Meet GUS' New Faculty + Staff
The people + the community at GUS are part of what makes every day…simply magic.
This school year, we’ve welcomed new faces to campus! Our newest faculty and staff bring a range of experiences, talents, and perspectives to our school. Get to know them below!
Lauren Contreras – Assistant to Head of School
Lauren joins GUS with extensive clerical and administrative experience across education, small business, legal services, and the Probate and Family Court system. With a passion for supporting others and advocating for students, she brings a collaborative spirit and a willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. Her background also includes graphic design, photography, and marketing. Lauren is excited to be part of GUS’ warm and welcoming community and appreciates the school’s emphasis on meaningful, real-world connections in learning.
Emily Corbin – Director of Marketing + Communications
Emily brings more than a decade of experience in strategic marketing, brand development, creative project management, and communications. With a background leading integrated campaigns, Emily has worked to shape brand identities, bringing stories to life across multiple platforms. As a proud GUS alumna, she combines her professional expertise with a personal connection to the school as she helps tell the story of what makes our community so special.
Amanda Davis – School Nurse
Amanda has spent the past nine years caring for patients in hospitals, rehabilitation, and community healthcare settings. A Registered Nurse with more than a decade of experience, her background in clinical care, patient education, and supporting individuals with diverse needs will be a valuable asset as she cares for GUS students. Amanda is excited to support the health and well-being of our students while building meaningful relationships with families and colleagues.
Jenny Kelley - Lower School Math Teacher
Jenny joins GUS with a passion for whole-child education and hands-on, nature-inspired learning. Most recently, she taught fourth grade at North Beverly Elementary School, after also teaching third grade and spending several years supporting students as a grades 2–8 Special Education Teacher. Licensed in both General Education (1–6) and Special Education (1–6), Jenny brings a strong foundation in meeting students where they are and helping them grow. She is excited to inspire young mathematicians while helping students build confidence through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences. Jenny is also the parent of a GUS graduate!
Ella Maloney - Kindergarten Teacher
Ella brings more than a decade of experience teaching in a variety of settings, including public schools, outdoor preschools, international classrooms, and community-based education programs. Her background includes designing experiential curriculum, supporting literacy development, and creating engaging learning experiences rooted in curiosity and exploration. Most recently, Ella served as a Lead Preschool Teacher with the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, where she led nature-based, play-centered learning for young children. She is passionate about creating joyful classrooms where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow.
Charlotte Pearce – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Charlotte brings a diverse background in education, outdoor leadership, environmental programming, and global experiences to GUS. Already a familiar face on campus as both a GUS parent and long-term substitute teacher, Charlotte has supported our lower school classrooms and built meaningful relationships with students and families. Her experiences leading outdoor adventures, developing educational programs, and continuing her studies in child development bring creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for hands-on learning to the pre-K classroom. Charlotte is excited to foster creativity, exploration, and joy in the pre-K classroom.
Hartel Smith – Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Hartel brings several years of experience teaching, coaching, and mentoring students, with a background rooted in building strong relationships with young people. Most recently, he taught at McGlynn Middle School and previously worked as a World Cultures and History Teacher at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, where he also served as a coach, advisor, and dorm parent. His years spent mentoring campers and young leaders through summer programs helped shape his passion for education and creating communities where students feel supported and encouraged to grow. Hartel looks forward to becoming part of the welcoming GUS community.
Sunnie Steinbach – Lower School Support (Grades 1–3)
Sunnie believes a great day includes a good book and a great cup of coffee! A recent graduate of Endicott College, she is continuing her education while pursuing a master's degree in Curriculum Design + Instruction and Elementary Licensure. Most recently, she gained classroom experience at Carroll Elementary School in Peabody and the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm in Beverly, where she further developed her passion for supporting young learners. Sunnie is excited to begin her journey at GUS, get to know our students, families, and faculty, and continue growing as an educator within such a supportive community.
Allison Theriault – Pre-Kindergarten Floating Teacher
Already a familiar face at GUS as both a parent and former AfterSchool teacher, Allison brings a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for supporting young learners. Her experience includes teaching in Montessori and play-based classroom settings, developing curriculum for preschool students, and creating engaging learning experiences that support a range of needs and abilities. Allison is excited to continue building relationships with GUS students and families while bringing her creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm to the classroom.
Ella Towle – Grades 5 + 6 Science Intern
Ella is a senior at Endicott College majoring in Educational Studies and joining GUS this semester as an intern in grades 5–6 science classes. With a longstanding interest in working with students, Ella is excited to continue gaining hands-on classroom experience and developing her skills as an educator. She looks forward to becoming part of the GUS community and supporting students in their learning.
Hanako Walker – Spanish Teaching Fellow
Hanako joins GUS with a strong foundation in education, language learning, and community engagement. As a recent History + Education graduate from Bowdoin College, Hanako brings a passion for creating immersive, culturally rich learning experiences. Through her studies and a year abroad in Spain, where she deepened her Spanish language skills, she has developed a strong appreciation for cross-cultural learning and connection. Fluent in both Spanish and Japanese, Hanako is excited to continue growing as an educator and share her love of language, history, and global perspectives through the Fellowship program.