Catalyst

Catalyst: Business and Leadership Summit


Event Overview

Overview

Roseville, CA | 8/31-9/1

Ignite your school’s mission at Catalyst: Business & Leadership Summit – Northern California. Join us August 31 - September 1st for Catalyst, ACSI’s premier gathering for Christian school leaders and administrators focused on operational excellence and strategic leadership.

This year’s theme, Future Ready Schools, will explore how Christian schools can lead with clarity, strengthen their operations, and prepare for the future while staying rooted in their mission. Every session is selected based on feedback from school leaders to provide practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately at your school.

What’s in store:

  • Keynotes & Workshops:
    Learn from experienced practitioners and industry experts and bring back solutions you can implement right away.
  • Specialized Tracks:
    Focus on areas such as Finance, Development, Operations, and Human Resources.
  • Networking: Connect with peers and trusted partners who are helping schools lead effectively and sustainably.
    Bring your team and leave equipped to advance your school’s mission and prepare for what’s next. CEUs and Title II funds available.

Bring your team and leave ready to advance your school’s mission from day one.

CEUs are available for this event. Please check with your Local Education Agency (LEA) to determine if Title II funds can be used to attend Catalyst.

 

Register Today!

$149 members
$199 non-members

Register Now

Speakers

Speakers

Kati Melton
Dr. Kati Melton

Senior Director, Western Division, ACSI

Dr. Kati Melton is Senior Director of the Western Division for ACSI, where she equips Christian school leaders to lead with clarity and purpose. With more than 25 years in education, she has served as a teacher, principal, and Head of School, bringing deep experience in leadership, strategy, and school improvement. She is passionate about helping schools align mission and practice to build thriving communities, leading efforts in accreditation, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. Kati holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the Van Lunen Fellows Program at Calvin University. 
Dr. Matt Northrop
Dr. Matt Northrop

Associate Head of School, Oaks Christian School 

Matt Northrop is the Associate Head of School at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, where he leads academics, innovation, and strategic initiatives for grades TK–12. With over 25 years in Christian education, he is known for driving institutional growth, developing faculty, and advancing mission-aligned programs. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University in Educational Leadership. Matt brings a passion for integrating faith, learning, and leadership to cultivate thriving school communities. 
Dr. Jon Talbert

Chaplain & Strategic Advisor

Jon Talbert is a pastor, leadership coach, and chaplain to the CrossFit Games, impacting leaders across business, education, and professional sports. He holds degrees from Biola University, Talbot Seminary, and George Fox University, and previously served on the founding team of Forte, a mental fitness platform for educators. Jon and his wife, Cheri, have four adult children and a growing family. They live near Capitola, California, on a multi-generational family estate.
Hotels

Coming Soon


Westlake Village, CA | 9/3-9/4

Event Overview

Overview

Westlake Village, CA | 9/3-9/4

Ignite your school’s mission at Catalyst: Business & Leadership Summit – Southern California. Join us September 3-4 for Catalyst, ACSI’s premier gathering for Christian school leaders and administrators focused on operational excellence and strategic leadership.

This year’s theme, Future Ready Schools, will explore how Christian schools can lead with clarity, strengthen their operations, and prepare for the future while staying rooted in their mission. Every session is selected based on feedback from school leaders to provide practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately at your school.

What’s in store:

  • Keynotes & Workshops:
    Learn from experienced practitioners and industry experts and bring back solutions you can implement right away.
  • Specialized Tracks:
    Focus on areas such as Finance, Development, Operations, and Human Resources.
  • Networking:
    Connect with peers and trusted partners who are helping schools lead effectively and sustainably.

Bring your team and leave equipped to advance your school’s mission and prepare for what’s next. CEUs and Title II funds available.

CEUs are available for this event. Please check with your Local Education Agency (LEA) to determine if Title II funds can be used to attend Catalyst.

 

Register Today!

$149 members
$199 non-members

Register Now

Speakers

Speakers

Kati Melton
Dr. Kati Melton

Senior Director, Western Division, ACSI

Dr. Kati Melton is Senior Director of the Western Division for ACSI, where she equips Christian school leaders to lead with clarity and purpose. With more than 25 years in education, she has served as a teacher, principal, and Head of School, bringing deep experience in leadership, strategy, and school improvement. She is passionate about helping schools align mission and practice to build thriving communities, leading efforts in accreditation, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. Kati holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the Van Lunen Fellows Program at Calvin University. 
Dr. Matt Northrop
Dr. Matt Northrop

Associate Head of School, Oaks Christian School 

Matt Northrop is the Associate Head of School at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, where he leads academics, innovation, and strategic initiatives for grades TK–12. With over 25 years in Christian education, he is known for driving institutional growth, developing faculty, and advancing mission-aligned programs. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University in Educational Leadership. Matt brings a passion for integrating faith, learning, and leadership to cultivate thriving school communities. 
Dr. Jon Talbert

Chaplain & Strategic Advisor

Jon Talbert is a pastor, leadership coach, and chaplain to the CrossFit Games, impacting leaders across business, education, and professional sports. He holds degrees from Biola University, Talbot Seminary, and George Fox University, and previously served on the founding team of Forte, a mental fitness platform for educators. Jon and his wife, Cheri, have four adult children and a growing family. They live near Capitola, California, on a multi-generational family estate.
Hotels

Coming Soon