of Academics | Long Trail School
Karina Moltz, Director of the Learning Center | Brooks School
Caroline Mullaney, Admissions Director | The Gordon School
Kelsey Mumford, Upper School Learning Specialist | Milton Academy
Maureen Nagle, Interim Head of Middle School | Moses Brown School
Martha Neubert, Director of Equity and Inclusion | Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Shannon O’Leary, Director of Development | The Park School
Amy Patel, Dean of Health and Wellness; Chief Medical Officer | Phillips Academy Andover
Kathleen Pendleton, Development Events Manager | Milton Academy
Sabrina Perez, Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Leadership | Eagle Hill School
Sarah Peterson, Asst. Director of Admission and Development | Inly School
Laura Polvinen, Head of Counseling | Landmark School
Emily Rabinowitz-Buchanan, Assistant Head of School; Lower School Director | Glen Urquhart School
Jenzi Reed, Director of Faculty Development | Tenacre Country Day School
Kimberly Ridley, Head of School | Fayerweather Street School
Catherine Rodero Scholhamer, Language and Culture Studies Department Chair | St. George’s School
Katharine Rosenfeld, Science Department Head | Moses Brown School
Courtney Russillo, Director of Admission & Enrollment | Inly School
LaTasha Sarpy, School Counselor | Noble and Greenough School
Katie Sawatzky, Administrative Assistant | Apple Orchard School
Margaret Schlachter, Head of School | The Mountain School at Winhall
Meghan Sebens, Academic Dean: Elementary-Middle School | Landmark School
Aneesa Sen, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Noble and Greenough School
Amy Smucker, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs | Berwick Academy
Terha Steen, Academic Dean | Lyndon Institute
Joy Stewart, Dean of Faculty | Maple Street School
Heather Sugrue, Academic Dean | Milton Academy
Claire Sullivan, Head of Elementary-Middle School | Landmark School
Sarah Surber, Arts Department Head; Dance Instructor | The Taft School
Katherine Taketomo, Middle School Division Head | Shady Hill School
Jennifer Tanner, Assistant Head of School for Community Life | The Sage School
Vanessa Taylor, Associate Director of Teaching and Learning | Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School
Noni Thomas López, Incoming Head of School | Poly Prep Country Day School
Jessica Torcicollo, Director of Finance | Glen Urquhart School
Christine Torigian, Dean of Faculty and Academics | Lawrence Academy
Priya Venkateswaran, Director of Teacher Education Programs | Wellan Montessori School
Marianne Verhaegen, Director of Development | Learning Prep School
Kate Vizen, Director of Student Life & Strategic Programs | Inly School
Diana Walcott, Director of Admissions + Development | Apple Orchard School
Laura Warner, Director, Academic Skills & Student Accessibility | Phillips Academy Andover
Emily Waterfield, Head of School | The Common School
Ryan Weiland, Dean of School | Rock Point School
Jennifer Weissbach, Dean of West Quad South Cluster | Phillips Academy
Cate Wilson, Chief Operating Officer | Learning Prep School
Erin Wilson, Humanities Department Chair | St. George’s School
Sara Wilson, Executive Director | AISNE
Heather Woodcock, Programmatic Advisor & Instructional Coach | Belmont Day School
Colleen Worrell, Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching | St. Mark’s School
Natalie Zervas, Director of Counseling & Wellness Education | Dana Hall School
Sally Rose Zuckert, Social Justice Coordinator | The Rashi School
Sabrina Zurkuhlen, Placement Counselor | Carney Sandoe & Associates

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 10 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of our minimum commitments with our hotel partners; thank you for your understanding. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event.

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