Navigation for Complex Challenges
Experienced guidance for school and nonprofit leaders and boards facing governance, strategy and HR challenges.
Leading a school or nonprofit has never been harder. Shifting laws, changing enrollment, and the strain of a divided moment have turned everyday leadership into a Herculean task. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
I’m Chris Ferris. For 20 years I have led and served schools in California and Colorado. I founded two charter schools, grew a two-campus network to National Blue Ribbon recognition, and worked through the board conflicts, strategic stalemates and delicate personnel matters that come with the job. Today I bring that experience to leaders and boards who need a steady hand and a clear course.
How I can help
Governance. Build a board that leads with confidence, stays compliant and keeps its eyes on the mission. Explore governance support →
Strategic Planning. Bring board and staff together around one plan everyone believes in. Explore strategic planning →
HR Investigations. Get fair, independent, well-documented answers when complaints arise. Explore HR investigations →
Leadership Coaching. A confidential thinking partner for executive directors and school leaders. Explore coaching →
Book a free 30-minute discovery call →
Board Chair Summit, February 2027. A free day for board chairs to sharpen their leadership, compare notes with peers, and leave with a plan for the year ahead. Save your seat →
New from Chris: It’s Our School! My memoir about leadership, motherhood and the education system is available to order December 1. Learn more →
Testimonial
Chris’s experience includes teaching at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, developing schools, coaching and mentoring educators, and leading a charter school network serving more than 1,000 students and 70 educators. These experiences have provided her with a unique ability to understand education from multiple perspectives. She understands the work of classroom teachers because she has done it. She understands how to coach and develop educators because she has spent years doing so. And she understands the systems, leadership, and organizational structures necessary to help educators and schools thrive.
— Dr William Anderson Director of Teacher Education at the University of Denver
The North Star News Steady guidance, once a month: practical ideas for school and nonprofit leaders and boards, plus first news of my memoir and the Board Chair Summit. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.