NAES Biennial Conference 2026

The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.

He was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.

Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, into a family of steel and mill workers, Rowe was raised in the United Methodist Church and graduated from Grove City College in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in history. During Rowe’s college years, the Rev. Barbara Akin, chair of the history department at Grove City, gave him a Book of Common Prayer and invited him to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Grove City, where he was confirmed and discerned a call to the priesthood.

He enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary after graduating from college, and after earning his Master of Divinity there in 2000, returned to Northwestern Pennsylvania to serve as rector of St. John’s, Franklin. During his seven years as rector, the congregation more than doubled in size.

Rowe was 32 in May 2007 when he was elected bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania on the first ballot. For almost 12 years, he was the youngest bishop in The Episcopal Church. In 2014, he earned a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership at Gannon University.

Before his election as presiding bishop, Rowe served as a leader of many civic and churchwide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops. In 2018, he became the first bishop to serve on the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church, a position he held until 2022. That year, he was awarded the House of Deputies medal for his service.

Rowe is married to Carly Rowe, executive director of Erie Episcopal, a creative collaboration between two Episcopal congregations in Erie, Pennsylvania. They live in Erie with their daughter, Lauren.

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University, Teachers College and is Founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in spirituality and psychology.

Dr. Miller is a foremost scientist on spirituality across the lifespan, with her work published in top research journals including JAMA-Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Her innovative research has focused on quantifiable effects of spirituality in health, resilience and thriving, and an overall sacred and joyful life. Her clinical and consultation work focuses on spiritual awareness and spiritual growth, for individuals, families, groups and organizations.

Dr. Miller is the author of “The Spiritual Child; The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving.” Based upon her decade and a half of experience, she offers talks, workshops and consultations on spirituality in healthy development to parents and schools, adult wellness groups, and private and public organizations. She is the Editor of The Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality and Co-Editor of the APA journal, Spirituality in Clinical Practice. She has been elected as Fellow by the American Psychological Association, as well as for the Virginia Sexton Mentoring Award of graduate students. A graduate of Yale, she received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania from Martin Seligman.

She frequently is cited in print and in on-line media and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NBC Today Show as an expert. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

The Rev. David A. Madison, D.Min., Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) joined the staff in 2021, and began his tenure as Executive Director on July 1, 2022. Prior to his work with NAES, Fr. Madison was the Executive Director of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES).

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Austin College and a law degree from Baylor University, Fr. Madison was admitted to the State Bar of Texas and practiced law during his early career. He then attended seminary at Nashotah House in Wisconsin, graduating cum laude with a Master of Divinity degree. Soon thereafter, he was ordained as a priest. A pastoral appointment in Christian education led David to embrace his true gift of teaching. He went on to serve All Saints’ Episcopal School (Fort Worth) as the Director of Religious Studies and Chaplain before being appointed Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School. He completed a Doctor of Ministry degree in educational leadership at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a personal commitment to the Anglican tradition of excellence in education and has embodied the term “lifelong learner.” Through his work with school boards and vestries, he is characterized as a servant leader whose diplomacy skills have smoothed many a troubled sea. He serves as someone who has a lifetime of first-hand experience with the transformational work of Episcopal schools—as student, priest, teacher, and administrator.

Monica M. Gillespie, Ph.D. is the associate director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). An experienced educator, Monica most recently served as Principal for Grades PS-4 at St. Matthew’s Parish School in Pacific Palisades, CA. Before her time at St. Matthew’s, she served as Head of Upper School at Francis Parker School in San Diego, CA; Head of School at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC; Head of School at St. Paul’s School for Girls and St. Paul’s Plus in Brooklandville, MD; and Head of School at St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Culpeper, VA.

In her role at NAES, she conducts national research, including the NAES Chaplaincy Survey, NAES Early Childhood Education Survey, and NAES Experienced Chaplain Survey. She also curates the annual webinar series; leads the New Chaplain Mentoring Program, the Early Childhood Directors group, and the Wisdom Circle; administers the NAES grants program; and provides one-on-one support to members. 

