There will be five (5) forty-five minute breakout sessions. Registrants must register for sessions ahead of time. Each breakout session will be capped at 32 to ensure opportunities for small group discussion and engagement with the speaker.
The breakout session signup link go live at 8 AM on Thursday, April 11th. Sessions will be capped at 32 and will be first-come, first-serve. We highly encourage attendees to review the breakout sessions and speaker information before April 11th. We recommend identifying your top 2 sessions for each breakout.
Tracy Smith, FACTS, TSmith@factsmgt.com
Session Description: If setting enrollment goals looks much like rolling dice, this session is for you! Learn what key data you need to track to take the mystery out of projections. If statistics and metrics scare you, join me for this session. I’ll help you leave with some simple, proven steps to help you look and act like a seasoned Admissions Professional.
Presenter Bio: Tracy is an AISAP Certified Admission and Enrollment Professional and holds a master’s degree in Christian Education. She previously worked in independent schools where she directed Advancement, MarCom, and Enrollment Management. As Enrollment Management Specialist at FACTS, she offers professional development, best practice, and training for those who are navigating various admission roles in schools
Norberto Ayala-Flores, Puente Marketing, rflores@puentemarketing.com
Anna Youell, annayouell@gmail.com
Session Description: This session will focus more on the role of culture and its importance with the Hispanic/Latino community. Many organizations think translations without much thought of culture. We’ll address the role and importance of both as well as talk about the growth happening here in Kansas City.
Presenter Bio:
Nancy Bolz, Cognia, nancy.bolz@cognia.org
Session Description: And you thought Cognia was just an accreditation organization! Not so! Cognia tools position you to effectively engage in continuous improvement, and they’re aligned with our standards of quality schools. No matter the type — private, early learning, high school, digital, etc. — we have tools to help you with stakeholder engagement, student performance, strategic planning, professional learning, collaboration, data analysis, diagnostics and more. Come get a look at our tools that will help you succeed!
Presenter Bio: Dr. Nancy Bolz is a senior director at Cognia since 2000. She has been a state director in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, managed quality assurance on accreditation reports, and oversaw reviews in 11 states. She was an adjunct professor at Wichita State for 19 years, where she earned her doctorate, specialist, and master’s degrees in educational leadership. Her bachelor’s degree in physical education and psychology was from Emporia State University. She served as a teacher and administrator in school systems in Kansas for over 20 years. Dr. Bolz served on the Kansas NCA State Council for two terms, the Kansas Accreditation Advisory Council for 21 years, and is the past chair and member of the Kansas Learning First Alliance.
Matthew Manion, Villanova University, matthew.manion@villanova.edu
Session Description: This session will explore the ministry of school governance, the strengths and limitations of two common frameworks for approaching school governance and will discuss strategies to bring forth excellence in school volunteer leadership.
Presenter Bio: Matt is the David Grenon Family Faculty Director for the Center for Church Management in the Villanova University School of Business. He oversees the Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree, the Certificate in Catholic School Management, and research on relevant church management issues. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate students and his courses include Organizational Management; Global Business Ethics; and Pastoral Strategic Planning. Prior to joining Villanova, Matt was a Strategic Business Unit Director for the Franklin Mint. He also spent 18 years with the Catholic Leadership Institute and served as President and CEO for 13 years. A member of the Penn Track Team in college, Matt still enjoys running and has completed 8 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons.
Jo Weller, Brown Family Foundation of Kansas City, jo@bffkc.org
Session Description: In today’s philanthropic landscape, it can be challenging to understand what feedback donors and foundations are looking for. In this session, you will learn tips, tricks, and templates to move past the Thank You note and into impact reporting that will demonstrate a clear ROI and strengthen your relationship for future funding.
Presenter Bio: Jo Weller is the Director of the Brown Family Foundation of Kansas City. She has over 20 years experience in Catholic education, preschool through post secondary, in Kansas and Missouri. She holds a Catholic School Leadership (CSL) certification through Creighton University.
Denise Mills, The LeaderFuel Center, denise.mills@leaderfuelnow.com
Session Description: Do you feel like you’re speed living? Is your to-do list overwhelming? How do you keep yourself motivated and focused on what’s really important? Denise Mills will provide you with tools and a strategic plan framework to help you accomplish what really matters. And to keep you and others around you energized along the way.
