Are there particular moments or stories from your work in counseling or administration that stand out as especially meaningful? One particularly meaningful story that stands out to me is of a student I watched grow from her freshman year through graduation. When she first arrived, her greatest challenge was finding her place at Gilmour and feeling that she fit in. At the beginning, there were more lows than highs. But over time, with encouragement from her teachers and the support of the counseling team, she began to find her footing. As her confidence grew, she took an incredible step and started a group for students who shared similar feelings. It was inspiring to watch her turn a personal challenge into something that supported others. By senior year, she had grown tremendously, achieving success both in and out of the classroom. She was accepted into college with a generous scholarship and graduated with an impressive list of accomplishments. I continue to follow her journey today. She went on to earn her master’s degree in counseling and, most recently, her doctorate in school psychology. Seeing all that she has achieved is incredibly meaningful to me. I truly believe her experiences at Gilmour helped shape that vision and gave her the confidence and skills to pursue such remarkable accomplishments. How do you hope your work impacts students and the broader school community? I hope my work impacts students and the broader school community in a meaningful way. Some students may remember me as the “nice lady” in the administration hallway offering a water or a listening ear on a hard day. Other students may remember me as the one who gently reminded them to act appropriately or be their best. Regardless, everything I do is for the students — supporting their counselors, teachers and administrators so they can have a successful year. The same care, patience and attention I give students, I bring to our staff, teachers and administrators as well. Through my actions, hard work and prayers, I aim to help everyone in our community have a positive and meaningful school year, making a difference in small ways each day as I learn and grow alongside the students and my colleagues.
type of support they need can vary quite a bit. I often update records for the College Counseling office, supporting the student counselors with the many needs of their students, and occasionally assisting faculty with their various needs or preparing for school events. Once students begin arriving, the pace really picks up. At times I feel like I am directing traffic, as students come through our hallway for all sorts of reasons, and I am always happy to help guide them to the right person for assistance. What does Gilmour mean to you personally and professionally? Gilmour means a great deal to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it feels like my second home. I care deeply about the team I work with, and because we spend so much time together, our professional and personal lives naturally intersect. It is a community where I feel valued and supported, and where I see every day the care and commitment that goes into helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Professionally, it’s a place that challenges me, where I have been able to expand my role and contribute in meaningful ways. Being part of a team that truly puts students first and works collaboratively toward a common mission makes coming to work each day rewarding and fulfilling. How do you approach supporting students, whether through college counseling or daily guidance? When supporting students, I try to understand where they are and what they may be feeling, so I can respond in a way that meets their needs. In College Counseling, I help guide students through their college journey by keeping track of their application information along with planning and supporting the events the counselors organize. These programs start freshman year and culminate senior year when all their hard work comes together. I am also there to help students troubleshoot any issues with applications or their online accounts, offering guidance and encouragement along the way so they feel supported and confident throughout the process. With the Counseling team, my role can be more personal and immediate, whether it is helping a student find the right grade-level counselor or being the first sounding board for a student having a difficult day. My “mom
skills” come out in those moments, and I try to offer support and guidance with patience and compassion, ultimately connecting them with their counselor. For me, supporting students is about combining practical assistance with caring presence, helping them navigate everyday challenges. Favorite memories from your time at Gilmour? My favorite memories at Gilmour span both professional milestones and personal moments. Professionally, one that stands out is the Class of 2007 graduation — the first class I had the privilege of working with. Back then, everything was done by mail, with no electronic submission of supporting documents, so seeing all of that hard work come together at graduation was an incredible sense of accomplishment. Experiencing a Gilmour graduation for the first time, I witnessed firsthand the beauty and tradition of the ceremony. It was so fulfilling. Personally, there are so many moments I cherish — celebrating engagements, weddings and the births of coworkers’ children, or simply closing out a school year and making it to the finish line with what I truly believe are the best teammates anyone could hope to work with. Those daily interactions and shared celebrations make Gilmour feel like a second home. How has working closely with the Upper School Director shaped your perspective on the school and your work? Where do I begin? Working at a school is unique. It is very different from working in a traditional business. There is the tactical side of managing a high school, but there is also the emotional side, which is just as important. As the main support person for the Director of the Upper School I have had the privilege of supporting seven directors, some more than once. My work has taken on a deep sense of meaning. It is not just about kids coming to school, it is about their growth both in the classroom and in life. The Director of the Upper School leads that journey, and I get to witness firsthand the care, commitment, compassion, work ethic, long days and difficult conversations that go into it. The work coming out of the office of the Director sets the tone, the standard and the outcome for the entire year, and it is not a role for the faint of heart. I am continually amazed and honored to play even a small part in that process.
Gilmour | SPRING 2026
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