








The Gillen Brewer School partners with families to foster the curiosity, independence, and self-advocacy of students with a broad range of language-based learning disabilities. In an intentionally respectful and inclusive environment, our students achieve individualized academictherapeutic goals while learning to build connections with their communities.
Dear Gillen Brewer Community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for being a part of our community and for contributing to our fundraising activity in the 20232024 school year. Your contributions directly impact the quality of the exceptional experience we provide to our students and we are very grateful for your participation.
Our fundraising efforts kicked off in November with Superhero Day – a day dedicated to honoring our super-powered staff at Gillen Brewer. We gathered again in May at our spring benefit to celebrate our incredible alumni community It was a joyful reunion of former students, families and staff that reminded us all how special our community really is
In June, we received the wonderful news of Gillen Brewer’s reaccreditation from the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) for the next five years. The Visiting Committee's observations validated the school’s unwavering commitment to partnerships with families, our passionate faculty and staff, and the extraordinary dedication of our teachers, therapists, and administrators. The Visiting Committee also recognized our community's commitment to continual growth and reflection, as evidenced in ways such as the new mission statement, approved by the Board in the spring, and in the excitement surrounding the planning for the launch of the middle school program in September 2024.
That same month, the Board of Trustees welcomed two new board members: Bo Yi and Matthew Leonard. Bo is a long-time Gillen Brewer parent and works in restructuring at Evercore. Matt Leonard, an analyst at Warburg Pincus, is the younger brother of a Gillen Brewer alum, Mikey, who attended the school in the late 1990s. We are grateful to Bo and Matt for all of the ways in which they have already engaged with GBS We continue to prioritize the diverse representation of our board members and hope to continue to expand its membership in 2024-2025
Thank you for everything you did for us last year—whether you volunteered your time, attended one of our events or provided financial support. We look forward to our continued partnership in the years to come. Together, we see the possibilities.
With Gratitude, Kathryn
George Tyree
Dear Gillen Brewer Community,
This past June we closed the books on another wonderful year at Gillen Brewer! I am pleased to share this Annual Report with you, which includes some of the highlights from the year and acknowledges the many contributors and community members who helped make it all possible
It was a year of creating some new traditions - a winter community-wide bowling party that quickly became a GBS hit! - and re-establishing old ones - Field Day in Central Park was back for the first time in many years and as fun as ever. And at the Annual Benefit in May, we had the opportunity to honor our alumni across the three decades of Gillen Brewer’s history.
The 2023-2024 school year came to a close on a high note with the Board of Trustees approving a new mission statement, as well as receiving word of our re-accreditation from the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).
The re-accreditation from NYSAIS for the next five years concluded a year-long process during which constituents across the school community participated in a self-study process and then welcomed a Visiting Committee onsite for a four-day visit. It was clear that these committee members were able to see firsthand the incredible impact that GBS has on its students and families
In their report to the school, they highlighted many of the qualities that we know are at the heart of what makes Gillen Brewer such a special school - “passionate faculty and staff,” “commitment to the joyful growth, well-being and success of each student,”“professional, collaborative team-work and child-centered teaching,” “extraordinary partnerships with families,” and “strong leadership of the Board, Head of School, and senior leadership team.”
What a year it was! All of the joy and excitement that fills the hallways at GBS every day would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our incredible teachers, therapists, and administrative staff. And the work of these individuals would not be possible without the support from community members like you.
Thank you so much for all that you do year in and year out to support GBS. Together, we see the possibilities!
With Gratitude, Rebecca Skinner Head of School
(2023-2024)
Kathryn Tyree, Chair
Henry B. Schacht, Chairman Emeritus
In Seon Hwang, Vice Chair
Michael Dolce, Treasurer
Laura Bilicic, Secretary
Mary Flieger
Brigid Hutchinson
Lawrence W. Leighton
Dr. Vincent Rudan
Milt Sleeter
John L. Vogelstein
Thomas J. Welling Jr.
