Upper School Academics

“The intellectual energy, inclusivity and culture of kindness at Potomac have challenged and nurtured me as both a teacher and a learner over the past several years.”

The Potomac students I met when I interviewed in the spring of 2009 for an English position convinced me there was no other place I wanted to teach. While most independent schools have a mission similar to ours, these students were testament to the authenticity of Potomac’s philosophy. Indeed, the intellectual energy, inclusivity and culture of kindness at Potomac have challenged and nurtured me as both a teacher and a learner over the past several years. While I’m entering my ninth year at Potomac, my roots in the DC area and independent schools run even deeper.

After graduating from Holton-Arms in 1987, I headed to Brown University, where I played soccer and lacrosse with the same passion that I studied literature. I earned my bachelor’s in American civilization, with a focus on studying history through literature. In soccer, my teammates and I captured four Ivy League titles. New England became my second home, and I remained there for nearly 20 years, 17 of which I spent at Providence Country Day School teaching English, advising, coaching soccer and lacrosse, and finally serving as PCD's director of admission. Through coursework over several summers I earned my master’s degree from Georgetown University. With the encouragement of an inspiring professor, I wrote my thesis on athletics, learning and spirituality.

Surgical records confirm the adage that as an athlete I “left everything on the field;"thus, my physical pursuits today are low impact. I enjoy spinning, practicing Bikram yoga, and spending as much time as possible on my paddleboard or in my kayak. In fact, kayaking has helped me find Savasana—“stillness between the postures”—which can be the most elusive pose for me both on and off the yoga mat. Being on the water slows life down and provides the opportunity for reflection. I’m also energized by spending time with friends and family (four-legged members included!) and traveling whenever possible.

“After 11 years, Potomac feels like home, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

I came to Potomac in 2008 with a wide range of counseling experience including in-home behavioral counseling, foster/adoption casework and school-based counseling.  Over the last 11 years in our caring and kind community, and I have developed relationships that have helped me grow as a counselor and person. It is incredibly rewarding to work with such talented students and an engaged group of colleagues.

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change fraught with unique and diverse challenges, both developmentally and personally. In my role as Upper School Counselor, I seek to provide guidance that will allow each student to reach their full potential. It is also my hope that students will come to understand that asking for help and support are signs of strength.

I reside in Alexandria with my husband, Ryan, and two daughters, Cecilia and Sophia.  I am looking forward to the entire family joining the Potomac community as Ryan will be the Intermediate School Head and our two daughters will become Panthers this fall.

"I enjoy the challenge of shaping a student’s mindset toward math."

Potomac’s practice of building solid relationships with students enables me to reach students, whether they’re in my advanced calculus classes or express fear or anxiety regarding math. I enjoy the challenge of shaping a student’s mindset toward math. Often times, when I ask students why they like math, their response is, “Because there is a right answer.” To me, the creativity and problem-solving skills that go into learning the processes to ultimately reach the right answer are more important than the answer itself. Helping students recognize that they can understand more concepts at a deeper level than they believed before entering my class is just part of that reward. While I continue to grow professionally through conferences and workshops, my university experiences include earning a bachelor’s degree in an interdisciplinary math and economics program at the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Arts in educational leadership for private schools at Teachers College, Columbia University.

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.

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.

“While the majority of my time at Potomac is spent with prospective families, I have always loved working with current students and make it a priority to do so.”

Working with kids has always been a passion and I spent my high school and college years teaching swim lessons, working at summer camps, and volunteering in tutoring programs. After earning my BA in Psychology at Haverford College, I spent three years in client service at a Fortune 500 company. That stint was enough to make me realize I wanted to feel more personally invested in my career. I took a teaching job at The Langley School and I have been working in education ever since. I left Langley to pursue my Masters in Education at Stanford and spent time at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, DC. I began working at Potomac in the fall of 2010, and am grateful to be part of this community.

I live in Chevy Chase with my husband, John, and my two children, James and Tessa. In addition to admissions and advising, I recently became a Potomac parent, and am excited to share Potomac with my son and entire family.

"My journey to Potomac traversed mountains and rivers, literally, as I studied geography and love to be in nature."

While I’ve spent almost 20 years in the DC area, it hasn’t all been in schools.  My journey to Potomac traversed mountains and rivers, literally, as I studied geography and love to be in nature. I love Thoreau’s notion from Walden: “we can never have too much nature.” Eventually I realized my calling as an educator and my joy in helping others research their passions.  I love looking for answers and cannot wait to help our students find what they need in the Engelhard Family Library.

“During an interview about the release of his novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, author George Saunders described reading and writing as a practice of empathy. In his words, when we imagine a character, we’re basically having a conversation with somebody other than ourselves. I love the study of literature for this reason: if reading is a way to imagine the world of someone else, writing is a way to understand our own.”

I grew up in the Bay Area, just outside of San Francisco, California. I moved across the country to Connecticut for college, graduating with a B.A. in English and concentration in Creative Writing and Education Studies from Yale University. I studied with novelist and screenwriter Derek Green, who advised my senior thesis, a feature film screenplay, and the playwright Donald Margulies. 

During my time at Yale, I worked summers in Los Angeles reading scripts for Heyday Films (the producers behind the Harry Potter franchise and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and joined United Talent Agency’s extern program. I also read for two literary magazines, The Common and The Yale Review, and served as a board member for the Yale Film Festival. 

In addition to my affinity for writing and literature, I’m an athlete at heart. I played Division 1 volleyball at Yale, where my team captured two Ivy League Championship titles and appeared once in the NCAA Tournament. After college, I moved to Middletown, Delaware, to join the faculty at St. Andrew’s School. While at St. Andrew’s, I served as an 11th grade dorm parent and Varsity Volleyball head coach, along with my responsibilities as an English teacher. 

I’m thrilled to join the community at Potomac as a member of the English department and assistant Varsity Volleyball coach. I’m drawn to teaching because I want to help students learn to shape a conversation and gain confidence in their ability to communicate. When we talk with one another, we become aware of who we are and what we think. 

As students place themselves in the shoes of others, as they think critically about a text and the thoughts of their classmates, they learn to practice empathy. They recognize emotion that reaches beyond their own identity and experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity, as a teacher, to learn from the students and colleagues around me in this dynamic and inspiring way.

"The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics."  - Paul Halmos

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to teach, but I haven’t always wanted to teach math.  In my first two years of college, I pursued a degree in elementary education with the hopes of one day working in a kindergarten or first-grade classroom.  Then, during the spring of my sophomore year, I spent a week interning in a seventh-grade math classroom, and my dreams changed.  The engagement, energy, and excitement these students brought to class with them each day, coupled with my inherent love for mathematics, led me to change my major as soon as the internship was over.  Now I get to spend my days supporting secondary students as they solve complex problems and make connections across the various strands of mathematics content. 

I am a Northern Virginia native who graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech with a BS in mathematics.  I also hold a Master’s Degree from Tech’s School of Education, where I was the Mathematics Education Student of the Year.  Before coming to Potomac, I taught pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra 2, and precalculus in various middle and high schools in Virginia, Illinois, and New Jersey. When not at work, I enjoy hiking, baking, and spending time with my family and friends.    

"My goal as a Spanish teacher is for my students to love the language and culture as much as I do.  By exposing them to other cultures, students achieve a better understanding of the wider world and learn to recognize and accept others’ beliefs."

I was born in Chile and my family moved to the U.S. when I was a teenager. Although both my parents encouraged me to follow their footsteps and become an educator, I followed my own path.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University in Political Science and my Masters in Public Administration from George Mason University. I worked in this field for several years, but when I became a mother, I decided to get my teacher certification and I’ve loved working with adolescents.

Teenagers are full of energy and are a wealth of information. They keep me up to date with the latest news, pop culture, and school happenings. But what I appreciate the most about them is that if you give them the opportunity, they love connecting with their teachers. Thus, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to make them feel like they can be themselves and share their opinions freely. My goal as a Spanish teacher is for my students to love the language and culture as much as I do.  By exposing them to other cultures, students achieve a better understanding of the wider world and learn to recognize and accept others’ beliefs.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, exploring, traveling, and spending time with my kids when they visit. I am very excited to start the school year and to get to know the community at Potomac.

I am a lover of stories and narratives; I enjoy the forward propulsion of a tale well-told, the twists and turns of a plot, the deep ways you can come to understand a nuanced character. And in some sense, schools are just full of stories: the stories of individual students' challenges and successes, the story of the arc of a year, the story of the growth an institution can experience over time, and more. I think that's why I love being an educator: doing this work is satisfying in the same way finishing a beautiful book is.

After graduating Williams College as an English and math double-major, I jumped right into teaching. Over my career I've taught all levels of high school English, I've coached swimming and water polo teams, and I've served as a faculty facilitator for school newspapers, Student Government groups, queer student affinity groups, a satire magazine, and a podcasting club. I've also been a grade dean, a service learning director, and a dean of students. I hold a master's in English from Middlebury College and a master's in independent school leadership from Teachers College, and I've taught at boarding schools, day schools, a Jewish school, and an Episcopal school. I'm excited to bring all that experience to Potomac!<

Outside of school, my husband and I live in Arlington, where we enjoy going on long walks, spoiling our feisty corgi, keeping up with all the latest TV shows, and trying new ice cream spots.

"Potomac enables me to continue exploring my own interests in innovative programming and pedagogy with the concert band and jazz band and to awaken in students a life-long commitment to music appreciation."

My passion for music began when I was young, and my career as a tuba player began somewhat by accident. My junior high band program needed a tuba player and I volunteered on a whim, not knowing that it would begin a lifelong journey in music. With a band director and musician as a father, I grew up always going to concerts and appreciating music with my family. In high school, my father even allowed me to sit in with his collegiate band at Cedarville University, where I later decided to pursue my Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance.

As an undergraduate, I was active in a series of diverse ensembles from the Brass Choir to the Jazz Ensemble to an alternative rock cover band; I was completely immersed in all things music, both as a bassist and a tuba player. From there I went on to The Ohio State University for my master’s degree in tuba and low brass pedagogy, under the mentorship of James Akins, principal tubist of the Columbus Symphony. As a lifelong Michigan football fan, the transition to OSU was certainly a challenge, but I used my time as a master's student to hone my performance and conducting skills, paving the way for a series of collegiate teaching positions.

For more than five years, I was fortunate to work as a college professor of low brass and music education at Otterbein College, Kenyon College, and Heidelberg University, all in Ohio. In addition to teaching I maintained a busy performance schedule with groups like the award-winning Brass Band of Columbus and several jazz combos.

When my wife's job brought us to the DC area in 2011, I was fortunate to find a position tailor-made to my interests and training at The Potomac School. As the beneficiary of an excellent music education myself, I know how important it is to foster a love of music in students at a young age, and I am thrilled to be a part of this process at Potomac. The environment at Potomac enables me to continue exploring my own interests in innovative programming and pedagogy with the concert band and jazz band and to awaken in students a lifelong commitment to music appreciation.

"On the last day of highschool, my Humanities teacher, Mr. Dart, explained to my class that learning doesn’t stop once we graduate from high school or college, we are “lifelong learners.’” At the time, the saying felt too cheesy, too simple, but little did I know how correct it would be and how correct it is in my life today."

After high school, I attended American University (AU) in Washington D.C., where I majored in Strategic Communications and minored in Education Studies. I loved studying the impact that media - whether print or digital - has on our daily lives. With a focus on education, I interned at local education nonprofits and companies, building their messaging to the audience they intended to serve - students and teachers. Post-graduation from AU, I spent two years working in the communications department of  Parents Amplifying Voices in Education (PAVE), a D.C.-based education non-profit whose mission focused on empowering parents (a majority Black and Brown) to advocate for policy changes they wanted to see in the District’s education system. 

As much as I grew from my roles at PAVE, I knew my time in the classroom - as a student - was not yet complete. I was yearning to learn more about the design and structure tools I used in my day-to-day work, but even moreso, how kids could use these tools to advocate for and make change. In 2022, I was accepted to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in the Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (LDIT) program. Over 11 months, I built my knowledge about the technological programs, tools, and lessons I could put into practice in both formal and informal learning spaces. 

I look forward to taking all the knowledge and ideas I gained from Harvard and implementing these in the classroom. However, I don’t intend to only teach the materials but I look forward to my students teaching me - and their support in strengthening my identity as a lifelong learner.

“I enthusiastically return to The Potomac School after having begun my teaching career here in Summer Programs over 20 years ago.”

I enthusiastically return to The Potomac School after having begun my teaching career here in Summer Programs over 20 years ago. I never imagined then that I would become a parent to two Potomac “lifers,” or that I would have the opportunity to join the world language department teaching French in both the IS and US!

Beyond the language classroom, I have a passion for helping students develop effective strategies for conquering learning, organizational, executive function, and content challenges in all academic areas. Having grown up transatlantically, I have balanced my DC-native status as an alumna of the Washington International School with studies at Oxford University and the University of Toronto. I am fortunate to spend summers in our family home in Brittany, France and look forward to bringing authentic source materials to Potomac learners.

"The classical ideal of sound body and sound mind has always appealed to me, and it is one I seek to instill in my students and athletes here at Potomac."

The classical ideal of sound body and sound mind has always appealed to me, and it is one I seek to instill in my students and athletes here at Potomac. Teaching Latin and coaching cross-country and track have given me a unique opportunity to work with students over the span of several years.  Remembering the challenges of balancing academics and athletics in both high school and college enables me to identify with the typical Potomac student experience. Furthermore, teaching and coaching is a wonderful way to honor the tremendous support and dedication that my own teachers and coaches provided me. Having grown up in the area and attended a Jesuit high school and Quaker college, I feel at home here at Potomac both in terms of locality and ideology.

"I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and my Master of Fine Arts in drawing and painting from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill."

Prior to coming to Potomac, I taught beginning and advanced painting, as well as digital art, at the Albert Einstein High School in Montgomery County. I also served as their yearbook adviser. I earned my bachelor's degree in Spanish and education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and my Master of Fine Arts in drawing and painting from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition, I have had my work exhibited in half a dozen shows.

"It is refreshing every day to come to work with a group of students who want to learn."

Learning about the past has always intrigued me, and I think sharing that curiosity with my students is the most rewarding part of my job. With the help of Potomac, I have had many opportunities to travel and hone my craft. Most recently, last summer I spent a week in England exploring the mystery surrounding the death of King Richard III. He was one of the most hated kings in English history, and he had a dramatic death, but the discovery of his body 450 years gave his story new life. This trip, like many others, gave me a newfound focus and passion that I was able to share with my students.

Over the past 13 years, Potomac has certainly helped foster my love of teaching and learning. I have loved every moment. From the children, to the parents, to my fellow teachers, I have found a real home. It is refreshing every day to come to work with a group of students who want to learn.

My education background has always been English language arts/history. After receiving my bachelor's degree in English/creative writing from San Diego State University, I decided to pursue my graduate degree in British literature/history. Upon graduating from SDSU, I immediately found a love for teaching 6th graders, and this is the age group I have been working with ever since. Sixth graders are fun, energetic, and always keep me on my toes. There is never a dull moment in my classroom, and not one day has ever felt like the one before. I consider myself lucky to have such a profession and love of learning.

“To find your passion in life is to know you would do that one thing for free, every day, for the rest of your life. To make your passion your job every day is the ultimate dream.”

Since I was 9 years old, I’ve known that Theatre Arts was my passion. Every day, I am blessed to have my passion as my actual job…what better way to live this life we’ve been given?

Creating tangible art from the pages of a script, building life on stage from a blank space and watching students breathe life into characters, are my great joys as an educator. There is no better moment than seeing a student’s confidence grow before your eyes…to watch their “light” turn on..to see them recognize their true power within. 

Drawing upon my professional experiences from performing on Broadway, off Broadway, national tours and regional theatre, I love imparting this knowledge to my students as they embark upon their own professional careers and theatrical journeys!

As a faculty member at Potomac, I am incredibly honored to work with such distinguished educators as we all work towards the same goals…fostering a rooted foundation while giving wings for our students to fly!

“I want students to love learning, to take pride in their accomplishments, to persevere when met with challenges, and to know I will always support them.”

Potomac is a special community. Every day I appreciate the students and the excitement they bring to the classroom. My colleagues feed my professional energy with their creative ideas and support of one another. And, of course, we’re surrounded by beauty on campus.

Growing up in Ohio and attending a small all-girls middle and high school, the teachers I loved and remember to this day were the ones who connected with me and pushed me beyond my comfort zone to do my personal best. More than that, however, they shared their passion and inspired me. I hope to do the same for my students.

At the University of Mary Washington, I majored in both in English and American studies, which led me to The College of William and Mary for my master’s in education. Since then, I’ve enjoyed 25+ years working in all aspects of education. My teaching career afforded me the opportunity to work with students of all ages - from preschool and high school and all grades in between, the common thread is the awe of wonder found in all my students. I want students to love learning, to take pride in their accomplishments, to persevere when met with challenges, and to know I will always support them.

In my free time, I love reading, walking our dog, and traveling with my family. From Kenya and Machu Picchu to America’s National Parks and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, being outdoors fuels my spirit.   

"Commitment behind desire breeds success. This is the foundation of my teaching and my coaching."

I'm a local guy who grew up in Prince George’s County, MD, where I attended Central High School in Seat Pleasant. After graduating, I enrolled at Bentley College in Waltham, MA, where I played NCAA Division II basketball and majored in computer science. After my freshman year, I decided to transfer closer to home and attend the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. At UMBC, I redshirted my sophomore year before joining the university’s Division I basketball program for three years. During that time, I changed my major to sociology but continued to take computer science and information-systems classes. Upon graduation, I worked as a developer and database administrator at AT&T in Herndon and as head JV boys basketball coach and assistant varsity coach at Oxon Hill High School. The next year, I was hired as the varsity boys basketball coach at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, MD. This was a time when I found my true passion for working with young adults. After six years in the computer world, I changed careers and became a full-time teacher, which was a perfect match with my coaching aspirations. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Currently, I reside in Clinton, Maryland with my wife Paulette. We have four grown children - one daughter Leah, and three sons Levi Myles, Darryl and Steven, plus three grandchildren - DJ, Aniyah and Mackenzie.

I am a native of Richmond and attended St. Christopher's School for my entire K-12 education. Afterwards, I went to William and Mary to earn a degree in Business Analytics with a specific focus on Data Science and Finance. I have spent the past few years in Tennessee working at The Webb School. I taught several classes in the math department, ranging from Algebra 1 to College Algebra and Trigonometry. I also taught both AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Outside of the classroom, I was a coach and worked in the school's boarding program.

I am excited to be joining the Potomac faculty in the Mathematics and History Departments this fall. I will also be working to support the school's growing EFEB curriculum. The work that many of the students in this program have done has made a real impression on me and was a major factor in my decision to join this community. I am always excited by teachers and students who want to do unique and challenging things with their curriculum, and I can't wait to be a part of their growth.

“I look forward to sharing my passion for intellectual inquiry, global perspectives, analytical writing, and athletics with the Potomac community.”

Education was a surprising and exciting new journey that I discovered after college. I graduated from Brown University with a double major in political science and history and promptly moved to New York City for what I thought would be a quick two-year teaching experience with the Teach for America program. Yet, I quickly realized that when I spoke with my fellow Teach for America teachers about my plans after the program, I was not planning to follow a new career. Rather, I was planning my next steps in education.

While I was in Teach for America I earned my master’s in teaching and following the program, I earned a master’s degree in history at Boston College. After receiving my master’s in history, I joined the history department at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, where I had the opportunity to teach, coach, advise, and serve as department chair. As a graduate of a small independent school in Maine, I was excited to become part of a community where teachers were involved with the student experience beyond the classroom. As a student, I loved having teachers who also supported my extracurricular interests and understood my high school experience beyond the classroom. As a teacher in independent schools, I find serving as a teacher, coach, advisor, and club mentor a critical element in building student confidence and willingness to take risks inside and outside of the classroom.

As I relocate to Virginia with my new husband, Michael, and our yellow labrador retriever, Rowdy, I am very excited to continue to work with students in the classroom and on the athletic fields at Potomac. I look forward to sharing my passion for intellectual inquiry, global perspectives, analytical writing, and athletics with the Potomac community.

"Because of my passion for social justice, I knew I wanted a career that focused on creating and shaping leaders who genuinely care for others regardless of their background."

Coming home to the DC area is such an exciting experience for me! After attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and studying communication and economics, I have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented and professional educators at the Potomac School. This fall I will be a Teaching, Admissions and Communications fellow.

Although my studies at LMU did not directly correlate to a career in education, I learned that our schools and how we educate our youth are one of the main influences on a child’s contribution to society down the line. Because of my passion for social justice, I knew I wanted a career that focused on creating and shaping leaders who genuinely care for others regardless of their background, and Potomac’s philosophy to “foster a diverse, inclusive learning community where all voices and viewpoints are valued” makes for the perfect environment to start this personal mission. I am ecstatic to learn how to shape a well rounded class in admissions, and how independent schools prepare for the future in advancement and communications. 

On a less serious note, if you ask me a simple question about the game of basketball: high school, college, or professional, you might regret the detailed soliloquy coming your way! 

"My students introduced me to robotics 12 years ago, and it has been my passion since."

I have had a love for computer science since I was a junior in high school and have taught it now for 15 years. My students introduced me to robotics 12 years ago, and it has been my passion since. I have led robotics and computer science programs that have traversed land, water, and space. When I am not working with students, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, playing video games and board games, and painting miniatures.

"I love being in the classroom—the place where meanings only half apprehended in solitary reading step out into the light of a shared understanding”

I came to be an English teacher after some twists and turns. I studied computer science as an undergraduate at Harvard, and after graduation I worked on research in speech and language processing. But after a few years I decided that my interest in language and communication really centered on literary expression, and I went back to Harvard to earn a Ph.D. in English. My dissertation concerned the imagery of motion in nineteenth-century British poetry, and I have a particular interest in teaching poetry. I’ve been both a college professor and a high school teacher, and I’m very happy to have the chance now to teach at Potomac. 
 
I love being in the classroom—the place where meanings only half apprehended in solitary reading step out into the light of a shared understanding. In that meaning-making, I hope my students both hear literary texts speaking to them in terms to which they can relate and stretch their capacities for listening to hear ideas or perspectives that they had not expected to find.

"Besides teaching Latin, I have directed Summer@Potomac's Fine Arts Dance Camp, assisted Jerry Rich with the Intermediate School Chorus and directed the annual IS musical."

This is my sixth year teaching at Potomac. Besides teaching Latin, I have directed Summer@Potomac's Fine Arts Dance Camp, assisted Jerry Rich with the IS Chorus, and directed the annual IS musical.

I earned two degrees in classics: a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Charleston and an Master of Arts from Vanderbilt University. Prior to coming to Potomac I taught at the College of Charleston, Vanderbilt University, and the Porter-Gaud School.

Growing up in Columbia, SC, I began performing at an early age, taking lessons in drama, voice, ballet, tap and jazz. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, and performing in local community theater productions. A little known fact about which I am proud is that in college I helped to design, construct and test a reduced gravity water droplet collision experiment. I flew on and operated this experiment on NASA’s aptly named Vomit Comet.

"Being part of a classroom community that prides itself on values important to education like respect, collaboration, and nurturing of curiosity is what excites me about being a first grade teacher at Potomac!"

When I arrived at The Potomac School for my first visit, I quickly realized I was in a special place that emphasized high standards for learning, community engagement, and helping one another. I feel so fortunate to get to teach first graders and watch them encounter and navigate new obstacles both in the classroom and as young children forming some of their earliest meaningful relationships.

Growing up the son of a Head of School, independent schools have always played an important role in my life. I attended independent schools in Massachusetts through my secondary education, playing soccer, hockey, and baseball. After graduating from Michigan State University in 2020, I knew I wanted to work with children and reciprocate the guidance and support I had received from my teachers as a child, completing a year-long teaching fellowship. The fellowship reaffirmed that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher and also showed me that I had a ways to go in learning how to provide my students with the best instruction I could give them. I then decided to pursue further education and graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master's Degree in Teaching Elementary Education in 2022 with a new foundation for how to teach and an excitement to get started. 

When I'm not teaching in the classroom, I am staying active at the gym, spending time with friends, or rooting for my favorite Boston and Michigan State sports teams. 

"Handbells have been a part of Potomac for over 40 years, and I am truly privileged to be a part of this history, sharing and teaching this unique musical experience to others."

After picking up my first handbell at the age of 9, I knew it was the beginning of something truly unique. The next 20 years did not prove me wrong as I performed and taught this amazing instrument in over half the United States as well as ten other countries across Europe and Asia. Strong friendships have been created throughout the world from these travels, just from the shared appreciation and commitment to the growth of this art. Handbells have been a part of Potomac for over 40 years, and I am truly privileged to be a part of this history, sharing and teaching this unique musical experience to others.

It’s exciting to return to Potomac’s Upper School. I look forward to learning with students and being part of a community that encourages creativity, curiosity, and a sense of play. I’m a historian who examines consumer culture, race, class, politics and the built environment in Washington, D.C. I have a doctorate in American studies from The George Washington University, a master’s in theology from Xavier University in Louisiana, and a bachelor’s in architecture from Mississippi State University. I’ve also taught on race, gender, class, sexuality, social movements, government, and civil rights at the university and high-school level. My articles and book reviews have appeared in American Studies, Journal of Transport History and Washington History. I live in the nation’s capital with my family and enjoy reading, gardening, the beach, live music, and dancing.

“I developed a passion for music early on, and I realized I wanted to teach when I reached high school. My parents are lifelong musicians and teachers, and always supported me throughout my musical career wherever it led, encouraging me to share the music I loved with others."

I grew up in North Carolina and attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where I studied trumpet, piano, and conducting with incredible teachers. I was active in the Marching Mountaineers as both performer and arranger, and played trumpet and piano in many different ensembles on campus. I received my Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Music Education in 2017 and moved to the Fairfax area, where I began working as a substitute teacher in FCPS. I spent 2 years working with many band programs in the Fairfax and Loudoun areas, including the Northern Virginia Youth Winds, before joining the Potomac family.

At Potomac, I am privileged and thrilled to work with students of all ages through our strong instrumental music program. I teach band at all levels, from 4th Grade BBS all the way to Upper School Band. Being part of the Potomac School community is a truly incredible experience, and I strive to cultivate a welcoming and challenging learning environment for my students. Every child learns differently, and I love helping to create the 'aha!' moments that show genuine learning is taking place. Most days, the students teach me just as much as I teach them!

Outside of Potomac, I'm the director of the Main Street Community Band, an adult community ensemble of all ages that performs throughout the year in the Fairfax area. I've performed with the Fairfax Swing Band and many other ensembles throughout Northern Virginia, and I spend my free time arranging music for bands at all levels, gaming, reading the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and learning new languages for my next trip to Europe."

"Both the faculty and the students welcomed me from the moment I first came to interview, and I have continued to experience the school's openness and generosity of spirit ever since."

As I was growing up, my family moved to a new town every four or five years, preventing me from putting down deep roots in any one location. However, I began teaching history and English in the Potomac Intermediate School in 2003, and now I feel like I have found a permanent home. Both the faculty and the students welcomed me from the moment I first came to interview, and I have continued to experience the school's openness and generosity of spirit ever since.

Before arriving at Potomac, I studied history and medieval studies at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Then I earned a Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School and a master’s degree in education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. After several years teaching in the Boston area, I moved to DC with my husband, and we have since expanded our family to include our son and daughter, both DC natives who will be able to create their own roots here.

In all I do, I embrace and share one of my favorite mantras: "You can do hard things."

As someone who grew up with ADHD at a tough prep school in New York, I remember everything just feeling so hard... even though I was capable! My experience as a student with learning differences inspired me to become a Special Education Teaching Fellow with The New Teacher Project in Washington, DC after I graduated from Skidmore College. After earning a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from American University, I began my transition to a career as a Learning Specialist and Executive Functioning Coach; in this new role, I take a much less directive approach to working with students, opting, instead to build students' confidence in themselves, agency and independence, and capacity to work through whatever challenges life puts in their path. 

A very much self-described lifelong learner, I seek to understand as much as I can about how to support others; in fact, as I went through my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program, I determined my Sankalpa—the closest semantic translation of which is akin to purpose—to be "to empower others to discover their fullest potential". I seek to do this through taking a holistic approach to working with students: understanding their values and habits, what is meaningful to them, and who they are as a person, not just how they show up from 8am to 3pm in the classroom.

Outside of my work teaching students in classrooms or yoga studios, I love to cook and try to do so almost every night; I also find travel and experiencing other cultures to be some of the most meaningful and mind-opening experiences in life, and I have visited over 40 countries! When I'm not at school, teaching yoga and fitness classes, cooking, or traveling, you can find me passing the time at home with my husband and one of the members of my darling menagerie: two adorable tuxedo cats, Tomato and Mozzarella, and our sweet terrier, Addison.

I joined the Potomac community in July of 2022 marking my 21st year in Independent Schools.  Previous to entering independent school life, I attended the University of Virginia and Penn State University and graduated with a B.A. degree in African and African-American History. My professional career in education began in undergraduate admissions primarily at Johns Hopkins University.  Prior to coming to Potomac, my independent school experience had been immersed in college counseling. From the Associate Director of College Counseling at Phillips Academy Andover and the Lovett School in Atlanta, GA, to Dean of College Counseling and Student Life at Greensboro Day School, to most recently the Director of College Counseling at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, PA.

When you think about the fact that my entire career has been grounded in relationship building across all facets of higher and secondary learning - students, parents, faculty and staff, admissions, advancement, alumni, trustees, DEI, and student life, my transferable experience and skills are the perfect fit in serving as Potomac’s inaugural Director of Community Engagement.  

I maintain a holistic approach and focus on community well-being.  In my new role, I will lead our efforts to strengthen connections at Potomac. I will work to increase inclusion, promote engagement, and foster a deeper sense of belonging for all members of our community. In addition to supporting student and parent groups, I will collaborate with offices across campus to strengthen existing community initiatives and develop new ones. I am a great listener, and will be very visible on campus, to serve as a common point of contact for everyone who has suggestions or concerns related to fostering a strong and connected community at Potomac. In addition to my leadership responsibilities, I will also work with a small cohort of seniors as their college counselor.

Growing up, I was fully intent on becoming a software developer, drawn to problem-solving, building programs, and finding creative solutions through technology. Over the years, my work with kids as a camp counselor, sports referee, tutor, and now classroom teacher has shifted my perspective. I realized how much I value connecting with students, understanding their challenges, and helping them grow, while also finding ways to use my technical skills to enhance the learning experience.

My goal as an educator is to be the kind of teacher I wish I had when I was younger; someone who truly listens, understands, and supports students as they navigate through today’s world. I strive to create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, resilience, and belonging, while Integrating technology in ways that make learning more interactive, engaging, and relevant.

I was born and raised in Maryland. My mother always pushed me to be creative, mixing athletics and academia with the arts. I grew up skiing and scuba diving but also painting and writing. I ended up majoring in Computer Science and getting a minor in creative writing to further fuel my mixing and matching of specialties. I love spending time with my family and playing games with my friends, but also taking time to myself and writing or reading a good book.

"A good day is helping a kindergartner have success jumping rope for the first time or watching the girls varsity basketball team execute the offense with precision against Episcopal.

My favorite title is being called “Dad” by my daughters, Emily and Molly. Running a close second is teacher/coach to the students at Potomac. A good day is helping a kindergartner have success jumping rope for the first time or watching the girls varsity basketball team execute the offense with precision against Episcopal. In my spare time I torment myself by being a loyal Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and 76ers fan.

“The middle is messy, but it’s also where all the magic happens”

My current teaching environment is an inclusive and community-centered education setting. I pride myself on having a personalized and student-centered classroom with a variety of learning models in order to reach every learner where they are, through authentic and innovative projects (which can get messy!) . I enjoy incorporating real-life connections to jobs and career fields through STEAM and digital projects where students discover endless possibilities through exploration. 

I went to college to earn my B.S. in Elementary Education (k-6) from Delaware State University while playing division 1 volleyball. Shortly after graduating and accepting my first teaching position in Loudoun County Public Schools over 6 years ago, I then went on to complete my M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Digital Design from George Mason University. 

When I am not in the classroom, you can find me on the volleyball court!  I am the Varsity Volleyball coach here at Potomac as well as a competitive travel coach in the area. My greatest joy has been starting my own youth volleyball training academy,  Virginia Rise Volleyball Academy. 

"Teaching Chinese is my passion, and I believe passion can inspire learning."

Language instruction should be conducted in real-life intercultural contexts and I provide environments like this in the classroom. Authentic materials are used to support students' language practice. Students are motivated to discover Chinese culture and we build connections between Potomac students and their counterparts in China. Language skills and culture combine and the result is for students to build a bridge and grow to be global citizens.

As an educator for 20 years since graduation from Peking University, I have taught in various school environments.  I also worked as an academic journal editor and reporter in Beijing. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2008, I became a Chinese language and culture teacher. I enjoy introducing Chinese culture not only to my students but also to my colleagues! I hold a master's degree from Peking University and am currently working on my second master's degree at George Mason University. During my spare time, I love reading, exercising, and cooking Chinese food. I also like learning new skills, such as tai chi. I have two children, a son in college and a daughter in elementary school.

Hello! I’m Becca Kallem and I’m so excited to be joining the Potomac School, teaching US and IS art. I’ve taught art to students of all ages, from young children to adults. Most recently, I taught elementary school art for Arlington Public Schools. I grew up in the DC area and love visiting museums and galleries. I’ve shown my own artwork (mostly painting) at local arts spaces as well as galleries in New York and Boston. In addition to making art, I enjoy practicing Spanish, spending time with my wife and our three dogs, and watching British mystery shows!

I began my career as an educator at a parochial school in Northwest New Jersey over 20 years ago, having earned a BA in Spanish Literature at the University of Virginia and worked as a translator and interpreter for migrant outreach organizations in Northwest New Jersey. A desire to connect students more fully and authentically with the people who speak the Spanish language led me to a boarding school position ten years into my career. 

What I love most about my work in independent schools is that I get to share with students the language and cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Exposure to languages and cultures other than our own opens our minds and hearts to the beautifully diverse world that we inhabit. When my family and I took the opportunity to live in the United Arab Emirates beginning in 2011, I worked as a substitute teacher at the American School of Dubai (ASD). This experience reinvigorated my drive to bring language proficiency and cultural learning opportunities to my students. Everywhere I went at ASD I overheard conversations in multiple languages and witnessed a healthy, natural drive toward intercultural learning. The development of intercultural learning skills became the focus of my Masters in Independent School Leadership at Columbia Teachers College Klingenstein Center in 2023. 

Most recently at Blair Academy, a boarding school in Northwest New Jersey, I taught Spanish language and culture classes, led the language department, and directed experiential and intercultural learning programs. Having recently made the move back to Northern Virginia where I spent my high school years, I am thrilled to begin collaborating with faculty, staff and students at The Potomac School to promote enduring learning that is applicable to life in and outside of the classroom. 

“I am always more impressed by what knowledge students can discover through collaboration and their own reasoning than by what can be imparted directly."

Having come to teaching through several academic pursuits and even a brief legal career, I can say with certainty that no endeavour incites my passion to the degree that engaging others in the learning process does. Helping students to think critically, to think accurately, to think imaginatively, and to build worlds out of a few basic ideas is the most challenging and fulfilling work I’ve ever done. My hope is to provide the tools and to facilitate the confidence necessary for students to construct their own understanding. I’m always inspired by the engagement that Potomac students bring to the classroom, and I’m so looking forward to another year of uncovering math concepts together with them.

When I’m not teaching, I’m usually either on the soccer pitch or bleeding red for Manchester United.

I hold a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from Xavier University, a master's degree in physics from the University of Rochester, and a J.D. from Georgetown University.

"I want my students to be successful at Latin. I want them to feel enriched by the grammar, linguistics, history, and literature they've met in class. I want them to be pleased with their achievement, and to know that studying Latin was well worth their efforts."

I've taught Latin across all grade levels--from the fifth grade (a conversational Latin course!) through the twelfth, and a few semesters of college. I've also taught Attic Greek, Homeric Greek, and occasionally ancient and medieval Mediterranean history. The years have sped by, and I'm finding even greater meaning, satisfaction, and delight in teaching as the years pass.

I want my students to be successful at Latin. I want them to feel enriched by the grammar, linguistics, history, and literature they've met in class. I want them to be pleased with their achievement, and to know that studying Latin was well worth their efforts. By the end of third year Latin, I want them to be able to scan a passage of "unseen Latin" and think to themselves, Let me use a dictionary just a bit, and I can get this translation done.

I try to swim six miles per week, usually early in the morning and out-of-doors. I also try to read a bit of Homer several times a week. My wife and I have two daughters, one a working artist in D.C., the other a graduate student in Boston. We live in Potomac with a senescent, tuxedo cat--whose picture I wanted to display here, but didn't, to avoid the inevitable confusion. 

"My passion for teaching grew out of a passion for learning."

