Our Team
Rick Seay
Rick brings more than four decades of school experience to his consulting work—as a classroom teacher, academic dean, division director, founding Head of School, and most recently as Head of School at Hickory Day School in Hickory, NC. A Vanderbilt graduate in Classical Languages and Theater with a doctorate in Educational Administration from Tennessee State University, Rick has spent his career in and around the full life of schools: teaching Latin, theater, and history; directing award-winning productions; translating and producing plays; and leading strategic and academic change at the division and school-wide level. He founded A&S Educational Consulting because he believes every school—regardless of size or budget—deserves a trusted, experienced outside voice to help it grow.
Founder & Lead Consultant
Scott O’Neal
Scott is a seasoned development professional with more than two decades of experience in independent schools and nonprofit leadership. A Vanderbilt graduate, Scott spent more than fourteen years at Montgomery Bell Academy serving in roles that gave him a uniquely whole-school perspective: Associate Director for Institutional Advancement, Director of Alumni and Development, and eventually, Athletic Director. He later led development and community engagement at several philanthropic institutions, including a tenure as Chief Operating Officer of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. A passion for teaching and developing emerging leaders has been at the heart of everything Scott has done throughout his career, and A&S Educational Consulting is thrilled to have him on board.
Chief Growth Officer & Consultant
Shelley holds more than 15 years of leadership experience as a mission-driven operational and financial expert, with a career across the nonprofit, educational, and public accounting sectors. Shelley has spent over a decade overseeing independent school operations, currently serving as the Director of Finance and Business Operations at Hickory Day School. Her work balances the precision of day-to-day tuition and payroll handlings with the high-level strategy required for long-term financial planning. Beyond this, she directs the critical infrastructure of school life, overseeing facilities management, safety and security procedures, emergency preparedness, and technology operations. Recognized for her executive oversight, Shelley has served as the operational lead for two major campus building projects, navigating the complexities of construction management, vendor relations, and fundraising integration from beginning to end. A Certified Public Assistant with an MBA from Eastern Carolina University, Shelley is a trusted partner to boards and heads of school because she understands that behind every sustainable program is a sophisticated operational strategy.
Chief Financial OfficerShelley Holtsclaw
Mary brings two years of experience supporting executive searches, assessments, and special projects in independent schools nationwide, working closely with school leaders on initiatives that shape strategy and strengthen programs. She currently works in enrollment management at an independent school, giving her firsthand insight into the dynamics of school communities. She holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Virginia, where she developed a deep interest in language and communication. With a background in dance, ceramics, and choir, she brings a creative, detail-oriented perspective to her work with schools and leaders. She is continually inspired by the close-knit, mission-driven nature of independent school communities and is committed to supporting their continued growth and success.
Chief Brand & Communications Officer