Mindful School Marketing Tara Claeys & Aubrey Bursch

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we're thrilled to have Steve Bristol with us, a seasoned independent school veteran with over 35 years of experience. From his roots as a boarding school triple threat teacher, coach, and dorm head, to roles in administrative leadership such as Director of Athletics, Assistant Head for External Affairs, and Director of Enrollment Management, Steve's expertise spans all facets of independent school management. Now a senior consultant for Triangle Associates, Steve will share insights on faculty sustainability and its impact on school marketing. Join us as we explore how maintaining an engaged and committed faculty can enhance a school's reputation and drive enrollment success.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Melanie Norton, founder and CEO of a boutique nonprofit fundraising and strategic planning consulting firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. Melanie shares her extensive experience from banking, higher education, and consulting, offering invaluable insights into the art and science of fundraising. The discussion delves into key considerations for small independent schools planning a capital campaign, the importance of starting with strategy, and effective ways to engage alumni. Melanie also highlights the critical role of mindfulness in fundraising, emphasizing focus and prioritization to achieve successful outcomes. Tune in for practical advice on setting realistic fundraising goals, leveraging board members' strengths, and engaging your community for maximum impact.

On this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Laura Tierney, the dynamic founder and CEO of The Social Institute. Dive into our discussion about empowering students to navigate their social world with confidence and positivity, particularly through the lens of social media and technology. Laura, a true digital native, shares her journey from a teenager experiencing the dawn of social media to becoming a leading advocate for healthy digital habits. Discover the latest trends among middle and high school students, the challenges they face, and how schools and parents can foster a balanced and mindful approach to technology. 

In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing Podcast, we welcome Miriam Stein, founder of Saddlerock Strategies, to discuss effective enrollment strategies and organizational health for schools. Miriam shares her journey from teaching to admissions and consulting, highlighting her passion for helping schools thrive. The conversation dives into the Working Genius model, a workplace productivity tool designed to enhance team collaboration and efficiency by recognizing individual strengths and preferences. Miriam explains how understanding these dynamics can reduce burnout and improve morale among school staff. Tune in to learn practical insights on boosting team performance and fostering a healthier organizational environment.

In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing Podcast, join Aubrey and Tara as they bring you exclusive insights from the VAIS Advancement Institute in Staunton, Virginia. The conference featured an impressive array of speakers covering topics in development, marketing, and admissions, providing attendees with a broad spectrum of knowledge all tailored for school leaders. If you're an association or organization hosting a conference for school leaders, consider inviting the Mindful School Marketing Podcast to record an episode on site. Reach out to us for collaboration opportunities.

Join us in this episode of Mindful School Marketing as we delve into the world of visual storytelling with Helen Sachs, CEO and founder of Striking Media. From her beginnings at BBC Television Centre in London to her current role crafting impactful videos for local businesses and nonprofits in Northern Virginia, Helen brings a wealth of experience in videography and photography. In today's episode, we explore the secrets behind successful video content for independent schools, the importance of mindful planning, and the power of storytelling to emotionally connect with audiences.







Mentioned in the episode:







Browne Academy School Video







Diener School Capital Campaign







Diener School Video