Presenter Bio: Denise Mills is co-founder and managing partner of The LeaderFuel Center, which provides leadership development training, strategic planning, business consulting and executive coaching. As Chief Mindset Officer, she uses her expertise to uniquely challenge leaders’ perspectives with a focus on bringing about transformational change using practical tools and a candid approach. Denise’s primary focus is working with leadership teams providing tools for more effective leadership and to develop a growth mindset throughout the entire organization. Denise facilitates the Central Exchange Emerging Leaders which has a record 163 women in the program this year. The U.S. State Department and United Nations Celebrate Positive NGO considers Denise a “positive instigator,” and engage her to facilitate workshops and strategy sessions in underserved countries across the globe including India, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Africa. Denise is a self-professed serial entrepreneur and has been the recipient of numerous awards, twice being named one of the 50 “Most Influential Women” in Kansas City. Highly active in the Catholic community, Denise is a Spiritual Mentor and serves on the board of directors for Catholic Education Foundation, GateWay of Hope, and is Board Chair for Second Wind, an organization that supports Catholic Adult Formation through CRHP and Journey retreats. She is a parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leawood KS.
Joe Garcia, eCatholic, joe@eCatholic.com
Session Description: Join us and discover how to build a compelling online presence, engage donors, and convey your message with impact.
Presenter Bio: Favorite Saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron of prisoners and families; If I had a Saturday to myself, I would: Enjoy some photography. It’s my other passion besides eCatholic. More about Joe: I’ve been to 42 countries and every state excluding Hawaii. Traveling to New Zealand is still on my bucket list.
Nan Bone, NB Consulting, nanbone45@gmail.com
Session Description: Strategic planning gives schools a roadmap to launch and grow their school. It is a process that is as important as the product (perhaps more important). It aligns stakeholders around strategic issues. It communicates your schools’ goals, strategies and programs. Most importantly it engages, motivates and retains external and internal audiences.
Presenter Bio: Nan holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Master’s in Education, and Ed Specialist. She was an elementary teacher in Iowa before becoming a principal in Northwest, MO. She was the principal at St. Peter’s grade school in KCMO and served as the president of St. Teresa’s Academy in KCMO. She now works as an independent consultant for schools.
Denise Mills, The LeaderFuel Center, denise.mills@leaderfuelnow.com
Session Description: For some, it’s hard to ask for what we need. This interactive session will provide you with tools to expand your comfort zone when asking for support. Create a healthy mindset about asking for help, and the psychology around what makes it easy for people to say “yes” to you.
Presenter Bio: Denise Mills is co-founder and managing partner of The LeaderFuel Center, which provides leadership development training, strategic planning, business consulting and executive coaching. As Chief Mindset Officer, she uses her expertise to uniquely challenge leaders’ perspectives with a focus on bringing about transformational change using practical tools and a candid approach. Denise’s primary focus is working with leadership teams providing tools for more effective leadership and to develop a growth mindset throughout the entire organization. Denise facilitates the Central Exchange Emerging Leaders which has a record 163 women in the program this year. The U.S. State Department and United Nations Celebrate Positive NGO considers Denise a “positive instigator,” and engage her to facilitate workshops and strategy sessions in underserved countries across the globe including India, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Africa. Denise is a self-professed serial entrepreneur and has been the recipient of numerous awards, twice being named one of the 50 “Most Influential Women” in Kansas City. Highly active in the Catholic community, Denise is a Spiritual Mentor and serves on the board of directors for Catholic Education Foundation, GateWay of Hope, and is Board Chair for Second Wind, an organization that supports Catholic Adult Formation through CRHP and Journey retreats. She is a parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leawood KS.
Jo Weller, Brown Family Foundation of Kansas City, jo@bffkc.org
Session Description: Imagine yourself on the other side of philanthropic giving. Perhaps it’s reviewing a stack of grant proposals. Possibly, it’s receiving daily solicitations in the mail. Maybe it’s that eighth coffee meeting of the week. Often, it is multiple asks for the same thing. In this session, learn how collaborative fundraising can get you further by reducing donor fatigue, capitalizing on combined talent, benefiting from economy of scale, and showing your commitment to growing your community.
Presenter Bio: Jo Weller is the Director of the Brown Family Foundation of Kansas City. She has over 20 years experience in Catholic education, preschool through post secondary, in Kansas and Missouri. She holds a Catholic School Leadership (CSL) certification through Creighton University.
