Remembering Christy Doxsee
Glen Urquhart School Faculty 2008 - 2022
Christy Doxsee P ’22, ’25 was not only a gifted educator but also a mentor, a friend, and a quiet yet powerful source of encouragement.
She instinctively knew when someone — student or colleague — needed a kind word, a supportive note, or simply a moment of joy. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, touching every corner of the GUS community. Over the course of 14 years at GUS, Christy embodied the spirit of GUS through her unwavering dedication, grace, and compassion.
Known for her patience, Christy handled everything with her characteristic good humor — inside the classroom and out. A model teacher and dedicated professional, Christy set high standards for herself and her students, yet this was always balanced with a sincere commitment to relationship building and a whole-child approach that made Glen Urquhart School the perfect place for her. Head of School Gretchen Forsyth recalls she often called GUS her 'happy place.'
Today, we remember Christy with profound gratitude. While we feel the loss of her presence, Christy’s spirit continues to shine throughout our campus. She is there in the laughter echoing from recess, in the butterflies that hatch in the pre-K and 1st grade classrooms, and in the warmth of hugs exchanged by colleagues who miss her dearly. Christy leaves behind an indelible legacy — one that lives on not only in the hearts of her students and colleagues, but also through her beloved children, Zach ’22 and Mia ’25, who carry forward her light and spirit.
In celebration of Christy’s legacy and all the educators who have made a difference at GUS, we’re launching a community challenge thanks to a gift made by an anonymous donor in Christy’s honor. Learn more about our Community Changemakers Challenge — say thank you to someone who changed your life, and keep Christy’s spirit alive in the halls of GUS.
Words from colleagues
Laura Doyle
Grade 4 Teacher
“Christy Doxsee was an incredible teacher, cheerleader, and friend. She could read stories written by kids as if they were the funniest, silliest, most creative stories she had EVER read aloud to a class. She could step into any classroom and find five ways to help before you even thought of what to ask of her. She could make your child feel comfortable, feel special, feel strong, and feel empowered. She shone brightly right along with her students as they learned and grew and discovered. Christy meant so much to GUS as a teacher - and she meant so much to me as a colleague and friend. I love this chance to reflect on working together and the lessons that she left me with that are still the strongest. One was to appreciate and to see the silver linings in things that are hard. Another was to keep seeing children as the wonderfully creative and beautiful young humans that they are. One of the last things Christy communicated to me was that it was an honor to work together - and I couldn't agree more.”
Amy Gallo
Grade 1 Teacher
“I connected with Christy from the moment we met. I first knew her as a colleague, and later as a parent, when I had the joy of teaching Mia in Kindergarten. Christy and I would often talk about teaching practices and brainstorm ways to make projects more fun and engaging. We always dreamed about working together, knowing that we would probably have too much fun.
Though we never got the chance to share a classroom, I now teach first grade in her old room, and I feel her presence every single day. I still find her notes, project instructions in her handwriting, examples she made, photos of her, and—of course—glitter.
If you knew Christy, you know how much she LOVED glitter. She could put glitter on anything and make it fun and magical. Just being around her could brighten your whole day. That's because it wasn't the glitter, it was Christy. She was the secret ingredient.
I miss her every day, and I try my best to keep her spirit alive in first grade somewhere between the glitter and the magic.”