Support for Supporters (Northern California)
Nov 06, 2025 12:00AM—Apr 23, 2026 11:59PM
Location
Presidio, San Francisco
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until October 16) $2,165 members; $1,830 group-rate 3+; $3,360 non-members
Categories In-Person, Leadership, Ongoing Program, Social & Emotional Learning, Staff
Support for Supporters (Northern California)
SESSION 1: November 6, 2025 | 9:30am - 2:30pm | Presidio, San Francisco (Location TBD)
SESSION 2: January 29, 2026 | 9:30am - 2:30pm | Presidio, San Francisco (Location TBD)
SESSION 3: April 23, 2026 | 9:30am - 2:30pm | Presidio, San Francisco (Location TBD)
ABOUT THIS IN-PERSON ONGOING PROGRAM
The position of Administrative Assistant to the Head of School or Division Head (or a similar support role) is a unique, complicated, and demanding one, requiring a high degree of professionalism as well as a complex combination of exceptional interpersonal skills, technology know-how, and the ability to manage and track several projects and events simultaneously.
Along with didactic training from guest speakers and readings, you will have time to problem solve, share know-how and resources, request feedback or suggestions, and reassurance. Participants will leave each session with practical tips, tools and resources they can use immediately.
The focus for 2025-26 will be Garnering Your Strengths, with guest speakers who are well positioned to recognize the talent and unique qualities you bring to the position and how best to utilize those qualities.
While the administrative support role requires maintaining a high level of confidentiality, those in it can feel isolated from others in the school. This program offers a confidential and welcoming environment designed to foster connections, learning, support, and dialogue with peers who share similar experiences and challenges, recognizing the continuously changing demands of our roles.
This year's ongoing program will be in person and consist of three 5-hour workshops. Whether you are new to the position or a veteran, a space for sharing ideas and support will be created. In the first meeting the group will frame the year together, to tailor the year to the needs and interests of the current participants. Topics may include skills building, self-advocacy, delegation, boundary setting, tech resources and tools and self-care.
AUDIENCE
This program is for executive assistants, administrative assistants, and anyone serving in a support role at a school.
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
"I so appreciated the support from the group, and the feeling of camaraderie among the participants. I found the technology tools and resources that people shared very helpful."
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Violet Borowski has worked since 2012 at San Francisco Friends School, where she wears many hats and contributes to various aspects of school life in the role of Assistant to the Head of School. She is a graduate of CSU San Bernardino and has worked in the field of education for over ten years, with previous experience as an assistant teacher and Executive Assistant. Violet is passionate about providing support to fellow “supporters” and has been a facilitator with CATDC since 2017. She calls San Francisco home with her husband and daughter. When she’s not multitasking in the office or placing food orders, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the city.
Katherine Preston, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, has been a practicing psychotherapist for over thirty years. She is currently the mental health specialist for the San Francisco Friends School. She also maintains a private practice in San Francisco, including providing clinical consultation to other mental health professionals. She has held many clinical leadership positions overseeing and providing clinical training and supervision for therapeutic school-based services. Before becoming a therapist she was an executive assistant to two CEO's at a tech start-up, and has intermittently held administrative positions in HR and accounting over the years.
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.