An accomplished author and thought leader, Monica’s writing has been published by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Thomas Jefferson Center for Educational Design, and the International Journal of Education Reform. Monica holds B.A., M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia, with her doctoral dissertation focusing on independent school leadership. She has received numerous awards, including the Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the Walter E. Campbell Award Graduate Student Award, and the Governor’s Fellowship for Graduate Studies.

Jonathan F. Cooper is now in his tenth year as Director of Communications for the National Association of Episcopal Schools and thirteenth overall year working in Episcopal communications. Outside of NAES, he is an active church musician and composer. He can't wait to see you all in Los Angeles!

Claire Leheny joined the NAES team as Director of Engagement in the summer of 2025. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools in New England for nine years. Currently, she lives in Washington, DC.

Brandon Jacobs is founding Leadership Certificate Program Manager at the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). He brings more than a decade of experience supporting independent and mission-driven schools across the United States and internationally as an education leadership consultant.

Jacobs previously served as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Practice Leader and Search Consultant at Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CSA), where he led more than forty national and international searches and oversaw professional development initiatives and other strategic projects. Before joining CSA, he held senior DEIB leadership positions at The Shipley School and at The Hill School, his alma mater, where he also taught upper school classes, coached athletics, and served as an advisor and college counselor.

Continuing her service to the arts and nonprofit sector, Amanda Zhang is in her first year as the Database & Events Coordinator for the National Association of Episcopal Schools. She is looking forward to seeing everyone in Los Angeles!

The Rev. Dr. Terri Ofori is the Episcopal Chaplaincy Connection Initiative (ECCI) Project Coordinator at the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). A seasoned chaplain and educator, her previous leadership includes serving as Dean of DEIB and Chaplain at Brooks School, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at Ursinus College, and higher education chaplaincies at Harvard, Brown, and Wellesley.

Dr. Ofori is an alumna of the U.S. Army War College Strategic Leadership Development Program and an endorsed VA Chaplain. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University as a Fund for Theological Education Fellow, and a Master of Arts in Cross Cultural Theology from Columbia International University.

Dr. Sonia Yoshizawa is the Early Childhood School Assistant Director and Pedagogista at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California, where she leads professional learning through coaching, collaborative inquiry, and emergent curriculum. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, her work is grounded in constructivist philosophy and deeply aligned with the Episcopal tradition of educating the whole child—nurturing curiosity, relationships, and a profound sense of belonging.

She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and has served as a researcher and instructor at the university level, where her work focused on STEM learning in early childhood and the Reggio Emilia approach. She is the co-author of three books on creativity and STEM learning (NAEYC; Teachers College Press), contributing to a growing body of research that bridges inquiry-based science and mathematics with the realities of early childhood classrooms. A sought-after speaker and professional learning facilitator, she presents regularly at national and international conferences and leads workshops for educators across the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. She currently serves on the Board of the Association for Constructivist Teaching.

Kristin Smith is a partner in the Houston and Minneapolis offices and a co-chair of the education practice group at Fisher & Phillips LLP. Her practice focuses exclusively on independent and private schools. Smith assists schools in a variety of areas, including student and employee discipline; a variety of investigations; faculty, staff, and student contract drafting; handbook and policy drafting, implementation, and enforcement; community and inclusion issues, including transgender students and employees; board governance and training; discrimination claims and EEOC charges; administration and faculty training and development; school entanglement in family court proceedings; and, litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Dr. Sepúlveda is an experienced teacher-trainer, consultant, administrator, K-12 teacher, and college instructor with a strong background in leadership, educational innovation, student-centered learning, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, & Belonging (DEIJB) initiatives and research. He is also a published author of several refereed articles and book chapters.

Dr. Sepúlveda holds a B.A. in English and Education, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics, an M.Ed. in Bilingual Education & Diversity Studies, and a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics with a focus on intercultural communication.

