Connect with a GSB Parent
Welcome to Gill St. Bernard's! We invite you to connect with current parents to learn more about our school.
Lee Amoroso
Home:
Byram Township
Children at GSB:
'11, '13, '19
Years at GSB:
13
About Me:
I am an alum parent of three GSB grads and also a current GSB Trustee. I still volunteer in the theater program and with Parent Admissions because of my love for both programs and the school.
My favorite thing about GSB is, hands down, the happy community for both the kids and parents, and the sense of balance in every aspect of the school. I can't leave out the fact that you feel involved as a parent and there is such mutual respect between students, between students and faculty, and importantly, between parents and faculty. Your voice is heard and your children leave prepared!
We originally chose Gill for my oldest daughter who wanted the experience of the Arts, particularly theater. However, once she was there, my other two kids quickly made the switch. My son chose Gill for baseball and because he wanted a rigorous math program, and my youngest fell in love with the Lower School program and class she visited. My husband and I just felt very comfortable there and knew it was the right amount of social and academic balance that we were looking for in a school community.
Michelle Lawse
Home:
Chester
Children at GSB:
'32
Years at GSB:
4
About Me:
In addition to being a member of PAN as a tour guide and welcoming newly admitted lower school families, I am also on the Parents Association Steering Committee as Volunteer Coordinator. I also co-chaired the 2019-2020 PA Welcome Breakfast and served on numerous other committees, including Casino Night, Comedy Night, Fashion Event and Bingo. My daughter enjoys coming along to help set up for many events, too!
My husband and I were looking for a nurturing place to send our daughter, who was only 3 at the time. The moment we came in for our tour we knew this would be the perfect place. The staff and teachers were genuine and there was a special and warm energy that we felt while walking through the hallways and classrooms. The combination of academics and environment made the choice clear.
When we first considered Gill, we were primarily focused on PS/PK. Touring the school is one thing, but after a few months of getting to know the staff, teachers and families coupled with the well-rounded curriculum, you realize how fortunate you are to have your child call this beautiful campus her school.
Steve Wetzel
Home:
Bernardsville
Children at GSB:
'15, '17, '21
Years at GSB:
10
About Me:
My daughter Erin was heavily involved in musical theater, choir, student government and many social justice opportunities. Jack was involved in soccer, theater, and choir. Ben has been involved in soccer, track, and ski club. I have been involved as a team parent for soccer, theater set construction, Sports Booster Club, Parent Admissions Network.
I have been very happy about the way that Gill meets the student where they are. By that I mean, my daughter was a big overachiever, heavily involved in activities and clubs, enrolled in multiple AP and Honors classes. Then my middle son was in the more traditional classes, taking only a few AP's and not getting involved in as many clubs. My current Senior is somewhere in between his older siblings! What I can say is that all of them were challenged to their ability. It is not a "one size fits all" program. They are/were all very prepared for their college experiences.
Our family has remained at Gill all these years because they have offered our children a wonderful balance of rigor and nurture, while challenging them to think outside the box.
Sacha Marcucci
Home:
Mendham
Children at GSB:
'26, '29, '32
Years at GSB:
6
About Me:
My son plays baseball and soccer. My daughter has tried one musical and countless after school enrichments. My youngest also loves the after school enrichments offered. I volunteer when I can; this year in addition to helping with PAN, I am a Division Parent Coordinator for the Middle School, and Vice President of the Parents' Association.
I would have to say my favorite thing about GIll is the breathtaking campus and the ability to incorporate so many aspects of learning onto it. Between the STREAMS program, the Garden, and Home Winds Farm, there are so many educational opportunities within reach. The children are introduced to academic concepts through action which is so important for retention of material. Gill is helping to develop their curiosity every day!
We have found Gill to be a wonderful environment for each of our children. The community they foster, the character values they instill, and the commitment to creating a classroom outside the confines of the building are all key to our love of GSB.
Stephanie Pendell
Home:
Mendham
Children at GSB:
'22, '24, '27
Years at GSB:
12
About Me:
I love GSB! I have been fortunate to volunteer at Gill over the years, including working with new families to welcome them to the school, reading in the classroom and attending many events designed for the Gill community. When I am not volunteering at Gill, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing tennis and engaging in other volunteer activities.
The community at Gill (staff, parents and students) creates a nurturing, academically challenging and safe environment for our children to thrive and grow.
We looked at many schools for our oldest daughter to begin kindergarten. Once we met the teachers, saw the joyful students, walked the beautiful campus and felt the warmth of the community, we knew Gill was where we wanted our children to learn and develop.
My children all have different talents and interests, but each has found a home at Gill. The school has been able to meet their unique needs and help them develop academically, socially and personally. Gill creates a balanced environment that allows students to take risks and challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
Kim Bertolini
Home:
Mendham
Children at GSB:
'22
Years at GSB:
12
About Me:
As a member of the Parent Association Network, it is my pleasure to provide tours to prospective families and be an ongoing resource for families who join our Gill community.
My son is a varsity soccer player in the Upper School, so we spend a lot of time on the turf field and traveling to games to cheer on our players. I believe that the lessons he learns on the field, such as commitment, accountability, and sportsmanship, are just as important as the lessons he learns in the classroom. There is genuine camaraderie and respect among his teammates and the coaching he receives is outstanding.
My favorite thing about Gill is the warm and welcoming community. The teachers, administration, and staff are dedicated and enthusiastic about contributing to your child's growth and they take the time to get to know your child well to make sure they succeed. Our son is what's known as a "Lifer" at Gill, but we have also made lifelong friends with other Gill parents.
We first visited Gill when we were looking for a Kindergarten for our son. We immediately loved the beauty and safety of the campus as well as the fact that he could stay in one school through his high school education. We ultimately chose Gill because we knew our son would receive a well-rounded education in a nurturing environment while still being challenged to reach his full potential.