2024-2025 Annual Report
Together, We See the Possibilities
Table of Contents Mission Statement Letter from Board Chair Letter from Head of School Board of Trustees List Matilda! at Gillen Brewer Our Parents Association GBS Alumni Spotlight Neurodiversity Comic Con! Program & Community Highlights Fundraising Revenue Giving Report Donor Report Donor By Class GBS Spring Benefit Ways to Support
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Mission Statement 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.
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Letter from Gillen Brewer Board Chair Kathryn Tyree Dear Gillen Brewer School Community, As we reflect on the past year, I am grateful to be part of this incredible community and the many partnerships that bind us together. At the heart of Gillen Brewer is a commitment to connection. We see it in the relationships between our dedicated staff and students, the support we provide to families, and the collaborative spirit of our broader community. This year's Annual Benefit captured that spirit beautifully, as we honored the many community partners who help us provide a rich, integrated academic-therapeutic program. We were joined by representatives from Asphalt Green, Café Joyeux, Spectrum Designs, Adelphi University BRIDGES Program, Miami University of Ohio, and many professional partners from the medical, legal, and therapeutic fields. We thank the almost thirty corporate sponsors, whose generosity made our first-ever Neurodiversity Comic Con and the Annual Benefit possible. These partnerships do more than support events; they ignite possibility. Corporate sponsorships are powerful investments in our mission, fueling the programs, therapies, and innovations that help our students grow, our educators excel, and our families feel empowered. The impact of this support is woven into the fabric of daily life at Gillen Brewer, reflected in every breakthrough moment, every joyful connection, and every milestone reached. Every dollar raised this year has helped us extend our impact, providing resources for our educators, guidance for our families, and opportunities for our students. Your continued belief in our mission fuels our work and deepens our reach, year after year. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for being such an essential part of the Gillen Brewer community. Your partnership means everything. Together, We See the Possibilities. With Gratitude,
Kathryn Tyree Board Chair
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Letter from Gillen Brewer Head of School Rebecca Skinner Dear Gillen Brewer School Community, With immense pride and gratitude, I reflect on the remarkable achievements and vibrant spirit that defined the past year at Gillen Brewer School. We are excited to share events that showcase the many ways we are living our updated mission—fostering curiosity, independence, and self-advocacy for every student. This Annual Report celebrates our students' dedication, our educators' passion, and our families' unwavering support. Among our proudest milestones was the launch of the Gillen Brewer Middle School in September 2024, welcoming our inaugural students into a program that elevates our integrated academic-therapeutic approach with unique components such as City School and My Project. The year was also full of creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment: in November, we hosted the first-ever Neurodiversity Comic Con, a sensory-friendly celebration of neurodiverse talent that drew media attention and strengthened community ties; and in March, we staged our first school musical, Matilda!, a sold-out production adapted to showcase student strengths and ensure accessibility, guided by Music Therapist Katie Lewis and supported by teachers, therapists, and staff. Cherished seasonal traditions—from Fall Family Fun Day and Apple Picking to the Winter Bowl, End-of-Year Dance, and Field Day— brought joy and deepened community connections. Our commitment to growth extended to families through the Family Workshop Series on emotional regulation and post-secondary options, and to staff through professional development in areas such as declarative language and DEIB. Students engaged hands-on with the Teaching Beyond the Square Materials Trailer, produced a professional podcast with IndyKids, and celebrated global cultures during Hispanic Heritage Month and AAPI Heritage Month. The year was further highlighted by student showcases at the GBS Science Fair, Winter Concerts and the Spring Art Show, attending performances at Carnegie Hall, moments of caring connection such as the Valentine’s Day store, and our partnership with Café Joyeux for a Superhero Coffee Morning. As we look ahead, we are excited about what the future holds and remain grateful for the collective triumphs made possible by our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the Gillen Brewer mission. With Gratitude,
