About Us

Faculty and Staff

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

  • Photo of Brian Beale
    Brian Beale
    Director of Enrollment Management
    617-278-2323
    Bates College - B.A.
    Bio
     
    Though Brian hails from the Philadelphia suburbs, he considers himself a New Englander at heart. After attending Bates College in Maine, Brian spent two years working in outdoor education at YMCA Camp Coniston before starting his career in Admissions at Dublin School in Dublin, NH. Brian then went on to work in admissions and financial aid at both Princeton Day School and Cardigan Mountain School before joining the Brimmer and May community in 2012. At Brimmer, Brian oversees Admissions and financial aid, is a member of the Advancement team, and serves as an Upper School advisor.

    Brian is an active member of the Enrollment Management Association, the Clarity community, and local and regional collaboratives. When not at Brimmer, Brian enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors, long-distance running, spinning, and skiing.
  • Photo of Jessica Christian
    Jessica Christian
    Director of DEIB, Admissions Liaison
    617-278-2324
    Middlebury College - B.A.
    New York University - M.A.
    Bio
     
    Jessica grew up in Northern New Jersey and is proud to be independent schooleducated. Prior to joining Brimmer, Jessica worked for three years in admissions at her alma mater, The Dwight-Englewood School, in New Jersey, and for six years at The Spence School, in New York City. After receiving an M.A. in mental health counseling from NYU, Jessica spent time working as a psychotherapist at a small practice in New Haven, Conn.

    For Jessica, independent schools have always been an environment in which she thrives and is her best self. At Brimmer, she appreciates the comradery among faculty and staff and enjoys the feeling of contributing and adding perspective to the Brimmer community.

    When Jessica is not at work, she spends her time exercising, cooking, reading, building Lego sets, and raising her children. 
  • Photo of Carl Coombs
    Carl Coombs
    Assistant Head of School, Head of Lower School
    617-278-2338
    Carthage College - B.A.
    Emerson College - M.A.
    Bio
     
    Carl began his career at Brimmer in 2008 and has worked across all divisions of the School. He currently serves as Assistant Head of School, a role he assumed in 2021, as well Lower School Head. Previously, he spent ten years as Head of Middle School, following seven years as an educator at Brimmer, where he served as the Middle School Humanities and Creative Arts Teacher and Grade 8 Dean.

    As Assistant Head of School, Carl partners closely with the Head of School to advance the School’s vision and strategic priorities. He oversees PK–12 faculty and staff recruitment, manages the mentor program for new faculty and staff, leads the School’s Emergency Response Team, and works to strengthen the culture and climate of the faculty and staff experience. As Head of the Lower School, Carl oversees faculty, curriculum, and student life in PK–5, working closely with teachers and families to ensure that students build strong academic foundations while developing confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

    Carl is passionate about personalized instruction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and character education. He believes in helping students discover their passions and take intellectual risks in a safe and supportive environment—learning as much from challenges as from successes. He is inspired daily by Brimmer’s exceptional faculty, motivated students, and mission to cultivate globally minded, empathetic leaders.

    A dedicated professional, Carl is a member of the Association of Middle Level Educators (AMLE) and has attended several of their national conferences, as well as the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Art of Leadership institute and the NAIS School Leadership Institute.

    Carl is also a proud Brimmer parent; his son, Brennan, is in the class on 2027. Outside of school, he is a certified spin instructor and enjoys traveling, reading, attending Broadway shows, and spending time with his husband and two children. He is also actively involved with organizations including the Matthew Shepard Foundation, amfAR, and Sandy Hook Promise.
  • Photo of Sue Cuyler
    Sue Cuyler
    Director of Marketing & Communications
    617-278-2333
    Colby College - B.A.
    Clark University Graduate School of Management - M.B.A.
    Bio
     
    Sue joined the Brimmer community in 2018 as Director of Marketing & Communications bringing with her decades of experience working with organizations of all sizes to craft strategic marketing campaigns and create brand experiences. After attending Colby College and Clark University’s Graduate School of Management, Sue began her career as a management consultant before moving in-house to Primary Source, a nonprofit committed to educating global citizens, and KnowledgeLink, ainternational organization committed to ensuring access to educational opportunity around the world. Drawn to Brimmer’s global focus and dedicated faculty and staff, Sue is thrilled to be a member of such a strong and supportive community.  
     
