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2025 Annual Conference Speakers

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Sarah Fay

Manging Partner
Schwartz Hannum PC

Sarah H. Fay, Partner at Schwartz Hannum PC, advises over 300 independent schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. Her expertise spans student and parent matters, employment, governance, and crisis management. Sarah develops legally-compliant strategies that preserve each institution’s unique culture. A frequent presenter at education conferences, she holds a 2008 degree from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her JD, cum laude, from New England Law, Boston in 2014.

Learning Courage Logo

Learning Courage’s team—Amy Wheeler (Executive Director & survivor), Jayde Bennett (Director of Programs), and Alisa Barnard (Director of Operations)—partners with K12 schools to reduce sexual misconduct. With over 65 combined years in independent education, they provide tools for prevention, response, and healing. Their organization connects schools with best practices and resources to create safer environments where students can thrive, backed by their values of ongoing learning, collaboration, caring, and integrity.

Headshot of Amy Wheeler
Headshot of Jayde Bennett
Headshot of Alisa Barnard
Headshot of Alisa Barnard

The Learning Courage Team

Headshot of Liza Garonzik

Liza Garonzik

Founder
R.E.A.L. Discussion
R.E.A.L. Discussion Logo

Liza Garonzik is the Founder of R.E.A.L. Discussion, partnering with 70 independent schools to teach, measure, and celebrate discussion skills among young people. An award-winning educator, writer, and speaker, Liza previously served schools as a teacher, administrator, advancement officer, and trustee. She holds degrees from Harvard College and UPenn, and has completed prestigious fellowships at Klingenstein, New Sector Alliance, Blueprint Schools, Transcend Education, and Shady Hill Teacher Training Center.

David Torcoletti brings extensive independent school experience from NMH (teacher, residence director, campus dean), Milton Academy (dean of students), and EXPLO (head of Junior Program). His expertise spans student life, faculty development, curriculum design, and residential programs. David conducts school assessments and serves as an executive coach through Riverbank. He holds a BFA (summa) from Ohio University and MFA from Bard as a Milton Avery Scholar, exhibits his photography widely, and is a dedicated jazz drummer.

Headshot of David Torcoletti

David Torcoletti

Headshot of Dr. George James

Dr. George James

CEO & Founder
George Talks LLC

Dr. George James, LMFT, MBA, is CEO of George Talks and an assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University. A renowned counselor specializing in relationship dynamics and personal growth, he serves a diverse clientele including professionals, couples, and young adults. Dr. James holds degrees in psychology, family therapy, business administration, and clinical psychology. Recognized for his leadership and community service, he balances his impactful professional work with his role as a devoted husband and father of two.

Deans’ Testimonials

I think it’s a great way to remind us why we love our jobs, and I also like the practical components.
Super helpful and informative, a great way to connect with colleagues in person I never would have met face to face! And it brings to the forefront topics I might not have thought about yet - you don’t know what you don’t know!
I will absolutely recommend to colleagues - it seems like an essential part of Professional Development for Deans.
I would recommend it to colleagues wholeheartedly because of the discussion of focused issues specific to independent schools and deans and bringing issues or topics to my attention that I didn't know I should be thinking about.
It is helpful to hear from Deans' because, as someone mentioned, it is nice to get off the Dean island. Yes, I did recommend it. It is informative and helpful.
Deans' Roundtable is an incredible way to connect with peers and hear from dynamic voices about a school's and dean's opportunity to help young people belong and develop.
One of the best opportunities for deans to get together and talk about the issues we are facing now. You will learn from your peers, be inspired by new ideas and creative problem-solving, and build a list of contacts and resources to return to. This type of experience is what makes the work we do sustainable and rejuvenating.
The Deans’ Roundtable is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your fellow administrators. The information is invaluable and inspirational.
As a first-year associate dean of students, the networking, the presentations, and the inspirations at the Dean's Roundtable promises to help me tackle all the multifaceted issues that I know will arise in year two.
It is a great introduction to the wider community that all share the same concern of making our schools as great as possible for our students.
The Dean's Roundtable was a great opportunity to listen, learn, and get motivated to go back to my school and jump back into the work.
DRT is an amazing conference - perhaps one of the most helpful ones I have attended as a Dean of Students. The programming presented and the relationships formed are invaluable.

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