Rebecca Skinner Head of School 4
Board of Trustees (2024-2025) Kathryn Tyree, Chair In Seon Hwang, Vice Chair Michael Dolce, Treasurer Laura Bilicic, Secretary Mary Flieger Brigid Hutchinson Lawrence W. Leighton Matt Leonard Dr. Vincent Rudan Thomas J. Welling, Jr. Bo Yi Henry B. Schacht, Chairman Emeritus
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Staff List SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Rebecca Skinner, Head of School Holly Thomas, Assistant Head of School Business and Operations Alex Asnes, Chief Financial Officer Robert Colon, Accountant Paul Dentrone, Plant and Technology Director Alma Nazeraj, Controller Ida Sacconi, Receptionist Elizabeth Tlatelpa, Head Custodian Timothy Toal, Human Resources Director Enrollment, Admissions, and Marketing Amy Salomon, Director of Middle School & Enrollment Katie Hort Clement, School Counsel Susan Finkelstein, Admissions Director Alex Parks, Assistant Director of Marketing & Outreach Development Erin Pick, Director of Development Jessica Casey, Development Manager Joline Robles, Assistant Director of Development
PROGRAM STAFF Program Directors Ashley Dallas Monica Fishman Student Services & Curriculum Director Kara Marks Head Teachers Samantha Bernstein Nora Cebollero Olivia Cohn Linda Delaney Penny Efstathiadis Alexandra Falzetti Laura Koch Lindsay Pelinger Courtney Pusey
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Senior Associate Teacher Hilary Colon Associate Teachers Ruby Bloom Julia Crespo Isa Dumazet Grace Kratky Keith Mermelstein Emily Milukas William Nunberg Chelsey Omoma Ish Peteranecz Ariel Rehr Cecilia Schreer Rebecca Wild Science, Music, and Art Ashley Garcia, Science Katie Lewis, Music Therapist Erika Tobin, Art Coach Caio Zogbi Barbosa Mancanares Speech and Language Pathology Department Jane Enright, Head of Department Simone Katz, Pathologist Rachel Kroll, Pathologist Amanda Tuckman, Pathologist Occupational Therapy Department Shannie Easterby, Head of Department Brittany Block, Therapist Sarah Leventhal, Therapist Kassaundre Santayana, Therapist Lily Spitalny, Therapist Psychology Department Dr. Audrey Halpern, Head of Department Kelly Cooke, Psychologist Erin Lederle, Social Worker Juliana Peng, Psychologist Caitlin Steedle, Psychologist Nursing Staff Marissa Levy, Supervising School Nurse DEI Coordinator Hannah Cappuccino
*As of June 30, 2025
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Bringing Possibility to Life: Matilda! at Gillen Brewer This article was written by Amy Salomon, Director of Middle School & Enrollment at Gillen Brewer, and was originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of Independent School Magazine.
There was not a dry eye in the audience during the curtain call on opening day of Gillen Brewer School’s first musical, Matilda. As the student performers bowed excitedly, our community felt the truth of our tagline—“Together We See the Possibilities”—in the most profound way: We didn’t just see the possibilities, we brought them to life. Months of planning culminated when the stage lights rose on a version of Matilda that honored the strengths and needs of our students, who have a broad range of languagebased learning disabilities. The magic began long before the first note. Our incredible music therapist, who led the charge, worked tirelessly to transform Roald Dahl’s musical into something accessible, meaningful, and fun. Lyrics were modified, scenes were shortened to help the performers with focus, cue cards were used for children with working memory challenges. Every adaptation was designed to support student participation and foster success. What made this day extraordinary was not just the show but how the community came together to make it happen. Matilda highlighted the cornerstone of our school’s integrated academic-therapeutic approach. Speechlanguage pathologists collaborated with students on vocal projection and articulation, using scripts as tools for language enrichment. In classrooms, teachers had students practice choreography during snack time. The counseling department supported the students’ emotional regulation during rehearsals and backstage.
