At WES Since: 2020
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I have always loved working with children. While I was in college, I volunteered in several schools and decided it was the right choice for me.
Who is your favorite author?
My favorite authors are Liane Moriarty and Elin Hilderbrand.
Bio:
I have had a lifelong interest in Early Childhood education and I graduated from Denison University in Ohio in 2020. During my college studies, I volunteered in two different public elementary schools in Newark, Ohio, and also worked as a paraprofessional substitute teacher in five different elementary schools in the Central School District in Pittsford, NY. I plan to return to school to earn a master’s in education in the next few years. I love cooking, hiking, and traveling, and my favorite sports team is the Buffalo Bills.
At WES Since: 2021
Why did you become a teacher?
My love of stories told in words and music made teaching English and music my professional passions. My mom’s superb advice to me when I was a high school student remains my simple definition of humanism: Be nice to people. And, through some failures, I try to please her every day.
Bio:
Born and raised in New Jersey, I came to DC in 1982 after completing my education at Williams College. Six years as a litigating attorney have now been overshadowed by 30+ years in education as a teacher and administrator, Beyond work, I enjoy watching sports and films with my two adult children, walking my dog Rosie, riding my bicycle, writing about jazz for magazines, and playing the piano, organ, or saxophone with bands in the DC/Baltimore area.
At WES Since: 2014
What is your favorite thing about being part of the WES community?
My favorite thing about being part of the WES community is exactly that! Being a part of the community! WES is a second home, not only for the students, but for parents, faculty, and staff as well. The warmth and love one feels at WES is singular.
What has been the highlight of your experience at WES?
The highlight of my experience at WES is always meeting and working with incredible prospective families, but, if I had to choose a highlight on the school side of things, it would undoubtedly be chaperoning Grade 8 students through France for 12 days every May during their exchange trip. It is an incredible way to end their Middle School experience and to send them off to high school overflowing with confidence!
Bio:
A native of Alexandria, VA, I was a lifer at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School before heading up north to Boston College for undergraduate and graduate school! I came back down to the DC area and worked a couple of jobs before I realized I wanted to work in schools, and, specifically, in admissions. I started at Congressional School in Falls Church, VA, and then headed out to the Bishop’s School in La Jolla, CA, before returning to the area and starting at WES in 2014. I also coach cross country and track and field, and help chaperone our Grade 8 study trip to France! When school is on a break, I am most likely headed to Dulles with my passport in hand. Otherwise, I love to run, play soccer, and support Arsenal, DC United, and the Nationals!
At WES Since: 2008
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is The Great Gatsby.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
Bio:
Three Truths and No Lies!
- I grew up along the Appalachian Trail in Hudson Valley, N.Y.
- I have a twin brother and an older sister.
- I LOVE Broadway Musicals!
At WES Since: 2021
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching is a lifelong process where I am consistently learning new strategies and new ideas. It is a process of learning from your students, colleagues, parents, and the community.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t ever stop learning or growing as a person.
Bio:
I come to WES from the Little Flower School, where I taught Grade 3 for 14 years and won the Teacher of the Year Award in 2010. I specialize in curriculum development, student intervention, and technology implementation. I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Catholic University of America and my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Scranton. I live in Silver Spring, MD, with my husband and two daughters, Carter (6) and Kaia (11 months). I enjoy reading, the outdoors, exercising, and exploring new places in and outside of the DMV area!
At WES Since: 2024
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I love that WES emphasizes creating a school environment filled with JOY!
What is the best book you have ever read?
I’m not sure what my all-time favorite would be; however, one of my recently read faves is The Women by Kristin Hannah.
Bio:
I live in Chevy Chase, DC with my husband, three children, and golden retriever. Before coming to WES, I worked at All Saints Preschool in Chevy Chase, MD as a substitute teacher and then as the Special Events & Admissions Coordinator; I thrive being a part of an independent school’s community. I am originally from Richmond, VA, and graduated from Mary Washington College. In my spare time, you can find me on the tennis courts, driving my kids to lacrosse practice, or cooking for the family!
