EVENTS
Summer Advancement Institute
Philadelphia, PA
June 17-19, 2026
Hosted by Delaware County Christian School
Join us in Philadelphia—the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence—as we mark its 250th anniversary and gather to explore what it truly means to be a school community of hospitality in Admissions, Development, and Marketing/Communications.
This year’s Institute is more than a professional development event—it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and mission-driven impact. Together, we’ll celebrate the legacy of Christian education, be inspired by the work ahead, and deepen our understanding of how your role shapes the future of Christian schools.
Through expert-led instruction and meaningful peer feedback, you’ll gain insight into how interconnected advancement teams create lasting influence. You’ll leave equipped with a strategic plan and the tools to design advancement architecture that draws families into your school’s mission from the very first moment.
Here is what is new:
- The SAI will include both deep learning in the Module format and breakout sessions (Short Courses) to engage you in more conversation and broader perspectives.
- More hot topics speed sessions to maximize your learning
- A time to invest in relationships with a taste of the Philly
But the journey doesn’t end in Philadelphia. Throughout the year, you’ll continue learning in monthly role-specific Collectives—spaces for accountability, problem-solving, and encouragement. These ongoing connections will help you refine your vision and amplify your school’s story.
Advancement is more than metrics—it’s the art of storytelling, generosity, and hospitality. At SAI, you’ll discover how your work builds legacy, invites others into the greater good, and propels the mission of Christian education forward.
Where: Delaware County Christian School (DC), Newtown Square, PA
Hotel Block: The Radnor Hotel, Radnor, PA
When: Check-in and campus tour begins at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and concludes with a time of worship at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 19, 2026. Please make your flight arrangements to depart PHL after 3:30 pm, OR stay for the weekend to enjoy celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Who: All of your advancement team will be engaged at SAI. With time to connect with peers in similar positions AND your team, you will have three days of incredible learning. Use the discount code “GROUP15” for a 15% discount on 5 or more registrations.
Questions? Reach out to Katie (kwiens@cesaschools.org)
Schedule
Wednesday, June 17
- ** Transportation available from The Radnor Hotel to and from DC
- 3:00 pm – Check-in, Refreshments & Campus Tour at Delaware County Christian School (DC)
- 4:15 pm – Hot Topics discussions – three 20-minute rotations
- 5:15 pm – Dinner & Dessert
- 6:00 pm – Keynote Speaker – Heather Templeton Dill: For Generations to Come: Building a Legacy of Christian Education
- 7:00 pm – Close of Evening and Devotional, Dan Steinfeld, DC Head of School
Thursday, June 18
- Breakfast at the hotel
- ** Transportation available from The Radnor Hotel to and from DC
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am Villanova Visit – Panel and Breakout Sessions
- 12:15 – Lunch & Debrief with teams from Villanova visit
- 1: 30 pm – Short Course Sessions
- 3:00 pm – Break & Freshen up for Philadelphia adventure or DC Lower Campus Tour
- 4:30-7:30 pm – Philadelphia Food Tour
If you are still hungry… dinner on your own (list of suggested restaurant options and city highlights will be provided).
** Transportation provided to/from Philadelphia after the Food Tour
Friday, June 19
- ** Transportation available from The Radnor Hotel to DC
- 8:30-9:30 am – Keynote – Holly Tate: Leading Up With Confidence and Clarity
- 9:45-10:00 break
- 10:00-11:00 Short Courses Sessions
- 11:00-12:00 Short Course Sessions
- 12:15 pm – Closing Worship & Prayer
Keynotes
Heather Templeton Dill
Heather Dill is a mission‑driven executive and board leader with a decade of experience guiding the $3.4 billion John Templeton Foundation into a more globally engaged and forward‑looking philanthropic institution. As President, she championed initiatives that expanded the Foundation’s reach across science, philosophy, and spiritual inquiry, strengthening its role as a catalyst for big questions and bold ideas. She now serves as Interim Director of the Templeton Prize, one of the world’s largest annual individual awards, honoring those whose work illuminates the deepest dimensions of human purpose and understanding.