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Behind the scenes, the marketing and development teams also got involved, creating programs and posters. When the students came up to the third floor to get into costumes on show day, the cast and crew saw their individual headshots on the wall. The little boy who took more than a year to enter the building without his parents, the young girl who was not being served in her public school class of 30—all of the students were full of glee as they located their pictures on the wall. As the curtain rose, students who once hesitated to speak in front of peers were now singing proudly. Others, typically challenged by change or transitions, embraced the performance with joy and energy. For parents and caregivers in the audience, it was a moment of awe as they watched their children not only being included but shining. For all of us at Gillen Brewer—staff, families, and students alike—it was a day that embodied what makes Gillen Brewer so special: a shared commitment to develop students who are proud of their progress, prepared to engage with the world, and excited to explore. Matilda wasn’t just a performance; it was a vivid, joyful testament to our school’s belief that together we see the possibilities.
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Thank You to Our Parents Association The heart of the Gillen Brewer community beats stronger thanks to the dedication and spirit of our Parents Association. We extend our deepest thanks to Ashley Birnbaum for her leadership and tireless enthusiasm in guiding the PA throughout the year. We are also incredibly grateful to the class representatives: Shawn Baranoff, Ziggy Chau, Bianca Evertsz, Victoria Khajavi, Nikki Leo, Julia Lushing, Annie Mileto, Theresa Reilly, Shaneeka Reid-Yates, Adalia Richardson, Mason Staugler, and Alexis Sussberg, whose time, energy, and creativity helped foster a warm and connected community for all. From organizing joyful events to supporting faculty and staff, your partnership and involvement made a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families. Thank you for being such an essential part of the Gillen Brewer family.
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Alumni Spotlight: Kaiden Vaishnavi | Class of 2021
When Kaiden first joined Gillen Brewer at the age of four, he began a journey of growth and discovery. When he graduated in 2021, he left proud of his progress, eager to explore, and ready to engage with the world beyond Gillen Brewer. Now at York Preparatory School, Kaiden returned this summer to GBS to share the lessons that shaped him with the next generation of learners. Reflecting on his experience, Kaiden shared that “GBS impacted my growth by helping me overcome challenges in speech, executive functioning, and anxiety.” Among the many tools he gained, one of the most valuable was learning to differentiate between small and big problems—an approach that continues to guide him every day. “It helped me understand what I could manage on my own versus when I needed to ask for help,” he explained. “The therapists and teachers gave me the support I needed to grow and handle my weaknesses.”
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The transition to York Prep brought new challenges, from navigating a larger environment to building new social connections. But Kaiden felt prepared. “I was able to adapt over time because of the preparation I received at GBS,” he said. “The social interactions were different for sure, but I was able to use strategies I learned at GBS to help manage these.” This past summer, Kaiden returned to Gillen Brewer—not as a student, but as an intern eager to give back. “I wanted to make an impact with the younger generations of students,” he said. “It was an opportunity to share my experiences and help them overcome their own challenges. It’s satisfying to work with others and see their excitement as they progress.” Kaiden encourages other alumni to follow in his footsteps: “Interning at GBS is eye-opening. It reminds you of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve achieved. It offers hope and perspective—not just for the students, but for you, too.” Now, Kaiden hopes to continue staying involved with the GBS community in the years to come. His story embodies the heart of Gillen Brewer: a place where individualized support, compassionate teaching, and a strong sense of belonging empower students to grow—and, in time, give back.
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It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Neurodiversity Comic Con! In November, Gillen Brewer proudly launched its first-ever Neurodiversity Comic Con at Asphalt Green—a dynamic celebration of neurodiverse voices in comics and children’s literature. The event welcomed students, families, and community members into an inclusive, sensory-friendly space designed to spark creativity, connection, and storytelling joy. With over 30 exhibitors—including well-known names like Archie Comics and Scholastic—attendees enjoyed an action-packed day filled with author meet-and-greets, interactive workshops, games, and photo ops. Special giveaways of books and exclusive merchandise added to the excitement, while a soothing Cool Down Room—offered in partnership with Calmer Con—provided a peaceful retreat with calming activities and soft lighting. Neurodiversity Comic Con was a joyful celebration of community, inclusion, and imagination. It also caught the attention of the press, with features in New York Family, Publishers Weekly, the Be A Better Ally podcast, and more. A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make this inspiring event possible. We look forward to welcoming even more of the community at future events!