Rebecca Skinner, Head of School
Holly Thomas, Assistant Head of School
Business and Operations
Alex Asnes, Chief Financial Officer
Paul Dentrone, Plant and Technology Director
Alma Nazeraj, Controller
Ida Sacconi, Receptionist
Elizabeth Tlatelpa, Head Custodian
Tim Toal, Human Resources Director
Enrollment and Admissions
Amy Salomon, Director of Middle School and Enrollment
Katie Hort Clement, School Counsel
Susan Finkelstein, Admissions Director
Development and Communications
Erin Pick, Director of Development
Jessica Casey, Development Manager
Joline Robles, Assistant Director of Development
Program Directors
Ashley Dallas
Monica Fishman
Curriculum Director
Kara Marks
Head Teachers
Nora Cebollero
Olivia Cohn
Linda Delaney
Alexandra Falzetti
Laura Koch
Lindsay Pelinger
Courtney Pusey
Megan Roop
Senior Associate Teacher
Hilary Colon
Associate Teachers
Samantha Bernstein
Ruby Bloom
Julia Crespo
Penny Efstathiadis
Grace Kratky
Emily Milukas
Diana Moore
Jamie Musoff
William Nunberg
Ariel Rehr
Marissa Ryan
Cecilia Schreer
Caroline Winch
Science, Music, and Art
Ashley Garcia, Science
Katie Lewis, Music Therapist
Erika Tobin, Art
Speech and Language Pathology Department
Jane Enright, Head of Department
Amanda Izen, Pathologist
Simone Katz, Pathologist
Rachel Kroll, Pathologist
Occupational Therapy Department
Shannie Easterby, Head of Department
Brittany Block, Therapist
Sa Ka
Ps
The school-home partnership is at the core of what we do at GBS. It is a guiding principle we hold dear creating meaningful impact in our students' lives by collaborating closely with their families.
Here are some highlights from the past year:
For the first time ever, GBS launched an After-School program! Students had the opportunity to register for and attend their choice of different activities and clubs after dismissal. After-School class options included fitness classes at Asphalt Green and Recess, martial arts, chess, and mindfulness In each class, students expanded their horizons, flexed new muscles (both mental and physical), and had a blast!
This day was an opportunity for grandparents and special guests to meet each other and GBS staff, spend time with students in their classroom and attend an interactive workshop.
A beloved GBS tradition made its muchanticipated return. Revived by popular demand, the event brought an overwhelming sense of togetherness as GBS families, students, teachers, and therapists joined forces to decorate classrooms and enjoy a potluck meal It was a heartwarming reminder of what makes our community so special, and we can’t wait to keep this cherished tradition alive!
The first-ever Winter Bowl was a great opportunity for GBS students, families, staff, alumni, and board members to come together for a morning of community fun! Everyone bowled, played arcade games, and enjoyed all that Bowlero in Times Square had to offer. We look forward to making this a Gillen Brewer tradition and hosting this event every winter.
Gillen Brewer was excited to announce the opening of our inaugural middle school program in September 2024! To celebrate this milestone, we hosted a champagne toast and open house for families and staff. New and prospective middle school families had the opportunity to connect with the Gillen Brewer community and share in the anticipation of this new chapter
In the Spring our amazing art teacher Erika Tobin curated our student masterpieces for an art show in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel.
The annual Book Fair was a true celebration of reading and imagination with the week concluding with a beloved tradition; students and staff dressing up as their favorite literary characters!
The End-of-Year Dance Party was a red carpet-themed event for recent alums and older students to celebrate the end of the school year.
Parents, siblings, and caregivers joined GBS students and staff in Central Park for relay races, face painting, music, arts and crafts, and much more on a beautiful June day.
The GBS signature school-home partnership thrives thanks to the incredible efforts of our Parents Association This dedicated team of volunteers collaborated with the GBS staff, current parents, and alumni parents to foster community, support staff, give back, and drive fundraising efforts.
From keeping parents informed to organizing Pizza Fridays and staff appreciation events, their dedication and hard work made a huge difference. The countless hours they volunteered for meetings and events to ensure everything ran smoothly did not go unnoticed.
