Q+A with Joanie Hudak ’04

Joanie attended GUS for Kindergarten through eighth grade, graduating in 2004. After GUS, she went on to Masconomet Regional High School, and on to Washington and Lee University, where she graduated in 2012.

What was one of your most meaningful or memorable GUS experiences?

Huzzah! It was such a fun and unique experience that we had as kids, and I still love telling people about it 25 years later (while the Stick Dance music plays in my head).

Where are you now, and what are you doing?

I lead Client Delivery at Twill (formerly Happify Health), a digital mental health company that combines digital therapeutics, well-being products, community-based care, clinician-trained AI, and live coaching to support people's well-being. While our office is in NYC, I'm fortunate to work remotely out of my home in Stow, MA where I am able to spend lots of time with my husband, 2 cats, and puppy.

I've also been a competitive swimmer since my time at GUS through college, and continued to race open water events and long-distance triathlons until the start of the pandemic. Though I've considerably scaled back my pool time since, I'm now a master's swim coach for Charles River Aquatics in Wellesley, where I'm able to share my love and experience for the sport to help adults improve stroke technique, pace, and overall level of comfort in the water.

In what ways do you feel GUS prepared you for what you're doing now?

The emphasis on inclusivity, development, and growth in every area – not just the core academics. I'll fully admit I wasn't the best artist or actor, and learning to branch out of my comfort zone as a kid enabled me to build my confidence and leadership style more easily as an adult.

Any words of advice for current GUS students?

Keep an open mind and open heart.

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