Architects of Culture: A Toolkit for Deans of Student Life

Aug 10, 2026 10:00AM—12:00PM

Location

Virtual

Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until July 7) $345 members; $290 group-rate 3+; $555 non-members

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Independent School Educator

ABOUT THIS VIRTUAL INTENSIVE

In the complex ecosystem of a school, "Student Life" is often where the most significant growth and the deepest frictions occur. Deans of Student Life frequently hold immense responsibility for building school culture and student well-being without the formal authority to mandate change. This virtual intensive is designed for those leading from "the middle"—those who must navigate lateral leadership to influence veteran colleagues, bridge departmental silos, and transform systems into restorative communities.

This two-hour workshop provides a practical toolkit for leaders to move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, human-centered culture shaping.

Participants will:

  • Develop practices that cultivate relational leadership skills that can transform interpersonal dynamics with colleagues, positively impact student life culture, and lead to systemic change
  • Personalize strategies for building credibility and connection in their unique school communities without relying on positional authority
  • Cultivate simple communication and reflection tools to strengthen influence and action across teams and divisions

AUDIENCE

Independent school deans, directors of student life, class deans, and other student life professionals who lead from the middle and are interested in building stronger relationships, collaborative teams, and positive school culture.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Bridget Johnson, CATDC Facilitator

Bridget Johnson is the founder of the Deans’ Roundtable, a national professional development community for student life leaders. Since 2012, the Roundtable has hosted an annual conference and built a growing network of educators who connect, learn, and share strategies for shaping strong, restorative school cultures. What began as a response to a void in professional support has become a trusted hub for growth, collaboration, and care.

Bridget’s leadership journey includes serving as Dean of Students at Milton Academy, where she reimagined discipline systems, expanded health services, and launched both a comprehensive residential curriculum and an emergency response program. She later became Associate Executive Director at Prep for Prep, where she supported high-achieving students of color in New York City and strengthened community engagement.

Since 2018, Bridget has worked as an independent consultant and leadership coach, partnering with schools and nonprofits to align student life programs, strengthen leadership teams, and integrate restorative practices. She is also pursuing her Master’s in Restorative Practices at the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), deepening her expertise in building inclusive, relationship-centered communities.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.