MCRC@ ADVIS - The Moment We're In Resources Page
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Here you’ll find presentation materials, plus the description and speaker information from the workshops.
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Dr. Louisa Egan Brad, Dean of Equity, Justice and Belonging, Westtown School
Resources
About the Session
Navigating resistance, building support, and communicating effectivelyThis workshop examined how independent schools can more effectively engage parents and community stakeholders—especially when navigating concerns around DEI and change initiatives. The session explored strategies for understanding different parent constituencies, responding to resistance, building supportive coalitions, and communicating equity work to varied audiences. Participants also discussed approaches for managing social media and public criticism, and for working with alumni and donors who may push back on school priorities.
About the Presenter
Dr. Louisa C. Egan Brad is currently Dean of Equity, Justice, and Belonging at Westtown School. She was thrilled to return to the world of Quaker education after receiving tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Psychology at University of Portland, a Holy Cross university in Portland, Oregon. After attending a Title 1 elementary school and an independent school for Middle and Upper School in Southern California, Louisa received her B.A. from Swarthmore College, and M.S., M.Phil, and Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University, and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University..
Elaine Johnson, Founder, ETeaches365
Resources
About the Session
This workshop explored the often-unspoken dynamics that shape how DEIJB work succeeds—or stalls—within independent schools. Participants examined how power operates across an organization, how to “read the room” to identify allies, fence-sitters, and sources of resistance, and how to respond when leadership support exists but the wider culture is not yet aligned. The session also addressed navigating white fragility and defensiveness, building strategic relationships and coalitions, and recognizing when you have leverage—and when you don’t.
About the Presenter
A veteran educator with nearly two decades of experience teaching elementary and middle school students in the Lower Merion School District, Elaine Johnson has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer, and district leader since 2006. Over the past decade, she has contributed to essentialized ELA curriculum development and advanced the district’s Cultural Proficiency initiatives. Her commitment to literacy and community extends beyond the classroom through service on the Boards of the Penn Wynne Library and Mother Bethel Academy.
Honored by Peloton’s Jess Sims in A Toast for Teachers, Elaine centers her work on belonging, high expectations, and culturally responsive instruction. Her article, “From Diversity to Belonging: Nurturing Inclusivity and Literacy Skills in the Classroom,” published in the University of Pennsylvania’s educational journal, highlights her dedication to creating learning environments where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Known for her “high expectations, high warmth” approach, Elaine has helped transform student confidence and achievement. She continues to receive heartfelt messages from former students and families who credit her connection with reigniting their love of learning, strengthening their sense of belonging, and supporting them in realizing their full potential.