Tracy Smith, FACTS, TSmith@factsmgt.com
Session Description: Working with prospective families is a lot like dating! Discover how to nurture each individual family by leading them through the stages of courtship, engagement, and a long-term commitment to your school. The parent journey is very personal which requires many intentional touchpoints along the way. Learn how to woo the best-fit prospects to your school by customizing your process to make meaningful connections with each family.
Presenter Bio: Tracy is an AISAP Certified Admission and Enrollment Professional and holds a master’s degree in Christian Education. She previously worked in independent schools where she directed Advancement, MarCom, and Enrollment Management. As Enrollment Management Specialist at FACTS, she offers professional development, best practice, and training for those who are navigating various admission roles in schools.
David Reid, MultiStudio, David.Reid@multi.studio
Sam Rockford, St. James Academy, srockford@sjakeepingfaith.org
Session Description: Your campus facilities are an “ambassador for your value proposition.” They reinforce your commitment to your lived values as a school. When funds are scarce, creative and strategic campus planning is critical to leverage your facility assets, support student achievement, and elevate recruitment and retention. This session will illustrate creative examples of strategic facilities planning that have resulted in big impacts.
Presenter Bios:
Bill Maloney, Fiat Development Consulting, bill@fiatdevelopment.com
Dan Himmelberg, Office of Real Estate & Development for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, dhimmelberg@archkck.org
Session Description: The session will cover the important steps to prepare for a capital campaign. Additionally, we will discuss the key ingredients for a successful campaign.
Presenter Bios:
Matthew Manion, Villanova University, matthew.manion@villanova.edu
Session Description: This session is designed to help you assess the appropriateness of a transactional vs a relational model of funding your school to achieve both the short-term goals and long-term mission.
Presenter Bio: Matt is the David Grenon Family Faculty Director for the Center for Church Management in the Villanova University School of Business. He oversees the Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree, the Certificate in Catholic School Management, and research on relevant church management issues. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate students and his courses include Organizational Management; Global Business Ethics; and Pastoral Strategic Planning. Prior to joining Villanova, Matt was a Strategic Business Unit Director for the Franklin Mint. He also spent 18 years with the Catholic Leadership Institute and served as President and CEO for 13 years. A member of the Penn Track Team in college, Matt still enjoys running and has completed 8 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons.
Joe Garcia, eCatholic, joe@eCatholic.com
Session Description: Unlock the power of SEO (search engine optimization) and Google Analytics. Come learn how to optimize your website, leverage data, and achieve your digital marketing goals.
Presenter Bio: Favorite Saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron of prisoners and families; If I had a Saturday to myself, I would: Enjoy some photography. It’s my other passion besides eCatholic. More about Joe: I’ve been to 42 countries and every state excluding Hawaii. Traveling to New Zealand is still on my bucket list.
Amy Meara, Catholic Education Foundation of Northeast Kansas, ameara@archkck.org Session Description: People are busy, so when they volunteer to help, you must give them good direction and let them know precisely what the job is and how much time it will take…all while allowing them to insert their ideas. In this session, we’ll talk about event timelines and how to maximize your volunteer power – all with a smile! Presenter Bio: A proud graduate of Benedictine College, Amy has had a lifelong career in event planning and development. From conferences to alumni weekends to multi-million dollar fundraising events, she’s planned it all with a smile while using her God-given talents. |
Diane Marty, Rockhurst High School, dmarty@rockhursths.edu
Session Description: Alumni relations begin with their experience at your institution…and those relations only continue if your constituents feel like they’re a part of your continuing story. We’ll chat about how you meaningfully engage them…and then discuss best practices once they’re “in”!
Presenter Bio: Diane Marty earned a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College (’96) and an EdD from Vanderbilt University Peabody School of Education (emphasis in human and organizational development) (’21). She has worked as a nonprofit professional since 1996; full-time fundraiser since 1998. Have worked in-house and consulted in community development, higher education and research institutions, the arts, social services, youth development organizations, and secondary education. She was a Senior Fellow at the UMKC Bloch School (2017-2020), from 2005 – 2021 she was an adjunct professor for Rockhurst University’s NPL program (Helzberg School of Management). Diane is currently the Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement at Rockhurst High School (KCMO).
Jane Sullivan, St. Agnes Catholic School, sullivan.jane@stagneskc.org
Felicia Holcomb, Office of Catholic Schools, fholcomb@archkckcs.org
Session Description: Members of the Archdiocesan Commission on Education share findings from the year long task force initiative on teacher recruitment and retention. This session will summarize findings on why teachers choose Catholic schools for employment, why they stay, and what they leave. Actionable items and implementation suggestions to support schools’ efforts in recruitment and retention will be shared.
