Staff

Joanne joined the SAIS staff in June 2014 after many successful years as a teacher, administrator, and head of school. Most recently, she was the accreditation coordinator for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. A lifelong educator, Joanne has also been a consultant on governance and leadership in independent schools and has traveled extensively to schools across the nation. Her experience in school accreditation includes work on both sides of the process and collaboration with more than 14 different accrediting agencies. Joanne received a B.S. in education from Florida International University and an M.Ed. in educational leadership from Loyola University of Maryland. She also holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. Joanne has a passion for animal rescue and dog training and spends her free time volunteering for animal welfare causes.

Sheri joined the SAIS staff as the director of professional development in June 2017 and became the Director of Resources in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Alabama. Over the past 20 years, she has served in both public and private institutions, teaching at the early childhood, lower, and middle school levels. Sheri has experience as a classroom teacher and technology coordinator with Woodland Presbyterian School and Lausanne Collegiate School, both in Memphis. She most recently served as the curriculum development coordinator with St. Mary’s Episcopal School, also in Memphis. Sheri enjoys rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty, whether it is outside in the garden or in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe.

Clay joined the SAIS staff in May 2019. He brings over three decades of hands-on technology support experience, including nine years as the IT director at an international association, where he worked remotely alongside 75% of the staff. After a brief foray in the corporate world, he is excited to return to association work. He is comfortable in a dual-platform environment, adores Microsoft Excel (to the point it was included in his wedding vows!), and also has experience being the only man on an otherwise all-female staff. He has been described as “a tech geek with personality” and enjoys hiking, wine festivals, playing guitar, and riding his motorcycle.

Elizabeth joined the SAIS team in July 2021. She began her career in education in 2005 as a leadership program faculty advisor for middle school students at Envision EMI in Washington, D.C. She continued there as a program coordinator and professional development manager. In 2012, she joined Woodlynde School as an upper school learning specialist then was appointed head of lower school in 2014 and assistant head of school in 2016. She holds a B.A. in communications from NC State and an M.S. in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Abby joined the SAIS team in February 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and translation studies from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in hospitality business management from Michigan State University. Abby earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in July 2021. Before joining the SAIS team, she worked for Marriott International as both a banquet and restaurant manager. Abby enjoys cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, spending time with her family and friends, baking, and reading.

Lori joined the SAIS staff in August 2003 after spending six years working with the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE). She is an active member of GSAE, having served as chair of the GSAE Board of Directors. She received a B.A. from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Lori earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in June 2006. She is also an advocate of historic preservation, and has served on the board of Rhodes Hall, a historic home in midtown Atlanta, as well as the board of the DeKalb League of Women Voters. Lori has also volunteered for YearUp Atlanta and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Anna joined the SAIS staff in May 2014. She graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in sociology. Throughout college, she worked as an intern, administrative assistant, and substitute teacher at The Suzuki School in Buckhead. She has a love for education and a passion for working with and helping people of all ages. Anna spends her free time volunteering for Furkids, exploring the outdoors with her dog, and spending time with family and friends.

Carole joined the SAIS staff in April 2015. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a B.S. in education. She worked for 15 years at McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, as executive assistant to the head of school as well as administrative assistant to the vice president for planning and board relations. When Carole is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She also enjoys hiking, reading, golfing, and porch-sitting.

Debra joined the SAIS staff in July 2019. She grew up in Connecticut, where she graduated from the Williams School, an independent school located on the campus of Connecticut College. Debra received her B.A. in English from Sewanee, The University of the South, and her J.D. from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She previously served as general counsel for NAIS for 19 years. Before joining the NAIS staff, Debra was a tax litigator at the Department of Justice. Her past and current board service includes EMA-The Enrollment Management Association, GEBG-Global Education Benchmark Group, MISBO-Mid-South Independent School Business Officers, and NNSP-National Network of School Partnerships. She is an avid reader, photographer, and cook who loves to be outdoors.