Known for her clarity of vision and her ability to bring people together, Heather is widely respected for leading organizations through transition with transparency, steady communication, and a commitment to cultivating high‑trust, mission‑aligned cultures. Her contributions to philanthropic innovation and civic life include service on the Generosity Commission and the Board of the Philanthropy Roundtable.
Heather began her career as a high school educator, where she developed a passion for nurturing curiosity, open‑minded exploration, and intellectual humility in young people. She and her husband, Jeff, are lifelong members of the Delaware County Christian School community, having attended DC from K–12 and later enrolling their four sons there—three of whom graduated in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Keynote: Enduring Mission
Heather Templeton Dill, Interim Director, Templeton Prize; Former President, John Templeton Foundation
Heather’s keynote will explore the enduring mission of Christian education through the lens of someone who has experienced it as an alumnus, a teacher, a parent, and a donor. Drawing on a professional and philanthropic life shaped by generosity, hospitality, and community-building, the address will highlight how these values strengthen institutions. Heather will reflect on how Christian education shaped her life and equipped her to lead. You’ll be invited to see your advancement work as part of a much larger story, a legacy-building ministry—one that forms future leaders, deepens connection, and ensures the long-term vitality of Christian education for generations to come.
Holly Tate
Holly Tate is a Senior Consultant with LeadingSmart and the founder of The Ready Network, where she equips leaders and teams for healthy, sustainable growth. With nearly 15 years of experience as an executive coach and growth strategist, she specializes in leadership development, culture building, and organizational clarity. Holly previously served as Chief Services Officer at Leadr, where she built and led the company’s professional services division, and earlier held senior roles in marketing and growth. Before joining Leadr, she spent almost a decade at Vanderbloemen, guiding churches, ministries, schools, and faith-based organizations in building strong teams. A certified Working Genius Facilitator and former Forbes Communications Council contributor, Holly also created The READY Framework, a strategic planning process now used by leaders across the country. She lives in Houston with her husband, Elliott, their daughter, Iris, and their dog, Scraps.
Keynote: Leading Up with Confidence & Clarity
Holly Tate, Founder, The Ready Network
Advancement professionals often find themselves caught between creative execution and strategic influence. In this interactive session, Holly Tate will unpack practical leadership principles for “leading up” — earning trust, shaping strategy, and aligning your work with your head of school’s vision. You’ll walk away with tools to elevate your voice, strengthen collaboration, and be seen as a strategic partner, not just an implementer.
Villanova University Learning Module
| We will spend the morning at Villanova University learning from their high‑performing advancement team, giving you a behind‑the‑scenes look at the systems, strategies, and structures that help them draw prospective students, parents, and alumni into the mission of the University and cultivate a community that is both joyful and loyal. During this immersive experience, you’ll explore how Villanova aligns its messaging, engagement pathways, and organizational design to strengthen relationships across generations. You’ll leave with practical insights, fresh ideas, and a clearer sense of how intentional advancement work can deepen connection and inspire long‑term commitment to your own institution. |
Breakout Session Highlights
This year’s Summer Advancement Institute will feature a series of breakout sessions designed to push you and your advancement team in the areas you have identified as growth needs. We will be releasing more of the sessions throughout the winter, but a few of those highlights are:
Target Audience: Marketing and Communications
Levi Miller, Director of Marketing & Communication, Little Rock Christian Academy
Elizabeth Cossick, Director of Marketing & Communications, North Cobb Christian
Explore how communications teams can intentionally partner with athletics and other departments to create healthy systems, shared language, and consistent storytelling that reflects the school’s mission and values. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks for collaboration, tools for aligning departments without stifling creativity, and a clearer vision for telling one cohesive story through many voices on campus and in the community.
Levi Miller is in his fifth year as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Little Rock Christian Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. He oversees storytelling, communication strategy, content creation, and more. His deep hope is that by communicating with truth, love, and excellence he will reflect the mission and core values of LRCA and lead those around him to glorify our loving, creative God.
