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Announcing the Authentic Connections Advisory Board

by Nina Kumar


Posted on February 16, 2021


AC Advisory Board

Authentic Connections is incredibly excited to announce the creation of our Independent School Advisory Board! The Board is composed of 10 well-respected leaders who will bring a wealth and diversity of experience and knowledge to AC. Board members will work closely with the AC team to shape the education wellness landscape and drive improvements in mental health and well-being in school communities.

The inaugural AC Advisory Board will include the following members:

  • Melanie Bauman, Director of Counseling at the Webb Schools, Claremont, CA
  • Johanna Callard, Director of Counseling at Northfield Mt. Hermon, MA
  • Tracie Catlett, Head of School at Greensboro Day School, NC
  • Nicole Hager, Director of Upper School at Kent Place School, NJ
  • Eric Lombardi, Head of School at Fort Worth Country Day School, TX
  • Mark McKee, Head of School and President at Viewpoint School, CA
  • Anna Moore, Director of Student Services at the Westminster Schools, GA
  • Amada Torres, Vice President of Studies, Insights, and Research at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
  • Quinton Walker, Head of High School at University School of Nashville, TN
  • Debra Wilson, President at the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
The Advisory Board will collaborate with the AC team to evaluate the ever-changing needs of independent schools and derive ways in which we can positively impact community well-being. Board members will contribute their invaluable experience to the development of AC’s surveys and services, and will provide real-world insight into the topics top-of-mind for school leaders.

This group was brought together with a focus on well-being in independent schools so that AC can continue to cater to the unique needs of these institutions. We plan to launch an analogous board with representation from public schools in the future.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, AC has collaborated with over 100 school communities, launching resilience surveys for students of all ages (elementary, middle, and high school), faculty/staff, and parents. Insights obtained from all this work inform one-on-one coaching sessions for school leaders and counselors to support them through the continued challenges from the pandemic. In Professional Development initiatives, we are also implementing evidence-based small group interventions for all school adults, providing them a space to connect with peers, share experiences, and seek and offer collegial support. The Advisory Board will enable AC to continue to serve schools across the country while maintaining the highest scientific standards of survey development, intervention implementation, and school support.

Visit our team page to read more about each of the inspiring leaders.

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