Which Office Do I Go To?

Teddy Minchin, Jackson Anderson, and Carolina Deus|November 5, 2021

Dr. Chris Winters

Head of the Upper School, Seminar Teacher

“My days vary a bit, but for the most part, they follow a pattern. I come early and try to get some work done before the teachers and students arrive. We have teacher meetings from 7:30-8:15. I attend those or I go out and welcome students as they arrive. I usually have a meeting or two in the morning. I teach Period 5. That is my favorite part of the day. We have additional meetings in the afternoon. In between meetings and teaching, I try to visit classes. I always have a lot of emails (which I don’t mind). Lastly, I enjoy just walking in the halls and talking to students and teachers. I find that my interactions with others always give me a lift.”

Jackie Wood

Upper School History Teacher, Director of Student Activities, Co-Dean of the Class of 2022

Advises the Student Government. Facilitates student government meetings with Administration.

Organizes roughly 60 student clubs at GCDS.

Organizes and plans student events, overseeing school spirit weeks, dances, and special activities.

When interviewed, Mrs. Wood remarked, “I love my job. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I want to make sure all students have fun at school. Well, within reason.”

Andy Ramirez

Director of College Counseling, Seminar Teacher and Coach

Meets with Seniors and Juniors to guide them through the college admissions and application process.

Meets with colleges, addresses student concerns with the college application process, and their college applications are up to date and ready to be submitted.

“I’ve been here for the last three years. In fact, I was the first person hired at the Upper School, so I really enjoy my job helping students figure out their path after GCDS.”

When asked what he loved about his job, “I love that not everyone has the same path, particularly when it comes to college, and finding a good fit for that.”

Steph McDonald

US Dean of Student Life, Assistant Athletic Director, Seminar Teacher, Field Hockey Coach

“At school I do a couple of different things, my biggest role is I am the dean of student life and that means I help with any sort of student issues that come up, as well as work with the rest of the grade level deans to support all of the outside stuff that makes GCDS such a great place to go school. I work in athletics, where I work with Mr. Helstein and Mr. Curry, booking busses, paying officials, making sure the games are getting run… I love getting to work with kids, and hear what they’re passionate about, whether that’s what they’re studying right now, their club, their sport, their music, anytime I get to spend with students is my favorite part.”

Dr. Chrissy Colón Bradt

Director of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, Nursery-12, US English Teacher

Ensures that GCDS is maintaining, growing, and building a community where everyone feels seen, known, loved, and included.

Discusses diversity, equity, and inclusion issues with students, faculty, and parents.

“Part of my role is to make sure that people get the support they need”.

Dr. Andrew Ruoss

US Academic Dean, Humanities & Economics Teacher, Girls Varsity Field Hockey Assistant Coach

Coordinates the academic program in upper school, working with student and faculty members to introduce changes and additions to the program.

Oversees signature programs like intersession, internship, the Junior thesis, and global programs.

Teaches 1 section of economics to Juniors and Seniors.

Varsity Field Hockey assistant coach for 14 upper school students.

When interviewed, he offered, “I love the opportunity to work with our creative students and our fantastic faculty [and I enjoy] all of the creativity that’s involved in building the high school.”