He brings over fifteen years of experience in the private school setting in the areas of school administration, graphic design, digital filmmaking, photography, teaching, and coaching. He earned both his BS in Education and MS in School Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. He is passionate about education, creativity, and storytelling to serve the students, families, and faculty of the school.
Levi and his wife, Natalie, have been married since 2010 and have five children together.
Elizabeth Cossick has served as Director of Marketing and Communications at North Cobb Christian School since 2018. She holds a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University and a bachelor’s of education from the University of Georgia.
Elizabeth has deep roots at North Cobb Christian School, having previously served from 1999 to 2007 as both a teacher and Literacy Coordinator, where she helped shape Lower and Middle School curriculum. In addition to her work in education, Elizabeth is a professional writer and editor, with experience that includes editing a New York Times bestselling book. She also founded and led an award-winning Metro Atlanta print magazine and digital media company from 2008 to 2018.
Elizabeth and her husband, Graham, live in Acworth with their three children, including two current NCCS students and one alumnus.
Target Audience: Development
Chelsea Gunn, Chief Advancement Officer, Jupiter Christian
This peer‑led discussion explores how a school’s long‑term master plan can be thoughtfully synchronized with the annual rhythm of development work—from giving days and seasonal appeals to donor stewardship, campaigns, and the annual fund. Participants will examine how strategic alignment strengthens messaging, deepens donor engagement, and ensures that each initiative supports the broader vision for the school’s future. Through shared experiences and collaborative problem‑solving, the session will highlight practical ways to coordinate timelines, clarify priorities, and create a cohesive narrative that inspires generosity year‑round.
Chelsea Gunn, CFRE, serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Jupiter Christian School, where she has faithfully led philanthropic and institutional advancement efforts for the past decade. Under her leadership, the Advancement Department—encompassing Admissions, Development, Communications, Alumni Relations, and Events—has raised more than $10 million to support the school’s mission. Her strategic vision and commitment to community engagement have strengthened enrollment, deepened donor and alumni relationships, and advanced the school’s long-term impact.
Target Audience: Admissions, Development, Marketing and Communications
Holly Tate, Founder, The Ready Network
Distrust is no longer a cultural issue “out there”—it’s showing up in Christian schools, classrooms, and boardrooms. Families interpret messages through vastly different lenses, and even well-intended communication can feel inconsistent or polarizing. In this session, participants will confront why trust is breaking down, how mixed messages form across advancement functions, and what it takes to lead communication in tense moments. Attendees will leave with a practical framework and shared language to communicate with clarity, reinforce mission, and help their communities move forward together—even when unity feels fragile.
Holly Tate is a Senior Consultant with LeadingSmart and the founder of The Ready Network, where she equips leaders and teams for healthy, sustainable growth. With nearly 15 years of experience as an executive coach and growth strategist, she specializes in leadership development, culture building, and organizational clarity. Holly previously served as Chief Services Officer at Leadr, where she built and led the company’s professional services division, and earlier held senior roles in marketing and growth. Before joining Leadr, she spent almost a decade at Vanderbloemen, guiding churches, ministries, schools, and faith-based organizations in building strong teams. A certified Working Genius Facilitator and former Forbes Communications Council contributor, Holly also created The READY Framework, a strategic planning process now used by leaders across the country. She lives in Houston with her husband, Elliott, their daughter, Iris, and their dog, Scraps.
Target Audience: Admissions, Marketing and Communications
Penny Abrahams, LeadTeam
Today’s families pair Gen Y (Millennial) parents — research-driven, values-focused, time-pressed — with Gen Alpha students — digitally native co-creators who expect personalization. This session translates those traits into practical strategies across the prospective family journey, from first touch through enrollment. We’ll focus on message framing that reflects what these generations value, content strategies that match how they actually research, and authentic ways to bring student voices forward. You’ll take away actionable ideas to engage and retain these families in ways that resonate and build trust.