The Revd Palmer B. Kennedy is Head Chaplain and Religion and Philosophy Department Chair at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, SC. He grew up in Mobile, AL, and was raised in the Methodist tradition. As an undergraduate at Auburn University, he discerned a call to ministry, which led him to Beeson Divinity School, where he had his first exposure to the Anglican theological tradition and served as a youth minister at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

After completing his MDiv, Palmer entered the discernment process in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida and was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt Revd Gregory Brewer. He served for four years at Ascension Episcopal School and the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lafayette, LA, before moving to Charleston in 2021 to join Porter-Gaud School.

Palmer and his wife, Hayley, met at Auburn. They have two children, Patrick and Claire.

The Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull is the third head of school of Campbell Hall (est. 1944), an Episcopal school in Los Angeles, California with 1130 students in grades K-12.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, his Master’s in Philosophy from Boston College, and his Master’s in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Canon Bull is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church.

Prior to coming to Campbell Hall in 2003, Rev. Bull served as Head of Trinity Episcopal School in New Orleans and as the Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Chair of the Diversity Committee, and Director of the Senior Humanities Program at Albuquerque Academy. He has served on the Boards of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, the Independent School Association of the Southwest, St. James’ Episcopal School, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Steering Committee for the Los Angeles School Heads, the Studio City Neighborhood Council, and has chaired the last two search committees for bishops of Los Angeles. He currently serves as the Chair of the Commission on Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and is on the Advisory Board of the Collaborative for Spirituality in Education. He and his wife Katie have enjoyed raising their two sons as 13-year Campbell Hall students. Rev. Bull enjoys tennis, hiking, and playing bridge in his spare time.

Dr. Chelsea Pope Collins is Head of School at St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston. Over a 25-year career in education, she has served as a middle and high school teacher, summer school director, assistant director of admissions, coordinator of new student support, DEI coordinator, assistant head, and division head of middle school. She previously served as head of school at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, where she led the school through a strategic planning process, and has also worked at The Kinkaid School.

Dr. Collins has served on the Board of Trustees of the SAES and the Standards Committee of the ISAS and SAES, as well as the Board of Trustees of Brighter Bites. She was named a NAIS Aspiring Heads Fellow, co-chaired the NAIS People of Color Conference, and served as faculty for ISAS’s Beginning Teacher Institute.

She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Fisk University, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she was a fellow, and an EdD in Educational Administration Leadership. She is a Houston native.

Imana Sherrill is a dynamic and mission-driven educational leader with extensive experience in independent schools, specializing in strategic planning, curriculum development, diversity and inclusion, and leadership coaching. Currently serving as the Head of School at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, NC, Imana is the first woman and person of color to hold this position. She has successfully expanded the school’s reach, enhanced academic rigor, increased enrollment, and led major fundraising initiatives, including a multi-million dollar capital campaign.

Prior to her leadership at Trinity, Imana was the Head of Middle School at The Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, where she developed innovative academic programs, restructured leadership roles to improve communication and efficiency, and strengthened faculty mentorship. She also served as Director of Diversity & Inclusion at William Penn Charter School, where she led strategic diversity planning, developed student and parent affinity groups, and improved equitable hiring practices.

Imana’s career spans over three decades in education, including roles as an educational technology director, classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and DEI strategist. She has played a pivotal role in integrating technology into learning, enhancing faculty evaluation systems, and fostering inclusive school communities.

Her leadership extends beyond her school roles, as she serves on multiple boards, including SAIS and UNC Charlotte Black Alumni Board, and is actively involved in professional organizations such as The Links, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Imana has presented at national conferences, contributed to national educational magazines and blogs, and appeared on the Third Space podcast discussing women of color in school leadership. She is a passionate advocate for student success, faculty development, and inclusive school environments, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality, empowering education.

Imana holds a Master’s in Education and Educational Technology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s in Education from UNC Charlotte.

Kami Allen is Director of St. John’s Day School in Alamogordo, NM.

Jennifer Allen is the Director of The Jack and Jill School at St. George's Church in New York City. With 18 years of dedicated service to the school, she brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to early childhood education, and a passion for nurturing young learners. As both a member of the church and a leader within the school community, Jennifer values the strong connection between faith, family and education.

