While Mrs. Westbrook may be a new name to students at New Hartford, she is a familiar face. Previously known as Ms. Mytych, one of our beloved teachers has just gotten married, so now is a great time to learn more about her!
Mrs. Westbrook attended Holland Patent High school and studied at BOCES in the cosmetology program as well. After high school, Mrs. Westbrook bounced around a little bit doing one semester at SUNY Potsdam, some time at Herkimer, and eventually landing at her alma mater of Utica College (now Utica University). Utica is where she got both her undergraduate and master’s degrees for teaching. Mrs. Westbrook started her teaching career being a long term substitute at Camden, which is also where she did her student teaching. Her first full-time teaching position is the one that she still holds today at New Hartford High School, and she has been here for 5 years! Here at New Hartford Mrs. Westbrook teaches personal finance and intro to business along with being one of the advisors of the yearbook club with Mrs. Brownsell.
When I asked Mrs. Westbrook about her favorite aspect of teaching, she took on a different perspective than most other teachers: “I really like giving my students insight about life in general. I call these my “big sister talks” with them and my hope is that they leave my class having learned something not necessarily only about the class curriculum, but lessons and advice about the things they are going through at this time of their lives.”
Outside of school, Mrs. Westbrook’s favorite things to do are painting and gardening with an emphasis on her love for flowers. She also uses the cosmetology license that she got through BOCES in high school, and does hair on the side– she even styled hair for weddings for around 8 years.
Ms. Mytych became Mrs. Westbrook on April 6th 2024 at The Cannery in Verona to her husband Mr Westbrook, who also went to Utica College. He now works as an investigator for the state police. While they both attended Utica University, the Westbrooks actually did not meet until after college! Together they have a dog named Maci who is a Beagle/ Jack Russel mix. Maci just turned four years old and was described as a “Covid quarantine puppy” for them.
Mrs. Westbrook is not only liked by her students, but also by other faculty and staff members.
Mr. Romanow- Dean of Students says, “Mrs. Westbrook adds so much personality and talent to the staff here at the high school. I know that her students are so lucky to have her- great things are happening in her classroom.”
Another good friend and fellow yearbook club advisor, Mrs. Brownsell says, “Mrs. Westbrook is a kind and courteous person who is always willing to lend a helping hand whether it be to her students or her colleagues. You will rarely see her without a smile on her face as she continually brings a laugh or smile to school with her everyday.”
Everyone in our New Hartford community is happy to see Mrs. Westbrook go on this new journey, and we cannot wait to see all she does in the future.