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Thank You to Our Generous Comic Con Sponsors
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Highlights from 2024-2025 This past year, Gillen Brewer School celebrated a vibrant array of events and initiatives, starting with the inaugural Neurodiversity Comic Con in November 2024, a sensoryfriendly event that championed neurodiverse talent and fostered community connections, garnering significant media attention. Throughout the year, our Family Workshop Series offered vital support, featuring experts like Dr. Erika Stapert and Dr. Stephen Shore, alongside our own Amy Salomon, addressing topics from emotional regulation to postsecondary options. Our commitment to growth was further demonstrated through robust professional development for staff, including workshops on declarative language and DEIB initiatives, and hosting the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration. Seasonal celebrations like Fall Family Fun Day, apple picking, and the GBS Winter Bowl strengthened community bonds, while our Valentine's Day store raised funds for a charitable cause. Students engaged in innovative learning with the Teaching Beyond the Square Materials Trailer and produced a professional podcast with IndyKids, highlighting their curiosity and collaboration. Cultural enrichment was key, with vibrant celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month featuring Ballet Hispánico, and AAPI Heritage Month welcoming the New York Chinese Cultural Center. The year culminated with showcases of student talent at the GBS Art Show, joyful celebrations at the GBS Dance and Field Day, and inspiring musical performances at Carnegie Hall and our own Winter Concerts. Our partnership with Café Joyeux for a Superhero Coffee Morning underscored our dedication to inclusivity and community fundraising.
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Neurodiversity Comic Con On November 9, 2024, we hosted our first-ever Neurodiversity Comic Con at Asphalt Green. This inclusive, sensory-friendly event celebrated neurodiverse characters, authors, and artists in comics and children's literature. Over 30 exhibitors, including Archie Comics and Scholastic, offered meet-and-greets, workshops, and games. A dedicated Calmer Con Cool Down Room provided a soothing space for attendees. The event garnered significant press attention from outlets like New York Family and Publishers Weekly, highlighting our commitment to neurodiversity and community engagement.
Engaging Family Workshop Series Our 2024-2025 Gillen Brewer Family Workshop Series launched in September, fostering meaningful dialogue and providing valuable support. Sessions included: Dr. Erika Stapert (Manhattan Psychology Group) on "Helping Your Child Manage Big Emotions." Dr. Stephen Shore, an autistic professor from Adelphi University, shared his selfadvocacy journey, including a fireside chat with Board Chair Kathryn George Tyree. Our own Amy Salomon (Director of Middle School & Enrollment) on "Life After High School: Exploring PostSecondary Academic Options."
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Commitment to Professional Development Gillen Brewer staff engaged in impactful professional development sessions this year: Jane Enright (Head of the Speech-language Pathology Department) led a "Dive into Declarative Language" workshop, which enhanced students' communication strategies. Hannah Cappuccino (DEIB Coordinator) facilitated engaging discussions on identity and interpersonal dynamics, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive environment. We proudly hosted the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration for their Module 3 Hands-on Comprehensive Assessment training, deepening our Occupational Therapy team's expertise.
Innovative Learning Experiences Our dedication to creative and handson learning continued with: Teaching Beyond the Square's Materials Trailer brought a mobile treasure trove of open-ended, sustainable materials to campus, inspiring child-led creativity and sensory exploration in a ReggioEmilia inspired student activity. Our Griffins and Middle School students collaborated with IndyKids to produce a professional podcast. They interviewed zooarchaeologist Evin Grody, showcasing their curiosity and newfound skills in a fascinating, now widely available, episode.
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Autumnal Adventures Fall Family Fun Day and Apple Picking Our annual Fall Family Fun Day in October gathered current and alumni families at Carl Schurz Park for a morning of connection, featuring face painting, balloon animals, and a magic show. Continuing another beloved tradition, Lower School students enjoyed an apple-picking trip to Dr. Davies Farm, where their harvest fueled engaging classroom cooking, art, and math activities. One class even baked pumpkin muffins for a local community fridge, spreading kindness through their learning.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Gillen Brewer vibrantly embraced Hispanic Heritage Month with interactive experiences. Students were captivated by a performance from Ballet Hispánico, whose dancers showcased dynamic styles and the central role of dance in Hispanic culture, leaving everyone inspired.
