Roots & Reach: From Connecticut College to Leading Schools

How does one’s liberal arts college experience impact how they lead schools today? In this inspiring episode of Reach. Teach. Talk., Nat Damon gathers fellow Connecticut College Class of ’93 alumni—all current heads of independent schools—for a lively conversation on how liberal arts education, relational teaching, and shared values have shaped their leadership. Recorded live at the NAIS Conference in Nashville, this episode is a celebration of connection, purpose, and educational impact.

Suzanne Buck is the Head of School at Western Reserve Academy (OH), where she fosters strategic innovation, community building, and student-centered learning. A Connecticut College graduate, she earned degrees from Columbia (Social Work) and Harvard (Education). Suzanne has held leadership roles at Westminster, Fay, New Hampton, and Chatham Hall. She serves as Co-Chair of TABS and President of CCIS. Suzanne, her husband Johnny, and their family enjoy sports, puzzles, Maine summers, and their Labrador, River.

Sharon Howell is in her 5th year as the Headmaster of St. Johnsbury Academy, an independent school with a public mission in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Earlier in her career she was the Head of School at Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Associate Head of Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA.  Before beginning secondary school leadership, she spent 15 years at Harvard University in various roles—PhD student in English and American Literature, curriculum developer for the Harvardx course Poetry in America, a Lecturer in History and Literature, and Dean of Adams House. She’s also a poet.  

Derek Krein is the Head of Tilton School, a co-ed boarding and day school in New Hampshire. His career spans roles as a teacher, coach, advisor, and administrator, including positions in residential life, college counseling, and faculty leadership. A Connecticut College graduate, he credits Dr. Helen Regan for inspiring his path in education. Krein also serves as a Trustee at Indian Creek School and remains active with Kent School. He and his wife, Bobbi, have two college-age children.

Booth Kyle has been Head of School at Indian Creek School (MD) since 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in education. He previously served as Associate Head at Lakeside School (WA) and worked in admission and financial aid at Deerfield Academy (MA). A Connecticut College graduate, he earned his M.Ed. from Boston University. Booth has served on the boards of Brooks School, The Enrollment Management Association, and the George Pocock Rowing Foundation. He and his wife, Colleen, enjoy gardening, dogs, and Boston sports.

Carson Smith has been Head of School at The Rumson Country Day School (NJ) since 2020, following 11 years as Middle School Director at Thayer Academy (MA). He previously served as Dean of Students at The Derryfield School (NH) and a teacher and department head at Cardigan Mountain School (NH). A Connecticut College graduate, he holds an M.A. from Columbia and an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt. Carson serves on the boards of Horizons at the Jersey Shore and Portsmouth’s School Board.