A Look Back at the NESA 2025 Heads Summit & Gallery

April 25-26, 2025 | Hydra Island, Greece

The NESA 2025 Spring Heads Summit took place April 25-26 at the beautiful Bratsera Hotel on the island of Hydra, Greece.

This year’s gathering brought together 26 Heads of School and 18 spouses/partners for two days of shared learning, reflection, and connection in an inspiring setting. Two parallel programs were offered: the Heads Program, focused on leadership and governance, and an optional Spouses/Partners Program, focused on well-being and island exploration.

The Summit opened with a ‘Process of Change’ workshop for Heads, led by Peggy Pelonis, President of the American Community Schools of Athens, with Cabby Tennis guiding a ‘Process of Change’ workshop for interested spouses and partners. In the afternoon, Tim Fish of Two Chairs Studio led a Heads workshop titled ‘Schools and the New Excellence’, with Cabby offering island-based experiences for spouses and partners.

Day Two began with a silent wonder walk, open to all participants, up to the monastery overlooking the town. Heads then spent the day practicing Theory-U, investigating governance case studies, and participating in open space discussions on governance-based themes. Spouses and partners continued with their optional island program.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, everyone celebrated together with whole group dinners on the island. The aim of the weekend was for a restorative experience of collaborative learning, belonging and deepening relationships.