Meet The Team
Commitment to Leadership
Each member of The Education Group is a former educator or administrator at some of the nation’s top institutions. Our high standards provide schools with the best advisors and mentors in the industry.
President
Katherine Stuart
The Education Group was founded in 1988 to address leadership initiatives, school head searches and diversity enrichment of Independent Schools.
Our president Katherine Stuart works to preserve the values and traditions that shape independent education. Her insider knowledge as a student, faculty member, administrator, board member and parent positions her to lead a firm that specializes in thoughtful counsel for independent schools nationwide.
Our Consultants
Currently a resident of both Florida and New Jersey, Dr. Byer’s professional resume reflects his integration into and relationships with multiple independent schools in both states.
Dennis M. Campbell is an educator, theologian, author, and consultant. Prior to his appointment as dean, he was professor and college and university administrator.
The Rev. Peter Gunn Cheney has extensive training and experience in mediation and conflict resolution. He has been in the fields of education and ministry for 42 years.
During more than 35 years in education, most of it in independent schools, Marifred has served as a teacher, Program Director, Principal, Associate Head, and Head of School.
As a former college dean and professor, a think tank president, and an independent school headmaster, John brings a broad view to the challenges of managing and leading independent schools.
In his forty-two years in independent schools, Dave has served as a Head of School, Interim Head of School, Assistant Head, and Head of Upper School.
In his forty years working in independent schools Doug has served in three schools in a variety of capacities including athletic director, dean of students, upper school head, and assistant head of school.
With his retirement in 2012, David Dougherty completed 44 years of service in independent schools, and now looks forward to serving the next generation of school leaders as an executive coach.
Kay Dougherty retired in 2012, after completing forty-six years of teaching and service in public and independent (both boarding and day) schools.
Karen Drawz is a professional in the field of education with extensive experience in school administration and educational leadership.
Laura joined The Education Group in the summer of 2020 after serving as an educator, administrator, and head of school in independent schools for over 30 years.
The Rev. Daniel R. Heischman, D.D., Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), began his tenure on July 1, 2007. Previously, he was Head of the Upper School and Assistant Headmaster of St. Albans School, Washington, DC from 1994 through 2003.
In 1988, Mary and several colleagues founded The Education Group, an independent school search, placement, and consulting firm.
Over his 42-year career, Bob has served in a number of roles, most recently as head of school for St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas.
With a background spanning 46 years in education, the last 28 in independent schools, Susan brings a wealth of experience in education and knowledge of independent school management.
Allison has been affiliated with The Education Group since 1994. Her beginnings at the firm encompassed teacher recruitment and placement.
Harry V. McKay, Jr. brings forty-plus years’ wealth of educational leadership and professional experience,both in the United States and internationally.
Marci McLean is a parent, volunteer, board member and an administrator based in Dallas Texas. Prior to joining Parish Episcopal School, Marci was a practicing attorney spending the majority of her career as Assistant General Counsel for S & A Restaurant Corp.
A native Virginian, Margaret received her Master’s degree in Christian Education from Virginia Theological Seminary and has continued to be actively involved in independent schools with over thirty years experience as a parent, volunteer leader, trustee, and school administrator.
Jay Philpott has spent decades in independent schools and knows the market well. He has experience across key areas of school leadership including advancement, admission, alumni, marketing and communication.
Vicki Raney brings 47 years of experience in the field of education and is a welcome addition to our consulting and coaching teams.
Hired to the team at The Education Group in 2006 by co-founder and long-term president Mary E. Kesler, Katherine is deeply immersed in the mission and vision of the firm.
Linda Talton is a leading educational consultant specializing in placement from nursery school through college.
Bob Veto has had a career of nearly 45 years in education, most of it in independent schools.
Andrew Wooden has dedicated his career to service within independent schools, leading top schools across the country through critical inflection points and propelling their growth.