2026 Women In Leadership Conference

Coming soon.

With a passion for organizational excellence and a commitment to fostering well-being, I proudly serve as the Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Chief Financial Officer, while also actively promoting individual health and wellness.

I bring over 23 years of experience in executive assistance, supporting high-level executives in managing their responsibilities efficiently and effectively. My role encompasses a diverse range of tasks, from assisting with strategic planning, events management to project coordination, calendar management, and communication facilitation. With a proven track record of maintaining confidentiality, streamlining operations, and fostering collaborative relationships across departments, I thrive in fast-paced environments that demand precision and adaptability.

In addition to my executive support role, I am deeply committed to advancing my individual health and wellness. I understand that a healthy workforce is essential for sustained success. By integrating wellness principles into our business culture, I believe we can enhance productivity and job satisfaction while fostering a positive and vibrant work environment.

I hold a degree in Business Management and Communications from Wingate University. My proficiency in the latest software applications coupled with my management and interpersonal skills, enables me to facilitate seamless collaboration and efficient information flow across all levels of our organization.

Driven by a desire to consistently exceed expectations, I am dedicated to anticipating needs, identifying opportunities for improvement, and proactively implementing solutions. My attention to detail, combined with a strategic mindset, ensures that the Head of School and Chief Financial Officer can focus on their core responsibilities with confidence, knowing that day-to-day operations are managed with precision.

Outside of work, I embrace a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses physical activity, mindfulness, and continuous learning. This philosophy not only fuels my personal growth but also informs my approach to wellness promotion within our organization.

As the Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Chief Financial Officer, and a fervent advocate for health and wellness, I am committed to driving operational excellence, fostering a healthy workplace culture, and contributing to the overall success of our school.

Angie Alpert Fellers has always been passionate about learning, serving, and supporting others a commitment she lives out daily through both her professional and volunteer work. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, Angie went on to earn a master’s in Nonprofit Management, along with a post-master’s certificate in Organizational Development, from The New School in New York City.

After nearly two decades in fundraising working with organizations including the University of Virginia School of Architecture Foundation, Angie founded Cardinal Coaching, where she serves as a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and Facilitator. In this role, she partners with a variety of organizations including secondary and higher education institutions to help teams and individuals uncover and maximize their strengths.

Angie is especially passionate about supporting women in leadership and creating environments where female leaders can grow with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Deeply committed to empowering women and strengthening her community, Angie volunteers her time with her sorority as a way to help women develop their leadership skills in college and beyond. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Peter Stuyvesant Little League, the NYC Museum School Executive Board and the University of South Carolina Alumni Association’s Board of Governors. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Angie now lives in New York City with her husband and two children, Anna Claire and JC.

For almost twenty years, Cara has helped public and private schools improve their culture.

Beginning her career in the classroom, she moved on to designing curricula and taking on administrative leadership positions within prestigious schools. Cara has spent years as a consultant and qualitative researcher for independent school heads and boards in the U.S. and U.K. She has worked with organizations such as the Spencer Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, DePaul University, C-SPAN Classroom, and McGraw Hill and contributed to numerous articles, books, and presented at conferences focused on culture and best practices within schools. 

Cara has a master’s in Education and is finishing a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Harvard. She holds a certificate in Organizational Behavior from Harvard in which she specialized in psychometrics, change management, and organizational behavior, and a certificate in leading with data and research from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Cara’s diverse experience also includes working in finance as a research analyst and as a reporter covering the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Coming soon.

Sandra Litzenberger teaches art at the Fletcher Academy in Raleigh, NC. She received her undergraduate degree at Ottawa University in Canada and completed her graduate work in art therapy at Norwich University in Vermont after which she worked as a clinical art therapist with children and adults. As a teacher, she believes that humans are innately creative. With 35 years of experience in human services and education, Sandra helps individuals develop their unique vision and abilities in the visual arts and how to use them for personal growth.

Suzanne Nagy has spent most of her life on Heathwood’s campus, beginning in preschool and graduating with the Class of 1990. Suzanne attended Furman University, earning a B.A. in English. Upon graduation in 1994, she returned to Heathwood to teach English in the Middle and Upper schools. In addition to teaching, Suzanne has worked in the Heathwood Admission Office and coached basketball and tennis for the Highlanders. Suzanne earned an M.Ed from the University of South Carolina. In 1999, Suzanne was invited by Governor Jim Hodges to serve as the Director of Caring for Tomorrow’s Children and as the coordinator for the Spartanburg County Foster Care Review Board. She has also taught English at Charlotte Latin School, worked as Director of Admission and Marketing at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas, and earned an M.Ed in school counseling from the University of Arkansas.

Upon returning to Columbia in 2008, Suzanne worked as the Assistant Head of Heathwood’s Middle School for five years, returned to the English classroom for three years, served as Middle School Head and Director of Enrollment, and is now Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Advancement.

Coming soon.

Jamie Valvano was in the arena on April 4, 1983, when her father, legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, cut down the nets after winning the NCAA National Championship. North Carolina State's defeat of the heavily favored Houston Cougars is still considered one of the top 100 most significant moments in sports history. A mere 10 years after this unforgettable moment, Jim would find himself battling terminal cancer. Jamie left college and traveled with her father, who continued to work for ABC and ESPN as a sports commentator. Jamie watched in awe as her father accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the inaugural ESPYs on March 4, 1993. During his final speech, Jim announced the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

After graduating from North Carolina State University, Jamie worked for The V Foundation in its formative years, helping to establish the organization that has now awarded over $400 million to cancer facilities nationwide. 100 % of every dollar donated to The V Foundation goes directly to cancer research. As a daughter, she is extremely proud of her Dad's impact on the cancer community; however, 13 years after his passing, his final message would become even more personal.

In 2005, at the age of 33, during a self-exam, she discovered a lump in her breast. Her Dad's oncologist at the Duke Cancer Center, Dr. Joe Moore, was once again there to support her family. As a result of groundbreaking research, doctors were able to uncover the genetic mutation that Jamie had inherited from her father and create a course of treatment that would increase her odds of survival. The prophetic words her father spoke during his last public appearance, "We are establishing The V Foundation for Cancer Research. It may not save my life, it may save my children's lives, it may save someone you love," took on an entirely new meaning as Jamie navigated her cancer journey. 

Jamie is a grateful survivor and candidly shares the truths gained from both victories and struggles. She continues to support the efforts of The V Foundation, works with the Washington Speaker's Bureau, and serves on the Duke Cancer Institute's Advisory Board. Her greatest joys have come from raising her two sons, Jake and Grant.

Sarah Wike, Ed.D., is a strategic education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing academic programs, organizational development, and professional learning. She currently serves as a Teaching Consultant at Duke University’s Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education office, where she helps faculty design inclusive, engaging courses and thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies, including generative AI. Previously, Sarah was Senior Director of Academic Program & Principal at One Schoolhouse and Director of Educational Technology at Ravenscroft School, and she spent 14 years at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC, as an Upper School Spanish teacher and team leader. A frequent presenter and writer on AI in education, leadership, and instructional design, she has been recognized with honors, including ISTE Outstanding Teacher and the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads. Sarah holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida.