True to Branksome Hall’s motto, grads going forth into careers keep well the road with the skills they learned at school and after graduation. And for some alums, that career road leads back to Branksome itself. There are now at least eight alums happily working at the school, out of a total staff and faculty complement of 230.
Most are highly trained professionals who apply their talents in a warm and highly familiar environment. Health & Physical Education Teacher and Clans Co-ordinator Denise LISCIO Smith’94 finds “being at Branksome in a professional role just as fun and fulfilling as when I was a student.” In her job, she says, she teams with colleagues “to create a joyful and inclusive environment where students discover a lifelong love for healthy, active living.”
If it seems a bit like back-to-school, it can be for some. Communications Officer Kiana ROMEO’17 savours both the fun and challenge of keeping Branksome’s community connected. “From Family Formal to Spirit Week to Reunion, I share the events via social media, newsletters and emails,” she says. With all its ongoing initiatives, Branksome communications is demanding—but Kiana came Branksome-prepared. “The visual art classes I took here, especially, taught and encouraged me to put my everything into my work.”
Junior School Admissions Associate Kristin CUTHBERT’02 strives to make prospective families feel seen and supported as they explore the school for their daughters. Kristin’s time as a Branksome student was defined by classroom discussions where she learned the value of collaboration and active listening. She was particularly inspired by retired English teacher Ms. Walcott, “who created a classroom where every voice mattered”—a lesson Kristin now carries into her daily work.
For Tracy DALGLISH’81, the road that led back was a winding one. She started out as a corporate real estate banker. However, since her classes at Branksome, Tracy had never lost her love of history. She crossed a personal Rubicon by quitting banking for a master’s degree in education at Columbia University. “I had always wanted to teach history at a high school level,” she says. Tracy now teaches it to Grades 11 and 12 at Branksome.
Junior School Receptionist Alexa LAENGERT’18, also an aspiring teacher, credits Branksome’s IB program for preparing her to meet “the academic rigour of university with a toolbox of critical thinking, writing skills and confidence. The various jobs and volunteer opportunities I now have are helping me turn my passion for working with young students into reality.”
Three former employees have fond memories. Hayley AVRUSKIN’87 says the “caring teachers and opportunities for involvement such as school trips, special events and drama productions” helped prepare her for the role of School Counsellor. “Being able to see students as capable young adults with interesting and unique personalities is something I have carried with me in my career.”
Until last December, Madeleine SMITH’19 was involved in supporting the Advancement group across all areas of fundraising and development, including major gifts, annual giving, events, marketing, communications and donor relations. As a former theatre student, she is especially excited to see the impact of the Make Way Campaign come to life in iCAST’s new theatre, a space that will inspire the next generation of performers and creators.
And as Uniform Shop Assistant, Catherine NEEDHAM’85 loved helping students to prepare for activities such as Spirit Week. Catherine recalls how teacher Karrie Weinstock, now Head of the Centre for Strategic Leadership, “hit a chord with me through her animated teaching style. I continue to appreciate this 45 years later!”
Interim Deputy Principal Kimberly BROOKER Carter’96 also cites Weinstock’s inspiring influence. She relates how Weinstock “not only interviewed me for admission to the school when I was in Grade 6, but continues to mentor and support our entire school community.” History teacher Ms. Dalglish would no doubt appreciate the ancient saying about all roads leading to Rome.
For alums,the road from Branksome can lead to so many opportunities—including back to 10 Elm Avenue.
Top photo: Kimberly BROOKER Carter’96, Madeleine SMITH’19, Alexa LAENGERT’18, Denise LISCIO Smith’94, Hayley AvRUSKIN’87, Kristin CUTHBERT’02, Tracy DALGLISH’81 and Kiana ROMEO’17.