Penny Abrahams is the Founder & Principal of Penny Abrahams Consulting, where she helps private and independent schools strengthen constituent engagement across marketing, enrollment, development, governance, and community relations. With more than 20 years of experience as both a school administrator and consultant, Penny has advised over 100 schools worldwide and is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences. She previously served for more than 15 years as a workshop leader, consultant, and department head with Independent School Management (ISM), and spent six years as an independent school Trustee. Penny also serves as Director of Marketing for LeadTeam Partners, connecting school leaders with vetted K–12 consultants.
Target Audience: Development
Chris Gabriel, WiseGenerosity
Generosity is the aspect of God closest to the surface in our human nature. Likewise, optimal giving enables faithful stewardship if it truly is W.I.S.E.: Well-grounded, Inspired, Satisfying, and Effective. This session will show you how to discover each donor’s unique wiring – their Personal Giving Identity – and how to harness that awareness to build strong, sustained donor relationships.
Chris Gabriel is the Founder and President of WISEgenerosity and brings more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofits and their donors. His work spans roles as a development director, consultant, financial advisor, board member, and philanthropist, giving him a 360-degree view of the giving process. Chris’s approach centers on Optimal Giving—helping donors and organizations maximize the impact and benefits of charitable contributions. An honors graduate of Yale with a master’s degree from Oxford, Chris has taught Bible studies and adult Sunday School for more than two decades and has held leadership roles in churches, ministries, and independent schools. He is a member of Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta and the 2025 recipient of the Greater Good Award from the Georgia Planned Giving Council. His book, WISEgenerosity, was released by Simon & Schuster in 2024.
Target Audience: Admissions
Scott Deleville, Finalsite
There is a fear that AI and automation will erode personal connections that define Christian education. But what if we viewed innovation as a tool for stewardship? Drawing on lessons from developing tools like “Ask Paws” and serving 7,000+ schools, this session reframes the AI conversation. We will model how to use technology to automate the transactional (forms, FAQs, scheduling) so your team is free to focus on the transformational (ministry, mentorship and connection).
Scott Delleville has spent more than 18 years helping K–12 schools navigate the evolving challenges of enrollment and retention. With a background that blends academic innovation and strategic communication, he has partnered with hundreds of schools to design holistic strategies that attract mission-fit families and foster long-term engagement. Scott is a passionate advocate for the student journey and believes that authentic storytelling—rooted in a school’s academic excellence and vibrant community—is the most powerful driver of recruitment and retention.
Target Audience: Admissions, Marketing and Communications
Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics
Kelly Adams, US Director of Admission, Ben Lippen School
In this engaging breakout session, Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics and a graduate of Delaware County Christian School (‘89), brings his expertise in consumer behavior and economic storytelling to the world of private Christian education. Partnered with seasoned Director of Admissions, Kelly Adams, they will draw on the classic marketing principle that customers don’t buy products — they buy the outcomes those products deliver — they will challenge admissions and marketing professionals to rethink how they communicate their school’s value proposition. As a reluctant Christian high school student who regularly found conflict with the administration and began to doubt the claims of Christianity, Adam’s full-circle journey from an on-campus arrest at DCCS to the chairman of the board is remarkably helpful as we consider how we bring people into the mission of our schools. Rather than leading with features like curriculum, facilities, or accreditation, attendees will learn how to articulate the transformational outcomes families are truly seeking: character formation, college readiness, a Christ-centered community, and a lifetime of purpose. Participants will explore practical frameworks for reshaping their messaging, from website copy and open house presentations to one-on-one enrollment conversations, so that every touchpoint speaks directly to a family’s deepest hopes for their child. Whether you’re a seasoned admissions director or new to school marketing, this session will equip you with a fresh perspective and actionable tools to connect more authentically with prospective families and strengthen enrollment.
Adam Sacks is an economist with more than 30 years of experience advising multinational companies and governments in over 50 countries. He has served on economic advisory councils under three White House administrations, and his insights have been featured in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, and CBS. Applying the same analytical rigor that shaped his career, Adam now explores the intellectual foundations of Christianity, inviting both skeptics and believers to consider the rational case for faith in Jesus. A DC alumnus from the Class of ’89, he is the parent of two graduates and a current senior, and he serves as President of the DC Board of Trustees.
