At WES Since: 2017
What motivated you to become a teacher?
In college, I began my career in theatre, but after teaching drama in a first-grade classroom, I found my heart belonged in schools. I quickly changed my major to education, as I believe there is no one-size-fits-all in education.
Bio:
I have multiple years of experience leading Early Childhood classrooms in DC independent schools, including seven years at WES. I love fostering inclusivity, curiosity, risk-taking, and a lifelong love of learning in my students. I have served on many crucial committees at WES, including the Master Scheduling Committee, the previous Strategic Planning Committee, and the Admissions Committee. I have mentored new families, faculty members, and teaching assistants, and I’m a regular presenter at the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association Fairs. Katie has a certificate in Early Childhood Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Providence College. I’m also the mother of two WES Dragons, Jane ’25 and Charlotte ’25.
At WES Since: 2023
Why did you choose to work at WES?
When my son started kindergarten at WES in 2017, followed by my second son in 2019, I knew this would be a second home for me, too. I threw myself into the community, volunteering with the PA, as a WES ambassador, and eventually, I co-chaired the school auction. I could not anticipate how important this school would become for my family. I watched my children grow and flourish despite COVID and life’s challenges, and the consistent presence and support of the school community has transformed our family. Six years in, I have the pleasure of serving as Director of Development at WES. I love the place—stepping into the role was the natural thing to do!
What is the best book you have ever read?
So, so many good books, but one that impacted me at a young age was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. It sounds like an odd premise, but somewhere in South America, a birthday party is ambushed, and the international group of partygoers are held hostage by terrorists. What begins as an intense, life-threatening situation evolves into a magical one as unexpected bonds are forged. It was inspiring and eye-opening for me.
Bio:
I am a current active member of our WES community and a mother of two WES Dragons. I served on the Parents Association as a grade representative and have been a parent ambassador for our Admissions team. I also co-chaired the 2022 auction, Under the Tuscan Sun, and was a member of the Development Committee. Professionally, I have valuable experience and knowledge in development, fundraising, communications, and marketing. I most recently served as Director of Development for St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., where I led a team responsible for marketing, communications, annual giving, planned giving, and two successful capital campaigns to fund the renovation of the existing church and the infrastructure for their new online campus. Additionally, I led the development efforts for St. Columba’s Nursery School and has previously worked in residential real estate
At WES Since: 2022
What is your teaching philosophy?
As an early childhood science teacher, I thrive on nurturing curiosity in my students by engaging them in hands-on activities that ignite their fascination with the natural world. Collaboration is at the core of my teaching, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where young minds explore scientific concepts from diverse angles. In our classroom, we embark on exciting laboratory experiments, encouraging questions and promoting discovery. Drawing from my own multicultural background, I am passionate about celebrating diversity and inclusion, infusing our learning space with the richness of various life experiences, much like the diverse countries I have called home.
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I have always been a fan of WES. Five years ago, I began as a substitute teacher, supporting the school in areas ranging from PK3 through Grade 5, plus French, music, and art. I am thrilled to join the full-time faculty focused on Early Childhood.
Bio:
I am married and have three adult children. I graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communications with a Bachelor of Science in advertising. My elementary school years were in Beirut, Lebanon; my middle school years were in London; and my high school years were in Athens, Greece. Following my graduation from college, I have lived in 11 great places. I have lived in Bethesda since 2013. I am an award-winning artist specializing in acrylic and watercolor paintings. I am fluent in English, French, and Arabic. I love boating, traveling across the United States and Europe, and spending time with family, which includes two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels.
At WES Since: 1999
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I decided to work at WES because my mother (Founding Head of School Isabelle Schuessler) said she needed me. At the time, I was running my own remodeling business. I promised my mother that I would work for WES for two years.
Who is your favorite author?
J.R.R. Tolkien
Little known fact:
I was WES’s first bookkeeper, for one year, in 1986.
Bio:
After earning a B.S. in geology from Dickinson College and an M.B.A. from George Washington University, I briefly worked in corporate sales and marketing. Afterward, I worked as a carpenter for six years and then ran my own remodeling business for nine years before my mother asked me to become WES’s facilities manager. I told her I would stay for two years; more than two decades later, here I am. In my role, I ensure our Dragons have a well-maintained and beautiful space in which to learn. I supervise a team of three as well as outside maintenance and cleaning contractors, often provide carpentry and general contractor services, and project-manage major construction. I am a Certified Facilities Manager through the IFMA. My wife, Petie, served as a faculty and staff member at WES for 27 years until her retirement in 2022. I played soccer competitively until I was 58, and I also enjoy gardening.
At WES Since: 2022
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
My goal as a teacher is to instill a lifelong love of learning and experiencing music! In every music class, we will sing, play, say, and move!
What is your philosophy on teaching?
I believe that music is a vehicle that drives children to learn social/emotional skills. Everyone loves music and learning music is important in helping children during their formative years. An important part of my philosophy and approach to music learning: I strongly believe in and use the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education which is child-centered. It treats music as a system like language whereas every child experiences music learning through singing, playing instruments, improvisation, and movement before labeling it in a formal and developmentally appropriate way.
Bio:
Growing up, I quickly grew a love for music—so much love I became a flutist! I also enjoyed the company of children and eventually thought that it would be a fun experience to combine these two loves which led me to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from the University of Tampa and the University of Miami. During that time, I participated in a research project that studied the benefits of music on children from birth to age 5. Through this, I discovered my true passion for early childhood music and the importance that music has on children during their formative years. When I’m not working I love spending time with my family and being a mother to my two children!
At WES Since: 2022
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is ” You will never have this day again, so make it count.”
Why did you choose to work at WES?
I chose to work at WES because I love to see smiles on people’s faces.
Bio:
I graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I previously worked as an experienced tax associate in an accounting firm. I also help prepare tax returns for free with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for several years. During the weekend, I teach Chinese and Math. I have two children and both of them are high school students. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, drawing, and making crafts.
