Julie Andersen, Enrollment Director, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in English and moved to San Francisco to ride the “dot com wave,” working as marketing coordinator for an internet start-up. While she thrived in the fast-paced internet environment, Julie heard her true calling and returned to Georgia to work with struggling youth in the alligator-infested swamps. She remained in Georgia for over five years, working as counselor, teacher, and training director at a wilderness program for troubled teens.
After leaving the Deep South, Julie followed the northern path to be closer to family and discovered the Oliverian School tucked away in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. Oliverian’s mission deeply resonated with Julie, and she has been thrilled to fuse her marketing skills with her passion for working with struggling youth since her arrival here in 2007.
Julie has settled in the woods of New Hampshire with her four children. Julie greatly appreciates the landscape surrounding Oliverian as it provides the perfect environment for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, exploring rivers, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and hunting for wildlife with her trusty camera!
What do you love most about Oliverian?
“I love that we are able to open our lives to our students and share our family. We have students visit our house many nights of the week reading stories or playing games with our kids, playing with our pets, or just hanging out. They will always be part of the Gaffey family!”
What motivates you to work with kids?
“I remember clearly how it was to be an anxious, depressed, and unsure of the future teenager. Now that I have found peace and fulfillment in life, I love to share with our students what brought me to this successful point in my life.”
