At WES Since: 2024
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I knew that WES was the perfect fit for me when I read its vision statement—Washington Episcopal School students stride confidently into the world, delight in it, and contribute to it. My teaching philosophy is to center delight, reflection, and growth in my classes so that students use the learning of Latin to become confident in their ability to do difficult things, find wonder in the world around them, and be inspired to think critially about the challenges that have followed humanity for millennia. I aspire for my classes to be pivotal in helping WES students carry out the school’s vision.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is inspired by Noriko Morishita’s Every Day a Good Day: “Every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.” The story is about the ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, a strictly orchestrated routine that the narrator practices every day. She reflects that in the age of the samurai when the tea ceremony tradition began, you would never know if it were the last time you would serve tea to someone who was heading to battle. Thus, every ceremony was an important and special occasion. In our modern world, this sentiment is still true: you never know when this precious moment with the person in front of you is the last. Therefore, we should treat every moment as if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even when our daily routines make it seem like tomorrow will bring another chance. This quote inspires my teaching by reminding me to approach every moment with a student as a special occasion, bringing my full attention, care, and self every time.
Bio:
I started studying Classics as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, adding to a major in Anthropology and specializing in Classical Archaeology. As a student, I did archaeological fieldwork in the Roman cities of Aeclanum and Pompeii, as well as Ancient Kenchreai in Greece. However, I had volunteered and worked with middle and high school students for my entire undergraduate career, and knew that I wanted to be a teacher. For a year, I taught English in Washington, DC, and sought my Master’s of Education. Missing my studies in Classics, however, I decided to pursue a Master’s of Greek and Latin, during which I began researching Latin pedagogy. I’m thrilled to now be teaching Latin at WES alongside a PhD in Education, in which I am continuing to research classical education and teaching the philosophy of education to undergraduates. When I’m not in the classroom or at school, you can find me at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, where I host field trips and give public tours as a docent.
At WES Since: 2018
If you could talk to any living person now, who would it be and why?
If I could speak with any living person now, it would be Drew Brees. I greatly admire his determination and work ethic which has helped him to defy common age limits for his career and go out as one of the best. I also love an underdog story which he had not only with height limitations but then by coming back from a career-ending injury.
What is the best book you have ever read?
My favorite novel is Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and my favorite autobiography is Open by Andre Agassi.
Bio:
I am a CPA and received my B.S. in business management from Southeastern Louisiana University and received a certification in the Pre-CPA Program at the University of New Orleans. I spent most of my career in controller and CFO/director of IT positions in the corporate world and as an auditor in public accounting. I then found a love in being a business officer in independent schools. I love anything New Orleans (my hometown), especially the Saints, but spend most of my free time with my husband and two teenage daughters. I enjoy watching them in a lot of track meets and tennis tournaments.
At WES Since: 2022
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
One goal I try to accomplish as a teacher is to let my students feel safe with making mistakes. Mistakes are where the learning happens – you can only really grow by making a mistake, learning from it, and coming up with a plan to move forward from the mistake. I hope to create a classroom environment where not only children know they can make a mistake and learn from it, but also lift their peers to help them learn from mistakes made in and out of the classroom.
What is your philosophy on teaching?
My educational philosophy is rooted in educating the whole child. Each child develops and learns at their own pace, so I set academic goals for each child to reach or exceed throughout the year to help them reach their fullest potential. While it’s important to teach academics to students, I believe it’s equally, if not more, important to teach skills that will develop with them throughout their lives. I like to sprinkle in important life concepts, such as how to problem solve, think critically, and respectfully resolve conflicts, into my daily academic lessons, while also establishing a classroom environment that is empathetic, kind, and welcoming.
Bio:
I spent my undergraduate years at the Catholic University of America, where I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, followed by a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. With over eight years of varied experience in the teaching field, I have taught Grade 2, served as the Director of Student Culture, and was promoted to the position of Assistant Principal at St. Peter School in D.C. Most recently I served as the Assistant Director at the Goddard School in North Bethesda. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy going on hikes and adventures with my husband, Sean, and our two pups, Odin and Leo. Originally from New Jersey, I often visit my family back home and soak up the sun at the nearby beaches. My family and I take an annual trip to Walt Disney World, which began when I was in elementary school!
At WES Since: 2022
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is to encourage kids to discover their surroundings. There’s something new to learn every day and the excitement behind that is something I want them to see firsthand. I love traveling, and going to museums. The feeling of seeing and exploring new places is great!
Bio:
Though born in Ohio, I come from upstate New York where I attended the State University of NY and received my degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Arts/Educational Studies. I have spent many years dedicating my life to working in special needs education, supporting at-risk youth, and serving as a teaching associate. Since moving to Maryland, I have enjoyed exploring D.C. with my children and grandchildren seeing all that it has to offer! I look forward to visiting the rest of the museums and finding the best hiking spots the DMV has in store.
At WES Since: 2008
What is your philosophy on teaching?
To inspire and cultivate a love for the performing arts.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson
Bio:
I have been the Performing Arts Director at WES since 2008. One of my key roles is directing the Grade 6 Musical, a highlight of the school year. I also coordinate the winter and spring Band and Choral Concerts with our Band Director, Jody Henderson. I collaborate with Middle School English Teacher Katie Hopper on the Grade 8 annual production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
I began teaching in 1998 after earning an RBA from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University). My experience in the performing arts extends to working as a technical director for the Smith Theater in Howard County and playing in the pit orchestra at Toby’s Dinner Theater in Columbia, MD, and the Olney Theater.
Born in Baltimore, I’m a dedicated Ravens fan and proudly sport the team’s colors during football season. I also spent over 15 years as a percussion instructor and drummer with the Baltimore Ravens marching band.
Before college, I toured the East Coast with various bands, playing everything from jazz to pop, R&B to rock. I have written, recorded, and released three full-length albums and several singles, which are available on all digital platforms. In addition to my music career, I’m expanding my presence as a YouTube content creator.
In my free time, I’m passionate about landscape photography. You might see me around school with a camera, capturing students as they embark on new adventures and experiences.
At WES Since: 2015
Why did you become an educator?
I am an educator because I have a passion for creating optimal environments in which children learn and grow. I am energized by the fact that I have an opportunity to positively impact tens of thousands of students throughout my career. There is no better feeling than seeing a child light up when they experience something new or realize that they now have a new ability.
Bio:
My wife, Sandy, and I and our three sons, Ethan, Jace, and Trey, live in Bethesda. I grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Maryland after undergrad. I started my career with Montgomery County Public School as a middle school English teacher and eventually became the principal of Westland Middle School. Our family moved to North Carolina for three years, where I served as assistant superintendent for Wilson County Schools. When the head of school position at WES became available, I jumped at the opportunity and couldn’t be happier. My biggest hobby outside of education is cooking.
