Dr. Stephen Holmes B. ED, MBA, M. ED, PhD is Principal and Founder of The 5Rs Partnership (www.5rspartnership.com), established in 2004 in Singapore, with offices internationally including London, UK. He leads an expert team specializing in identity, reputation development, strategic planning, marketing, and culture supporting independent and international schools in every continent with an unmatched client list.

Over the three decades, Dr. Holmes has come to be widely regarded as the most experienced, credentialed consultant in the world in evidence-led strategy for the education sector that leads to both education performance and market success. He is the only full-time practicing consultant with a PhD in the specific field of building reputation and market orientation for the education sector.

Dr. Holmes has also long been a sought-after speaker, trainer and consultant with major international school agencies across the world. In 2023 alone, Dr. Holmes was commissioned for major independent and international school projects and conference keynotes extensively across the US, UK, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Dr. Holmes also undertakes substantive published research, program development training and teaching with school audiences globally – he therefore gains the respect of Heads and Trustees of Schools who engage The 5Rs Partnership who might otherwise view consultants in a different light.

After formally entering the USA independent school market during 2023, our 5Rs Partnership unique blend of education and market perspective and expertise has quickly caught the attention of leading independent schools and their associations nationally. We have already been commissioned for major school projects and conference speaking right across the USA. Please refer to this link for a sample of feedback received from our USA project client schools in late 2023, conference endorsements, and confirmed conference speaking engagements for early 2024: https://5rspartnership.com/5rs-partnership-enter-usa-school-market/

Nathan Battle
Nathan, who attended FCDS through the end of his sophomore year, received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He joined the FCDS faculty in 2005, teaching history, coaching, and serving as dean of students from 2005-2009 and as assistant director of the Upper School from 2009-2011.

Andy Clifton
Andy has served in many roles in education for 20+ years, including 13 years in independent schools. He brings a unique perspective to his current role as Director of Philanthropy at Forsyth Country Day School having worked in corporate client development and management in addition to his educational roles as a Director of Professional Development, teacher, coach and advisor. Andy is not new to NCAIS as he has presented at the annual conference, served as host chair for the 2012 Annual Conference, served on the NCAIS Executive Committee and currently facilitates the monthly advancement cohort Zoom meeting. Andy’s passion is to ensure that schools are cohesive communities that are preparing students for what’s ahead. He enjoys creating innovative strategies to connect members of school communities and the greater community with this mission.

Aaron Craven
Aaron Craven is a highly skilled leader in philanthropy and community engagement, with extensive experience as an educator, project manager, and certified SCRUM Master. Currently, he is the Associate Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement and Director of Annual Giving at Forsyth Country Day School. Aaron is known for his exceptional ability to build strong relationships with families and stakeholders, resulting in substantial funding and support for the school's initiatives. His passion for education has driven him to make a positive impact on the lives of students and the community. In addition to his work at Forsyth Country Day, Aaron is an accomplished musician, holding a bachelor’s degree in music education K-12 with an emphasis in string bass performance and a minor in piano performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in double bass performance/music pedagogy from the University of Tennessee. He has also served as a guest conductor for a number of county and state orchestras throughout the southeast, and is the most recent past president of the North Carolina Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

Lauren is a dedicated admissions leader with over a decade of experience in Catholic education. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Admissions at Cardinal Gibbons High School, she demonstrates proficiency in orchestrating admissions processes, overseeing student programs, and implementing data-driven strategies to optimize enrollment outcomes. Prior to her role in admissions, Lauren was a science educator, creating engaging learning environments and mentoring fellow teachers. With a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from North Carolina State University and certification in Admissions and Enrollment Management by the Association of Independent Schools Admissions Professionals, Lauren possesses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective leadership in education. As an alumna of Cardinal Gibbons High School, Lauren brings a deep understanding of the school's culture, values, and traditions, enhancing her ability to connect with prospective students and families, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the admissions process.

For nearly twenty years, Lisa Gordon Stella has represented clients in litigation, negotiation, employee relations, strategic personnel planning and stakeholder communications.  Following her clerkship on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Lisa worked as attorney at a boutique litigation firm in Los Angeles specializing in complex litigation and international arbitration.  Relocating to North Carolina in 2001, Lisa then worked as a litigator at the law firms, Kilpatrick Townsend and Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough.  After seven years litigating cases in state and federal court and in administrative proceedings, for clients worldwide, she became general counsel for a French technology company.  In that capacity, she was charged with overseeing and directing all legal matters in the United States, including employee relation matters. 

In 2009, leveraging her experience as a former litigator and general counsel, Lisa formed her own firm focused on providing businesses, non-profits and charter schools with legal and strategic advice.  As part of her practice, Lisa is a DRC certified mediator and also serves as special counsel, investigating allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, whistleblower complaints and conflicts of interest.  In her capacity as special counsel, Lisa has investigated a wide range of matters often involving those in the highest levels of leadership.  Because of her legal background and communication skills, she is often retained to serve as special counsel by large law firms and multinational corporations.   

Committed to providing pro bono services, Lisa has devoted hundreds of hours to representing parents in Hague Convention child abduction matters in North Carolina federal courts. For this work, Lisa received the North Carolina Bar Association Pro Bono Award for Young Lawyers, the Award of Merit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children & the Scarborough Award for Outstanding Work for the Poor from Nelson Mullins. 

Passionate about serving her clients and her community, Lisa served six years as President of the Elna B. Spaulding Conflict Resolution Center in Durham, North Carolina, ten years as the Vice President of Maureen Joy Charter School and serves as co-chair of the North Carolina Association for Public Charters Schools.  She received her A.B from the University of California at Davis, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, her law degree from the University of Minnesota, Order of the Coif, Magna Cum Laude and served as a judicial clerk for Michael Daly Hawkins of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Carolyn Sutton
Carolyn grew up in Winston-Salem and earned her bachelor's degree in English and French, as well as her certification in secondary English education at Furman University. Carolyn taught English and Yearbook at Travelers Rest High School in Greenville, S.C. and was awarded the top ranking of "all-state" in a yearbook competition. Carolyn's husband Cameron matched at Wake Forest for his anesthesia residency and they are both delighted to be back in Winston-Salem. Carolyn has a master's degree in human services at Wake Forest University.

Brook Wingate

Brook serves as Director of Development & Alumni Relations for CCL and is a member of our Societal Impact leadership team. Societal Impact serves CCL’s nonprofit, K–12 education, higher education, and population health clients and funders. Brook leads a team that is responsible for business development and philanthropy that increase impact in the social sector. She is also an Adjunct Coach, is certified in CCL’s Benchmarks® 360 Assessment Suite, and is trained to deliver CCL’s unique coaching workshop, Better Conversations Every Day™.

Colin Wyenberg
Colin has over 18 years of experience working in Admissions and Enrollment in both higher education and Pk-12 independent schools.  His doctoral research focused on fostering pathways of enrollment for underserved communities.  Like many educators, he has also worn many additional hats, served on a wide range of committees, and loves the magic of a school community.  As an Education Solutions Consultant at Finalsite, he works with schools across the south to step up their admissions and enrollment processes and advance the mission of the school.