Gardner Barrier Consulting

My Journey

I am an educator, leader, and builder. I have spent my career at the intersection of purpose, strategy, and innovation in independent schools.

I was an economics major at Virginia Tech. As an undergraduate student, I was part of a team that started an Economics Lab. My first round of graduate school was to earn a Masters in Middle Grades Education from UNC-Greensboro. I was conducting economic research on the rationality of children while also duly enrolled in a Masters program for Economics. My career started as a classroom teacher and coach. One of my Geometry classes and I collaboratively learned Visual Basic. We used it to write an optimization program that solves any Sudoku puzzle. I also had the opportunity to start a chess club at my first two schools!

I served for 11 years as a Division Director and Assistant Head of School at Westchester Country Day School and Summit School. During my tenure, I led academic programs and developed faculty. I also helped shape healthy, mission-driven cultures. I later had the privilege of serving as Head of School at Forsyth Country Day School. My work there focused on long-term vision and organizational clarity. I also engaged in meaningful work that few schools were willing to try.

I hold an MBA from Wake Forest University. I have taught graduate students there as an adjunct faculty member. These experiences continue to shape my approach to leadership, strategy, and adult learning. I am grateful for a Thought Partnership class I completed. It was an essential part of my journey to becoming a coach.

Beyond school leadership, I have chaired accreditation teams. I led a consulting team with Independent School Management. We supported schools through moments of reflection, transition, and growth. I am also a serial entrepreneur, having helped launch and guide multiple ventures from idea to execution.

At Forsyth, I was especially energized by pioneering work. We brought an architect-in-residence into campus planning. We launched the only Center for Intentional Living of its kind anywhere. Additionally, I created a Civil Discourse class in partnership with Wake Forest’s Center for Private Business. I am most alive when imagining possibilities. I thrive on building what doesn’t yet exist. I enjoy helping people and organizations walk a clearer trail ahead.

Now that I am running my own company, I get to fully embrace my purpose statement: Love God. Love Others. Paddle Out.

It is a privilege to live my purpose statement. I help others have a deeper sense of purpose. Together, we clarify the internal meaning. This translates to compelling and sustained external impact.

I’m incredibly grateful to get to do this work alongside wonderful people and organizations!