Gene Gardino has a remarkable ability to cut quickly to the heart of any matter. Whether that be with respect to student issues or administrative ones, his deep knowledge of child development and how Independent Schools function provides a solid foundation for his incisive analysis and dissection of a problem. Gene is able to make difficult decisions and communicate them with grace and humility to ensure that all parties understand that collaboration is at the heart of any thriving community.

Gene Gardino has worked with our faculty and parents on at least three different occasions. The topics ranged from best practices in advising to navigating the choppy waters of the college process. His unquestionable experience and expertise, engaging manner, and healthy sense of humor put his listeners at ease and open to speaking and learning. When Gene's stay with us was up, he left behind a legacy of growth and change.

Gene Gardino is first and foremost a humanist. He is deeply committed to helping faculty and administrators develop the next generation of healthy scholars, leaders, and skilled communicators. He is passionate about the need to instill in all students an appreciation and understanding of empathy, kindness, and an awareness of the important role health and emotional wellness can play in their lives. This is palpably evident in his work to create a vibrant social and emotional curriculum in our Upper School, as well as his major role in the development of a highly effective faculty-student advising program.

Thoughtful planning, a natural approachability, and the sensitive way he interacts with people distinguish Gene's work. I could always count on him to be thoroughly professional. He is constantly searching for fresh ideas and methods, relishing the opportunity to completely revise and reinvigorate his methods. He was a wonderful addition to our college parent nights, identifying the pressures families were experiencing during the college process and educating them with strategies to combat their fears and unite the family in one common goal — making a healthy college decision with their daughter!

Gene Gardino knows schools, children, faculty and parents. He is articulate, smart, empathic and uses humor to good advantage in resolving complicated dilemmas. People trust him and respond to his authenticity. As my colleague for more than thirty years, Gene always puts children at the center in every situation. Brilliant and insightful, he is a gift to a school community whether working to educate parents, teachers or children. We are lucky at Laurel School to have Gene working with us on re-tooling our Advisory program.

Gene Gardino is that rare and exquisite combination of confident, experienced leader and warm, approachable teacher. He is equal parts wisdom, warmth, and wit. I have known Gene for the past thirty-five years, and he has always been a dedicated professional in the fields of education and counseling. Clients, students, families, and institutions will benefit tremendously from his deep expertise in developing K-12 curriculum and helping to promote and shape healthy, connected individuals and communities.