Presenter Bios:
Joe Garcia, eCatholic, joe@eCatholic.com
Session Description: In this interactive session, you’ll discover the essential elements of creating a compelling brand identity for your Catholic organization. Brand basics, visual identity and much more.
Presenter Bio: Favorite Saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron of prisoners and families; If I had a Saturday to myself, I would: Enjoy some photography. It’s my other passion besides eCatholic. More about Joe: I’ve been to 42 countries and every state excluding Hawaii. Traveling to New Zealand is still on my bucket list.
Dr. Nancy Bolz, Cognia, nancy.bolz@cognia.org
Session Description: No matter your organization, the culture will impact your success. As Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategies for breakfast!” Creating a culture with a healthy balance of accountability and empowerment is never easy, but tends to improve student learning, your core purpose. Aligning all aspects of your school to the mission with a growth mindset sets you on the right course. It will be our mission in this session to explore how you can take it to the next level!
Presenter Bio: Dr. Nancy Bolz is a senior director at Cognia since 2000. She has been a state director in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, managed quality assurance on accreditation reports, and oversaw reviews in 11 states. She was an adjunct professor at Wichita State for 19 years, where she earned her doctorate, specialist, and master’s degrees in educational leadership. Her bachelor’s degree in physical education and psychology was from Emporia State University. She served as a teacher and administrator in school systems in Kansas for over 20 years. Dr. Bolz served on the Kansas NCA State Council for two terms, the Kansas Accreditation Advisory Council for 21 years, and is the past chair and member of the Kansas Learning First Alliance.
Amy Meara, Catholic Education Foundation, ameara@archkck.org
Session Description: When guests pay money and take time away from family and other activities to support your organization, you want to ensure the event is worth their time! Let’s talk about the event experience, from the invitation and registration to the check-in and goodbye!
Presenter Bio: A proud graduate of Benedictine College, Amy has had a lifelong career in event planning and development. From conferences to alumni weekends to multi-million dollar fundraising events, she’s planned it all with a smile while using her God-given talents.
Michael Hagan, Flocknote, diocese@flocknote.com
Session Description: Most of the advice you will find on the internet for writing emails is geared toward marketers, and not necessarily communities like churches. While it’s good to approach this with somewhat of a marketing mindset, it’s even more important to look at this through the eyes of a church community — one with a very distinct mission. In this session, we will share 8 bite-size practical ways to write emails that people will actually read.
Presenter Bio: Michael Hagan has been working with dioceses at Flocknote for 3 years. A former Manager of Religious Education + Catechesis at the Diocese of Burlington, he understands the inner-workings of a diocese. Michael is a tea aficionado and lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and three children.
Dan Himmelberg, Director of Real Estate and Development for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, dhimmelberg@archkck.org
Session Description: This session will explore key aspects of building maintenance plans and property management plans, options for schools and parishes, and the important role it plays in your facility and strategic planning.
Presenter Bio: Dan is the Director of Real Estate & Development for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. He has 38 years of experience as an architect.
This is a back-to-back session (session 4 +5).
Tracy Smith, FACTS, TSmith@factsmgt.com
Session Description: It’s Time for An Enrollment Management Checkup with Tracy Smith at FACTS. Tracy spent many years in the trenches of private schools juggling Marketing & Communication, Development, and Enrollment Management. She brings first-hand experience to this session and will challenge you to do a check-up on your Admissions Process. You’ll leave with a prescription that will include some vital elements that will likely revive, invigorate, or accelerate your processes to reach healthier enrollment levels!
Presenter Bio: Tracy is an AISAP Certified Admission and Enrollment Professional and holds a master’s degree in Christian Education. She previously worked in independent schools where she directed Advancement, MarCom, and Enrollment Management. As Enrollment Management Specialist at FACTS, she offers professional development, best practice, and training for those who are navigating various admission roles in schools.
Stacy Downs, University of Missouri – Kansas City, downs@umkc.edu
Alyssa Lally, University of Missouri – Kansas City, lallyae@umkc.edu
Session Description: Stories are a powerful tool that can do more than inform people of your mission and actions. Thoughtfully crafted storytelling can illicit emotions to change hearts and minds, strengthen brand image and motivate behaviors. In this session, you’ll use the University of Missouri-Kansas City multimedia series, Kansas City is Our Classroom, as a guide to learn how to select, tailor and share stories designed to meet your advancement goals.
