Three Gillis School Staff Close the Books on Successful Careers

As the school year ends, Gillis School celebrated three extraordinary staff members retiring after more than 100 years of combined service in education.

Principal Pam Sanders, teacher Susie Hadel, and Administrative Manager Carol Towns served thousands of students during their careers at the Gillis School. Each closed out a remarkable career, and the school community is grateful for everything they have given to students and its mission.

Pam Sanders first came to the Gillis Campus in 1983 as recreation director and has served as principal since 2012. Pam was instrumental in Cornerstones of Care’s commitment to trauma-informed care both inside and outside of education. She was among the first group to attend a workshop with the Sanctuary Institute to learn how to implement the Sanctuary Model at Cornerstones of Care.

“It completely changed the way we care for children,” Pam said. “That will be one of the things I’m most proud of during my time at Cornerstones of Care.”

Susie Hadel, Carol Towns, and Pam Sanders celebrate their retirement

Susie Hadel worked at Gillis School for the past eight years, following 28 years at Marillac. She worked with students from kindergarten through fifth grade who came to Gillis for emotional, behavioral, and social challenges that make it difficult for them to succeed in a traditional school setting. Susie and other teachers educate students in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, while helping them to develop emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, communication strategies, and the ability to manage their feelings.

Some of Susie’s favorite memories include student assemblies where students become excited about earning weekly award ands treats from Pam Sanders.

“I’m reflecting on how lucky I have been to work with such amazing and wonderful students, staff, and parents throughout my years of teaching,” Susie said.

Administrative Manager of School-Based Services Carol Towns describes herself as a “behind the scenes” person who helps make the school run smoothly. She manages paperwork, communicates with school districts, parents, and staff, and oversees referrals and student admissions and discharges.

Carol will miss seeing families’ joy and pride, along with children’s excitement when family members attended school activities, or when former students who stop in to say hello and share updates about their lives.

“I will definitely be sad to say goodbye to this chapter in my life,” Carol said. “The school has been a huge part of my life for the past 22 years, and I know that I will miss my Gillis family.”

Next year, the K-8 grades will move to the Learning Academy at the Education Campus, and staff will continue the tradition of support and care that Pam, Susie, and Carol built at Gillis.