    Sue sits on the Board of the Alray Scholars Program, a scholarship and mentoring program that helps Boston students return to college to earn their degree. In her spare time, she enjoys running, swimming, reading, travelling, and family time.
  • Photo of Judith Guild
    Judith Guild
    Head of School
    617-278-2327
    SUNY at Oswego - B.S.
    Harvard University - A.L.M.
    Bio
     
    A dedicated educator for over 35 years, Judith Guild believes deeply in the life-changing power of a strong educational foundation. She possesses an exceptional work ethic, holds herself to a high standard of professional excellence, and always keeps the students we serve at the center of all her decisions. An expert in literacy and building reading fluency, she first joined Brimmer in the 1980s teaching English, including AP English Literature, before being named Head of School in 2012, elevating every aspect of Brimmer’s academic program for grades PK-12. Her vision led Brimmer to embrace what are now key tenets of our educational philosophy, such as project-based learning and global education.

    Judy believes that Brimmer is a community of learners, where people are encouraged to take risks, be thought leaders, create content, and make a difference in the lives of others. To support this belief, she actively recruits, cultivates, and supports faculty as one of her annual top priorities.

    Additionally, during her time as Head of School, Judy has successfully led two strategic planning initiatives and two capital campaigns. Her tenure has seen the construction of the Hastings Center, an Innovation, STEAM, and Media Center with vibrant community spaces and an elevated Dining Commons, and the upcoming Recreation & Wellness Center to be opened in spring 2026.

    A voracious reader, deep thinker, and precise editor, Judy is generous with her knowledge, her time, and her spirit. In addition to her responsibilities of running the School, she mentors members of the Administrative Team, observes classes in all three divisions, and attends countless games, concerts, performances, and community events, while always making time in her busy calendar to meet with students, parents, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustee members. She encourages people to read her blog and listen to her podcast to become familiar with her philosophy and thoughts on what she believes are the best practices in education today.

    Judy received her Bachelor of Science from SUNY Oswego and her Masters in American and British Literature from Harvard University.
  • Photo of Julian Hickman
    Julian Hickman
    CFO
    617-278-2370
    Bentley University - B.S.
    Bentley University - M.S.
    Bio
     
    Julian had his first experience with the world of education early in his career while working at a local CPA firm where he focused on non-profits and independent schools. A native of Martha’s Vineyard and graduate of Bentley University, Julian joined Brimmer after serving as Director of Finance at Oath Pizza, where he drove growth and operations in a competitive startup environment.
     
    As Brimmer’s Chief Financial Officer, Julian oversees the business office and Brimmer’s facilities. He blends finance and operations to ensure that resources are protected and deployed effectively to achieve the School’s mission of developing lifelong learners.
     
    Outside of Brimmer, Julian enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and getting back to Martha’s Vineyard as much as possible.
  • Photo of Joe Iuliano
    Joe Iuliano
    Assistant Head of Academic Affairs
    617-264-1404
    University of Rochester - B.A.
    Boston College - M.S.
    Bio
     
    As an educator, Joe seeks to inspire intellectual curiosity, help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, promote “unanxious expectation” in the classroom, meet students where they are, and encourage, support, and challenge them to achieve their personal best in all they do.

    Joe has been an independent school educator in a variety of roles for more than 40 years. A member of the Brimmer community since 1998, he served as Head of the MS and US before becoming the Assistant Head of Academic Affairs. His world travels, particularly with Brimmer students, have provided him with a global perspective and understanding that he uses to support Brimmer’s Global Studies Program and teach International Relations and AP Human Geography, as a member of the Upper School Humanities (History) Department.

    Joe enjoys working at Brimmer because it is a vibrant learning community with motivated students and a dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff. He values his interactions with students and colleagues, as well as the opportunity to work with the College Counseling Team, chaperone Model UN and Winterim trips, and be a student advisor.

    He is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and World Boston. Joe has taken government courses at the Harvard Extension School as well as participated in a National Endowment for Humanities Symposium for Teachers, the JFK Library Summer Institute for Teachers, and Harvard’s Global Studies Outreach Center Summer Workshop for Teachers for four summers of professional development.

