Strategy and Leadership for a Time of Change
Julie Faulstich, Principal
Julie believes the strongest organizations are sustained through a strategic mindset, honest conversations, and leadership that turns vision into meaningful action. She founded Stony Creek Strategy to help mission-driven organizations lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. A former Head of School, she draws on more than 25 years of senior leadership experience to partner with boards, heads of school, and executive teams to strengthen governance, develop effective strategy, and guide organizations through periods of growth, transition, and change.
Known for her practical, collaborative approach, Julie helps leaders move beyond planning to build alignment, make sound decisions, and enhance connection. She is a frequent speaker and facilitator on leadership, governance, organizational change, and strategic thinking, presenting for organizations including Middle States Association, where she is a governance consultant, ICGS, NAIS, TABS, NWAIS and AISNE.
Before launching Stony Creek Strategy, Julie was Head of School at Westover School (CT) and Assistant Head at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts (MA). She holds a B.A. from Smith College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College. She is also the author of Talking Out of School, a widely read Substack newsletter exploring leadership, governance, strategy, and the realities of leading mission-driven organizations.
“Julie thoughtfully guides participants along a journey of empowerment, challenging us to self-identify educational leadership strengths as well as identify and celebrate those strengths in others. Julie knows leadership; she is an effective communicator and an engaging facilitator.”
Eric Walters, Director of STEM Education, Marymount, NYC
Why Stony Creek Strategy?
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Sometimes even well-meaning and dedicated people are rowing in different directions. Building shared understanding makes change and forward movement possible.
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Cultures are unique. The quirks of human nature must be a central consideration for any transition, change effort or new strategy to gain traction.
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We bring wide-ranging perspective and consistent good humor, even when the topics get a little heavy. We’re prepared to get down to work and focus on how we can help you see results quickly.
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Prioritizing real conversations about what matters most is core to any school’s forward movement.
Strategic Partners
Stony Creek Strategy is proud to actively partner with associations and consulting firms that echo our values and bring value to our clients.
Caravan Brand Partners helps mission-driven organizations build clear, compelling brands. They believe that each client has a vital asset—a core group of stakeholders intensely passionate about their mission. Their work focuses and amplifies that passion to engage broader groups of supporters and advance strategic goals.
Jane Moulding, SmarterWisdom Consulting
Jane Moulding partners with leaders, especially emerging leaders, to help them tap into their own wisdom, and the combined wisdom of their teams. A big believer in the power of smart leadership, Jane has experienced firsthand the power of accessing her own wisdom by collaborating with colleagues, other leaders and talented consultants. She brings her vast accomplishments in school administration to SmarterWisdom Consulting.