Lade Akande, M.S. is the Director of Wellness, a yoga teacher, and the faculty advisor for Black Affinity at University High School. She previously worked as Director of College Counseling. Read more

Debbie Ayers, Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean, at Flint Hill School (VA)

Pat Bassett, former president, NAIS – National Association of Independent Schools – and ISACS—the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and Head of School … Read more

Matt Bavone, Latin Teacher and Academic Technologist, St. Luke’s School (CT)

Janell Burley Hofmann, is an international author, speaker and consultant specializing on the topics of technology, media, health, relationships and well-being. Janell is the creator of the original iPhone contract and a thought leader in the space of digital mindfulness, digital parenting and intentional use of tech. 

Stephen Carter is the Director of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy where he has taught for 17 years. His forthcoming book, Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset, … read more

Nathaniel W. Coffman, Ed.D., Head of School & President, The Prairie School (WI)

Julie Faulstich is a seasoned leader in independent school education. Working her way up from a dorm staff position to Head of School in a 25+ year career, she brings both creativity and analytical rigor to change management in schools.

Simon Holzapfel is an award-winning educator, thought leader, innovator, and writer. He is a co-founder and CEO of the L-eaf Lab, as well as a former Head of School, former Director of Studies, and current Board Chair of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. 

Thana Jarjour, who is currently serving as OESIS Language Placement Lead, has more than 20 years of teaching experience in independent schools. 

Brent Kaneft is Head of School at Wilson Hall School, a PK-12 independent school, in South Carolina. 

Kate Parsons, Head of School and COO, Portal Schools, is responsible for developing school design and instructional components, overseeing logistics, enrollment and accreditations, as well as hiring and managing staff, partners, and consultants. Read more

Matthew Troutman, Ph.D., Head of School, Thomas Jefferson School (MO), since July 1, 2020, has served on Thomas Jefferson’s faculty since 2011, most recently, as director of teaching and learning. Read more

Joel Backon has been the Editor of Intrepid Ed News since its inception in January 2021, responsible for all educator content on the website. He joined the OESIS Network, owner of Intrepid, in 2019 as Vice President. Joel spent much of his career at Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) where for 27 years he held founding roles in Information and Academic Technology, as well as being a classroom teacher, curriculum designer, coach, dorm head, and student adviser. Read more

Alli Minch serves as Assistant Editor of Intrepid Ed News, School Support for OESIS Network and English Department Lead for OESIS Faculty Placement. Previously, she taught AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, and various AP Social Science classes at Oak Hill School (OR), an independent school, for nine years. Read more

Jeannette M E Parikh Lee, Ph.D, is the assistant editor for Intrepid Ed News as well as the chair of the English department and head of community reading at The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW). Before CSW, where she has been since the fall of 2010, she taught at the college level for six years.  Read more

Lynn B. Schramek, Director of Digital Content, Intrepid Ed News and the OESIS Network. Read more