Director of Admission
Ms. Williams enjoys welcoming prospective families to campus and introducing them to Graland's warm and welcoming community. She is always reading books on education and child development to ensure that she stays informed of the latest thoughts and philosophies in the education field. Ask about her favorite travel stories from around the world!
Favorite Interaction with Students
I love getting to watch students learn, grow and evolve. One of my favorite moments at Graland was leading a tour into a third-grade classroom where a student was giving a presentation to the class. I helped enroll this student in Kindergarten, and at that time, she was painfully shy. When we walked into the room, she turned to the tour group, welcomed them, and continued with her presentation with a loud, clear, confident voice. I was so proud to see how she had grown and come into her own!
Most Inspiring Graland Program
I look forward to the Kindergarten Rodeo assembly. It is so fun to watch the Kindergarteners speak into the microphone in front of the whole school and to watch the big kids cheer them on and sing along with them!
Favorite Graland Moment
I am lucky to have one of the best views on campus; from my office window, I overlook the playground, and I get to see a new favorite Graland moment happen almost every day. I see a teacher brushing off a scraped knee, wiping a tear, or cheering on a student's new accomplishment. I watch the pure happiness of kids running freely at recess, swinging on the swings, and laughing uncontrollably with their friends. I hear the sounds of joy from my window while I work, and I am reminded daily what an amazing place this is.
Graland Trip I Love
On the Washington D.C. trip with seventh graders, I loved seeing the monuments and museums with the kids. Many had not been before; watching the awe and wonder on their faces as we walked up to the Lincoln Memorial or up the steps of the Capitol building was pretty special.
Professional Passion
I love helping families from all backgrounds through the admission process: showing them around campus for the first time, getting to know the parents and their children during admission visits, and then welcoming them as enrolled families on the first day of school. It’s such a joy for me to walk around campus and know so many friendly faces and to watch these wonderful children grow up from Kindergartners to Middle Schoolers!
Lifelong Learner
Our admission office participates in nationwide conferences every year to learn about the latest trends and best practices in independent schools. Throughout the year, I am participating in webinars and connecting with admission colleagues across the country to continue my professional development.
Why I Work at Graland
The laughter! There is so much laughter, not just in working with kids but also amongst co-workers. I feel so lucky to work with incredibly talented teachers and administrators who love what they do. We all work really hard, but we do it with joy and humor.
Outside Graland I’m...
...riding my bike, playing tennis, walking my dogs, hiking in the mountains, reading a great book, or doing yoga.
Life Goal
To see gorillas in the wild in Africa
Favorite Childhood Memory
Running up and down the sand dunes on our annual camping trip
Other than Graland, I Support
I teach yoga at Warren Village, a transitional housing non-profit for single parents. I volunteer with Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Denver Rescue Mission, and Wish for Wheels.
Joined Graland in
2013
Hometown
Castle Rock, Colorado
Education
BA in psychology from the University of Denver
MA in international studies from Webster University
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
