Alum Turns Passion for Teaching into Leadership Role as Head of School

From student government to educational leadership, Lily Bartoli credits SHU with providing the experiences that helped shape her career

Key Highlights

• Alum turned educational leader: Lily Bartoli ’16, MAT ’17 has progressed from aspiring teacher to head of school at Guidepost Montessori in Wilton
• Teaching passion started early: Bartoli knew from a young age that she wanted to teach, gaining experience as a camp counselor, babysitter, and tutor and finding fulfillment in helping children learn
• SHU shaped both her career and leadership: She credits Sacred Heart University with providing experiences that developed her not only as an educator but also as a leader

From an early age, Lily Bartoli ’16, MAT ’17 knew she wanted to be a teacher. As a camp counselor, babysitter, and tutor throughout her teens, teaching was something that came to her naturally, but more importantly, she loved seeing the spark in a child’s eye when they learned something new or figured something out for the first time.

Today, the Sacred Heart University alum is head of school at Guidepost Montessori in Wilton, a milestone she credits to years of hard work and a University experience that shaped her as both an educator and a leader.

“I fell in love with SHU on a tour,” said Bartoli from her office in Wilton. “It was so welcoming and friendly.”

Originally from Pelham, NY, and now living in Fairfield, Bartoli came to Sacred Heart as a sociology major on the teaching track. She wasted no time in getting involved. She earned a performing arts scholarship and was in the choir. She rekindled her involvement with Relay For Life, an organization she had participated in during high school. That experience led her to join the Student Events Team (SET), which opened the door to student government. Her leadership journey culminated in her election as student body president during her senior year. Throughout that time, she also served as a residential success assistant (RSA).

“I loved being busy and I loved being behind the scenes,” Bartoli said.

SHU days: Speaking at a John Kasich rally on campus in 2016; a memory blanket made from all her SHU event t-shirts; and graduate commencement in 2017.

Through her involvement with SET, Bartoli gained firsthand experience planning campus events and ensuring they ran smoothly. From Fall Fest and impromptu bounce house events on the chapel quad to the University's spring concerts, she took pride in every detail. Bartoli said she especially enjoyed setting up green rooms, coordinating with vendors, and helping bring each event to life.

These encounters with SHU staff, vendors, and peers provided her with experience and a level of professionalism that allowed her to succeed in her profession.

Upon graduating with her master’s, Bartoli began her teaching career at James J. Curiale School in Bridgeport. “This was a formative year for me,” she said. “I really loved those kids." She later taught fourth and fifth grades at Long Lots Elementary School in Westport for four years, where her principal recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to pursue an administrative certificate.

That brought Bartoli back to SHU, where she earned her Intermediate Administrator Certification 092 in 2021. “I learned so much and I loved being with like-minded leaders,” she said.

After a period of curriculum writing and welcoming her first child with husband and fellow SHU alum Nick Bartoli, she joined Guidepost Montessori as an assistant director. She was eventually named head of school. “It was really amazing," Bartoli said. "This was the thing I was working toward for quite some time. I love being here for families and talking to parents.”

Bartoli brings the same warmth she once experienced at SHU to her new role. She said she can often sense when a parent is having a difficult morning and will invite them in for coffee or a quiet moment to talk. “Being there and being supportive of our families is so important,” she said.

Bartoli said the relationships she built at Sacred Heart, with mentors including Greg Madrid, executive director of residential life; Amy Novak, senior director of career education; Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students Denise Tiberio; and professors Gary Rose and Amanda Moras, now vice provost, gave her a foundation she still draws from today. “Being able to go to them and get the help I needed was so special,” she said.

Looking back, Bartoli said SHU gave her more than a degree. “At SHU, it was a safe space to make mistakes, to ask for help, to get guidance,” she said. “I'm grateful for every opportunity I took and for making the most out of every situation."

Top: Lily with her husband and fellow SHU alum, Nick Bartoli, and children.