Gardner Barrier Consulting

My Journey

I am an author, 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.