Beloved GA Counselor Dr. Maurer is retiring after a 22-year-long career at Germantown Academy. Dr. Maurer began her career at GA in 1999, serving as the part-time supervisor for a counseling intern. However, in her first year, the GA community lost a few members, so counseling needs surfaced very quickly. Soon enough, Dr. Maurer was working full-time as a counselor for the Upper School. The next few years, GA began putting more effort into enhancing students’ social and emotional lives, thereby growing the counseling department. GA administrators also asked Dr. Maurer about her vision for the counseling department. She presented her dream to the school, and soon enough, GA delivered. Through clever budgeting, the school was able to hire five full-time counselors: one in the Lower School, one in the Middle School, and three in the Upper School.
In a recent interview, when Dr. Maurer was asked what she will miss most about GA, she quickly responded with “the people”. She also mentioned “being able to come to a job where you like all the kids, where your colleagues are great, and the physical environment is wonderful. I’m going to miss all of that.” She further noted, “It’s been a real honor and pleasure to be a part of a lot of the peoples’ lives here.”
When asked about her favorite memory at GA, Dr. Maurer responded by talking about the pivotal moment when she walked across the stage and handed her daughters their diplomas at graduation, something only GA faculty have the privilege to do.
In her upcoming retirement, Dr. Maurer plans to venture to the shore in Ventnor, NJ, and she hopes to continue her hobby of painting. In addition, she has recently become a new grandmother to a grandson who lives in San Francisco, and she is excited about visiting him as much as possible.
Dr. Maurer has been a tremendous contribution to our GA community and has touched countless lives. As much as we are incredibly saddened to see her leave, we thank her and wish her the best in her next chapter!
Ms. Allenson
Ms. Allenson has worked as an assistant in the college counseling office for the past 29 years. She worked alongside Mr. Eastlake for about 18 years before working with Ms. Mason and the current team. Ms. Allenson is the proud parent of two alumni: Katie, Class of 2005, and John, Class of 2011. She describes herself as a team player, positive, and kind to all.
As far as her favorite memory at GA, Ms. Allenson recounts handing both of her children their diplomas when they graduated. She also mentions her love for the traditions of the GA/PC spirit week: hallway decorating, the pep rally, and the competitions. The flag-raising ceremony and graduation are also two memorable traditions that she enjoyed during her time at GA.
Ms. Allenson will miss her bonds with colleagues and the GA community as she transitions into retirement. During her approaching retirement, Ms. Allenson hopes to spend more time with family and friends. She also looks forward to playing tennis and participating in other outdoor activities.
We thank Ms. Allenson for all of her contributions and positive influence on the GA faculty and students as a whole. We wish her the very best as she embarks on an exciting new beginning in her life!
