A Warm Welcome To Our New BFAs!
Anticipation lingered through the crisp September air as we waited for the exciting arrival of Brentwood’s new staff. As last school year drew to a close, many of our beloved BFAs (Boarding Faculty Assistants, like Ms Miller, Myr Pasquale, Ms Curtis & Mr Smith) departed to begin their new adventures beyond Brentwood. Though it was bittersweet to say goodbye, with hesitant departures come thrilling new beginnings.
New BFAs are welcomed onto our campus every year to gain experience in the field of education. The program is designed to create hands-on practice in a professional environment, giving these individuals practical skills in the classroom, studio, field and house. They offer a fresh new perspective on boarding life and further enrich our school’s environment.
This year we have the pleasure of welcoming four new BFAs into the girls’ boarding houses. It was my pleasure to interview each of them and share with the Brentwood family their incredible breadth of experience that will surely inspire our students.
Ms Summer McLellan, a Vancouver Island native, has also joined Allard House. Most recently, she graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Environmental Studies. Ms McLellan has a pivotal role in the Scuba program, where she helps students reach their full potential in the challenging sport. She describes our community as “kind and welcoming” while she has been adapting to life on campus. She recognizes that Brentwood is unique as she can “continue pursuing her scuba instruction while also getting experience in the classroom”. Allard House Captain Basma J ‘25 shares that “Ms McLellan is a joy to have in the house and is someone we can always rely on”.
Shannon Doll has also fearlessly stepped into the role of a BFA in Hope House. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, she studied at McMaster in Marketing and Communications. Having previous experience working in boarding schools, Ms Doll is drawn to the nurturing environment they cultivate. She can be found on the rugby pitch or in the gym working on bettering our athletes. She says that “he school so far has been amazing, and truly lives up to the whole family aspect”. Ms Doll is eager to promote a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment while working with such a diverse group of students. She states that “it is nice to be in a role experiencing all aspects of the community”. Elena F ‘25 shares that “Ms Doll brings such an electrifying spirit to the house”.
Ms Gabby Bashizi is one of our newest additions to the community. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, she is now a part of Allard House and will play a key role in the digital photography program. After spending the last three years studying History, Law, and Society at the American University of Paris, Ms Bashizi is most excited about doing class coverage as she “gets to see everybody in all the different aspects of their lives at school”. Her return to Brentwood has been both heartwarming and nostalgic, after spending her adolescent summers on this very campus. She is thrilled with the program and excited that “she can put all her focus into what is best for the students”.
Ms Bianca Merrick has been newly embraced into Mackenzie House with open arms. Born and raised in Newmarket, Ontario, she attended Lakehead University for Social Justice. With previous boarding school experience as well, Ms Merrick is well-versed in their distinctive opportunities and dynamic atmosphere. Thus far in her career, she has had the privilege of “many teachable moments within the public and private sector back in Ontario”. She is deeply passionate about providing students with the support they need to succeed both academically and personally. Siera E ‘25 says “Ms Merrick is always willing to help in the house and is truly appreciated around campus”.
Please extend a warm welcome to all of the BFAs, old and new, as their contribution and dedication to our community is truly appreciated and inspiring.
Ruby M, Allard ‘25