A Message from Our Head of School

Life is an adventure, full of twists, turns, expected, and unexpected. While we are never certain about what lies ahead, we choose paths that lead us to grow, develop, and thrive. For me, this new journey officially started on July 1, 2021, an unforgettable day when I became the 10th Head of School of GPS. Since that day, there has been momentum—both on and off campus—of optimism, pride, hope, and excitement for our great school. I attribute this movement to the people who are a part of GPS and believe in the power of our mission: to inspire girls to live lives of purpose and integrity.

My family and I have benefitted from this commitment to not only lift up our girls, but also each member of our extended community. We have been received with kindness, warmth, and care, which has underscored our decision to join the GPS family. Throughout my lifetime, as a student or educator, my “home” has been consistently within the community where I have studied or worked, therefore community fuels my passion for and commitment to education. GPS is no exception to this, and my family and I are blessed and fortunate to be a part of the Bruiser Nation.

The important role relationships play in building community—and in the development of the whole girl—directly aligns with my first institutional goal for this school year: Celebration of Community and Connection. With a green light to welcome people on campus once again, we’ve hosted parents for Back to School picnic, Daughters and Donuts and Breakfast with Your Girl, and many arts and athletic events. At Founders House we’ve welcomed prospective families, Bruiser Booster Club members, alumnae, faculty and staff, current parents and students, and Parent Council’s book club.

Personally, I’ve met on campus with our current and former Trustees, faculty and staff, alumnae, every senior and many underclasswomen, former and retired teachers, folks from McCallie, and GPS parents— former, current, and future. I’ve also had the pleasure of eating lunch with students who are, like me, new to GPS this year. Our feeder schools also welcomed me warmly on my visits, and I ‘hit the road’ with some of my colleagues to visit with alumnae across Tennessee and Atlanta with more trips planned for 2022.

Already I’ve experienced Rivalry Week and helped light the McCallie bonfire. I cheered from the bridges for Head of the Hooch and from the sidelines at dozens of athletic events. I sat riveted in my seat at my first Terpsichord concert, the Middle School musical Frozen JR., the Upper School play Pride and Prejudice, May Queen and Court nominations, and more. I’ve listened to half of the Class of 2022 present their Chapel Talks and remain impressed by their insight, foresight, and senses of humor!

There is so much to learn and discover here. While I am completely enamored with the rich culture that’s steeped in tradition and academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, I am also mindful of the work before me as I lead this school into a robust future. The link on the previous page will allow you to read more about my goals, which include Curricular/Program Design and Opportunity and Our Campus Reimagined. These goals serve as our compass as we strive to best serve girls in mind, body, and spirit in a dynamic and ever-changing world. Please take a moment to read through these to better understand my plans for our incredible school.

I hope that you’ll continue (or perhaps renew) your support for our school with your time, talents and/ or treasure. On pages 30-34, you can read about some special people who give to our school in a myriad ways. They represent a larger community of people who truly love GPS and lift up those who work hard every day to impact the lives of our students and the adults on campus who support them.

If you’d like to connect with me, I welcome your thoughts as part of our growing community and would love for you to be part of my GPS journey. Here’s to the GIRLS!