EMPOWERING EDUCATORS, ENRICHING FUTURES

Transforming Schools From the inside out.

In today's complex educational landscape, schools face unprecedented challenges:

  • Increasing competition for enrollment

  • Rising expectations from parents and stakeholders

  • Demands for innovative curriculum and teaching approaches

  • Desire for inclusive communities where everyone belongs

  • Governance complexities that can derail even the strongest mission

GIANT STEPS, LLC partners with forward-thinking school leaders to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and distinction.

  • STRATEGIC PLANNING & GOVERNANCE

    We help school leadership teams and boards develop actionable strategic plans that balance aspirational goals with practical implementation. Our collaborative process ensures buy-in across stakeholders while maintaining focus on your mission.

  • Cultural Assessments & Belonging Initiatives

    Using sophisticated research methodologies, we help you understand your school's cultural strengths and challenges. Our data-driven approach identifies concrete ways to build communities where faculty, staff, and students truly belong.

  • Board Development & Leadership Coaching

    We strengthen governance practices through customized workshops and executive coaching. For schools with parent or alumni trustees, we provide specialized support to balance personal investment with fiduciary responsibility.

  • Professional Development

    Our workshops equip your leadership team with tools to navigate complex challenges while staying aligned with your school's mission and values.

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.

OUR APPROACH: EXPERTISE MEETS EMPATHY

Unlike general management consultants, we specialize in the unique dynamics and distinct complexities of educational institutions. We understand that schools are:

  • Communities, not simply organizations – requiring solutions that honor relationships and shared values

  • Mission-driven enterprises – where success is measured beyond financial metrics

  • Student-centered environments – where every decision must ultimately serve learning outcomes

Our recommendations are always:

  • Practical – designed for real-world implementation

  • Customized – tailored to your specific context and culture

  • Mission-aligned – supporting your core educational purpose

  • Inclusive – considering all community stakeholders

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