Faculty Adventures: Exploring, Reflecting, and Growing through the Gates Faculty Enrichment Grant

Each year, the Gates Faculty Enrichment Grant provides St. Paul’s teachers with opportunities to pursue personal and professional growth experiences beyond the classroom — the kind that inspire lifelong learning and, in turn, enrich the student experience. This summer, two of our faculty members, Preschool Teacher Linda Bruns and School Counselor Stella Frisby, embarked on journeys that blended adventure, reflection, and discovery.

Discovering Habitats in the Black Hills

Preschool Teacher Linda Bruns spent her grant exploring the habitats, wildlife, and natural wonders of South Dakota’s Black Hills region — a perfect extension of Preschool’s “Animal Habitats” unit.

Her journey began at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and continued through Sioux Falls, where she stopped at the Corn Palace and the striking Dignity Statue. From there, she ventured into the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands National Park, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer State Park, and Spearfish Canyon — a destination recommended by the Gates Grant Committee. She also visited Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, Bear Country USA, and Reptile Gardens, gathering a treasure trove of classroom resources along the way — from rocks and geodes to books and animal bones — all to bring hands-on learning to life for her young students.

Linda’s adventure even included a personal milestone: she conquered her fear of heights on a zipline over the Black Hills! “It was an amazing experience,” she reflected, “and I found so many great ways to bring what I learned back into our classroom.”

The Art of Slowing Down: A Journey to Esalen

For Stella Frisby, School Counselor for Grades 5–8, her grant supported a transformative experience at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California — a world-renowned center for holistic learning and personal growth.

With a deep interest in spirituality and mindfulness (and even a family connection — her great-grandparents once visited Esalen!), Stella immersed herself in workshops focused on meditation, mindfulness, and the “art of slowing down.” She took an introductory course in Buddhist Meditation, discovered the power of Loving Kindness Meditation, and connected with a diverse community of participants — from Silicon Valley tech professionals to New York artists.

“Personal growth helps me be a better educator,” Stella shared. “This was a bucket-list trip I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own, and it was incredibly meaningful.”

At Esalen, Stella found inspiration in how the retreat center integrates nature, gardens, and mindful living into everyday experiences — lessons she has brought home to St. Paul’s. This year, she introduced a student book club elective designed to help students find calm in their day, encourages screen-free time in her counseling classes to foster authentic connection, and continues to share practices of reflection and mindfulness with middle schoolers.

Bringing It Back Home

Both Linda and Stella returned to St. Paul’s renewed — and ready to inspire their students in new ways. Whether it’s exploring the habitats of the Black Hills or cultivating mindfulness and balance in the classroom, their experiences reflect the heart of the Gates Faculty Enrichment Grant: supporting teachers as they explore the world, nurture their passions, and bring those lessons back to our students.