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2026 Marketing and Enrollment Conference

Thursday, August 27, 2026
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (CDT)

* Registration open until 8/25/26 at 4:30 PM (CDT)

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The TAIS Marketing and Enrollment Conference focuses on the full enrollment journey--from attracting prospective families to enrolling and retaining students who thrive within a school's mission. This conference brings together independent school leaders responsible for admissions, marketing, and school communications to explore the strategies that attract, enroll, and retain mission-aligned families. Through practical sessions, peer insight, and parent perspectives, participants gain tools to build sustainable enrollment for their schools.

We'll sit at the intersection of admissions strategy, school storytelling, and family experience.

Target Audience: The Marketing & Enrollment Conference is designed for independent school leaders responsible for attracting, enrolling, and retaining students. This includes:

  • Directors of Admissions and Enrollment Management
  • Admissions and Enrollment Staff
  • Directors of Marketing and Communications
  • Marketing and Communications Staff
  • Heads of School and Division Leaders
  • Advancement or External Affairs leaders involved in enrollment strategy

Proudly Offered in Partnership with VenturEd Solutions

Keynote Speaker

Dave Verhaagen, PhD, ABPP
Founder, Southeast Psych Nashville

Dave Verhaagen is a licensed and nationally-board certified psychologist who founded Southeast Psych Nashville and Southeast Psych Charlotte. He is the author or co-author of ten books, including “Therapy with Young Men” and "Parenting the Millennial Generation" and several book chapters. He has spoken over 600 times around the country and worked on-air in broadcasting for 6 years. He served as the host of an award- winning podcast and as the executive producer of two feature-length documentaries. He is the director of the Artists & Athletes program at Southeast Psych Nashville and primarily sees young adult men who are navigating struggles with anxiety, stress, career direction, identity, relationship issues, trauma, and substance use. He has been married to Ellen for over 30 years, and they have four adult children.

Featured Speaker
Jessica Meléndez Tyler, PhD, LPC, is a professor, licensed counselor, and community helper. Dr. Tyler's professional focus explores the nuances of suffering and the mechanisms by which individuals triumph over adversity. Her professional work involves working with harmed individuals who are stuck in their lives, cultural resilience, perfectionism, healthy social media behaviors, and fostering a sense of belonging. 
 

Breakout Facilitators

Steve Berry PhD, LPC, is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. He has over 35 years’ experience as a school counselor, mental health counselor, special education teacher, counselor supervisor, and counselor educator.  His primary research interests are in school crisis management and trauma-informed schools.  As a licensed professional counselor and former school counselor, he frequently acts as a consultant to schools experiencing crises and presents nationally on this topic.

 

Rebecca Gilliland, MS, is a counselor who walks alongside children, teens, families, and adults as they navigate life's challenges and discover hope. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Lee University and is pursing a Ph.D. in Counseling at Belmont University. Rebecca has worked in school and church settings, including as a K-12 social-emotional counselor at an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. Her approach is client-centered and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, trauma-informed care, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

 

Katie Herrington, PhD, HSP, is the Clinical Director of Green Hills Family Psych, as well as a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Herrington specializes in providing evidence-based therapy to children and adolescents ages 2+ with a wide variety of presenting concerns, which includes but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions.

Janet Hicks, PhD, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor. She serves as Chair & Professor for the Mental Health Counseling Program at Belmont University. She has researched and written extensively on child and adolescent counseling. Her specialties include child and adolescent counseling, stress management for teachers and administrators, as well as the integration of solution-focused brief therapy into both the counseling and teaching settings.

Lauren King, PsyD, is a psychologist committed to helping girls and women (ages 7  and up) triumph over challenges such as eating disorders, body image concerns, negative self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. Lauren adopts a positive, optimistic approach, focusing on her clients’ strengths to instill confidence and help them achieve their objectives. Lauren’s educational journey began with a BA from Samford University, leading to her Doctorate from the Fuller School of Psychology.

 

Jessie Klamar, LCSW, is a licensed clinic social worker whose clinical practice employs an array of specialized therapies such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Jessie works with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen attachment, improve communication, and create meaningful change. Using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, she helps clients build resilience, deepen connections, and move toward lasting healing.

 

 

Alyssa Sebastian, MA, LPC-MHSP, is a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider. She is Embrace U’s Tennessee Regional Director. Before joining Embrace U, Alyssa was the executive director at Connections Wellness Group (Vertava Health) in Nashville, TN. She is trained in EMDR, including a wide range of trauma-focused interventions. Alyssa enjoys work with adolescents and family units, and she believes everyone deserve the opportunity for a fresh start.

Registration Options

Credits Price
TAIS Member
6.00 (Professional Development Hours) $175.00
Price will increase to $205.00 on 6/25/26
Guest
6.00 (Professional Development Hours) $255.00
Price will increase to $285.00 on 6/25/26

For More Information:

Kara Vaughn
TAIS
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