Presenter Bios:
Shelley Loethen, Encore Institute for Social Impact, shelley.loethen@encoreisi.com
Catherine Hooper, Encore Institute for Social Impact, Catherine.Hooper@encoreisi.com
Session Description: Logic models consist of just five components that-when combined-create a powerful tool. This session will introduce these components, show how they are related, and how they present a comprehensive yet easy to understand snapshot of how a program will work and its anticipated results.
Presenter Bios:
Jane Schmitt, Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, jschmitt@archkck.org
Session Description: The session will cover understanding the Great Wealth Transfer. We will uncover what the great wealth transfer is and the impact the Great Wealth Transfer will have on nonprofits. How can you prepare today through planned giving, and estate planning with your Will or Trust.
Presenter Bio: Jane started at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas as a Campaign Field Director for the One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ Campaign. Later, she began working at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) as the Marketing Coordinator. Now she is the Director of Development, helping parishes, schools, ministries, and donors with their charitable giving. She is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies. She spent 20+ years as a woman entrepreneur in restaurant ownership.
Eddie Godinez, Cuervo Media, eduardo@cuervomediainc.com
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere. How does AI play a role in your advancement efforts? Do you use it for marketing and engaging stakeholders? To identify giving patterns? How do we ensure we use AI ethically and effectively? Join the roundtable discussion to share your thoughts and learn from others.
Discussion Facilitator Bio: Eduardo is a 15-year digital marketing professional, having shaped strategies for Catholic Charities, Catholic Foundation, and St. James Academy. He is the owner of Cuervo Media since 2018, revamping websites and driving impactful marketing. He is passionate about digital platforms funding St. James’ Thunder Broadcasting Network.
Diane Marty, Rockhurst High School, dmarty@rockhursths.edu
Session Description: Engagement and stewardship are NOT “one and done” activities. It’s a cyclical practice that hinges on demonstrating volunteer and donor impact through your school and its mission-based work. The session will include research findings, best-practice language to demonstrate impact (as well as language to avoid!), and an active walk-through of how to develop baseline metrics steeped in your educational pedagogy and programming to show how you’re moving the needle with donor support.
Presenter Bio: Diane Marty earned a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College (’96) and an EdD from Vanderbilt University Peabody School of Education (emphasis in human and organizational development) (’21). She has worked as a nonprofit professional since 1996; full-time fundraiser since 1998. Have worked in-house and consulted in community development, higher education and research institutions, the arts, social services, youth development organizations, and secondary education. She was a Senior Fellow at the UMKC Bloch School (2017-2020), from 2005 – 2021 she was an adjunct professor for Rockhurst University’s NPL program (Helzberg School of Management). Diane is currently the Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement at Rockhurst High School (KCMO).
Joy Leveen, Cognia, Director of Early Learning Services, joy.leveen@cognia.org – Joy is joining virtually
Dr. Nancy Bolz, Senior Director, Cognia, nancy.bolz@cognia.org
Session Description: Cognia supports and provides early learning schools on their improvement journey utilizing the Performance Standards for Early Learning. Join this session to explore the Performance Standards for Early Learning and how your school’s ratings can contribute to your improvement journey.
Presenter Bios:
Description: During this session, participants will Understand the importance of establishing a budget process and timeline and identify forecasting strategies to use in a Catholic school budget for better financial health.
Presenter Bio: Coming Soon
Eddie Godinez, Cuervo Media, eduardo@cuervomediainc.com
Description: Explore the Digital Marketing Tools & Trends session, diving into the latest strategies. Discover AI analytics, social media dynamics, and innovative outreach. Unravel how these tools fuel engagement, fundraising, and connectivity. Join us for insights shaping today’s digital landscape.
Presenter Bio: Eduardo is a 15-year digital marketing professional, having shaped strategies for Catholic Charities, Catholic Foundation, and St. James Academy. He is the owner of Cuervo Media since 2018, revamping websites and driving impactful marketing. He is passionate about digital platforms funding St. James’ Thunder Broadcasting Network.
This is a back-to-back session (session 4 +5).