Kelly Adams is the Upper School Admissions Director at Ben Lippen School, where she has served for 20 years. She began her work in admissions in 2004 and has since guided thousands of families through the enrollment process with a relational, high‑touch approach rooted in care and clarity. During her tenure, Ben Lippen has grown from 700 students to more than 1,200, reflecting both the school’s expanding reach and its continued commitment to Christ‑centered education.
In addition to her work with families, Kelly has developed comprehensive data‑tracking systems that provide week‑to‑week, monthly, and year‑over‑year insights. These tools have become essential to strategic planning, enabling school leadership to make informed decisions and focus marketing efforts in key areas.
Kelly’s passion for Christian education is deeply personal. For more than 26 years, she has also been a Ben Lippen parent. She and her husband, Mark, have three children: Lauren (’11), a graduate of Clemson University; Will (’13), a graduate of the University of South Carolina; and Caleb (’22), who is currently completing a four‑year Lineman Apprenticeship with Dominion Energy.
Outside of school, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and especially loves being with her grandchildren, who bring her great joy.
Target Audience: Development
Patrick Hughes, Director of Development, Wesleyan School
In this session, we will explore how intentional onboarding can meaningfully welcome new families into the life, mission, and generosity story of our schools. Together, we’ll look at strategies that nurture a sense of belonging, introduce families to our culture of giving, and connect them to the traditions that shape our Christian communities. We’ll also discuss practical frameworks—such as welcome coffees and early‑year touchpoints—that allow schools to share their remarkable story with transparency: how tuition dollars and philanthropic gifts are stewarded, how the budget reflects mission and priorities, and how families can partner in the exciting plans that lie ahead. These relational moments foster fellowship among new parents, offer clarity about the school’s vision, and build trust with the development team. Through real examples, collaborative discussion, and actionable takeaways, participants will learn how to plant the seeds of long-term engagement – helping new families feel rooted, valued, and inspired to join the ongoing story of generosity that sustains and strengthens our schools.
Patrick Hughes serves as the Director of Development at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, where he helps lead the school’s fundraising initiatives and strategy in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer. With a focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and strengthening philanthropic partnerships, Patrick helps guide Wesleyan’s long‑term vision and supports its commitment to excellence in Christian education. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and holds a master’s in leadership from Gordon College.
Target Audience: Marketing and Communications
Penny Abrahams, LeadTeam
Social media should advance your school’s goals — not just fill a feed. This session shares approachable frameworks and planning tools, grounded in mission and audience insights, to connect clear objectives to the right platforms, shape durable content themes, and set a monthly cadence you can actually sustain. We’ll also pinpoint the metrics that matter so your work tells a credible story of impact. You’ll leave with simple, ready-to-use planning templates and a clearer sense of purpose for your channels.
Penny Abrahams is the Founder & Principal of Penny Abrahams Consulting, where she helps private and independent schools strengthen constituent engagement across marketing, enrollment, development, governance, and community relations. With more than 20 years of experience as both a school administrator and consultant, Penny has advised over 100 schools worldwide and is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences. She previously served for more than 15 years as a workshop leader, consultant, and department head with Independent School Management (ISM), and spent six years as an independent school Trustee. Penny also serves as Director of Marketing for LeadTeam Partners, connecting school leaders with vetted K–12 consultants.
Target Audience: Development
Jennifer New, CDO, Mt. Paran Christian School
Ailena Parramore, Owner & Principal, Our Fundraising Search
Every school reaches a moment when its fundraising program needs clarity, alignment, and a refreshed strategy. This workshop breaks down what a Development Assessment is and why it can be a powerful tool for schools experiencing growth, transition, stagnation, or simply seeking a stronger, more sustainable advancement program.
