Talking Technology with ATLIS

Dr. Kylie Peppler of UC Irvine joins the podcast to discuss the deep connections between art, technology, and learning. She explores how playful learning—from toys to AI—can foster creativity and student agency. Dr. Peppler also offers educators a framework for embracing AI as a creative tool rather than something to fear. Connected Arts Learning: Peppler, K., Dahn, M., & Ito, M. (2023). The C...

Dr. Jeremy Roschelle and Dr. Pati Ruiz from Digital Promise join the podcast to discuss their learning sciences research into AI's role in education. They share details about an innovative project using AI to improve student reading literacy and explore frameworks for developing AI literacy and responsible use policies in schools. Practitioner Toolkit from Digital Promise, provides resources for c...

Dan McGee, TLIS, Chief Technology Officer at Laurel School, joins the podcast to discuss why being a tech director is the best job in a school. He shares insights into his expansive role, which includes enterprise-level risk management, major construction projects, and the "archeological dig" of offboarding a long-tenured Head of School. Laurel School , all-girls private school in Shaker Heights,...

Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact at Google, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from classroom teacher to tech leader. She shares practical ways educators can use Google Gemini to support diverse student needs and save time, while also addressing critical data privacy considerations and introducing a brand-new hub of AI resources for teachers. Jennie on LinkedIn Courageous Edve...

Ari Betof, co-founder of Mission and Data, joins the podcast to discuss the critical importance of making mission-driven, data-informed decisions. He explores the common challenges schools face with data governance and system migrations, emphasizing the need for longitudinal consistency and strong leadership partnerships to turn raw data into a compelling strategic story. Mission & Data , dedi...

Nikole Blanchard, Director of Innovation and Technology at The Dunham School, joins the podcast to discuss her leadership philosophy. She shares how to foster an approachable, innovative culture through project-based learning, providing individualized professional learning for faculty, and empowering campus champions to help spread new ideas and tools effectively. The Dunham School  Apple Dis...

Dr. Alison Lee, Chief R&D Officer of The Rithm Project, joins the podcast to discuss the collision between the youth loneliness epidemic and the rise of AI. She shares research on why young people are turning to AI for connection and explains her five principles for "pro-social AI," offering a hopeful framework for nurturing human relationships in a tech-saturated world. The Rithm Project , Al...

Rafael Cordero, Director of IT and Facilities at The Riviera Ridge School, joins the podcast to discuss his unique dual role. He shares how a background in project management and cybersecurity prepared him to manage everything from network infrastructure to campus operations, and how he aligns these efforts to create a future-ready learning environment. Riviera Ridge School Rafael’s LinkedIn profi...

Dr. Marquis Scott, Assistant Head of School at The Lawrenceville School, joins the podcast to share his remarkable career journey from CTO to senior administration. He discusses how the problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset from IT are transferable to roles in HR, communications, and strategic planning, offering actionable advice for aspiring tech leaders. The Lawrenceville School The First...

Best-selling author Dr. Catlin Tucker joins the podcast to discuss her journey from a teacher in crisis to a leading voice in educational technology. She unpacks the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and makes a powerful case for student-led learning, exploring how AI can serve as an indispensable partner for designing equitable and engaging experiences that combat teacher bur...

Rachael Rachau and Patty Sinkler of the Collegiate School join the podcast to discuss their innovative shift from digital citizenship to a broader digital health and wellness curriculum. They share how using anonymized student screen-time data sparks powerful conversations and how a new phone-free policy has delightfully increased student engagement. From Digital Citizenship to Digital Health and...

In this episode, we talk with Anne Sena, Director of Operations and Technology at St. David’s School. Anne shares her compelling journey from a fast-paced corporate career at Cisco to impactful leadership in an independent school, offering key insights on managing institutional change, building trust with faculty, and navigating an expanding technology role. St. David’s School Anne’s LinkedIn Prof...

