Gina is the visionary for Hilltop Academy, having created it over the course of the past 10 years, inspired by her personal and professional experiences. She has been in education for nearly 30 years with her more recent experience being the principal of a school she affectionately called a mini United Nations, serving 520 students and 70 faculty and staff. During her tenure there, she was instrumental in shifting the culture and climate of the school in a positive direction for faculty, staff, students, and families.

Prior to that work, she was a Vice Principal for two years and Student Life Coordinator for 4 years. For 21 years, Gina taught Health & Wellness Education with experiences at the elementary, middle and high school levels, growing a love and passion for working with students across all grades. She worked in both urban and suburban schools, embracing each experience and each community with whom she worked– Framingham, Springfield, Southbridge, and West Springfield communities in Massachusetts, and Windsor Locks and Suffield communities in Connecticut. Her experience as a School Climate Consultant for the Governor’s Prevention Partnership in Connecticut provided her with knowledge and skills which helped her positively influence the climate and culture of the schools where she worked. Her extensive background, coupled with her passion and joy for serving students, faculty, staff, parents/caregivers, and communities have provided her with the experience, inspiration, and motivation to bring the Hilltop Academy vision to life.  

Gina is an avid lover of life-long learning, which has been integral in the development of Hilltop Academy’s mission and programming. She completed her undergraduate schooling with a Bachelor of Science in Health & Family Life Education from the University of Maine and her Masters Degree in School Health Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Wanting to have a stronger voice at the decision-making table, she pursued her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Leadership & Administration from American International College, which opened the door to her school leadership journey. As an experienced educator and leader, Gina recognizes the importance of nurturing the spirit, mind and body; using play as a means for learning; engaging with nature; and forging pathways and connections that honor the hero in every child–helping them unearth their talents, passions, and joy.  

Gina is adept at building and sustaining relationships and partnerships with everyone she meets. She is beyond excited to make Hilltop accessible to neighboring communities. Her biggest passion is creating a school experience where every stakeholder feels their value and worth, thereby making learning fun and exciting, and making success unavoidable.  

What does Gina do for fun? Spending time with family and being outdoors with her husband for a hike, kayaking, gardening, walking, or playing with their dogs are her most favorite things to do. This is followed closely by taking pictures, reading, and journaling. Gina is a bit competitive when it comes to playing–whether a card game or basketball game–you’ll hear her talking up her skills to her competitors, which is probably the strongest part of her game ;) 

Gina and her husband, Paul, have 3 children and live in Suffield, Connecticut, with their 2 dogs.