Behind Every Great School: 2026 Administrative Professionals Retreat

Speaker, Trainer, Writer, and Founder of Exceptional EA

Authentic, expert and inspiring, Shelagh (pronounced “Sheila”) Donnelly cares about your success. This former private school girl walked your walk for decades, as an assistant and in education. Shelagh began her career in the corporate sector, where she reported to C-Suite executives before becoming a software trainer for the same national corporation. As her family grew, she made the move to education, working initially in K-12 before spending two decades in higher education.

Over the course of her office career, Shelagh co-launched internal networks that function to this day. She’s led multiple projects, teams, and a corporate division. She’s had the benefit of her own assistants, chaired a national board of directors, and continues to be a lifelong learner.

 In college environments, Shelagh was a direct report to four CEOs. She honed governance expertise through ongoing education while working alongside four board chairs. She launched her Exceptional EA website in 2013, and assistants around the globe trust and turn to Shelagh for the insights and practical perspectives she delivers with a healthy sense of humor.

 Since leaving the office environment in 2018, Shelagh has traveled to 11 countries to deliver keynotes and other presentations. She challenges, educates and inspires assistants who want to perform at a high level in careers they enjoy. She works with assistants and management in education, healthcare and utilities, and in corporations including the NBA … and we’re delighted to welcome Shelagh back to ADVIS.

Assistants are often the ones on the front lines of conflict – they are manning the main office and addressing visitors, fielding calls from parents, and serving as a sounding board for faculty. Unfortunately, not all of these interactions are delivered in a pleasant, level-headed way, and we often find ourselves caught in the middle! In this session we will delve into the psychology of this conflict and and you will come away with tips for dealing with difficult (or emotional) people, with concepts highlighted from the NAIS book, Hopes & Fears. NAIS’s Executive Assistant, Erica Zematis, will discuss the skills needed to clarify, understand, and respond to these types of interactions – and how we can remain calm in the face of polarization.

About the Presenter

Erica Zematis serves as Special Assistant to the President’s Office at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) supporting NAIS President, Debra Wilson. Prior to that, she worked at the Jacksonville Country Day School as Executive Assistant to the Head of School. She has over 25 years of experience serving in administrative support roles. Erica has published articles to help assistants grow their professional skills, covering topics such as taking board meeting minutes, growing leadership skills, providing support in a virtual environment, and maintaining positive relationships. She has championed new NAIS initiatives to serve school executive assistants through webinars, peer connections, and a new toolkit. She holds a master’s degree in business administration (M.B.A.) and a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Psychology from the University of North Florida. Her role as a military spouse has allowed her the opportunity to live, work, and make friends in many different parts of the world.

presented by Jan Burns, Friends Select, Assistant to the Head of School

This workshop introduces the personal anti-racist audit developed at Friends Select School as a practical tool to support reflection, accountability, and sustained anti-racist practice. Participants will learn the thinking behind the audit, how it was designed, and how it has been used at Friends Select School to help individuals move from intention to follow-through in their anti-racist work.

The session will also explore how personal anti-racist audits can be integrated into professional development days, creating structured opportunities for reflection and growth within school communities. Through guided prompts and discussion, participants will begin a short version of their own personal anti-racist audit and consider how this tool might be adapted for use in their own school contexts.

Participants will leave with a concrete framework they can build on, along with ideas for embedding reflection and accountability into ongoing professional learning around anti-racism.

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About the Presenter

Jan Burns holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in college counseling from UCLA. Her experience includes work as an assistant teacher and after-school program director at Greene Towne Montessori School, manager of an independent bookstore in Philadelphia, reader in graduate admissions at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and assistant to the head of school at Friends Select School. 

presented by Deneen Young, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Director, Friends Select

Support staff are often the glue and the heart of independent schools. We are the ones who hold communities together, sustain relationships, and quietly keep things moving. Yet, our experiences and professional growth are rarely centered.

This workshop invites administrative support professionals to explore self-efficacy and empowerment through the lens of mind, body, and spirit. Participants will reflect on how their personal stories shape their professional presence and learn how to maintain balance and authenticity in the face of daily demands.

Through storytelling, reflection, and shared dialogue, participants will:

• Gain practical tools for sustaining emotional and physical well-being
• Reconnect with their sense of purpose and value within the school ecosystem
• Build connections with peers who understand the weight and beauty of support roles
• Walk away with a personalized Mind–Body–Spirit Toolkit to sustain resilience and renewal

Participants will leave feeling lighter, empowered, and ready to rejoin their communities with renewed clarity and confidence.

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About the Presenter

A seasoned administrative leader and holistic wellness advocate, Deneen is a dedicated administrative professional with 23 years of experience at Friends Select School, where she serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Upper School Director. A graduate of Lancaster Bible College (B.S. in Human Services), Deneen is a leader in fostering inclusive communities, serving as a co-advisor for the Black Student Union and founder of Sistah’s Chat, an affinity group for Black girls.

An accomplished author, Deneen has contributed her insights to the academic and wellness fields. She is the author of two vignettes, "The Administrative Assistant and Staff Member: Oh and Black" in the book White Women Who Teach Black Boys, and the book Movement is Medicine Anthology.

Beyond her administrative role, Deneen is the founder of YoungLife Coach~Beyond Fit, LLC, and Neen's Closet Boutique. As a certified fitness instructor, lifestyle coach, and motivational speaker, she is passionate about holistic wellness. She has founded two impactful organizations—Gurlz Get2gether and When Women Gather: It’s Necessary—to support women and girls navigating adversity.

Her commitment to service extends as an active community leader, Deneen serves as the Interim President of the Board for Adoption ARC, and is a former Co-Ambassador for Black Girls Run, and Philadelphia Committee Person for the 34th ward for 11 years. Guided by her faith and a 35-year marriage, Deneen resides in Philadelphia with her husband. Having raised two adult children educated in the independent school community, she brings both a personal and professional perspective to her work in education and wellness. She remains steadfast in her mission to help others “keep pressing and keep pushing.”

This session will explore how administrative professionals can use AI tools, Google Workspace, and iOS features to streamline their daily tasks, reduce busy work, and create more time to focus on what matters most—being fully human in their work and relationships.

About the Presenter

After nearly a decade supporting educators and refining her expertise in organization and efficiency, Leah founded Claim Your Time to help independent school administrators streamline their work, empowering them to focus on what truly matters.