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Grandparents/Special Visitors Day and Community Feast Our Grandparents & Special Visitors Day highlighted the vital school-home partnership. Visitors enjoyed a presentation and an inspiring workshop led by Amy Salomon, followed by handson classroom activities with students. This spirit of connection continued with our annual Community Feast, where families shared delicious dishes and expressed gratitude, beautifully reflecting the Gillen Brewer community.
Book Fair and Superhero Coffee Morning The annual Book Fair once again ignited a love of reading while providing students with valuable lessons in budgeting and responsible spending. Additionally, on December 3rd, Gillen Brewer partnered with Café Joyeux for a Superhero Coffee Morning, celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This inspiring event raised nearly $14,000 to support Gillen Brewer's vital programs and resources, showcasing the power of community and our shared commitment to inclusivity.
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Winter Wonders GBS Winter Bowl Our second annual Winter Bowl was a resounding success. It brought together current GBS families, staff, and alumni for a fun-filled day of bowling, pizza, and reconnecting. Neither the wind nor the snow could stop us from enjoying this beloved tradition!
Valentine’s Day Store for a Cause This year, the Griffins class proudly organized our Valentine's Day store. They not only gained valuable math skills by running the shop but also demonstrated incredible generosity, raising over $400 to support schools affected by the Los Angeles fires. The store featured festive items, including homemade treats and handcrafted cards.
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Engaging Field Trips Our students explored new environments and learned through hands-on experiences: The Dragons and Yetis visited the Play Street Museum, engaging in imaginative play, taking on roles like grocery shoppers and firefighters, while learning about community responsibilities. Wizards, Griffins, Phoenixes, Unicorns, and Middle Schoolers enjoyed a festive day of ice skating, working on balance and coordination while having a blast. Middle Schoolers and several lower school classes attended an inspiring Musical Explorers concert at Carnegie Hall, expanding their musical horizons with diverse global sounds. Winter Concerts Gillen Brewer proudly hosted our own Winter Concerts, showcasing student talent and important messages: Lower school students charmed the audience with classic winter tunes. Middle schoolers, Griffins, and Phoenixes performed "We Shall Overcome" and shared insights on inspiring Black historical figures in honor of Black History Month. Middle Schoolers also offered powerful interpretations of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Our deepest gratitude to all students for their moving performances and the heartfelt messages shared with our community!
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Spring into Action! Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Throughout May, GBS honored AAPI Heritage Month with engaging activities. Students enjoyed read-alouds of culturally rich books like Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and A Big Mooncake for Little Star, sparking discussions about identity and pride. A special visit from the New York Chinese Cultural Center brought the excitement of traditional Lion Dance and ribbon dancing, captivating students and fostering appreciation for AAPI traditions.
The GBS Art Show Our favorite museum, The GBS Art Show, transformed the Marriott into a vibrant gallery this spring. Students proudly displayed their unique, imaginative, and heartfelt creations for families and friends, showcasing a year of artistic growth and inspiration.
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Surf’s Up at the GBS Dance Our annual GBS Dance turned the school into a festive, beachy paradise to celebrate the end of the year! Students enjoyed snacks, music, and dancing, with dedicated sensory and chill-out zones, creating a joyous and inclusive send-off to the school year.
Field Day Fun Cloudy skies couldn't dampen the excitement at this year's GBS Field Day! The community united for a joyful celebration featuring a bubble station, an OT-designed obstacle course, arts and crafts, face painting, sports, and music, ensuring nonstop smiles and fun for everyone.
