Perkiomen School News

Amber Goupil and Perkiomen Students on Schulz Plaza

 

Head of School Mark A. Devey announced that Amber Goupil has been named the next Assistant Head of School for Student Life at Perkiomen School, effective at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. 

“Amber Goupil is a versatile, respected, and dedicated member of the Perkiomen School community who has successfully taken on greater leadership roles throughout her 12 years on campus,” says Devey. “Her skill set and experience, combined with her empathy and compassion, creates a strong presence on our campus. Ms. Goupil puts students first, guiding them to define their unique Perkiomen story.”

Goupil came to Perkiomen School in 2009 as a classroom teacher in the arts and was soon promoted to Fine & Performing Arts Chair. As chair, she began the annual Reid Awards, honoring excellence in the arts, and created the tradition of a Senior Art Installation.  In 2013, she was named the Head of the Middle School and introduced design thinking and leadership training into the curricula, including creating an opportunity for students in Grade 8 to run workshops for the local elementary schools. In 2018, Goupil was named Director of Student Life Programming, the role she currently holds.

In that role, she instituted faculty training in Youth Mental Health and expanded our weekend offerings and activities, in general, for both boarding and day students. And while she was not visible as the head of Perkiomen’s COVID-19 Task Force, behind the scenes her organization, insight, and leadership had a positive impact on our community. 

 

Goupil at Hereford Elementary School

Amber Goupil and Shaun Yorgey with Perkiomen faculty at Hereford Elementary School where Perkiomen's 8th graders conducted a workshop in design thinking.  

 

A graduate of Temple University, Goupil received a Bachelor of Arts in art history. She also earned a master’s degree in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design and Architecture from the Pratt Institute.

Goupil resides on campus and is supported by her family, including her husband, Perkiomen’s Director of Strategic Innovation Shaun Yorgey, and their children, Evelyn and Hunter, who are both students at Perkiomen. 

“Perkiomen is at an exciting point in its history,” says Goupil. “Between the institutes, growth in athletics, and initiatives in the arts, this is an energizing place to live and work. Student life is at the heart of this: supporting students as they stretch themselves and take risks, become good humans and global citizens. I have worn many hats at Perkiomen. By far, the most rewarding aspects have centered on student life. I enjoy working to bring people together, creating a safe and nurturing home and fostering kindness and joy.”

The current Assistant Head of School for Student Life, Kevin Manferdini, will be stepping back from the role after a 40-year career at Perkiomen School. 

 

 

“Without a doubt, it will be a challenge to follow in the footsteps of Kevin Manferdini,” says Goupil. “He has been a quiet, steady presence for so long, Perkiomen is almost unimaginable without him. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and, I am so fortunate to have had the benefit of working closely with both Kevin and his wife, Trish, for the past several years. I hope to carry with me their warmth and wisdom into this next chapter.”