We deeply appreciate your time and effort in organizing and supporting signature events including; Fall Family Fun Day, the Halloween Celebration, Community Feast, Winter Bowl, the Annual Benefit, Field Day, and staff appreciation events.
The PA led a drive to collect cornbread mix for Urban Outreach Center and were able to collect 100+ boxes! Students packed the donations up and delivered them to Urban Outreach for Thanksgiving.
In the spring, the PA coordinated a drive for the Ronald McDonald House of New York Items went to families with children battling cancer and other pediatric illnesses
We are incredibly thankful to the PA and all the parents and families who took part in these events. We had an incredible group of parents who took on the mighty role of class representatives this year. Shawn Baranoff, Ashley Birnbaum, Wendy Katz-Rapp, Adalia Richardson, Shaneedka ReidYates, Mason Staugler, and Alexis Sussberg went above and beyond to support our school community throughout the year. Your dedication and support make all the difference!
In 2016, Dara Ramboyong and her son Sebastian joined the Gillen Brewer community, seeking a more supportive educational environment for Sebastian, who has a neurological disorder. Reflecting on their journey, Dara shares how early intervention at Gillen Brewer proved to be the turning point that reshaped not only Sebastian’s academic trajectory but also his confidence and love for learning.
“Sebastian needed more support than his public school could provide,” Dara recalls. “When we discovered Gillen Brewer, the warmth and immediate understanding we experienced were unmatched. They promised to reset Sebastian’s school experience and connect the dots in his learning journey. We knew right away this was the right place for him.”
How Did Gillen Brewer Support Sebastian’s Growth?
Dara credits the school’s tailored approach for meeting Sebastian exactly where he was. “From day one, the staff identified his needs—speech, language, working memory—and provided the scaffolding he required to succeed. The patience, repetition, and sense of safety they fostered allowed him to come out of his shell. By the end of his first year, Sebastian wasn’t just learning; he was learning how to learn.”
Memorable Moments as a Gillen Brewer Parent
For Dara, school events like the Annual Benefit and Family Fun Days were more than just gatherings. “The Benefit solidified why we chose Gillen Brewer. It connected us to the bigger picture and reinforced the impact the school has on its students and community. Family Fun Days were equally special, watching kids like Sebastian bond and thrive in a joyful environment.”
As Sebastian moved on, Gillen Brewer’s lasting influence became clear. “He left with a love of learning and a sense of self-confidence that continues to guide him today. While academic challenges remain, the friendships and foundation he built at Gillen Brewer have been a source of strength. He still cherishes those connections, and we, as parents, are endlessly grateful for the blueprint the school provided us to continue supporting him.”
Dara encourages parents to trust the process. “It’s easy to worry about what the future holds for your child, but Gillen Brewer is a place of transformation. When you walk through those doors, you can rest assured that your child is in the best hands. They will lay the foundation for your child to become the best version of themselves.”
Though Sebastian graduated in 2020, Gillen Brewer remains a central part of their lives. “Sebastian often asks about his teachers and therapists, and he lights up every time he visits. For him, Gillen Brewer is not just a school it’s a safe and happy place that holds a special part of his heart. For us as parents, it’s a continued resource and a community we are proud to be part of ”
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The 2023-2024 school year was action packed. We continued many traditions, brought back some old ones, and started a few new initiatives! Our programming is highlighted below:
Fall
Science Fair
Grandparent and Special Visitor Day
Fall Family Fun Day (PA)
GBS Spirit Week
Super Hero Day
Gratitude Assembly
Halloween Party
Community Feast
Fukushi Now Visit
Indy Kids - A Space Interview Podcast
How to Dance in Ohio Musical
Field Day
School Dance
Spring Student Art Show at the Marriott
Achievement Ceremony
GBS Book Fair
Library Guest Readers
Intraspectrum Club Visit - Rubiks Cube
100th Day of School
Valentine's Day Store
Winter Bowl
Black History Month Presentations
Library Guest Readers
Music Concert
Donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Coalition for the Homelessproceeds from the Valentine’s Day Store
Pantry Drive for Ronald McDonald House
Thanksgiving Drive for Urban Outreach
Sandwich making and donations to Grassroots Grocery
Community Partners
Art Farm, Asphalt Green, Jewish Museum, Carnegie Hall Musical Explorers, Grassroots Grocery, Next Evolution Martial Arts, Real Brave, Recess
Field Trips
American Museum of Natural History, Jewish Museum, Carnegie Hall, Complete Playground, Children's Museum of Manhattan, Apple Picking at Dr. Davies Farm, neighborhood trips to markets and restaurants
In September, Gillen Brewer School welcomed a group of professionals, activists, and parents from Fukushi Now, a Japanese organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Our staff shared insights into Gillen Brewer’s integrated academic-therapeutic approach to special education, detailing the specific tools and methods employed in our program.
