TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, 1-2:15PM • COMMUNICATING WITH POISE WHILE FACING CRISES
Meet the Presenters:
Betsy Linaberger, Carmichael Lynch Relate
Betsy is a PR and public affairs professional with over 30 years of experience in media relations and strategic communications, having worked as a press secretary, spokesperson, on campaigns, for government agencies, and on diverse B2C and B2B brands. Throughout her career she has provided expert media and message training, issues management and crisis counsel.

She is expert in developing corporate communications strategies and brand narratives that help clients successfully identify, develop, and integrate messaging internally and externally across all earned, owned, and paid channels.

Betsy currently leads the agency's reputation and crisis management practice and oversees client relationships in the tourism, alcohol and spirits, government, and healthcare industries. She has also worked for other major brands including Choice Hotels International and Shire Pharmaceuticals (now Takeda).

Dan Alt, Carmichael Lynch Relate
Dan Alt is a PR and corporate communication professional with more than 10 years of experience helping clients navigate business changes, meet and exceed their communication objectives, and effectively respond to challenges to their business’ reputation. With a specialized focus on crisis communication and change management, he has seen firsthand the power of communication and its ability to support business strategy.

He is a well-seasoned communication professional who develops strategic communication plans and thoughtful messaging that align with an organization’s mission, vision, and values. As a member of the agency’s reputation and crisis management practice, Dan works across various sectors, including food and beverage, hospitality, education, healthcare, and others. Through his work, he has helped clients plan for and navigate sudden and anticipated leadership transitions, labor challenges, legal matters, and mergers and acquisitions.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025, 8:30-9:45AM • HELPING SMALL SCHOOLS CREATE A BIG EXPERIENCE
Meet the Presenters:
Dr. David Willows, [YELLOW CAR]
Dr. David Willows is Co-founder and Strategic Director at [YELLOW CAR]. Between 2005 and 2022, he was Director of Advancement at the International School of Brussels, Belgium. During this time, he grew to be widely regarded as one of the most innovative practitioners in the field, helping to shape and define the future of Advancement (admissions, marketing & communications, fundraising & alumni relations) in schools. He was recently listed as one of the world’s Top 10 Global Educational Influencers. An author and regular keynote speaker & trainer at international events around the world, David is passionate about helping schools advance in ways that are relevant for today’s educational landscape. His blog, Fragments II, is widely read around the world.

Suzette Parlevliet, [YELLOW CAR]
Suzette Parlevliet is Co-founder and Experience Director at [YELLOW CAR]. Previously, she joined the Advancement team at the International School of Brussels, Belgium in 2013. During this time, she oversaw the school’s brand development, communication strategy, web design, and content production until, in 2019, she took up the role of Manager of Experience Design. Today, Suzette brings expert insight into the day-to-day life of an innovative Advancement office and is skilled at supporting others to be successful in their role.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1-2:15PM • AN EXPLORATION OF DISTRIBUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Meet the Presenter: 
Ted Fish, Founder Fish Leadership
Dr. Ted Fish has been immersed in the practice of leadership since he founded an elementary and middle school at the age of 25 in Santa Fe, NM. He now guides leaders at universities, startups, multinational corporations, k-12 schools and non-profits across North America, Europe and the Middle East. What distinguishes his work is a seamless integration between strategy, culture and leadership – helping organizations achieve the highest results because of how they lead, support their people, and aspire to excellence.

Ted holds a Doctorate in the Department of Organizational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, an Executive MBA from the University of New Mexico and has completed additional coursework at Harvard Business School. In addition to leadership and cultural change, his research interests include resilience, community wellness, and the excellence of teams. Dr. Fish regularly presents at national events.

Meet the Panelists:
Matthew Bradley, HOS Friends School Mullica Hill
Matthew has served as the Head of School at Friends School Mullica Hill, NJ since 2017. He previously served as the Head of School of West Chester Friends School in West Chester, PA and East Woods School in Oyster Bay, NY. Matt serves as a trustee at Delaware Valley Friends School and Friends Council on Education. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Geetha Holdsworth, HOS The Miquon School
Geetha was appointed Head of School at Miquon in 2023. A Progressive educator for over 30 years, she began her career at the Little Red School House/Elisabeth Irwin High School and then on to Poughkeepsie Day School (where she was a student and then teacher). She and her family relocated to New Mexico where she served as a teacher and principal at Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences, and Bosque School, a Progressive school in Albuquerque, where she served as Academic Dean. Geetha is very excited to be back east and serving a venerable Progressive School in Miquon!

Rod Stanton, HOS The School in Rose Valley
Rod Stanton is the Head of School at The School in Rose Valley—a progressive school serving preschool to sixth-grade students. He serves on the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and Greater Philadelphia Diversity Collaborative boards. Rod has organized several community events, including the Preschool to Second Grade Educators Diversity Summit, Elementary Student Diversity Day, and the Talking with Children About Difference speaker series. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Joseph’s University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, where his work focused on structural bias in schools.

Alli Williams, HOS The Pilot School
Dr. Alli Williams is the Head of School at The Pilot School in Wilmington, Delaware, a K-8 school for students with learning differences. Alli serves on the PAIS Commission for Accreditation and the ADVIS Board of Trustees and has presented nationally on a range of topics, from leadership structures to parenting practices, teaching and learning to school sustainability. Alli earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Arizona and her Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, where her research focused on fractal organizational structures and leadership development in independent schools.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025, 9-10AM • BE BOLD: HOW ONE SMALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL USED THE POWER OF PURPOSE TO RAISE $75M
Meet the Presenter:
Nicole Antil, Principal Graham-Pelton
With boundless creativity, strong business acumen, and strategic thinking, Nicole pilots creative efforts to achieve organizational or campaign goals and develops innovative concepts that further brand identity. Distilling large amounts of information into salient communications, Nicole translates abstract organizational visions into tangible, recognizable brand messages and actionable strategies that support campaign and organizational goals.