Meet Githa Natarajan!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Githa Natarajan!

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Githa Natarajan [na-TRA-jun].
 

Primary Role: Associate Director of Lower School Admissions 
Pronouns: She/Her
Years at GDS: 11 years down and more than halfway into year 12, her second in this role! 

What do you love about GDS?
GDS is an inclusive community that allows people to feel comfortable to be themselves. I have made strong friendships with my colleagues. As my children moved through the years, I have made life long connections with parents. It's a caring and empathetic environment.

Why do you do your job?
GDS provides an environment to grow. I have been fortunate to work in a variety of roles from team teaching in 2nd grade, teaching 3rd grade, interim Assistant Principal, and my current role as Associate Director of Lower School Admissions. I am able to put my experience and knowledge from those previous positions into good use now as I highlight the beauty of GDS and connect with families seeking a school for their child.

A favorite part of your job?
I enjoy talking to prospective parents about GDS and sharing my perspective as a parent, faculty member, and educator.

Your work style in three words?
Organized. Empathetic. Collaborator.

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
It's important to take a pause in your day to reflect on moments of joy, hope, and gratitude.

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
Spending time with my family, watching movies, drawing, walking my dog, connecting with friends, traveling, going to the beach, reading, and taking walks in my neighborhood.

A few favorites…?
Books:

• Walking With The Wind: A Memoir of the Movement by John Lewis
• You Belong by Sebene Selassie

Recipe: My grandmother’s recipe for traditional Guyanese pine tarts (yum!!)
Song: Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and Shakira’s “Try Everything”

Tell us about your family. 
My family consists of my son Roshan and daughter Sowmya (11th and 9th grades at GDS, respectively), my husband Arun, and our dog Rosie. My parents live in Canada and my in-laws live in Maryland. Extended family, including in Texas and Canada, has always been a big part of our lives.

One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?
I went kayaking on the Essequibo River in Guyana. 

One thing on your life "bucket list" you've already accomplished?
Traveling to Guyana with my family and doing service work.

One thing on your life “bucket list” you have yet to accomplish?
Visiting South East Asia.

With a tip from Githa, we reached out to hear what a colleague had to say...
GDS storyteller Danny Stock said, “Githa is one of the most wise, kind-hearted people you’ll meet. Her friendship is a treasure. It was a privilege to team teach with Githa for five years in 2nd grade, where her dedication to building a caring classroom community, developing creative lessons, and honoring students’ identities was ever present. In each of the roles she’s held since, Githa has continued to approach new challenges with calm, openness, and good humor that makes families, students, and colleagues feel welcome and valued. GDS benefits every day from her purposefulness, integrity, and humanity!”