Alumni Symposium 2025

We cordially invite you to the WSGC Alumni Symposium on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 am in Bonner Hall. The symposium is an opportunity for alumni in the fields of business and science to share their incredible experiences and journeys after graduation. 

A welcome address will be given by David Chauvin ’97, and moderated by Deanna Bertini ’11, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs.

We are honored to have esteemed alumni panelists, including:

• Meagan Gallager ’09, Ultrasound technician 
• Mia Ver Pault ’20, Doctoral Student
• Max Sapuppo ‘14, Professional Powerlifter
• Julianne Bertini ‘08, Engage Life Director
• Sarah Burroughs ’12, Senior Product Manager/Owner

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Read more about our panelists below:

Meagan Gallager –  Ultrasound Technician

Meagan Gallagher graduated from the Waldorf School of Garden City in 2009 and is thrilled to be returning in a new role as Alumni Event Coordinator. She currently works as an ultrasound technologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau and also creates content for social media. Meagan is the proud mom of two little girls who recently began Parent & Child classes at Waldorf, making this new chapter especially meaningful.

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Mia Ver Pault – PhD Student | Biomedical Researcher | Animal Health Advocate

Mia Ver Pault is a PhD candidate in Comparative Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at Long Island University, pursuing research that bridges animal health, translational medicine, and disease prevention. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Trinity College in Hartford, where she gained extensive research experience as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Mia worked as an Outpatient Coordinator at VCA Animal Hospitals, strengthening her understanding of veterinary operations and patient care. Combining her background in biology with her passion for animal welfare, Mia is dedicated to advancing veterinary science through research and innovation.

Mia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Trinity College in Hartford, where she spent over three years as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Her work there focused on key areas of biological research, allowing her to develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory techniques that prepared her for advanced study in the biomedical sciences.

Following her undergraduate studies, Mia served as an Outpatient Coordinator at VCA Animal Hospitals, where she gained valuable experience in veterinary operations, client communication, and patient care coordination. This role further reinforced her interest in the intersection of animal welfare and scientific research.

Mia’s academic journey reflects a thoughtful blend of scientific inquiry and compassionate care. Now immersed in her doctoral studies, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field of veterinary and comparative biomedical research, with a particular interest in translational medicine and animal disease prevention.

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Max Sapuppo – Professional Powerlifter | Owner of Strong Island Powerlifting 

Max Sapuppo, Class of 2016, is a certified personal trainer dedicated to helping clients build strength, confidence, and sustainable fitness habits. With a B.A. in Kinesiology and as a current M.S. candidate in Human Performance and Fitness, Max brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to his coaching approach.

A lifelong advocate for strength training, Max is passionate about empowering others to discover their potential and achieve their performance goals through evidence-based programming and personalized guidance. In addition to his coaching work, Max is the co-owner of Strong Island Powerlifting, where he continues to foster a supportive community centered on growth, resilience, and strength.ing to veterinary science through research and innovation.

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Julianne Bertini – Engage Life Director | Small Business Owner

Julianne Bertini, ‘08, was a member of the Waldorf community from nursery through 12th grade. After graduating from college, Julianne found her passion working in the field of geriatrics. She began her career at Sunrise Senior Living as an activities assistant working on the supportive living floor and reflections unit for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Julianne later accepted a role at Atria Senior Living, where she was quickly promoted to the Director of Engage Life, where she has worked for the last decade. It is her responsibility to ensure a positive quality of life for her seniors through enrichment programs. She focuses on different dimensions of resident engagement, including creativity and fun, lifelong learning, health and wellness, religion and spirituality, and civic engagement. She curates well-rounded programs to stimulate socialization, cognitive development, and physical well-being. Her ultimate goal is to breathe new life and extend the years of fulfillment for her seniors.

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Sarah Burroughs – Senior Product Manager/Owner

Sarah Hilton Burroughs ’12 earned her degree in Economics and Finance from Vanderbilt University. Since graduating, she has built a dynamic career in product management across leading global financial institutions, including UBS, BNY Mellon, D.E. Shaw & Co./Arcesium, LLC, and DTCC. Throughout her career, Sarah has driven innovation in financial technology, strengthened client relationships, and advanced disciplined product strategies that deliver measurable business value.

Based in Edgewater, New Jersey, Sarah shares her home with her energetic Borador, Duck. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, mentoring emerging professionals, hosting friends and family, and competing in a semi-professional poker league, and surviving capitalism as a Black woman in America.