- 2025 -
LEADERSHIP AND HAPPINESS SYMPOSIUM
Exclusive Leadership Event for Superintendents
Thursday, March 20, 2025
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
New London, New Hampshire
Hosted by
New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA)
You’re invited to this exclusive leadership event focused specifically on the needs School District Superintendents and Administrators.
Why Happiness?
Happiness is an essential investment for leaders as a cornerstone of professional success and personal fulfillment.
Prioritizing happiness enhances resiliency, sharpens decision-making, and equips you to face the challenges of leadership with grace and effectiveness.
Happiness directly impacts productivity, creativity and loyalty–all of which contribute to a positive and dynamic workplace culture and builds a more connected community.
This One-Day Event Will Provide:
- Understanding of the neuroscience behind the most effective leadership skills
- Strategies to build a culture of happiness in your schools.
- Immediately impactful applications, resources, and best practices
Additional Highlights Include:
- Connecting and networking with Superintendent peers
- Discussing innovative solutions for employee retention and recruitment
- Learning crucial skills to cultivate thriving schools, contented staff, and successful students
Uplevel your leadership style to inspire, enlighten, and sustain.
Lois Costa
Superintendent,
SAU 91
Dr. Lois Costa is a dedicated educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in instruction and administration. She has been an integral part of the Hampton School District for the past 20 years, beginning her tenure in 2000 as an assistant principal at Adeline C. Marston School before advancing to principal in 2008. Dr. Costa’s leadership and commitment to excellence in education have earned her widespread recognition. In 2014, she was named New Hampshire Elementary School Principal of the Year and honored as a Nationally Distinguished Principal. During her time as principal, Marston School achieved several notable distinctions, including: Hour of Code $10,000 Grant (2014) for its dedication to technology and 21st-century skills; Reward School Recognition (2013) for three years of continuous growth on the NECAPS; and “ED”ies Schools of Excellence Award (2012). Dr. Costa holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Studies and Early Education from the University of New Hampshire. Her passion for student success, innovative learning, and educational equity continues to shape her work as a respected leader in the field.
Grace Brown
Sr. Manager of Impact & Curriculum,
Cook Center for Human Connection
Grace Brown, a dedicated advocate for nationwide mental health, joined the Cook Center for Human Connection with extensive expertise in implementing strategies for student achievement. As an Implementation and professional development expert, she’s coached educators in over 800 classrooms across the US.
Grace seamlessly combines deep expertise with a talent for simplifying and making complex concepts compelling. Grace crafted the curriculum for “My Life Is Worth Living” mental health web series and offers innovation that countless educators and administrators have implemented. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a Graduate Certificate in Early Educational Leadership from Harvard.
Michelle Bartsch
Vice President of Education,
Cook Center for Human Connection
Michelle Bartsch, as Vice President of Education at Cook Center for Human Connection, has been a leading force in mental wellness and non-profit initiatives across communities, schools and organizations nationwide for over 15 years. Her visionary work in developing ParentGuidance.org — a no-cost mental health resource—has been crucial in providing essential support to thousands of schools and millions of families over the past 4 years. Michelle also played a key role in the creation and launch of My Life is Worth Living, the first animated web series focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. Additionally, she pioneered the Leadership & Happiness Symposium, an initiative that equips essential executive school and community leaders with the tools to make systemic improvements to their communities’ mental health cultures.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Michelle focuses on youth mental health initiatives and critical mental health support for staff, families and communities. Her voice has driven change at both state and national levels, championing the importance of education, leadership and human connection. Michelle holds a master of Science in Education and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Wesleyan University.
Symposium Partners
Agenda
Friday
May 4
Brigantine, New Jersey
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Registration and Check-in
Leadership Continental Breakfast (provided) – Meet and Greet
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Welcome and Introductions – Glen Robbins, Superintendent, Brigantine Community School District
Symposium Overview – Michelle Bartsch, Vice President, Cook Center for Human Connection
9:15 - 10:45 AM
Science of Leadership and Happiness
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Finding the Sum of the Happiness Equation
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Working Lunch (provided) – Student Leaders in Action Panel – Students of Brigantine School District
12:45 - 1:30 PM
Guided Tour with Scholars
1:30 - 1:45 PM
Mission for Mental Wellness
1:45 - 2:30 PM
Solving the Happiness Equation
2:30 - 3:15 PM
Putting Ideas into Action – Strategy Integration
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Closing Remarks