This week, we're joined by David Boxer, TLIS, CIO of The Blake School. David shares his intentional approach to building leadership capacity within his technology team and fostering a culture of collaboration. He details the school’s methodical, PLC-driven strategy for developing critical AI literacy and discusses the growing role of data governance. The Blake School Technology Leaders in Independ...

Join us for a conversation with Nate Doelling, Director of Technology at Seoul Foreign School. Nate shares his extensive experience leading technology in international schools across several continents, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of his global career. Discover the nuances of international school technology management. Nate Doelling’s LinkedIn profile Seoul Foreign...

Jenn Zanoria, Director of Educational Technology at Windward School, joins the podcast to discuss her journey and the importance of mentorship in educational technology leadership. She shares insights on fostering digital citizenship and AI literacy, detailing how her school thoughtfully integrates technology to prepare students for a rapidly changing future. Windward School: https://www.windwards...

This episode features a special live recording from the ATLIS Annual Conference with Rich Lehrer and the student members of the award-winning Dawson Design Company. Listen in as these seventh and eighth graders discuss how they are using technology to learn about design, fabrication, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy for real-world clients. The Alexander Dawson School: https://www.adsrm.org/ Tyle...

This episode replays a dynamic panel from the 2025 ATLIS Annual Conference, exploring the future of education with experts in AI, quantum computing, and extended reality (XR). Dr. Jacob Farinholt of Booz Allen, Vriti Saraf of Ed3 DAO, and Patrick Schuermann of Optima XR, along with students Jalen and Maggie, discuss how emerging technologies will reshape learning, the skills students will need, an...

From the ATLIS Annual Conference 2025 Relive the dynamic opening keynotes from the ATLIS Annual Conference with Felix Jacomino and Claire Goldsmith. Felix, Director of Technology at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, reflects on past tech trends to provide a roadmap for future innovation. Claire, Principal of Lamplight Education, discusses harnessing emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to buil...

Join Christina Lewellen and Hiram Cuevas as they speak with Vriti Saraf, co-founder and CEO of Ed3DAO, about the intersection of AI and education. Vriti discusses the need for educators to move beyond superficial AI use to foster deeper cognitive abilities and critical thinking in students. She also explores the concept of "portrait of a teacher in the age of AI" and the challenges and opport...

Dominic Salerno, IT administrator at St. Bernard's School, discusses his journey into ed tech, highlighting the value of traditional teaching methods alongside technology. He shares insights on St. Bernard's philosophy of cautious tech adoption and how his involvement with the ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) and Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification has shaped his profess...

Join Shoshanna Shumka, Executive Director of the Independent School Experiential Education Network (ISEEN), as she discusses experiential education, the Kolb learning cycle, and the importance of human connection in learning. Discover how ISEEN supports educators and fosters impactful, real-world experiences for students. Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN) ISEEN Programs Wh...

Join us as Ray Shay, Director of Technology at Brooklyn Friends School, shares his unique journey from webmaster to overseeing auxiliary programs. Discover his insights on AI's impact on independent schools, the crucial role of data systems, and why human connection and critical thinking are more vital than ever in a tech-driven world. La Salle College High School Tech Experiential Learning Prince...

In this episode, Chris Lehmann, founding principal and CEO of Science Leadership Academy schools, shares his compelling journey from a shy English teacher to a pioneer of the "school 2.0 movement." Discover how SLA embodies an inquiry-driven pedagogy where students actively ask questions, research, collaborate, and present their learning, fostering an environment where technology is as essential a...

This week we join our co-host Hiram Cuevas and his colleagues from St. Christopher's School as they delve into their unique "BUILD" program, designed to integrate innovation, learning, and design across all grade levels. Discover how this all-boys school cultivates curiosity, encourages hands-on projects, and fosters a safe environment for learning from failure. BUILD (Boys Using Innovation to Lea...

This episode features Jamie Britto from Lakeside School, discussing their proactive adoption of AI, including student-led initiatives and policy development. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and leadership strategies in independent school technology. Lakeside School Leadership and Technology at Independent Schools: A Handbook for School Leaders in Administrati...