GSB Bids Farewell to Four Board of Trustee Members 

At the close of the 2023-2024 school year, Gill St. Bernard’s bids farewell to four Board of Trustee members who rotated off the GSB board: Doug Matthews, Lee Amoroso, Marcella Criscola, and Steve Polachi. 

Doug Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24 

When Doug Matthews entered the GSB community in 2001 as a Preschool parent to his eldest child, Caty ’16, and met the newly appointed Head of School Sid Rowell, neither imagined that the introduction would turn into a twenty-year working relationship. 

As they settled into their routines, Rowell noted that Doug held a deep commitment to the school and a desire to make a difference. Therefore, it came as no surprise that when he was approached to serve on the GSB Board of Trustees, the young father wholeheartedly accepted. Now after twenty years on the board—and serving the last five as the Chair—Matthews’ commitment to education and to providing opportunities for children to grow has made an indelible mark on the GSB campus. 

“Doug Matthews and his family have given so much to GSB over the course of twenty-plus years,” Rowell said. “He was a wonderful board member and chair: always listening, being incredibly thoughtful, and constantly supportive.” 

During his time, Matthews chaired two capital campaigns. The first was a significant undertaking: to fund and build the Hockenbury Building, the signature academic building for the Upper School. The second was equally monumental: the design and construction of the Performing Arts and Community Center.  

“Matthews’ service as a trustee was simply remarkable,” said Rowell. “Between capital campaigns, he chaired our Development Committee, and then accepted the responsibility to chair the board—all the while working and being a father to his three children, Caty ‘16, Amity ’18, and Brad ’24.”  

Commitment to GSB ran as a theme throughout the family, and Matthews’ wife, Ann, dedicated countless hours to the school’s mission as well. Over the last two decades, she stepped up to serve as President of the Parents’ Association and to chair several different PA committees. 

“Both Doug and Ann are very caring individuals,” Rowell reflected. “They gave generously of their time, and their impact on the GSB landscape has changed the lives of so many of our students—and will continue to do so in the future.” 

Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19 

Board of Trustee member Lee Amoroso wore many hats during her years at Gill St. Bernard’s. Not only did she serve as President of the Parents’ Association, but she chaired various PA committees, worked in the GSB Development Office, and was a passionate supporter of the theater program. Her work behind the scenes of the winter musical earned her several Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award nominations for Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Achievement, and in 2014, she won the award for her work on Godspell. She also served on the Board of Trustees for six years. 

“Lee is a volunteer extraordinaire,” Head of School Sid Rowell shared. “She was a very vocal supporter of our efforts, and she gave of her time generously.” 

During her last three years as a trustee, Amoroso chaired the board’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community (DEIC) Committee and placed incredible focus on promoting DEIC at the school. She also valued professional development and took it upon herself to attend as many NAIS and NJAIS programs as possible. What she learned, she implemented—bringing a sharp focus on best practices to the board and ensuring that they were kept abreast of the latest industry standards. 

Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26, ’29 

Marcella Criscola served two terms on the Board of Trustees, and during her time, she rarely slowed down. 

“Marcella was another wonderful trustee who also volunteered extensively as a parent,” Head of School Sid Rowell said. “During her two terms on the board, she was a passionate supporter of Home Winds Farms and a member of the Building and Grounds Committee while also leading the efforts for the Family / Homecoming Day and co-chairing the Fashion Show.” 

In addition to supporting existing efforts, Criscola was fundamental in introducing a new tradition to GSB: the annual Fishing Derby at Lake Betsy. Now in its second year, the catch-and-release Fishing Derby was held on Home Winds Farm as a way to introduce dozens of students and their families to both the farm and the time-honored pastime of fishing. 

As a mother to three daughters, she is an avid supporter of girls in sports, and she will undoubtedly be spotted on the GSB sidelines this coming fall. 

Steven Polachi P ’08, ’11, ’14 

Steve Polachi joined the Gill St. Bernard’s Board of Trustees in 2015, the same year that GSB purchased Home Winds Farm. 

From that moment on, Polachi became one of Home Winds Farm’s biggest supporters. He believed that the addition of the farm was one of the greatest achievements of the school, and for the next nine years, he made it his mission to keep the farm at the forefront. 

“Steve has always been very passionate about the school, and he was a regular contributor to our discussions,” remembered Head of School Sid Rowell. “In particular, he felt strongly that the farm needed to be supported and better promoted. Every board meeting, whenever there was an opportunity, he would bring up the farm.” 

In addition to being a farm advocate, Polachi also served as Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, where his personal gardening hobby was put to good use. He is exceedingly well read and was more than willing to share his latest nuggets of wisdom with all who would listen.  

 

Thank you to all our Board of Trustee members for their selfless service to the school and to our students. The future is brighter because of your dedication and tireless contributions.