We’ll walk through the assessment process—what’s evaluated, how data and interviews inform recommendations, and why external perspective matters. Through guided discussion, you’ll identify your own goals, hesitations, and potential roadblocks. You’ll also hear a real-world account of going through an assessment, including common fears and unexpected benefits.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of whether a Development Assessment is the right next step for your school.
Jennifer New began her career with United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, where she quickly rose to lead the organization’s largest county campaign, growing it to $8.9 million annually. She joined Mount Paran Christian School in 2007 and has since overseen a 350% increase in the Annual Fund, launched the school’s alumni program, and led a $32.5 million capital campaign that delivered three major building projects. Jennifer also guided the creation of MPCS’s new 20-year campus master plan and a comprehensive development assessment, positioning the school for its next phase of growth. A passionate advocate for educational access and parental choice, she has raised more than $68 million for MPCS. Jennifer has served in leadership roles with the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, Leadership Cobb, the Cobb County Prayer Breakfast, and the Kennesaw Teen Center/Dream Foundation Board. She lives in Marietta with her husband, Kevin, their children, Ryan and Hunter, and their beloved dog, Zeke.
Ailena Gibby Parramore has been raising funds and strengthening nonprofits since 2005, generating millions of dollars for organizations across education, health and human services, and local government. Through her work with Our Fundraising Search, she partners with a wide range of nonprofits to advance their missions and expand their impact. Ailena is co-author of Fundraising for All: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know and the children’s book The Adventures of PhilAnThropy. Originally from North Georgia, she now lives in Metro Atlanta with her two children. She is passionate about the arts, travel, reading, and gathering people together—and she has recently embraced homesteading hobbies like gardening, canning, breadmaking, and raising chickens.
Target Audience: Admissions
Kelly Adams, US Director of Admissions, Ben Lippen Christian School
Allycia Brown, Director of Early Education and LS Admissions, Charlotte Christian School
Heidi Lepley, Director of Admissions, Des Moines Christian School
The admissions season has a way of revealing both the vulnerability and the resilience of every person who steps into it. For parents, it is a journey of hopes, fears and trust. For admissions officers, it is a calling that requires discernment, steadiness, compassion, and the ability to guide others through a process that feels, at times, overwhelming. Psalm 23 offers a powerful parallel – a reminder of guidance, peace, and restoration amid a demanding path.
Kelly Adams is the Upper School Admissions Director at Ben Lippen School, where she has served for 20 years. She began her work in admissions in 2004 and has since guided thousands of families through the enrollment process with a relational, high‑touch approach rooted in care and clarity. During her tenure, Ben Lippen has grown from 700 students to more than 1,200, reflecting both the school’s expanding reach and its continued commitment to Christ‑centered education.
In addition to her work with families, Kelly has developed comprehensive data‑tracking systems that provide week‑to‑week, monthly, and year‑over‑year insights. These tools have become essential to strategic planning, enabling school leadership to make informed decisions and focus marketing efforts in key areas.
Kelly’s passion for Christian education is deeply personal. For more than 26 years, she has also been a Ben Lippen parent. She and her husband, Mark, have three children: Lauren (’11), a graduate of Clemson University; Will (’13), a graduate of the University of South Carolina; and Caleb (’22), who is currently completing a four‑year Lineman Apprenticeship with Dominion Energy.
Outside of school, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and especially loves being with her grandchildren, who bring her great joy.
Allycia Brown is in her 26th year of service at Charlotte Christian School. Her tenure began in 1999 as a second-grade teacher assistant, and then in 2008, she transitioned to the lower school administration team, where she served as the director of student life, overseeing the chapel program, extended day, summer camp program, special school programs, and character development. In 2010, Mrs. Brown joined the admissions team as the admissions coordinator, where she led school tours and coordinated admissions open houses and special events. Today, she serves as the director of early education and lower school admissions. She has spearheaded the reimagination of Early Education Playdate/Assessment in response to robust admissions demand and a commitment to learning readiness among young learners. During her tenure, she has seen exponential growth in the school’s student population and campus footprint, as well as the school’s intentionality to stay true to its mission. Mrs. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Queens University of Charlotte and a master’s in human service counseling from Regent University. She is a certified Gessell examiner by the Gessell Institute of Child Development and an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Allycia and her husband, Shonn, have a son, Terrelle (’22), a graduate of Wheaton College, and a daughter, Morgan (’25), currently attending Baylor University. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and playing pickleball.