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Fundraising Revenue Grants 1% Annual Giving 35%
Annual Benefit 64%
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Annual Benefit
$706,543
Annual Giving
$385,579
Grants
$11,500
Total
$1,103,622
Giving Report Alumni Families 1% Organizations 21%
Friends 3%
Staff 1%
Trustees 50%
Grandparents 6%
Current Families 18%
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Donor Report Ankura Alexander Asnes AYCO Charitable Foundation Shawn and Sean Baranoff Raneet and Joseph Barr Holly and Michael Berfield Marina and Viktor Berisha Cara Biggane Laura and George Bilicic Ashley and Ben Birnbaum Sarah Birnbaum Sandra Blackstock Jennifer and Jon Bock Victoria and Gene Bokk Jessica and Ryan Bressler Brian and Joelle Kelly Family Foundation Amelie and Alex Brick Aaliyah Brown Raphael Brown Shelia Bustamante Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP Konstantina Calabro Robyne Heath-Carrasquillo and Abel Carrasquillo Jessica Casey Mara Louise Cespon Charities Aid Foundation Eri and Steven Cheng Carol Lee and Steven Choi William Collins Alison and Louis Coluccio Marie Coluccio Ashley Dallas Jacqueline Iger and Barry Dan Susan Davis Melissa De Rushe Linda and Michael Delaney Wellington Deleon Diararye Diallo Anne Marie Diop Candice and Michael Dolce Lucas Dolce Vahe Dombalagian Helena Durst and Mark Domino Kirsten Doody Shannie Easterby
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LaTasha Ellis Jill Enright Bianca Evertsz Rachel Familant David Fertig Susan Finkelstein Mary and Scott Flieger Ben Foley Jennifer Frankola-Crawford Ashley Garcia Nika Gay Stephen Geisler Robert Goldenberg Shawn Gotlib Natalie Greaves-Peters Beth and Jared Greisman Gueron Family Julia and Diego Guevara May Boucherak and Nicolas Hachtroudi Milt Sleeter and Joel Herman Alan Hsu Liam Hullihan Brigid and Andrew Hutchinson Jane and In Seon Hwang Hyde & Watson Foundation Cathy Kaufman Iger and Mark Iger IntraSpectrum Club Jacobs Family Jayson Jimenez Spela Sterle and Jordan Jan John and Barbara Vogelstein Foundation Nichola John Rui Dong and Thor Johnson Rebecca Skinner and Jeffrey Joslin Isabelle Jouanneau-Fertig Kapnag Heating and Plumbing Corp. Cynthia Kelly Victoria and Cameron Khajavi Julia St Thomas-King and Aidan King Kirkland & Ellis LLP Suzanne Knaster Patrick Larsen Robert Lee Wendy Lee
Lawrence Leighton Len Camber Charitable Trust Nikki and Mike Leo Matthew Leonard Marissa Levy Lisa Lindvall Kitty Dong and Jerry Liu Christine Beshara and Matthew LoGrasso Sophia Loftus Joleen and Luis Lozano Amy Lushing Rhonda Mace Gregory Makofske Courtney and Taylor Malfitano Ting and Adam Mandel Eleonore Mangin Chad Martin Ana Duran and Pedro Martinez Gary Mayerson Suzanne and Scott McKay Keith Mermelstein Annie and Michael Mileto MJS Foundation Daniel Moran Liza Mordkovich and Igor Kotlyar Alice and Robert Naboicheck Kate Navarro-McKay Ziggy and Rome Neal Neel Family NOK Foundation Will Nunberg Larysa Nyahay Duke Oakley Erin Pick and Robert O’Donnell Erica Gigov and Jay Patel Paul Hastings LLP Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP Penguin Random House Francis Peralta Anita Pilango Jesse Pindus Melissa Price Proskauer Jane and Anthony Providenti Dara and Miles Ramboyong Wendy Katz-Rapp and James Rapp Recess UES Janet Reichman Theresa and Boz Reilly Carrie Paden Rengifo and Antonio Rengifo Michael Retamar Adalia and Decklan Richardson Riley Family Foundation Ellen and James Riley
