A modern library or study area with large floor-to-ceiling windows, bookshelves filled with books, and round tables with red chairs, overlooking greenery outside.
download education overview

Advisory Services for Independent Schools & Educational Institutions

 Giant Steps, LLC provides expert advisory services to educational organizations, including colleges, universities, independent schools, and education-adjacent organizations. We work with institutional leaders on the strategic, cultural, and governance challenges that shape the student experience and long-term institutional success.

Our work in education draws on our founder’s extensive experience in the education sector, including executive leadership at Stride, Inc. and more than 20 years serving on the boards of educational institutions. Our clients have included domestic and international independent schools, public school districts, select colleges and universities, and learning providers.

We understand that educational institutions are communities, not simply organizations — requiring solutions that honor relationships, shared values, and mission. Our work is always student-centered, keeping the needs and experiences of students at the heart of everything we do, while considering the vital roles of all stakeholders: faculty, staff, administrators, board members, parents, and alumni.

  • Abstract geometric background with gold textured surface, dark blue, teal, and white circles and lines.

    STRATEGIC PLANNING

    We guide schools through strategic planning processes that are both customized and collaborative. Working closely with all stakeholders, we help define a shared vision for the future and craft actionable strategies that align with your core values and mission. Our inclusive approach fosters buy-in across your school community, building momentum for sustained success.

  • Abstract background with large dark navy blue areas, teal, light blue, and gold circles, some with thin outlines.

    Cultural Assessments

    Using a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, we conduct in-depth cultural assessments that uncover your school’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. From these insights, we provide tailored and actionable recommendations to improve belonging, strengthen community trust, and create an environment where every member of your school community can thrive.

  • Abstract background with a textured gold surface, featuring dark blue and teal circles and thin lines.

    Board Development & Leadership Coaching

    Effective boards are critical to the success of educational institutions. We provide governance assessments, board development workshops, and advisory services to help boards enhance governance practices, build strategic alignment with school leadership, and strengthen their capacity to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities. For schools with parent or alumni trustees, we provide specialized guidance to balance personal investment with institutional focus.

  • Abstract geometric background with circles in navy blue, teal, gold, and light blue colors.

    Professional Development

    Our workshops equip your leadership team with tools to navigate complex challenges while staying aligned with your school's mission and values. Our workshops equip leadership teams, faculty, and staff with practical tools to advance meaningful inclusion and belonging practices. These sessions go beyond diagnostics to deliver sustainable strategies that strengthen the culture of your institution from the inside out.

CENTERING STUDENTS, STRENGTHENING SCHOOLS

We recognize that every school has its own unique identity, history, and set of aspirations. That’s why our approach is fully tailored—rooted in the distinct values, priorities, and goals that shape your community.

Through strategic advising, leadership coaching, and equity-driven initiatives, we help schools make meaningful decisions that create lasting impact—always prioritizing student success at the core.

WHY GIANT STEPS

A classroom filled with young students sitting on a blue and yellow rug, some raising their hands, with a teacher and a group of children at the front near a computer and a chalkboard.
Close-up shot of a wooden surface painted gold with visible grain, scratches, and imperfections.

Unlike general management consultants, we specialize in the unique dynamics of educational institutions. We understand that schools are communities, not simply organizations — requiring solutions that honor relationships and shared values. We understand they are mission-driven enterprises — where success is measured beyond financial metrics. And we understand that governance in education carries specific tensions that require specialized expertise: parent-trustees balancing personal investment with fiduciary duty, leadership transitions that affect entire communities, and strategic decisions that shape generations of students.

Our founder, Leilani M. Brown, brings this understanding from lived experience — as an education executive at Stride, Inc., as a board member and Vice Chair at Middlebury College, as governance committee chair at Buckley Country Day School, and as a parent. She has been in the rooms she advises.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT GIANT STEPS, LLC

  • "I thought I knew and understood board governance, but Giant Steps really helped me understand the complexities…especially the challenge of the parent hat vs. the board member hat.”

    – Board Member, Independent School

  • "I usually hate these strategic planning processes, but this was actually enjoyable.  This feels like we are going to make some progress toward the future.”

    - Board Member, Independent School

  • “We've had the pleasure of hosting Leilani Brown and Dr. Suzanne Schneider from Giant Steps, LLC for the past 3 days. They've conducted insightful sessions with almost 20 focus groups, sharing invaluable wisdom with us. I especially appreciate how they interchange DEIJ principles with culture and show how a sense of belonging underpins so much in terms of student achievement. We eagerly anticipate their forthcoming report and are excited to continue nurturing this valuable partnership.”

    - Head of School, Independent Day School

  • “Recently, we engaged [Giant Steps, LLC] to help with a similar process…Leilani has a natural, sincere, and professional way with all constituents, and I have seen her present effectively to many groups. She has an upbeat, sophisticated style that is engaging, polished, and dynamic. Leilani understands the business side of schools as well as the nuances and dynamics that make education a special niche of its own. She incorporates exercises that bolster the process and engage all. Leilani has been instrumental in organizing and leading strategic planning processes. However, her repertoire certainly goes beyond strategic planning. She easily serves as a coach and partner to leaders as well.”

    - Head of School, Boarding School