Tell us about your Bryn Mawr experience.  

I enjoyed my time at Bryn Mawr. I entered as an Upper School student in ninth grade, excited and overwhelmed by the freedom and novelty of Upper School. I loved being on a campus with all girls, but I also loved the opportunity for tri-school partnership. I had coordinated classes at Gilman because I played an instrument in the band and took Latin there. I loved how small our classes were, our discussions and the fact that we had free periods. Nothing about my schedule or the school was what I imaged for high school. I felt as though I was experiencing what college must feel like.  

 

As the Director of Student Support Services, I work collaboratively with the student support team to ensure continuity and cohesion within support services among all divisions. Our team includes the Lower, Middle and Upper School counselors, reading specialists, nurses and myself. We are currently doing exciting work to enhance and formalize our already effective systems and wellness programming. 

 

As the Upper School Counselor, I specifically support Upper School students, families and faculty both directly and indirectly. I provide individual support for students, and plan and facilitate small group, class specific, and division wide programming centered around learning and social and emotional wellness. This type of programming is an essential foundation for students’ wellness in order for them to be available for instruction and prepared for life both in and outside of our community.

 

I love the opportunity to work directly with our students in the Upper School and to develop and enhance programming and procedures across divisions. My one-on-one work with Upper School students creates an equal amount of excitement and anticipation as my work with our cross-divisional team. It's literally the best of both worlds.  

 

What do you love about working with Upper School students?   

Preparing them for their “next chapter.” The four years students spend in Upper School is a short period of time, but they develop a great deal, and I love witnessing and supporting that development. It may have something to do with how much I enjoyed Upper School myself, but I love watching their growth and evolution. Immediately after graduating from college, I started teaching Upper School students, and I haven’t been able to leave them since.

 

 “As much as you think you know, you really don’t have it all figured out." I would urge myself to fully take advantage of all the opportunities available and listen to those attempting to provide guidance and support.  

 

Gym Drill! I have fond memories of it from my time as a student, and I have developed a deeper and more nostalgic connection to it as a parent and an alumna. It’s a time when we gather as a community, it celebrates transitions, tradition, culture and solidarity. I’m so excited to have an opportunity to remain engaged in this tradition as a faculty member!