Tracy Smith, FACTS, TSmith@factsmgt.com
Session Description: It’s Time for An Enrollment Management Checkup with Tracy Smith at FACTS. Tracy spent many years in the trenches of private schools juggling Marketing & Communication, Development, and Enrollment Management. She brings first-hand experience to this session and will challenge you to do a check-up on your Admissions Process. You’ll leave with a prescription that will include some vital elements that will likely revive, invigorate, or accelerate your processes to reach healthier enrollment levels!
Presenter Bio: Tracy is an AISAP Certified Admission and Enrollment Professional and holds a master’s degree in Christian Education. She previously worked in independent schools where she directed Advancement, MarCom, and Enrollment Management. As Enrollment Management Specialist at FACTS, she offers professional development, best practice, and training for those who are navigating various admission roles in schools.
Michael Hagan, Flocknote, diocese@flocknote.com
Session Description: The most important pieces of information that you can get from your members are their cell phone number and their email address. These are like the new home addresses for your members. Using text messaging and email, you can reach far more of your people, more of the time, more effectively than any other channel out there – AND they’re the simplest to use, too! This session will focus on why and how email and texting support great communication.
Presenter Bio: Michael Hagan has been working with dioceses at Flocknote for 3 years. A former Manager of Religious Education + Catechesis at the Diocese of Burlington, he understands the inner-workings of a diocese. Michael is a tea aficionado and lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and three children.
Shelley Loethen, Encore Institute for Social Impact, shelley.loethen@encoreisi.com
Catherine Hooper, Encore Institute for Social Impact, Catherine.Hooper@encoreisi.com
Session Description: Grant writers are often left to craft the logic model; however, they are a foundational tool for ANYONE involved in program design. This session will show how this multifaceted tool can drive information gathering from various stakeholders, assist in identifying budget needs, support formative evaluation for program improvement, and result in meaningful summative evaluation frameworks. Learn how to make logic models work for you!
Presenter Bios:
Jane Rall, Consultant for the School Advancement Program for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, jrall@archkckcs.org
Session Description: This session will guide participants through the process of identifying and nurturing the core values that define their Catholic school’s ethos. Attendees will explore strategies for uncovering these values, understanding their significance within the school community, and implementing practices to foster their integration into daily operations. Through interactive discussions and practical insights, participants will leave empowered to strengthen their school’s foundation on its most cherished principles.
Presenter Bio: With a lifelong interest in education, Jane started her career path as a Speech-Language Pathologist working in both private, public and clinical settings. With increasing interest in non-profit work geared toward initiatives benefiting Catholic organizations serving children, Jane worked in the nonprofit sector and has served on boards, councils and business teams that support Catholic education. Jane leads the School Advancement Program for the Office of Catholic Schools working with schools to implement a multi-year plan to support board development, development/fundraising, marketing, strategic planning, and financial solvency for optimum operational vitality.
Marissa Easter, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas measter@archkck.org
Session Description: This session will focus on navigating media relations, handling press inquiries, and enhancing communication skills across various scenarios and audience demographics. We will explore techniques for crafting tailored messages to effectively reach specific targets, harnessing the power of storytelling in communication, and mastering the delivery of challenging messages.
Presenter Bio: Marissa Easter is an experienced and dynamic marketing communications leader with a proven track record of success. Specializing in strategic planning, public and media relations, digital marketing, and communications, she has led award-winning teams for multi-billion dollar companies. Growing up in a devout Catholic family and as a parishioner of St. John Paul II in Olathe, Marissa carries a deep connection to faith and values into her professional work. Throughout her career, Marissa has held key positions, including Senior Director of Strategic Marketing and Growth for ValueHealth and Director of Marketing for ReeceNichols Real Estate. She holds an MBA in Organizational Behavior & Human Resources and a BBA in Marketing Management from the University of New Mexico. Additionally, she has served as an active member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City’s Marketing Communications Committee for the past six years. Outside of her professional life, Marissa is a dedicated family person, married to her husband, Ryan, and a proud parent of two daughters, Adalynn and Gracelyn. She enjoys exploring new areas, spending time at the lake with family and friends, and indulging in crafting projects.
Joy Leveen, Cognia, Director of Early Learning Services, joy.leveen@cognia.org – Joy is joining virtually
Dr. Nancy Bolz, Senior Director, Cognia, nancy.bolz@cognia.org
Session Description: In this session, learn how to take raw survey data and transform data into meaningful action for your early learning or K12 school. Survey data from educators, families, and learners can provide powerful insights into your school’s strengths and challenges, but it can be hard to translate raw data into meaningful action. This session will help your school move to meaningful action.
Presenter Bios: