Meet Our Faculty

“All of our students are designers and creators.”

When given engaging problems to solve, our students generate ideas, expressions, and noise that energize us all. In my role as a technology and innovation coach, I am lucky to work with both teachers and students to develop and carry out exciting projects and activities. Just stop by one of our makerspaces to see what I mean!

I started at Potomac in 2002 after teaching middle school English and algebra in Baltimore City Public Schools and then trying the corporate environment as a software trainer. From very early in my career at Potomac, it became clear that I was amongst lifelong learners and innovative thinkers, especially in pursuits of curriculum development and technology integration. I have been a part of the technology development of Potomac both as a specialist and a teacher and appreciate the courage and creativity of Potomac’s administrators, teachers, and students. While the devices and applications have changed over the years, our commitment to students and their families remains steadfast. In addition to teaching, I enjoy YA fiction, DIY projects, and road trips with my family as we explore parks and landmarks in the surrounding area, and especially enjoy finding Virginia’s LOVE signs and Civil War trails.

After working at New York-based non-profits, I joined City Teaching Alliance, earned my master’s degree in the Science of Education from Johns Hopkins University, and began my teaching career in Dallas, Texas.  There, I taught secondary English Language Arts for six years across middle and high school and served as sponsor for the schools’ literary magazines.  I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Anthropology and was raised in Connecticut.  When not at work, I love to read, visit museums, spend entire days cooking, and complete jigsaw puzzles.  

A transplanted New Englander, I have taught at Potomac since 2012. I really appreciate Potomac students' generosity of spirit and intellectual curiosity. In the past, I have advised the Upper School's Model UN Club and Student Government Association. My favorite book I read this summer was Barkskins by Annie Proulx. I live in Capitol Hill with my husband and two young sons. 

“Learning how to become your own health advocate is one of the most powerful life skills a young athlete can learn.”

Managing health and wellness through sports and activities is an important aspect of a young person’s life. It takes time to understand your own health needs, and I love being able to assist students in that process. My goal is to not only diagnose and treat injuries but help students understand the importance of prevention and maintenance through diet, strength training, and conditioning. I too was a competitive athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track & field. I have also competed in fitness competitions. I spend most of my time strength training for fun now. 

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Athletic Training degree from Indiana State University. I completed my Master of Applied Nutrition at Northeastern University, and my Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from George Mason University. I hold the ITAT (ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer) certification, and the Performance Enhancement Specialist certification.

"One of my greatest joys is helping young people understand themselves and the natural world around them. Teaching biology allows me to experience this joy every day and to nurture students’ growth in the process. My goal is for them to connect our study of biology to what they hear on the news, read in a book or discuss with a doctor. "

After receiving my B.S. in Biology, I taught for a few years, spent a few years in Germany for my husband’s job and then was fortunate to join Potomac where the campus can be our classroom and exploration is engrained in the culture. I went on to earn a Masters degree in Sustainability and have also tried to help students participate in Potomac’s sustainability efforts. When I’m not teaching you might find me cooking, crafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling or traveling around the world with my two children and husband.

Growing up in a remote town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—one with a strong school music program—gave me three things I carry into every classroom: a respect for the natural world, a curiosity about other cultures and people, and a love for music made in community. My students and I sing every day, build connections between ideas, and look out the window—literally and metaphorically—to see where our questions will take us next. It is energizing and inspiring to spend my days with people whose default mode is growth.

My teaching journey began outdoors as an environmental educator, leading student groups into the woods with a backpack and asking, “Who lives here? How do you know?” That spirit of curiosity has stayed with me through more than 20 years of teaching fourth and fifth graders in public schools in the U.S. and in international schools in Thailand, China (twice!), Mexico, India, and Nepal. My Peace Corps service in Chad led me to earn an M.A. in elementary education through the Peace Corps Fellows program at the University of New Mexico. Earlier, at St. Olaf College, I majored in French, played cello in the orchestra, and participated in the Paracollege, an alternative program built around student-led inquiry, self-designed learning, and narrative feedback.

What drew me to Potomac was its intentionality—in both its curriculum and its values: generosity of spirit, authenticity, self-knowledge, and inquiry-based learning that invites students to take on challenges and then reflect on them. Outside the classroom, you’ll find me making music, spaghetti sauce, or cookies; reading or writing; shamelessly modifying yoga asanas; or on a walk with my eyes open and my camera app at the ready.

Ever since I can remember athletics have played a major role in my life. I’ve transformed this passion into a rewarding career educating young people. Twenty years dedicated to collegiate athletics, including seventeen as a soccer coach and operations assistant at Catholic University, have equipped me with a deep understanding of athlete development. My coaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and challenging environment where student-athletes can excel both on and off the field. Beyond wins and losses, I prioritize building character, leadership, and a long term love of sports. 

A lifelong athlete, I was fortunate to participate in soccer and baseball at Christchurch School and Washington College, earning induction into both schools' Halls of Fame. I am thrilled that my journey has led me to Potomac and I look forward to contributing to our student’s experience.

"My favorite thing about Potomac is the relationships that I get to build with students, both in the classroom and through athletics."

A native of northern Virginia, I attended the Holton-Arms School, where I thrived as a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. I went on to play lacrosse at the University of Virginia, where my team captured three ACC championships and appeared in two NCAA Tournament championship games. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in government, I stayed in Charlottesville for a fifth year and earned an Master of Science in commerce through UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce. In college, I developed a passion for traveling while studying abroad in Australia and China.

I began my professional career at a commercial real estate development firm in Arlington, where I worked for three years as a financial analyst. I stayed active by coaching club lacrosse in my free time. When the opportunity to come to Potomac presented itself, it was too good to pass up. Working in a variety of different capacities as a teacher, coach, and admission officer has been extremely rewarding. My favorite thing about Potomac is the relationships that I get to build with students, both in the classroom and through athletics.

“I am regularly humbled by the capacity, dedication, and generosity of spirit displayed by colleagues, students, and families.”

My college studies in psychology and education inspired me to work in the classroom. In the summer of 2000, I began my career at Potomac as a sixth grade teacher. My students taught me the importance of tapping into each individual’s innate curiosity and their genuine desire to grow and make sense of the world. The more freedom students have to explore, and the more room they are given to take risks and fail, the more they grow to be independent and confident in their ability to wrestle with new ideas and rise to challenge.

After earning a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, I had the good fortune to return to Potomac to teach math – first in the Middle and Intermediate Schools, and most recently in the Upper School. I have also served as chair of the math department. With each new age group and course of study, I have found that the lessons my sixth graders taught me are fundamental to all learners. Potomac is a wonderful place to be, and I am regularly humbled by the capacity, dedication, and generosity of spirit displayed by colleagues, students, and families.