The Constellations students launched into the world of podcasting with their captivating exploration of space. Guided by Em Löwinger from Indy Kids, they delved into audio storytelling and interviewing techniques, culminating in an interview with astrophysicist Dr. Erika Nesvold. The students crafted insightful questions, demonstrating their curiosity and critical thinking. Their resulting podcast, "The Space Interview," addressed intriguing questions about our universe. We commend the Constellations students, teachers Linda, Penny, and Ruby, and the Indy Kids team for bringing this stellar project to life, and inspiring future generations of explorers
Gillen Brewer staff enjoyed a performance of the Broadway musical, "How to Dance in Ohio," courtesy of Linda Walder, the mother of Gillen Brewer’s first student, Danny Fiddler. The show featured a talented cast of actors with Autism, telling the heartwarming story of seven Ohio teenagers preparing for a school dance. Linda presented the cast and crew with the prestigious Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation 2023 Leader in Autism Award, jointly sponsored by the Autism Society of America. Walder praised the production for its "incredibly talented Autistic adults, sensitive, uplifting stories, spectacular music, and celebration of diversity, strengths, and talents." Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on this remarkable achievement!
Gillen Brewer’s Occupational Therapy Department made history by hosting the first-ever CLASI conference in New York. Thirty-two professionals from across the globe gathered for a four-day workshop to obtain their Ayres Sensory Integration certification. Our OT team actively participated, gaining expertise in the EASI evaluation. Conference attendees also toured Gillen Brewer, witnessing firsthand our community’s dedication to empowering every student to achieve their unique potential.
From April to mid-May 2024, GBS had the pleasure of hosting Francesca Liriano, a senior in the nursing program at Adelphi University, for her senior capstone project. Over the course of seven weeks, she shadowed therapists, teachers, and administrators She also spoke with parents to understand the unique integrated academic-therapeutic and schoolhome partnership models, which are the cornerstone of the GBS program.
Gillen Brewer students had the opportunity to sharpen their problem-solving skills in June when the Intraspecturm Club visited. Through the fun and challenging task of solving a Rubik’s Cube, students gained valuable insights into critical thinking
Adelphi University
Jennifer and Brock Aesque
Heena Agrawala
Ankura
Nicole and Leo Arnaboldi
Alexander Asnes
AYCO Charitable Foundation
Betty and Nathan Azizo
Carole Azizo
Suzanne and Itai Azulay
Kelly Ann Babis
Shawn and Sean Baranoff
Raneet and Joseph Barr
Dennis Barrett
Jenni Beary
Laura and George Bilicic
Ashley and Ben Birnbaum
Sarah Birnbaum
Jennifer and Jon Bock
Victoria and Gene Bokk
Amelie and Alex Brick
Hannah and Jake Cappuccino
Jessica Casey
Carol Lee and Steven Choi
Alison and Louis Coluccio
Marie Coluccio
Ellyn Weston and Michael Coopersmith
Ashley Dallas
Jacqueline Iger and Barry Dan
Susan Davis
Linda and Michael Delaney
Dennis Desantis
Candice and Michael Dolce
Helena Durst and Mark Domino
Kristen Doody
Douglas Durst
LaTasha Ellis
Joe Faraldi
Davina Figeroux
Mary and Scott Flieger
Jennifer Frankola-Crawford
David Friedman
Nora and Joseph Funaro
Carly Furino
David Gaito
Ashley Garcia
Nika Gay
Stephen Geisler
Amelia and Stephan Gewirtz
Gayla Godby
Robert Goldenberg
Judith Goldstein
Zoraya Nambi and Manuel Gonzalez
Arlene McKeown-Goodwin and Paul Goodwin
Shawn Gotlib
Beth and Jared Greisman
