Small Schools Summit 2026

Keeon Gregory
Mr. Keeon Gregory has more than 35 years of experience as a Dean of College Counseling and college admission professional, known as a champion and advocate for young people. He has dedicated over 25 years to college counseling at three independent schools, placing more than 1,500 students nationwide and abroad. With 10 years in college admissions, he has served as Associate Director of Admission at the University of Rochester, Ithaca College, and Wittenberg University, and is a recipient of the College That Changes Lives Award for exemplary counseling and leadership. His office motto, “Trust the Process,” has been adopted and celebrated by students and parents alike.

He has visited nearly 300 colleges and universities and has built lasting relationships with admission contacts nationwide. Mr. Gregory has sat and currently sits on several College Admission Advisory Boards, including SMU, The Ohio State University, and Furman University, and was recently selected as one of seven college counselors nationally to serve a four-year term on the National Merit Scholarship selection committee. An active member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, he serves on the annual college counselor conference planning committee and as the conference moderator for the College Dean’s Panel. He has led GDS to become one of the most respected college counseling programs in the state and is sought nationally for panel discussions, advisory board service, and counseling expertise.

Since joining GDS, Mr. Gregory has created and initiated several new programs, such as the biweekly College Counseling Newsletter, College Pennant Wall and Rock Your College Shirt Day Celebrations, Just for Juniors College Fair, and Parent Quarterly Coffee series. He has revamped the College Counseling Boot Camp into a robust summer program attracting admission experts to GDS to help our rising seniors complete applications and essays. He also teaches the senior Clear Lab Completing the Common App.

A former DI track and field scholarship athlete and The Ohio State University team captain, Mr. Gregory works closely with GDS’ recruited student-athletes throughout the college application process.

Leah Lambert
Leah’s career is defined by a 360-degree view of the independent school and college landscape. After earning her BA in French from Davidson College and teaching in Japan, she dedicated nearly two decades to Asheville School. As Director of the College Office for 12 years, Leah didn't just advise students; she sat on the Senior Administrative Team, founded the Blue Ridge Retreat for industry professionals, served as the Testing Coordinator for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams, was the Faculty Secretary of the Cum Laude Society, and more.

She further sharpened her "insider" perspective by evaluating hundreds of applications for UNC-Chapel Hill and the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program, gaining rare insight into the selection process of elite institutions. 

In 2023, she joined the NCAIS team to help support schools statewide, though she still works with a handful of college counseling clients who would not otherwise have access to strong or consistent support.

Leah remains a resident of the Asheville School campus, living with her husband (an AP Chemistry teacher), their two children, and two dogs.

Graylyn grew up and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He began his career in marketing and eventually served as Director of Communications and Marketing at Christ School. In this role, he worked on marketing strategy, advertising campaigns, accreditation processes, and long-term strategic planning. His unique perspective—having experienced the school as a student, administrator, and trustee—shaped his leadership and vision. In 2024, Graylyn co-founded 38 House, a marketing agency for independent schools.