ABOUT US
Now, more than ever, independent schools need expert messaging and communications to their communities and prospective families.
We speak school.
With over 25 years of experience, both in communications and administration, we understand the universe of independent schools. We know the current market poses challenges. Independent schools across the country are facing a tightening applicant pool, partly the result of a decline in interest in independent schools and changes to the education landscape.
There is also a new generation of parents who don’t necessarily engage through traditional school materials. They are thinking critically about value and values. They are looking beyond the curriculum to the heart and soul of an institution. We are committed to understanding that heart and soul.
We know that it takes time to define a school’s authentic message. We listen carefully and deliberately to the people who know their school best. We visit, then visit again. We become a part of your school and look at it through the lens of our first-hand experience with a wide range of independent schools.
Above all, we are collaborative. Together with you, we can articulate your individual spirit. We understand that often, less is more. Independent school communications need to be flexible and nimble. Our communications efforts are purposeful and considered.
Simply stated, we speak school.
Who We Are
Elizabeth Bacon
Elizabeth has more than twenty years’ experience working with the leadership of Manhattan’s oldest independent schools to better serve their constituents and bring about change in the areas of admissions, communications, advancement and administration. At Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, Elizabeth consulted with the Head of School on a comprehensive communications relaunch (new website and viewbook) and advised the Head of School on CGPS’ first-ever Strategic Plan. At The Buckley School, she was responsible for the Headmaster’s communications, was an admissions representative and contributed to the launch of the new website. Working in admissions at The Cathedral School, Elizabeth wrote and redesigned the viewbook and the website’s admissions tab. As the Director of Special Events at The Chapin School, she conceived, managed and executed all events related to its $31 million Centennial Capital Campaign. For the past eight years, Elizabeth has served as an adjunct reader in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions of Columbia University. Elizabeth graduated from Bryn Mawr College with an AB in English. She lives in Carnegie Hill with her husband and has two young adult sons. She has been a parent and volunteer at The Brick Church School, The Buckley School, Grace Church School, Horace Mann School, Johns Hopkins University and Wesleyan University.
Jessie Saunders
Jessie is a published author and illustrator who has written for Food & Wine, Brides, and People Style Watch. She has published two cookbooks, Not on Love Alone: A Cookbook for Newlyweds (Marlowe & Co.) and The Two of Us and Friends: A Newlywed’s Guide to Entertaining (Marlowe & Co.) Jessie has produced conventional and digital publications for independent schools including Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, The Cathedral School and The School of the Holy Child in Rye, New York. Jessie has produced, written and edited alumni magazines, websites, school histories, case statements, viewbooks and annual reports. She has worked in collaboration with marketing and branding firms to execute style guides and roll out extensive style updates. She is a graduate of Trinity School and has a AB in Art History from Princeton University. Jessie lives in Harlem with her husband and twins.