I never expected coaching to feel so much like mentorship. But the more I sit with it, the more I realize — that's exactly what it is.

With over three decades of experience in the independent school world—from working with neurodiverse learners to general education and administration—my professional journey has recently converged on a truly special project at Prospect Sierra School.

The feeling is transformative, a profound experience that lingers long after the moment has passed, generating AHA realizations that continue to dance in your mind. The imagery is vivid: better days, golden fall leaves, iconic Santa Fe architecture, and the spiritual calm I carried home from those three unforgettable days.

As a School Principal, one of the most impactful lessons I learned didn’t come from a leadership seminar, it came from a kindergarten classroom. The simple yet profound concept of “filling one’s bucket” transformed the way I approached kindness, communication, and community building in schools.

Transferring knowledge from one situation to another is one of the challenges in education, yet it is central to the Understanding by Design framework.

August is one of my favorite times, filled with planning, preparation, and the anticipation of the excitement and wonder ahead.

About a year ago, I made the decision to wrap up my long-term career as an educator and school administrator.