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Administrative Professionals

Behind Every Great School: 2026 Administrative Professionals Retreat

Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (EST)
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Behind Every Great School: 
2026 Administrative Professionals Retreat

Strengthening Skills, Systems & Self

Independent schools run on the expertise, care, and quiet leadership of administrative professionals. This one-day retreat brings together assistants, coordinators, office managers, and executive support staff to sharpen practical skills, streamline systems, and invest in personal wellbeing.

Through hands-on workshops, peer problem-solving, and candid conversations, participants will learn time-saving tools, improve communication and workflow across departments, and build confidence to lead from every seat. 

Come celebrate your essential role, leave with immediately useful strategies, and connect with a network that has your back—so you can keep your school moving forward with calm, clarity, and impact.

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A Resilient Assistant

presented by: Shelagh Donnelly, Exceptional EA

You and your school went through a lot during the first half of this century’s “Roaring Twenties”. Not long after making it through a pandemic, we saw the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Whether GenAI is seen as a threat, a resource, or both, it’s continuing its forward charge. As we embark on the second half of this decade, it’s anticipated the pace of change will continue to escalate, even for those working in traditional environments. With that in mind, we’ll examine different degrees of change and how you and your leaders can best prepare for them.


While assistants are often known for adaptability, living through the latest industrial revolution – as we make our way from IR4.0 to Industry 5.0, also known as Society 5.0 – can lead to stress. Then again, some of us create self-imposed stress or head down a path to burnout through the pursuit of perfection.

The good news: We can effectively navigate changes and challenges, just as our predecessors in this career made it through groundbreaking changes during previous industrial revolutions. We can counter stress and burnout through something Shelagh calls informed optimism, and Shelagh will equip you with practical strategies you can take to nurture your resilience. These are wins for all involved, as your personal resilience supports your school’s resilience.

What You'll Learn:
  • Understanding resilience, and its importance in times of change and challenge
  • How to choose informed optimism
  • Intentional resilience, strategies to nurture yours, and a challenge

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.


We are pleased to offer convenient hotel accommodations for event participants at
The Inn at Villanova.

To reserve, call the Inn directly at 1-610-450-4953 and request a room from
the ADVIS Advancement Retreat block. 
Credits Price
Member Early Bird Rate
Registration Ends 12/19/25 at 11:59 PM EST
$175.00
Member Regular Rate
Registration Opens 12/20/25 at 12:00 AM EST
$195.00
Member Late Rate
Registration Opens 2/5/26 at 12:00 AM EST
$225.00
Credits Price
Non-Member Regular Rate
Registration Ends 2/4/26 at 11:59 PM EST
$250.00
Non-Member Late Rate
Registration Opens 2/5/26 at 12:00 AM EST
$275.00

ACT 48 CREDITS 

• You may request credit up to 7 days after the event.

• Per the PA Department of Education, ADVIS is required to report your successful completion of Act 48 evaluation within 30 days of the event. 

• Available to members only.

• Contact Mandie Curtis Banks for more information.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to make our events inclusive and accessible for all. Request accommodations on the registration form, or contact Mandie Curtis Banks with accessibility questions. Please give at least two weeks’ notice to help us ensure seamless access.

EVENT CONTACT

Dena Torino, ADVIS Director of Programming

ADVIS Event Policies & Disclaimers