Meet Raynell Stewart

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

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Raynell.

Primary Role: Lower School Office Manager 

Pronouns: she/her

Years at GDS: Eight years down!

What do you love about GDS?
That there is never a dull moment with the students. There is always something new and exciting happening each and every day. Being able to come to work every day and get a glimpse into my child's learning adventure makes me smile.

Why do you do your job?
I love working with such a diverse group of people and learning new things from my colleagues each year.

A favorite part of your job?
Morning and afternoon carpool! I love seeing the excitement on kindergarteners' faces as they arrive at school. Watching them get out of their car and run up to you beaming with that same joy is the best. 

Your work style in a few words?
Organized. Efficient. Fun Working Environment

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
Live life to the fullest and always smile. Through the hurt and pain, joy and fun, ups and downs, highs and lows.

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
I love hosting parties at my house and going to karaoke. 

A few favorites…?
Favorite recipes: pasta salad, lasagna, and seafood boils 
Favorite movies: Love Jones, Poetic Justice, Love and Basketball

Tell us about your pet. 
We have a Boston Terrier named Blue, named after my son's favorite color. Blue loves chasing my son around the house and has a fascination with the crinkling of plastic bottles. Who knew that was a thing?!

One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?
I love to play Pokeno. Every other weekend a group of us get together and host Pokeno night. 

One thing on your life "bucket list" you've already accomplished?
Learning to speak Spanish. I haven't completely achieved this goal as it is still a work in progress. But I’m on my way!

Something on your life “bucket list” you have yet to accomplish?
Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans! I want to experience the fun, food, and cultural celebration of Mardi Gras that people talk about. 

With a tip from Raynell, we reached out to hear what a colleague had to say…
Admissions and Marketing Associate Jessica Ahn wrote, “Raynell is the kind of person you meet once in your life. She's the kind of colleague you truly miss when they aren't at school. She's happy to sit with you when you just need a moment of quiet or happy to chat it up when you just need a good laugh. Raynell is a genuine, good-hearted person and I feel so fortunate that I get to work with her each and every day!”

Lower School Admissions Director Githa Natarajan, who previously served as interim LS Assistant Principal, added, “Thoughtful, reliable, and joyful are three words that come to mind when describing Raynell. There is never a dull moment working with her. She brings her enthusiastic spirit, kind heart, wittiness, authentic self, and most of all, her humor to any situation. I am grateful for the time we worked closely together in the Lower School Office. I know we will always be great friends.”