HEAD OF SCHOOL

I am originally from a tranquil village in Bavaria (southern Germany). From an early age, I eagerly read numerous books about the world and its variety of peoples and cultures. As soon as I was old enough, I started travelling to various countries around the world to experience what I had read about first hand. 

After my studies of Latin, English, and teaching at the University of Regensburg, I was able to align my work with my passion for languages, education and cultures, which brought me from Germany to educational leadership positions in Colombia and China and widened my understanding of global approaches to education.

At GSB, my main goal as a leader is to share my excitement and curiosity about the world with our young learners, and to work with all stakeholders to guide GSB on its continued path of growth. I am grateful to help GSB develop its next steps as a dynamic home of top notch international teaching and learning. Having been part of school leadership in German schools on three different continents, I am happy to be able to contribute my experience as well as integrate new ideas each day.

DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

As someone with a diverse background as an educator and school leader, I love connecting with students, staff, and families. Before coming to GSB, I taught and mentored in the NYC public schools and abroad, led the Education Department of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and even taught yoga to both children and adults. I hold a BA in English from Columbia University, a master’s in Education from Lehman College as a NYC Teaching Fellow, and a master’s in Educational Psychology from Hunter College, alongside a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.

During my years as a young Language Arts instructor at the Manhattan School for Children, I dove deep into teaching and learning, and my classroom was used as a model for teaching reading and writing. My colleagues and I worked closely with literacy consultants to practice and refine our craft, and educators from various schools would observe. It was during this time that I fell in love with teaching language arts and helping others learn best teaching practices. Fast forward to now: I’m delighted to be able to stay connected to the classroom while also fulfilling a leadership role at GSB.

As a school leader, I value collaboration with colleagues and families, and am dedicated to operationalizing the mission of GSB. Helping to lead our growing program is an adventure that I look forward to each day.

I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at GSB since the school was founded in 2014. I’ve had a number of titles over the years including Head of Lower School, Head of the English Department, and Head of School Development, which led to my current role, Assistant Principal. I remain grateful to be part of such a supportive, dynamic community.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sonja has been part of the GSB team since the founding days when she was the only non-teaching staff member. She now oversees an ever growing team in her role as the Senior Director of Operations. Sonja manages all administrative aspects of GSB including facilities management, health, safety, operations, transportation, and HR. 

Born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, Sonja earned an associate’s degree in international business and a master’s degree in education from the University of Salzburg. She was a French teacher in middle and high schools in Austria, France, and Brooklyn, New York, for 10 years before joining GSB as an administrator in 2015. Sonja is also the proud parent of a GSB middle schooler.

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

With a background in German Speech Pathology, Lena found her way to GSB in 2016, after moving to New York City from Hamburg, Germany.

In addition to scheduling for the entire school, she upholds our strong internship program and maintains our German library.

She enjoys being part of a great team and the welcoming community here at GSB.

DRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

I was born and raised in small town Michigan and received my Bachelors Degree in English and Sociology from Western Michigan University. After moving to NYC in 2012, I began working in the education field, specifically in administration of preschool programs. I expanded small schools, including integrating the newly created Universal Pre-K program to increase accessibility. Serving both large and small school communities, I have been able to welcome families to programs that fit their needs and wishes, then partnering with them in the application process for their next level of schooling. I’m delighted to be able to use and grow my skills as GSB’s director of admissions and outreach!   

In 2021 I received my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and am certified to teach children Birth-2nd Grade. Working with children and their families has always been a passion of mine and I am excited to do so with German School Brooklyn. 

In my free time, you can find me planning my next long-distance backpacking trip, reading, or learning to knit.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

I started my career in programming at the American Academy in Berlin. In 2004 the Academy sent me to New York to lead their US fundraising activities. This was followed by senior fundraising and programming positions at the arts nonprofits Performa and Artadia. Since 2012 I have worked freelance as a graphic designer with a focus on marketing. In this capacity I have been supporting the German School Brooklyn since its founding. I am thrilled to now expand my involvement at GSB and be a part of ushering in this significant next chapter of the school.

HEALTH COORDINATOR

I am an African American who was born and raised in Grenada, West Indies. As a child, I always wanted to be a teacher, but as I grew older my passion shifted to wanting to become a nurse to care for the sick, regardless of color, race or creed. 

I graduated from the Grenada School of Nursing in 2006 as a Registered Nurse. In that same year, I started working in the Pediatric Unit at the Grenada Hospital. As my passion continued to grow, I went back to school and graduated in 2010 as a Certified Midwife. 

In 2016, I migrated to Bermuda where I worked in the hospital’s pediatric unit. In December of 2020, I moved to the U.S. permanently with my husband and kids. Shortly after, I attended Derby University where I obtained my Bachelor’s in Nursing.

While not at work, I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, and baking.

I am glad to be able to continue to grow and contribute to the GBS community!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

I am originally from Charleston, South Carolina where I attended the College of Charleston and earned a bachelor’s of science in sociology with a minor in African American studies. During undergrad, I started tutoring GED students, which I found so rewarding and has grown into something I now love doing! After graduation I fulfilled a lifelong dream and finally moved to New York, where I now call home. I’m just so happy to be here!

Before joining GSB, I was the lead tutor at a New York public library branch, where I tutored students K-8 with homework or assisted them in finding a book. I’ve always been an avid reader and being part of NYPL was a lovely experience. My dream is to be a librarian one day, and I am planning on going to library school for my master’s in library science in the very near future.

When not working, you can catch me reading a good book with my very cute cat named Girlfriend, or watching any and all new tv shows and movies! I’m thrilled to be here at GSB.

MAINTANCE TECHNICIAN

I’ve been working with GSB since the start of 2023, and I’m glad to help take care of the new building. I have professional training and certifications in standpipe/sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, non-flammable medical gasses, HVAC systems, refrigeration, low PSI oil burners, and overall building maintenance. My previous employment has included being the Maintenance Technician for The Education Alliance as well as a Medical Center. I’m enjoying expanding on my work at GSB.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

My journey in mental health and child and family advocacy began in 2018 as a crisis counselor with NYC Well, New York’s only free and confidential crisis hotline. This experience opened my eyes to the critical need for comprehensive, trauma-informed support for students in schools, where academic achievement is often prioritized over psychological well-being.

Driven by this realization, I pursued a Master’s in Counseling from Hunter College, which I completed in 2023. My studies focused on Family Systems & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I firmly believe everyone encounters personal setbacks and challenges, and having a safe space to navigate these hurdles from a young age is crucial for students to grow into confident and happy adults. My goal is for everyone who attends my sessions to feel safe, respected, and cared for, as I consider it an extraordinary privilege to be allowed into a child’s inner world.

In addition to my professional focus, I am passionate about knowing more than one language. It’s been shown that children exposed to multiple languages have more vital executive functioning skills and are highly creative problem-solvers. Growing up in a trilingual household and spending my childhood summers in various parts of Southern Europe (Croatia, Albania & Montenegro) has given me a deep appreciation for cultural exposure and travel and instilled a love of the outdoors. As the Chinese proverb says, “To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” I look forward to adding another “window” by soaking up as much of the German language from the GSB staff & students as possible.

I am delighted to join the GSB community!