    Joe's interests include hiking, bicycling, world politics, movies, baseball, travel, spending time with family, reading, and writing. As a resident of Waltham, he served on the board of the Friends of the Waltham Public Library and coached community baseball and basketball teams for more than 15 years. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for North Waltham Baseball and the Newton Athletic Association. In 2014, Joe was honored with the Jane Falk Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service for his work with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind.
  • Photo of Joshua Neudel
    Joshua Neudel
    Head of Upper School
    617-278-2332
    Boston University - B.A.
    Boston College - M.Ed
    Bio
     
    For Joshua Neudel, Head of Upper School, the central question of education is how to be both challenging and nurturing. At Brimmer, he works to create a learning environment where students stretch themselves academically and personally while knowing they are supported along the way.

    Josh joined Brimmer in 2016 after serving as Chair of Educational Innovation at Gann Academy, where he helped design and implement a strategic vision for 21st-century learning. In that role, he oversaw initiatives in educational technology, STEM, and curriculum development, ensuring that innovation was always tied to meaningful student growth. Today, he continues that work at Brimmer with a focus on preparing students for the future by building skills in areas such as critical thinking, collaboration, and AI literacy — essential tools for success in college and the workforce.

    With a background in science and years of experience as a teacher, coach, department chair, and dean, Josh brings a broad perspective to his work. He is passionate about fostering curiosity, supporting student well-being, and encouraging both students and faculty to take creative risks in their learning.

    Outside of school, Josh enjoys coaching and playing soccer, cooking, biking with his children, and volunteering in his community.
  • Photo of Sharin Russell
    Sharin Russell
    Director of the Brimmer and May Annual Fund
    617-278-2342
    Boston College - B.A.
    Bio
     
    As an educator, Sharin aims to promote lifelong learning and engage students in asking why history impacts who and what we are today. Her international perspective was formed early on as her mother was an educator at the United Nations School and Ethical Culture School.

    Sharin has been a member of the Brimmer community since 1982 and is a member of the Brimmer Administrative Team. In 2011, she traveled with colleagues and students to China and South Korea as part of Winterim, an educational travel program. She loves the School’s class size, collaborative nature, and positive parent-teacher-student relationships, as well as the opportunities to take on leadership roles and opportunities. Her ability to work in a warm, stimulating environment of students, colleagues, and families is what she likes most about working at Brimmer.

    Sharin is a certified Master Teacher and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Independent Schools in New England. In 1990, she was honored with a Grade 4 co-teaching achievement by the Brimmer Alumni Association. In her spare time, she likes to travel, play golf, cook, and listen to opera music.
  • Photo of Elizabeth Smith
    Elizabeth Smith
    Director of Development
    617-739-5289
    Amherst College - B.A.
    Bio
     
    Elizabeth was introduced to independent schools at an early age — both of her parents were lifelong educators in the field. She graduated from a wonderful PK-12 Day School in the Midwest. Before joining Brimmer, she served as Director of Annual Giving and Campaign Strategist at a junior boarding school west of Boston. She previously spent 15 years in advertising and marketing as an Account Director at several leading Boston communications firms.

    During her time at Brimmer, Elizabeth has applied her expertise in marketing, strategy, and relationship-building to advance the mission of the School. She has helped guide two strategic plans and played a key role in two successful capital campaigns: the Realizing the Vision Campaign, which exceeded its goal and funded the Hastings Center addition and a Faculty Innovation Endowment; and the current Building Our Tomorrow Campaign, which is nearing completion and supports the new Recreation and Wellness Center and a $6 million endowment for faculty compensation and teaching excellence. Under her leadership, Brimmer’s endowment has grown fivefold.

    Elizabeth is a longtime member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), and Women in Development of Greater Boston. She has also served as class agent for her Amherst College class for over 25 years.

    Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys reading with her book club, walking her dog, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Our Greatest Asset

Meet the people who work every day to create the best educational experience possible for Brimmer students. Read more about our faculty and staff in their bios.
    • Our dynamic and dedicated teachers at Brimmer and May are the heart of our community.

As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.