Her leadership style was rooted in compassion, integrity, and resilience. Whether working with students, faculty, or the broader Westfield community, Dr. McGuire always led with purpose. She believed in the power of relationships, knowing that by connecting with others on a deeper level, she could help them unlock their fullest potential.
A quote shared with her early in her career by Ginny Smith encapsulates Dr. McGuire’s philosophy: “God doesn’t give you the people that you want. He gives you the people you need. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you the person you were created to be.”
“This quote has stayed with me throughout my experience,” Dr. McGuire shares. “Every person I’ve met—each challenge, each victory—has shaped me and helped me become the person I am today. I’m eternally grateful for that.”
During her time at Westfield High School (WHS), Dr. McGuire was not just a leader, but a mentor to many. She guided students, teachers, and staff with the belief that everyone has something special to offer. Under her leadership, WHS became a place where students could grow, thrive, and discover their own passions.
“I truly believe that no student is expendable,” Dr. McGuire affirms. “Every student has unlimited potential. My job was to help them discover that potential, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. Watching students
step into their confidence and achieve what they once thought impossible was incredibly fulfilling.”
One of the greatest joys of Dr. McGuire’s career was the synergy she experienced working with a team of passionate individuals all committed to the same mission: impacting the lives of students. She recalls, “When you bring together a diverse, dedicated group of people—each with their own strengths and skills, united by a common goal—the energy is palpable. It’s a collaboration that you feel every day, and it’s what made our work together so purposeful and meaningful.”
Dr. McGuire also took immense pride in mentoring over 70 people, many of whom have gone on to become school leaders themselves. “It has been such a gift to see these individuals grow, not just as educators, but as leaders who continue to make a positive impact on their communities,” she says. “The relationships I built with these aspiring principals and superintendents are some of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
Her love for the Westfield community runs deep. Westfield has been her family’s lifelong home, a place where her roots are firmly planted. “My sister and I went all 13 years of school through Westfield and graduated from WHS, just like our father and grandmother,” she shares. “My family and I have a deep-rooted love for this community, and I feel so blessed to have been able to give back to the place that gave so much to us.”
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, she is overwhelmed with appreciation for the people who have been part of her endeavor. “I want to express my love and gratitude to my students, my colleagues, my friends, and the families who have supported me through the years,” she says.
Her time at WHS was filled with joy and fulfillment, marked by powerful relationships with those around her. From the students who inspired her to the colleagues who supported her, Dr. McGuire was constantly reminded of the incredible gift it was to be part of a community so committed to the success of every individual.
“I have so many emotions leaving something I have loved for so many years,” she reflects. “The partnership I experienced while working with a team of amazing people to impact the lives of kids was so purposeful. Some people never get to experience that in their careers, but I did. What a rarity it has been.”
Though Dr. McGuire is stepping away from education, she is not stepping away from her passion for leadership, service, and growth. After reflecting on her life and work, she realized that she excels at four things: dreaming of a better future, leading, building and creating, and loving.
“Those are the things that bring me joy and fulfillment,” she shares. “I’ve spent my career doing them, and now, I have the opportunity to do them in a new way.”
After much prayer and reflection, Dr. McGuire has decided to take on a new challenge. She is transitioning to a role at Thieneman Construction, where she will continue to do what she loves—lead, build, and create—but in a new
context. “God always makes us let go of something before He lets us take hold of something new,” she says. “It’s time for me to take the memories and experiences of a wonderful career and start my next chapter. I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
As she bids farewell to her career in education, Dr. McGuire’s heart is full of appreciation. “Thank you for loving me and allowing me to love you,” she says. “You have all blessed my life in ways I can never fully express. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, to learn from you, and to grow with you. What a gift you all are in my life.”
Her message to the Westfield community—and to everyone who has crossed her path—is simple but profound: “Love wins. Always.”
And in case you haven’t heard it today, Dr. McGuire adds, “I sure do love you.”
Fun Facts with Dr. McGuire
Dr. McGuire’s career at Westfield High School was filled with memorable moments, personal quirks, and a few playful surprises along the way. Here’s a look at some of the fun facts that made her time there unforgettable:
Building Growth: I oversaw 5 building additions to the high school, ensuring it continued to meet the needs of our growing community.
Shamrock Pride: We are the Shamrocks because of the Quaker influence in our community. The Quakers wanted a symbol that wasn’t aggressive and represented the peaceful beliefs of our town.
Goodbye Horse, Hello Lobby: I was so happy to finally move the horse out of the auditorium lobby (if you know, you know). And don’t worry—Broncho Buster is safely stored away!
Eagle Meat, Actually Chick-fil-A: When I fed the seniors “Eagle meat,” it really was Chick-fil-A. The looks on their faces were priceless!
Honeybadger Spirit: I encouraged our staff to get after each day like a honeybadger—perhaps my favorite animal. Tough, fearless, and always ready to fight for what matters.
April Fools’ Day Pranks: My favorite April Fools’ prank was convincing both students and staff that we were starting spring break a day early. The building went wild, and I had to come clean right away!
Heels Over Flats: My feet never hurt in high heels. I actually moved better in them than my cute ballet flats!
Off-Script Announcements: I sometimes went off script with the announcements. Mr. Scanlon, Mr. Doherty, Mr. Davis, and Mrs. Vollmer would give me the “cut it” sign when I went a little too far off-track.
A Rose By Any Other Name: I planted the roses from the class of 2016 outside my office window and ensured they were preserved during construction. They’re still there, and I still stop by a couple of times a year to clip a few.