Kerry-Lynn Riley Shannon Riley Joline Robles Maria Maldonado and Charly Rodriguez Ydarian Castillo and Joseph Rodriguez Anna Rosales Aracelis and Paul Rudkowski Alexander Russ Amy Salomon David Salsberg Migdalia and Paul Sanabria Yvonne SanMartino Richard Santoso Rahadyan Sastrowardoyo Grainne Saxe and John Dwyer Cecilia Schreer Irv Schulman Nikki Sheth and Tejas Shah Societe Generale Jinjoo Hong and Micael Song Spectrum Designs Foundation Sangsook Pak and John Staugler Chelsea Steinberg-Gay Marta Peimer and Ashton Stewart Angela Howard Stone and Matthew Stone Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Alexis and Drew Sussberg Janet and Allan Sussberg TD Bank The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Holly Thomas Michael Trush Turn Down For What NYC Kathryn and Bill Tyree U.S. Highking Asset Management Inc. Jessica and Mike Ugliarolo Jr. Susan and Mike Ugliarolo Sr. Veronica Vales Adi and Isaac Vinyarsh Veronica and Mike Von Wiebner Hannah and Tom Wade Linda Walder Katie Lewis and Tony Waldman Warburg Pincus Erin and Thomas Welling Mary Whelley Adrienne Willis Woodyard Family Shaneeka Reid-Yates and Andrew Yates Jihun and Bo Yi Nancy Zaremba Katharine and Martin Ziga Debbie Zlotowitz
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Donors By Class
90%
Overall parent participation
The Gnomes
100%
The Unicorns
100%
The Dragons
67%
The Phoenixes
56%
The Yetis
100%
The Griffins
100%
The Wizards
100%
Middle School
100%
The Gnomes
The Dragons
Grainne Saxe and John Dwyer Julia and Diego Guevara Kitty Dong and Jerry Liu Maria Maldonado and Charly Rodriguez
Ashley and Ben Birnbaum Amelie and Alex Brick Nikki and Mike Leo Theresa and Boz Reilly
The Yetis
The Wizards
Eri and Steven Cheng Victoria and Cameron Khajavi Ting and Adam Mandel Ydarian Castillo and Joseph Rodriguez Jinjoo Hong and Micael Song Hannah and Tom Wade
Shawn and Sean Baranoff Raneet and Joseph Barr Brigid and Andrew Hutchinson Ana Duran and Pedro Martinez Nikki Sheth and Tejas Shah Alexis and Drew Sussberg
The Unicorns
The Phoenixes
Jennifer and Jon Bock Helena Durst and Mark Domino May Boucherak and Nicolas Hachtroudi Rui Dong and Thor Johnson Christine Beshara and Matthew LoGrasso Alexis and Drew Sussberg
Bianca Evertsz Nika Gay Julia St Thomas-Kind and Aidan King Ziggy and Rome Neal Francis Peralta Chelsea Steinberg-Gay Adi and Isaac Vinyarsh
The Griffins Marina and Viktor Berisha Victoria and Gene Bokk Alison and Louis Coluccio Liza Mordkovich and Igor Kotlyar Sophia Loftus Suzanne and Scott McKay Sangsook Pak and John Staugler Veronica and Mike Von Wiebner Shaneeka Reid-Yates and Andrew Yates
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Middle School Carol Lee and Steven Choi Candice and Michael Dolce Nigol Koulajian Eleonore Mangin Annie and Michael Mileto Adalia and Decklan Richardson Jihun and Bo Yi
GBS Spring Benefit:
Together, We See the Possibilities
At the heart of the Gillen Brewer School’s mission is a deep commitment to connection—between students and staff, between families and educators, and between our school and the broader community that surrounds and supports us. This year’s Annual Benefit was a powerful reflection of that mission in action. Held to honor the many community partners who make our work possible, the evening was a joyous celebration of the extended Gillen Brewer family. From collaborative organizations and generous donors to dedicated families and alumni, every guest in attendance played a vital role in helping us deliver the integrated academic-therapeutic education that defines Gillen Brewer. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised more than $700,000—funds that will directly support our unparalleled academic and therapeutic programming and the extraordinary professionals who bring it to life each day. These resources empower us to provide staff with ongoing tools and training, equip families with the support they need to navigate their journey, and create authentic, meaningful school experiences for every student.
