Transformative Growth for Today’s Independent Schools.

Independent schools thrive when faculty and staff are continually growing, aligned, and inspired—and that starts with exceptional professional development. In a landscape where schools face evolving challenges in leadership, culture, and collaboration, the need for skilled facilitators has never been greater.

Working with an outside facilitator frees the Head of School or Board Chair from the logistics of navigating an agenda, allowing them to engage fully as learners and participants.

We bring unmatched expertise and a thoughtful, strategic approach to meeting and retreat facilitation, helping teams build trust, foster alignment, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Effective facilitation doesn’t just check a box—it catalyzes real growth.

Building an effective team is real work, but it should also be fun. Through careful design, we balance seriousness of purpose with the connection that comes from laughter and play, creating experiences that work for both extroverts and introverts, are consistent with the principles of adult learning, and provide opportunities for choice and space for reflection.

“This is a quick note to thank you for the incredible retreat you hosted yesterday. Oftentimes, these events feel unthoughtful and like another checklist item. Yesterday, I left with a refreshed perspective for my colleagues, [the school],  and a better understanding of how to manage myself as a professional.”

– Retreat Participant

“I’ve had the opportunity to attend multiple retreats hosted by Carney, Sandoe & Associates, and each one has been a consistently outstanding experience. Thoughtfully designed and expertly facilitated, the retreats strike a rare and effective balance between meaningful professional development and genuine connection among colleagues.”

– Retreat Participant

Contact

For more information and to begin designing your next team gathering contact:

Marsha Little

Director of Professional Learning and Development

marsha.little@carneysandoe.com