Christy Poindexter serves as the Director of the Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, Arkansas, overseeing year-round childcare and educational programming for infants through Pre-K4 alongside seasonal elementary enrichment.

With 20 years of experience as a Director of Early Childhood programs and 46 years dedicated to working with young children, Liz has devoted her career to fostering high-quality early childhood education. With a passionate belief that the early years are the most developmentally exciting and influential time in a child's life, she has found great joy in providing them with nurturing, engaging learning experiences. As Liz often says, "It is a gift to be a part of a young child's discovery of the world around them!" 

Dr. Chéleah Googe is the Director of the Melrose Center for Leadership & Equity at Breck School, bringing nine years of dedicated experience in Episcopal schools to her work as an equity advocate. Her practice as a Black feminist educator and researcher examines how race, class, and gender intersect to shape educational experiences, blending critical theory with practical support for all learners. A lifelong academic, she earned her B.A. from the University of Richmond, an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Old Dominion University.

Julie Kallio is the Lead Researcher in the Peter Clark Center at the Breck School where she supports research to practice, professional learning, and systems change. Julie graduated with her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, studying how Networked Improvement Communities can build educational systems for innovation and improvement. Julie previously taught in outdoor education and independent schools, leading technology integration, teaching science, and dorm parenting.

John D. Verdery Award Recipient

The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor recently retired as the seventh bishop diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and the 1,101st bishop in The Episcopal Church. His election took place on December 3, 2016, during the diocese’s 121st annual meeting, paving the way for his consecration as bishop coadjutor on July 8 at a vibrant “grand fiesta” that celebrated the region’s rich cultural diversity and mission-driven spirit. He officially stepped into his role as diocesan bishop in 2017. Prior to his episcopal election, Taylor spent years in parish leadership as the vicar of St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church and School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. He also served on the governing board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools from 2010 to 2016.

Before his ordination, Taylor established a distinguished career in public service and historical preservation. A native of Detroit and the son of journalists, he developed a deep passion for the written word early on, eventually becoming a published novelist. His work in public life prominently included serving as an aide and chief of staff to former U.S. President Richard Nixon. Taylor went on to direct the privately owned Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace, skillfully leading the institution through its transition into the federal presidential library system to become the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, while also serving as Executive Director of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Foundation. It was also during his time in public service that he met Kathleen Hannigan O’Connor, a fellow former Nixon aide, whom he married in 2002.

Ruth Jenkins Award Recipient

Alley Michaelson ’02  has been Head of School at St. Matthew’s Parish School in Pacific Palisades, CA since 2023. She is the ninth Head of School and the first alumna to assume the role. During her time at St. Matthew’s, Alley has been integral in expanding both curriculum and secondary school outplacement, growing enrollment by adding a 2 year old program to St. Matthew’s Early Childhood division, and implementing an Associate Teacher program in Lower School, designed to cultivate young teaching talent and build a pipeline of excellent educators. 

Following the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire, Alley guided St. Matthew’s through an emotional transition, from temporary offsite campuses in 2025 to the reopening of the School’s Pacific Palisades campus in September of 2026, a mere 21 months since the fire ripped through the School buildings and community. Alley has been active in local recovery efforts in Pacific Palisades, including serving on the Pacific Palisades Community Council. She also took on her best role yet, current parent at St. Matthew’s where her son began in the Little Falcons 2-year-olds program last fall. 

Alley came to St. Matthew’s from New Lebanon Elementary School in Greenwich, CT, where she served as Principal starting in 2019. Under her leadership, New Lebanon School was recognized as a Connecticut State School of Distinction, and she was awarded the Anne Firestone Ball Family Champion Award from Family Centers of Fairfield County. Before her tenure at New Lebanon, Mrs. Michaelson was Assistant Principal and Principal, respectively, at Anderson & McGrath Elementary School in Grand Blanc, MI. 