Heidi Lepley is the Director of Admissions at Des Moines Christian School, where she has served for seven years and has led the department since 2021. During that time, DMC has grown from 1,200 to more than 1,600 students, bringing both exciting opportunities and the very real emotional weight that comes with walking alongside hundreds of families each year. With two children currently enrolled at DMC, Heidi understands the admissions journey not only as a professional, but also as a parent. She leads a small but dedicated team of three, navigating the complexities of enrollment growth, family expectations, and the deeply personal nature of admissions decisions. Grounded in DMC’s mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to impact the world for Christ, Heidi is passionate about creating an admissions experience that is both thoughtful and compassionate. She is also part of the team supporting a new high school expansion set to open in the 2027–28 school year. When she’s not at school, you can find her reading, volunteering at her church, or enjoying time on the water.
Target Audience: Development
Chris Gabriel, WiseGenerosity
Your Christian school is uniquely positioned for Kingdom impact. You have the opportunity to educate and inspire students, parents, grandparents, and fellow staff members about how Biblical principles, discipleship, and generosity align. This session is a blueprint for transformation. How does the Gospel align with giving at your school? How can you provide opportunities in your school community for meaningful and effective generosity at each age and stage of life?
Chris Gabriel is the Founder and President of WISEgenerosity and brings more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofits and their donors. His work spans roles as a development director, consultant, financial advisor, board member, and philanthropist, giving him a 360-degree view of the giving process. Chris’s approach centers on Optimal Giving—helping donors and organizations maximize the impact and benefits of charitable contributions. An honors graduate of Yale with a master’s degree from Oxford, Chris has taught Bible studies and adult Sunday School for more than two decades and has held leadership roles in churches, ministries, and independent schools. He is a member of Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta and the 2025 recipient of the Greater Good Award from the Georgia Planned Giving Council. His book, WISEgenerosity, was released by Simon & Schuster in 2024.
Target Audience: Admissions
Avery Hoglund, Finalsite
What’s working in school admissions and what’s not? Based on new survey data from schools across the country, hear the challenges, goals, and wins shaping enrollment today. See how admissions teams are structuring their offices, connecting with families, and using tools to stay competitive, so whether you’re focused on inquiries, retention, or long-term planning, you’ll get the insights to help your school prepare for what’s ahead.
Avery Hoglund is an Education Sales Consultant for Independent Schools, bringing more than a decade of experience to the EdTech sector, including the past three years at Finalsite. With a professional foundation in school admissions, she understands firsthand the operational and communication challenges schools face. Avery now partners with schools to solve complex technical problems, streamline workflows, and implement scalable digital solutions. She is passionate about using technology to strengthen school communities and free educators to focus on what matters most—their students.
Other Highlights
| A Philly Food Experience – Thursday, June 18 Our evening of networking will include a walking tour through the heart of Philadelphia and an opportunity to experience the beautiful, intentional design of this city. Along the way, you’ll sample some of Philly’s most iconic food favorites while soaking in the rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culture that define this beloved city. From legendary bites to hidden gems, we’ll explore Philadelphia one delicious stop at a time, engaging in an unforgettable blend of flavor, storytelling, and discovery while building relationships that will sustain you in your role. Planning a trip to Philadelphia with your family It’s a perfect moment to explore Philadelphia’s historic sites as the City of Brotherly Love, and as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From iconic landmarks to incredible cultural experiences, Philadelphia offers countless ways to connect with the stories that shaped the country. Below are a few helpful resources to guide your trip planning and make the most of your time in this historic city. |
Social Media that Serves Your Mission: A Practical Planning Playbook