Three things drew Susan Murphy to Westover. As an educator, mom, and businesswoman, all of her personal core values and ideals connected right back to the School’s values when applying for a job.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that is committed to conducting their business with purpose and integrity,” Susan said. “I enjoy being in an academic environment where I find it intellectually stimulating to be surrounded by people who value education, (and) I knew that my skill set would transition well to Westover and allow me to be able to contribute right away.”
Hired in late 2020, Susan joins the Westover community as the new Executive Assistant to the Head of School, Julie Faulstich. A long-time resident of Connecticut who grew up in Branford, Susan’s path to Westover began in the school system. A mom of two, both now in college, she was active in the community and at her children’s schools serving on various committees and task forces. In 2008, Susan returned to college and earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and teaching certification in 7-12 English from Albertus Magnus.
“I did some long-term substitute teaching and then eventually worked as a permanent English teacher at a middle school in New Haven,” Susan said. “I transitioned to the business sector as an Executive Assistant at Bender Plumbing Supply, where for five years I supported a six-member C-Suite.”
At Bender, Susan’s responsibilities included executive support and project management focusing on developing operational procedures, training programs, and culture development. She explained the Executive Assistant role at Westover mirrored areas she’d been actively involved in and developing at Bender.
“I have a passion for my work, which I consider to be purpose-driven,” she said. “I enjoy helping and supporting others so that they can do their best work. I enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and I hope that the experience I bring contributes to the overall impact that Westover has on its student body, its staff and faculty, and the community at large.”
With a strong roots in education, Susan said the mission of Westover is one she strongly resonates with, and as now more than ever we need “women of consequence.”
“Empowering young women to lead lives of consequence is perhaps the most important mission we have as a society,” Susan said. “Creating confident, fearless, and capable women leaders who will go out into the world to effect change and serve as role models to other women within our communities, our families, and our workplaces will benefit our entire society and world-at-large, not just women themselves.”
A resident of Brookfield, Susan said her main interests outside of work -- beside family and friends -- are traveling and cooking.
“I love to learn about other cultures and find that food is a common experience shared no matter where you are from because its language is universal,” she said. “So although travelling is limited with COVID at the moment, I still continue to cook around the world.”
Described by friends as kind, authentic, loyal, and funny, Susan said she’s happy to be a part of the Westover community thus far!
“I have received a very warm welcome into the school and look forward to working with the staff, faculty, and the students,” she said.
