At WES Since: 2019

What has been the highlight of your experience at WES?
The highlight of my experience at WES is that people are very kind and supportive.

If you could talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be?
If I could talk to any living person now, it would be my Mom or Dad. Because we live so far away and they are getting older, I would like to share my moments with them as much as possible.

Bio: 
I am a certified public accountant who works in the Business Office to assist with billing, accounts payable, financial reporting, and the annual audit. Before joining WES in 2019, I worked in industry and CPA firms for nearly a decade.

 

At WES Since: 2019

Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I have a passion for helping children grow as learners, as well as an aspiration to positively impact their lives beyond the classroom. I feel privileged to be in a position where I can support and inspire each child so they feel heard and valued as a unique individual and learner. My larger purpose in teaching children is to facilitate the development of their values, knowledge, skills, and wisdom so they may become kind, capable, and moral adults.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Give without remembering. Take without forgetting.”

Bio:
I am a proud graduate of MCPS, Indiana University, and George Washington University where I received my Master’s in Elementary Education. I grew up in the Bethesda area and now reside in Arlington, VA. I have an older sister and a younger brother, and love to spend time with family traveling and competing in sports and family game nights. I am also a lover of dogs, baking, biking (and indoor cycling), music, chocolate (I have a dangerous sweet tooth), and spending time with friends. It has been wonderful to be so warmly embraced by the WES community these past couple of years. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a special school and teach such awesome kids!

 

At WES Since: 2002

What is your philosophy on teaching?
I strive to teach an appreciation of art, foster a love for art making, and teach the importance of art in our world while making it relevant for each of us today. I believe art should be both fun and challenging and I work to stretch each student as they expand their skills and knowledge.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is witnessing “lightbulb moments,” when students realize they can do something they thought they couldn’t, such as making something look 3D or building a vessel from clay.

Bio:
I am a native Marylander. The most important thing to me is family. I am married with two boys, both WES Dragons! After graduate school, I worked at Olney Prep School for a year and then came to WES. My hobbies include writing, singing, yard work, and making ceramic art. I love hosting events with good food, friends, and family.