Welcome to the Gillen Brewer School.
When I think about what makes Gillen Brewer extraordinary, I keep coming back to one word: partnership. Partnership between teachers and students. Between therapists and families. Between a school and the community that trusts it with their most precious people.
I come to this role with thirty years in New York City independent schools, a deep knowledge of the special needs educational landscape, and something more personal: I am a special needs parent myself. I know this journey from both sides of the desk.
What I promise you is this: every family who walks through our doors will feel seen, supported, and celebrated. That is not a program or a policy. It is how I lead.
Together, we will see the possibilities for your child — and for your whole family. I invite you to watch our Who We Are video, explore the site, and then come meet us. I’d love to show you around personally.
Warmly,
Prior to joining Gillen Brewer as the Director of Middle School and Enrollment, I served at schools this community knows–as The Director of College Guidance at Mary McDowell Friends School and as the Director of Dance and Dean of Students at Poly Prep Country Day School. At each school, I’ve built programs that are still thriving today. My degrees in English and School Leadership reflect a career devoted to both the love of learning and the craft of leading schools.
Becoming a special needs mom was not on my bingo card. But with the support of my family and the schools my daughter attended, I learned to advocate for her, understand her needs, and celebrate every step forward. Today, she is thriving; and that journey is part of everything I bring to Gillen Brewer. I know what it feels like to cry at an IEP meeting, to celebrate a new word your child can say, to wonder if your child’s team truly sees your child. At Gillen Brewer, they definitely will.
Relational Leadership isn’t a philosophy I just talk about. It’s how I work. I’m the head of school who will sing and dance with the cast of our musical while wearing animal ears. On Grandparents and Special Friends Day, I’ll honestly share my family’s story with our guests. I believe the strongest schools are built on trust, joy, and the willingness to be fully present. That’s the community I’m here to build with you.
I know, firsthand, how much special needs families are asked to juggle. Between school, therapy appointments, and family life including other children, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. Gillen Brewer’s integrated model eases that burden by bringing therapies and academics together in one place, during the school day.
Amy Salomon, Head of School
Connect with The Gillen Brewer Community!