Judy and Henri Gueron
May Boucherak and Nicolas Hachtroudi
Patrick Hackett
Dovid Halpert
Mary Halsey
Milt Sleeter and Joel Herman
Emmy Mlawer and Michael Hollenberg
Toby and Marshall Horm
Brigid and Andrew Hutchinson
Janet and Thomas Hutchinson
Jane and In Seon Hwang
Spela Sterle and Jordan Jan
Nichola John
Rui Dong and Thor Johnson
Rebecca Skinner and Jeffrey Joslin
Connie and Gene Kahn
Gregg Kaufman
Cynthia Kelly
Katherine Kenigsberg
Julia St. Thomas and Aidan King
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Suzanne Knaster
Carol Kohn
Lauri Kien Kotcher and Eric Kotcher
Nigol Koulajian
Law Offices of Regina Skyer
Paul Leake
Lawrence W Leighton
Matt Leonard
Terri and Steve Levin
Katie Lewis
Kitty Dong and Jerry Liu
Marisa Cotrina and Juan Lopez
Rhonda Mace
Shelly Mady
Shannie Easterby and Michael Mance
Karen Mancini
Ting and Adam Mandel
Eleonore Mangin
Jesus Martinez
Ana Duran and Pedro Martinez
Rosa Martinez
Taina Martinez
Charmee Mayer
Mayerson & Associates
Suzanne and Scott McKay
MJS Foundation
Martha Spanninger and Bob Mueller
Alice and Robert Naboicheck
Amy and Ryan Namdar
Patrick Nash
Susan and Curtis Neel
Mariana and Anthony Nurse
Duke Oakley
Erin Pick and Robert O’Donnell
Sapir and Daniel Ohebshalom
Michelle Onofrio
Collene Panzarella
Bettina Patterson
Paul Hastings LLP
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Lindsay Pelinger
Penguin Random House
Tim Toal and Johnathan Pettinato
Elizabeth Philipp
Pimco Foundation
Linda and Barry Price
Proclean Maintenance Systems
Proskauer
Usha Puligandla
Kate Quinn
Dara and Miles Ramboyong
Wendy Katz-Rapp and James Rapp
Janet Reichman
Carrie Paden Rengifo and Antonio Rengifo
Adalia and Decklan Richardson
Riley Family Foundation
Ellen and James Riley
Michael Rinaldi
Jodi Rind
Joline Robles
Diana and Rodman Rodriguez
Ydarian Castillo and Joseph Rodriguez
Anna Rosales
Perry and Adam Rosen
Susan Finkelstein and Michael Rosenbluth
Matthew Roszkowski
Valerie and David Rothberg
Stephan Rubin
Vincent Rudan and Brendan Walsh
Todd Ryan
Amy Salomon
Dr David Salsberg
Migdalia and Paul Sanabria
Nancy and Henry Schacht
Sally and Jim Schacht
Cecilia Schreer
Sabrina and Brian Smith-Sweeney
Jinjoo Hong and Micael Song
Mariame M'Baye and Khalifa Sow
Sangsook Pak and John Staugler
Angela Howard Stone and Matt Stone
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Drew and Alexis Sussberg
Janet and Allan Sussberg
TD Bank
Holly Thomas
Kathryn and Bill Tyree
Ja Vandura
Adi and Isaac Vinyarsh
Barbara and John Vogelstein
Veronica and Mike Von Wiebner
Hannah and Tom Wade
Katherine Wade
Warburg Pincus Foundation
Erin and Thomas J Welling Jr
Joanne and David Woodyard
Jihun and Bo Yi
Katharine and Martin Ziga
Debbie Zlotowitz
The Astronauts
Ashley and Ben Birnbaum
Ting and Adam Mandel
Jean Hong and Micael Song
Hannah and Thomas Wade
The Comets
Shawn and Sean Baranoff
Raneet and Joseph Barr
May Boucherak and Nicolas Hachtroudi
Alexis and Drew Sussberg
The Nebulas
Candice and Michael Dolce
Arlene McKeown-Goodwin and Paul Goodwin
Nigol Koulajian
Eleonore Mangin
Adalia and Decklan Richardson
The Rovers
Victoria and Gene Bokk
Alison and Louis Coluccio
Nika Gay
Zoraya Nambi and Manuel Gonzalez
Julia St Thomas and Aidan King
Sangsook Pak and John Mason Staugler
Veronica and Michael Von Wiebner
The Big Dippers
Betty and Nathan Azizo
Sapir and Daniel Ohebshalom
Perry and Adam Rosen
Valerie and David Rothberg
Adi and Isaac Vinyarsh
The Constellations
Suzanne and Itai Azulay
Carol Lee and Steven Choi
Davina Figeroux
Wendy Katz-Rapp and James Rapp
Diana and Rodman Rodriguez
Mariame M'Baye and Khalifa Sow
Jihun and Bo Yi
The Rockets
Amelie and Alex Brick
Kitty Dong and Jerry Liu
Ydarian Castillo and Joseph Rodriguez