After graduating 8th grade at St. Matthew’s, Mrs. Michaelson attended Marymount High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She holds an M.A. in Teaching, Special Education from National Louis University and a Master’s in Education with a focus in School Leadership from Harvard University. Mrs. Michaelson began her career as a Teach For America Corps member in the Chicago Public Schools, where she progressed from Learning Specialist to Special Education College Counselor to Dean of Specialized Instruction. She has continued her commitment to Teach For America as a volunteer, Recruitment Manager, and Associate Board Member.

Ruth Jenkins Award Recipient

Jennifer Foley Tolbert has served as head of school at Saint Mark’s School in Altadena, California, since 2015. Prior to coming to Saint Mark’s, she held several administrative roles, including middle school director at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, associate director of admissions at Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood, and director of diversity and middle school director at the Gordon School in East Providence, Rhode Island. A leader in independent schools, she has served on several boards, including the California Association of Independent Schools, the Center for Education, and currently the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

For Jennifer, Saint Mark’s has always been more than a school. It is a community, a family, and a place where children are known, loved, challenged, and encouraged to become the very best versions of themselves.

As head of school, Jennifer leads with heart, faith, and a deep belief in the power of community. She is passionate about creating an environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and where academic excellence is matched by compassion, curiosity, character, and service to others.

That commitment took on new meaning after the Eaton Fire destroyed the historic Saint Mark’s campus. In a matter of hours, the physical place generations of families had called home was gone. But Jennifer knew that Saint Mark’s itself had not been lost.

In the days and months that followed, she helped hold the school community together—supporting students, families, faculty, and staff while ensuring that learning continued and the traditions and spirit of Saint Mark’s endured. During a time of extraordinary uncertainty, Jennifer has led with determination and hope, reminding the community that a school is ultimately defined not by its buildings, but by its people.

Today, Jennifer is helping lead Saint Mark’s back home to Altadena.

The effort to rebuild is deeply personal. It is an opportunity to honor the history and traditions of Saint Mark’s while creating a resilient, welcoming campus for the generations of children who will follow. Throughout that journey, Jennifer has embraced a powerful biblical principle: walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

She believes the rebuilding of Saint Mark’s represents something larger than the restoration of a school. It is part of Altadena’s own story of recovery, resilience, and renewal—and a promise to children and families that the community they love will endure.

For Jennifer, the goal is not simply to rebuild what was lost. It is to carry forward everything that could never be destroyed: the relationships, traditions, faith, joy, and sense of belonging that make Saint Mark’s home.

And when the doors of the new Saint Mark’s campus finally open, it will represent far more than a return to a building. It will be a homecoming.

The Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena was elected eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on November 8, 2025, by clergy and lay delegates to Diocesan Convention meeting in Riverside, California. Having received consents from the bishops and standing committees of the dioceses of The Episcopal Church, he was ordained and consecrated to the episcopate on July 11, 2026, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California. For his ministry as bishop he has chosen the theme “In the Spirit of Love and Truth / En El Espíritu de Amor y Verdad.”

Prior to his consecration, Bishop Gallardo L., 59, was rector of St. Luke’s / San Lucas Episcopal Church in Long Beach, serving the parish from February 2022 to April 2026. Previously, from 2019 to 2022 he was priest-in-charge and then vicar of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church in La Crescenta, and from 2015 to 2019 served as pastor for Latino ministries at All Saints, Pasadena. From 2020 to 2024 he facilitated the diocesan group of clergy serving Latino-Hispanic communities.

A native of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Bishop Gallardo L. is the first Latino to be elected bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles. He is fully bilingual (English and Spanish) and speaks basic Italian and Portuguese with a willingness “to learn more languages to speak the language of the heart of more people in the Church.

Cory Newman is Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), the organization that advocates for 1,400 ELCA Schools and early learning centers. ELEA actively supports 18,000 staff and 150,000 children during closure of our Lutheran schools and sheltering in place orders. Cory is an experienced early childhood educator and mother to two girls, one in high school and the other an elementary age student.