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Thank You to the Generous Sponsors of Our Benefit
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Thank You to the Generous Auction Donors Advantage Tennis Club Agata & Valentina Aline Pilates Area 53/Ninja Park Ballet Academy East Shawn and Sean Baranoff Ashley and Ben Birnbaum Bathhouse Flatiron NYC Barry’s Bootcamp Brooklyn Academy of Music Brooklyn Cyclones BSE Global Café Joyeux Classic Kids Photography Alison and Louis Coluccio Complete Playground Candice and Michael Dolce Chicken Shed NYC Children’s Museum of Manhattan Circus Academy Crickets Candy Creations Fastbreak Sports Five Iron Goldfish Swim School Senator Andrew Gounardes Grassroots Fitness Healing Energy Acupuncture Jane and In Seon Hwang Dr. Michael Jacobs Dermatology Jalopy Theatre Victoria and Cameron Khajavi Kids Empire King’s Theatre La Voglia Legoland
Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts Little Orchestra The Long Island Nets Marriott Hotel Upper East Side Daniel Moran NYC Children’s Theatre New York Knicks Sara Nolan OrangeTheory Fitness Pottery Girl NY Troy Providenti Dara Ramboyong Rapid Return! Ellen and Jim Riley School of Rock Shipwrecked Mini Golf Skyscape SLT Mika Song Sprinkles & Spatulas Sugar Hill Creamery Chandler and Paul Tagliabue The Jewish Museum The Metropolitan Opera The Milton The Museum of the City of New York The NBA The New York Historical Society The New York Liberty The Southampton Inn 3 Guys Restaurant Kathryn and Bill Tyree Veronica Beard Dever Warner WundaBar Pilates
Thank You To Our Dedicated Staff For Donating Special Experiences Alex Asnes Ashley Dallas Paul Dentrone Monica Fishman Laura Koch Keith Mermelstein Will Nunberg Alex Parks Courtney Pusey Joline Robles Ida Sacconi
Amy Salomon Tim Toal Erika Tobin The Gnomes; Nora Cebollero and Hilary Colon The Unicorns: Olivia Cohn, Emi Milukas, and Rebecca Wild The Dragons: Lindsay Pellinger, Ariel Rehr, and Will Nunberg The Wizards: Alexandra Falzetti, Cecilia Schreer, and Ish Peteranecz The Yetis: Sam Bernstein, Julia Crespo, and Isa Dumazet The OT’s: Brittany Block, Shannie Easterby, Sarah Leventhal, Kassaundre Santayana The SLPs: Jane Enright, Simone Katz, Rachel Kroll, Amanda Tuckman The Counseling Team: Audrey Halpern, Kelly Cooke, Erin Lederle, Juliana Peng ,and Caitlin Steedle
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Ways to Support GBS 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. - GBS Alumni Parent GIFTS OF CASH 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 SECURITIES Gifts of appreciated securities can offer tax advantages to the donor. Please note that you should transfer appreciated securities directly to Gillen Brewer rather than selling them yourself. Please contact us for instructions on transferring securities.
MATCHING GIFTS Many companies match their employees’ charitable contributions. To take advantage of this program, obtain a matching gift from your human resources department and return it to the school with your gift. You will receive credit for the total amount of the donation, including the match. Please contact Erin Pick, Director of Development, with any questions about ways to support the school or to discuss your giving. She can be reached at erin@gillenbrewer.com or 212-831-3667 x412.
PLANNED GIVING: THE NANCY GODFREY SCHACHT LEGACY CIRCLE A planned gift is a gift to Gillen Brewer through a bequest, annuity, insurance plan, or trust. The Gillen Brewer Legacy Society will recognize all who have made a planned gift. Please contact Erin Pick, Director of Development, with any questions about ways to support the school or to discuss your giving. She can be reached at erin@gillenbrewer.com or 212-831-3667 x412. The Gillen Brewer School Annual Report acknowledges all contributions received between July 1, 2024 -June 30, 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.
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Together, We See the Possibilities
Together, We See the Possibilities