The Spaceships
Jen and Jonathan Bock
Helena Durst and Mark Domino
Brigid and Andy Hutchinson
Rui Dong and Carl Johnson
Ana Duran and Pedro Martinez
Sabrina and Brian Smith-Sweeney
Alexis and Drew Sussberg
On May 1st, our community came together in full force for our annual Spring Benefit, and what a night it was! This year’s event was extra special as we celebrated our incredible alumni community. It was truly heartwarming to reunite with so many former students and their families and to celebrate all they have accomplished. The love and pride in the room were palpable, and the fundraising results were astounding! From inspiring speeches by alumni parents and students to heartfelt messages from current families, the evening was filled with reminders of just how special our school is. We are all part of something truly extraordinary.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this night possible! Your generous support makes a world of difference, and the funds raised directly impact our students, enhancing the exceptional school experience we all value so much. We couldn't have done it without every one of you! One of the highlights of the evening was the silent auction, which featured unique Teacher Packages. These special experiences allowed classes to enjoy unique outings, including trips to the Central Park Zoo, the local firehouse, a pizza and ice cream parlor, the Brooklyn Zoo, Real Brave, and even a ferry ride! Individual student experiences allowed students to enjoy curated experiences with the staff Calling the buses with Ida was, as always, a crowd favorite! Our teachers and students made the most of these fun adventures.
Once again, thank you for your incredible support. Together, we’re making an impact, and thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $840,000!
The most meaningful way we can say THANK YOU and help other families to one day find the same support we found is by being a part of giving back to Gillen Brewer. - GBSAlumniParent
Thank you for supporting Gillen Brewer. Every gift is meaningful and expands opportunities for our students. Thank you for your generosity!
Checks and credit card gifts are the most popular ways to donate to Gillen Brewer. Checks should be made payable to Gillen Brewer School and can be mailed to 410 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 Attn: Development or a donation by credit card can be made by scanning the QR code.
Gifts of appreciated securities allow donors to receive a tax deduction for the stock’s fair market value. For specific instructions on transferring securities, please contact the Development Office at development@gillenbrewer.com
Donations can be made to Gillen Brewer through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA charitable rollovers or distributions. Individuals aged 70 ½ years or older can donate up to $105,000 annually directly from a taxable IRA to a qualified charitable organization without including the distribution as taxable income. The donation can count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD0) for the year.
Our legacy society is named in memory of Nancy Godfrey Schacht, the mother of our co-founder Laura Bilcic and devoted grandmother. To Nancy, nothing was more important than family. When you join the NGS Legacy Circle, your names will be indelibly inscribed on a wall at Gillen Brewer. A planned gift to Gillen Brewer through your will or living trust allows you to give an impactful gift that aligns with your financial and philanthropic goals.
Please contact Erin Pick at 212-831-3667 ext. 412 to discuss giving options.
Together, We See the Possibilities
Together, We See the Possibilities