Gigi graduated from Converse College with a B.A. in Business Administration and Psychology and went on to complete her Master of Education in Secondary Education at the University of South Carolina. She spent 29 years in the classroom, along with several years working in the broader field of education through nonprofit organizations and the South Carolina Department of Education.

Her teaching career began in Richland One at W.A. Perry Middle School (1 year) and then in Lexington Two at Airport High School (10 years). After some time working outside the classroom in nonprofit and state-level education roles, she returned to what she missed most: being with students. For the next 18 years, she taught 9th, 11th, and 12th grade history at Heathwood Hall, covering courses such as Ancient History, Modern World History, United States History, Psychology, and AP European History.

She has always prioritized helping students discover the strategies that make learning click for them. Her greatest joy comes from working one-on-one with students to help them uncover the “how” and “why” behind an assignment, guiding them to find their own best way to learn. She believes there’s never just one path to success; the key is working together to unlock each student’s unique strengths.

In her first year of retirement, she has enjoyed traveling, reading, playing cards, and exploring new hobbies such as needlepoint and Mahjong. Yet, despite all of these pursuits, she realized what she missed most was helping students (especially those who doubt themselves) recognize that they, too, have the ability to thrive and succeed.