GUS Expands Science Department, Welcomes New Faculty
We are thrilled to welcome Julia Bugeau-Heartt and Amanda Pastel, and to welcome back Jen Mallette, to the GUS team this fall!
We are excited to welcome back GUS alum Jen Mallette ’87 as science coordinator, where she will be tasked with leading the science department in curriculum development and implementation. All students, pre-K through grade 8, will benefit from Jen’s work as she works with all classroom teachers to ensure GUS’ science program is innovative and forward-thinking while remaining focused on inquiry and project-based learning.
“I am thrilled to be back working at GUS! The wealth of learning opportunities on the nature trail and greenhouse combined with the school’s emphasis on place and project-based learning is ideal for teaching science. I look forward to working with teachers and students alike to help nurture students' curiosity and our collective stewardship of the GUS campus.” - Jen Mallette ’87
Amanda Pastel joins us as upper school science teacher She is passionate about teaching in a way that helps to spark students’ innate curiosity, widen their perspectives, build confidence, and ultimately acquire valuable skills. Amanda is excited about joining the GUS community where she sees a natural alignment between GUS’s thematic and experiential approach and her own vision of education:
“There are so many reasons I am excited to be here at GUS! I love the approach of thematic and experiential learning. The GUS campus makes it easy to move beyond the classroom and take our learning outdoors. It's been great to see the students here ready to dive into activities in and out of the class. I'm looking forward to incorporating our green space into class time as much as possible!” - Amanda Pastel
Julia Bugeau-Heartt joins us as our new school nurse. Motivated by her experiences working with children in the Boston Public Schools and homeless shelters as an undergraduate, Julia entered healthcare recognizing it as a field where she could make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. She is excited to join the GUS community where she looks forward to supporting students as they begin to create their meaningful places in the world.
Julia Bugeau-Heartt, School Nurse
Julia holds a Bachelor of Science in political science and human services from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her nursing experience includes time at Mass General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospitals, and most recently, as school nurse at Concord Academy.
Jen Mallette ’87, Science Curriculum Coordinator
Jen attended Phillips Academy, Andover, and matriculated to Middlebury College, where she double majored in biology and environmental studies. She holds a Master’s Degree in elementary education from Lesley University. She began teaching at Madison Country Day School in Wisconsin before working at Brookwood and Tower School, and already has 13 years teaching at GUS under her belt!
Amanda Pastel, Science Teacher
Before joining GUS, Amanda taught life science, biology, and AP Environmental Science at Gloucester High School. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Salem State University, where she also studied chemistry and educational studies, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is also a licensed massage therapist!