GUS Announces Leadership Updates: Suzy Light, Bre Brandt, and Alex Belluschi
After 10 years as a parent, Pre-K Director, and, most recently, Director of Lower School and Assistant Head of School for Student + Community Life, Emily Rabinowitz-Buchanan will be leaving GUS at the end of the school year.
During her time at GUS, Emily has worn many hats — from supporting admissions in her early years and leading the design and launch of our highly successful pre-K program to her work advocating for DEIJ initiatives and championing the student as center to the learning experience. We are deeply grateful for the care and dedication she has brought to her work and to our community, and we wish her well in her next chapter! As a GUS parent, we are glad that she will still be part of the GUS community on a regular basis.
As we look ahead, we are excited to share several leadership updates that will help shape the student and family experience across GUS.
Suzy Light, Director of Lower School
We are thrilled to announce Suzy Light as our next Director of Lower School. In her two years as Lower School Math Teacher, Suzy has quickly become an integral part of the GUS community. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education, along with a deep commitment to student-centered, hands-on learning. She holds a B.S. from Bucknell University, an M.Ed. from Lesley University, a certificate in School Management + Leadership from Harvard University, and has done extensive graduate coursework in mindfulness studies. Suzy is a thoughtful educator and collaborator who leads with curiosity, care, and a strong belief in every child's potential.
As Director of Lower School and member of the administrative leadership team, Suzy will serve as both an instructional and community leader for pre-K through grade 4 — supporting faculty, partnering with families, and helping to shape and sustain a joyful, rigorous, and mission-aligned program.
Bre Brandt, Director of Student Life
We are also excited to announce that School Counselor Bre Brandt will step into the role of Director of Student Life. After 10 years as School Counselor at GUS, Bre has proven herself to be a trusted partner to students, families, and colleagues alike — bringing empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of what it means for students to feel known, supported, and able to thrive. We are excited to expand her role.
Starting next fall, in addition to her work as School Counselor, Bre will lead efforts to support the academic, social-emotional, and community experience of students across pre-K through grade 8. She will collaborate closely with division heads, faculty, and families to strengthen student support systems and nurture a strong, connected school culture.
Alex Belluschi, Director of Auxiliary
We are also pleased to announce Alex Belluschi as our new Director of Summer + Auxiliary Programs. Alex joins us from the YMCA of Metro North, where he served as Youth Development Director, overseeing a wide range of summer, enrichment, and out-of-school-time programs. He brings a strong background in program development, team leadership, and the creation of engaging experiences for children and families.
At GUS, Alex will lead all auxiliary programming, including AfterSchool, SUMMER@GUS, FUN@GUS vacation camps, EXPLORE@GUS enrichment classes, and transportation, helping to extend the GUS experience beyond the school day in joyful, engaging ways that align with our mission.
Please join us in thanking Emily for her many contributions to GUS, and in warmly welcoming Alex to the community, and Suzy and Bre to their new roles.