Educational experts, centered
on human connection
Our Team
FOUNDER & LEAD CONSULTANT
Kristen Peterson
As a career educator, Kristen is known for her positive approach when working with students, families, and colleagues. She believes in nurturing human connection to bring out the best in individuals and teams. Kristen worked in independent schools for 20 years in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Pacific Northwest in various capacities, including; Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life Program, Dean of Residential Life, Director of Advising, Director of Leadership, Director of Alumni Relations, Associate Athletic Director, and Admissions Associate. Throughout her tenure working in independent schools, Kristen has always kept her foot in the door of the classroom, teaching 9th Grade Health & Wellness and Leadership.
Kristen holds a master’s degree from Dartmouth College and was a two sport athlete while earning her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College. In her spare time, Kristen can be found in her garden with her beloved lavender plants, jogging or biking the gravel roads that border Massachusetts and Vermont, or playing in the brook with her family and their dogs.
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Shawn Durrett
A seasoned teacher, school leader, and administrator, Shawn Durrett’s career in education spans over 25 years and includes Kindergarten through college-level experience in both public and private schools, with the bulk of her career spent in independent schools in New England. With roles ranging from English teacher to instructional coach to assistant head of school, Shawn is able to simultaneously see the big picture while also analyzing its parts. She has significant experience implementing and facilitating intentional and effective faculty professional development and training and mentoring teachers. Committed to anti-racist and culturally sustaining practices in schools, Shawn’s passions include developing high quality curricula anchored by equitable teaching practices.
An avid reader and writer, Shawn can most often be found lost in a book, hiking the trails of Western MA with her three dogs, or spending time with her family.
SENIOR ADVISOR
Lauren Cunniffe
Lauren worked at an independent school for 22 years and enjoyed helping students find success in their academic journeys. As Director of College Counseling and Academic Dean, Lauren focused on helping students develop lifelong skills in self-advocacy and self-discovery through identifying manageable goals and charting a clear path to reach those goals.
An avid cyclist who spent many summers touring colleges across the country by bike, Lauren rides every day and especially loves the quiet of gravel roads.