Meet the team
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Joe Perry
Founder & Lead Consultant
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Scot Chandler
Lead Consultant
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Jennifer Perry
Lead Consultant
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Karen Liljedahl
Consultant & Editor
JOE PERRY | Founder & Lead Consultant
Having worked in a variety of administrative positions, Joe has been involved in independent school education for over 25 years. With experience as a Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Board member (at schools and various non-profits) Placement Director, front-line Admissions and Development, Principal and Camp Director, Joe can give insight into all aspects of schools and non-profits.
Because he’s been advising families about school placement for decades, he knows what schools are looking for in students, in families, and how the admissions process works from all sides. Joe is also extremely knowledgeable in summer programs and what types of programs work with individuals for personal growth and to prepare them for the next step. In addition he has run Test Prep courses (SSAT, ISEE, SAT, SAT II etc.), written test prompts for the SSAT, been a private tutor for various tests and subjects, and consulted with families about the placement and admissions process for all types of programs and school levels. His friendly, knowledgeable, no-nonsense approach has been successful in building relationships with schools, camps and a variety of institutions. His clients are placed in appropriate programs and succeed at the next level. Joe has personally helped hundreds of students and families find the right fit.
Joe's experience has also given him insight into a variety of aspects in the non-profit sector. Working with leaders at schools, historical societies, museums, community animal shelters, institutes and foundations, Joe has a keen understanding of the non-profit world. He understands strategic planning, development needs, community outreach, membership draw, admissions, marketing, and accreditation needs of organizations. His first-hand experience of dealing with crisis management, human resources, Board of Trustee culture, and institutional transitions can benefit any organization. He will help leaders and leadership be sure they find the right fit to move their institution forward successfully.
SCOT CHANDLER | Lead Consultant
Scot has worked in independent schools for over 20 years. He has taught students ranging in ages from second grade through eighth grade. As the Director of Enrollment Management of one of the oldest schools in the country, Scot helped students and families find the right placement for high school by getting to know the student and family on a personal level, assessing their needs and finding the right fit.
As a coach for the past 25 years, Scot also understands the role extracurricular activities play in student development and achievement. Serving as an Admissions Leader and Division Head, Scot knows the "ins and outs" of the placement process, and he has formed many relationships throughout the Boston area. These collegial and personal relationships were formed over many years through collaboration and networking via the many roles Scot has held. Through tutoring students for SSAT and ISEE exams, as well as administering these tests and viewing these as an admissions officer, Scot understands all aspects related to standardized testing. His leadership experience can not only help families with placement but can help educators and institutions move forward in marketing, strategic planning, and school culture.
JENNIFER PERRY | Lead Consultant
Perry Education Group is thrilled to have Jennifer as a partner and lead consultant. She has spent her career creating educational resources and experiential learning for children, schools, and families as a publisher, vice president of global media businesses, museum educator, teacher, Founder and CEO of PEP (Perry Educational Projects), a consulting business for education-focused media companies and non-profits. Clients include publishers, children’s media companies, museums, community organizations, and non-profits working with kids and families.
Building on over 25 years of professional leadership at Sesame Workshop, Nickelodeon, Scholastic, and museums, Jennifer specializes in strategic partnership-building; long-range planning; mission definition; content development (curriculum, books, apps, VOD, educational consumer products, etc.); and ideation and execution for public programming and exhibitions. Specialized expertise includes licensing strategy, contract structure and negotiation, social media plans, and industry research. Jennifer's ability to hone in on your institution's needs and in turn create plans for accomplishing mission driven goals is unsurpassed. She knows how to find the right fit to put your institution on the map and move it forward.
KAREN LILJEDAHL | Consultant and Editor
Karen has been working as a professional writer, editor, and proofreader since 1995. She has worked in publishing houses, as a freelance writer and editor, in Independent School communication departments, as well as being an educator in the classroom. Her ability to help institutions find their voice and consistently message their story through that voice sets her apart.
Karen understands the non-profit world and the independent school culture well, being involved professionally, and as a mother of four; all of whom attended Independent Schools. Karen will help your student, your school, or your non-profit tell your story and advance all of your communications and marketing products. Karen knows how to find the right fit to communicate your message best.
As a father of four, I know the importance education plays in a child’s development— both academically and developmentally. For you, I hope to play a role in finding the right fit for an educational experience that is equally rewarding as it’s been for my family and for my clients.
-Joe