My passion for teaching grew out of a passion for learning. The son of a physics professor, I grew up in a physics and astronomy department. As a young child, I found the corridors of academia every bit as fascinating as the wooded trails around my house in the Appalachian mountains. If I wasn't making lean-to stick forts in my backyard, I was hanging out at the university experimenting with liquid nitrogen and tinkering with telescopes in the halls outside my father's office. If one of his graduate students was game, I would ride down the hall with them on fire-extinguisher-propelled rocket carts. Occasionally, I would find a dusty apparatus from one of the prep rooms and hide under my father’s desk as he taught, trying to puzzle out the design of the mysterious piece of equipment. The chemistry professors on the floor above taught me how to make a colored liquid from two clear ones and, if I was brave enough that day to wander to the top floor of the science building, I could eat my snack while gazing at cabinets filled with fossils of creatures that had vanished from the earth millions of years ago.

Years later, having earned an undergraduate degree in physics and a master's degree in mechanical engineering and applied physics, I found myself at a crossroads. Weeks away from entering a Ph.D. program, I decided instead to explore a "two-year hiatus" and accept a teaching position at an independent school just outside of DC. That school was, you guessed it, The Potomac School. I’m currently two decades into that two-year plan.

To this day, I have a very difficult time separating play from education. I still get to play and learn each day, but here at Potomac I have the chance to invite others to join me in the adventure. I am honored and blessed to help guide young minds in their own journey of constructive play and to encourage them to gaze in wonder at the world in which they live. I can often be found on the first floor of the Upper School building teaching our AP Physics, General Physics, Engineering Design, and Astronomy courses, or meeting one-on-one with students. Occasionally you will find us taking something apart, and even less frequently, putting something back together. My other full-time job and passion is as a parent and husband.

"I fell in love with math in 11th grade, when, in a small classroom in Osaka, Japan, I was asked to determine the slope of a parabola."

Throughout that course, we were asked engage with the mathematics, question it, and discover its secrets.  Today, I try to give my students the same kinds of opportunities to explore mathematics, both as a lens to understand the world around us, and as an art for its own sake.  I enjoy looking for mathematics in life's nooks and crannies, and exploring the rich history of mathematics.

My other passion is Theatre.  I was a double major in Theatre and Mathematics at Grinnell College, and have pursued both professionally.  I have been involved in over 100 theatrical  productions as an actor, director, and fight choreographer.  When I am not at school or in the theatre, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, genealogy, and traveling.

"Apart from history, I am an avid fly fisherman in search of the next “tug” from a rainbow or brown trout or, if lucky, an Atlantic salmon."

I have always had an interest in history. And, although I enjoy all areas of history, I am mostly committed to fulfilling my passion to study the history and historiography of Ancient Rome and Greece. I find that history teaches students skills--writing and analysis, among others--that will commute to other classes and undoubtedly aid the student in their futures endeavors.

Apart from history, I am an avid fly fisherman in search of the next “tug” from a rainbow or brown trout or, if lucky, an Atlantic salmon. I find fly fishing to be relaxing and meditative. It provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and affords me the opportunity to interact with our natural environment.

I was drawn to Potomac immediately after meeting a few Upper School administers and feeling the enthusiasm and zeal they emitted while explaining the school. Then, after my initial visit to McLean to see the campus and meet the faculty and students, I was completely sold on Potomac because everyone seemed happy. I cannot wait to meet the students and be a part of the Potomac School this fall.

"My favorite aspect of the Potomac community is the strength of relationships I am able to develop with the students I coach."

A native of Maryland's Eastern Shore, I attended boarding school at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland before earning my Bachelor of Arts in History from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.  I developed a love of teamwork and competition during my scholastic and collegiate career both in the classroom and on the playing fields and I am grateful for the life lessons l learned through academics and athletics.

After beginning my professional career as a wealth advisory representative for RBC Wealth Management, I began coaching youth, high school, and club lacrosse in 2010.  At Potomac, I am an Assistant Director of Admission, the Head Boys Lacrosse Coach, and an Assistant Coach with the football team.

I live in Washington, DC with my wife, Alison, and our cat, Pippa.  We enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, and celebrating the joys of life together.  In my free time, you will find me on the golf course, playing with my nieces, or reading in our hammock.

"I love teaching and coaching and Potomac allows me to do both. I can be teaching first graders how to throw overhand in the morning, coaching an eighth grader on the finer points of how to shoot a layup in the afternoon and spending the evening explaining how our JV basketball team is going to execute a full court press. I love all of it!"

I am still an avid athlete and enjoy running, weight lifting and golf. I graduated from George Mason University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. My greatest accomplishments are rising triplets and pitching in three college world series while playing softball at George Mason.

“With seventeen years of experience in education and coaching, I am honored to join the Potomac School faculty. Having grown up in a Philadelphia suburb, my journey brought me to DC for college, and I have called this region home for the past few decades.

What drew me to Potomac is its commitment to academic excellence and its embrace of a balanced, student-centered education. Throughout my educational journey, but particularly during my high school years, I was fortunate to be guided by caring and dedicated teachers who instilled in me a lifelong love for both the humanities and sciences. This path led me from studying philosophy and history as an undergraduate to a focus on chemical and life sciences during graduate school. My education is among the greatest gifts life has bestowed upon me, and I'm driven to pass this gift on to the students I'm privileged to work with each day. To paraphrase Isaac Newton, my journey has been one of standing on the shoulders of giants, and I view my role as an educator as guiding students to rise to even greater heights, leveraging my experiences and education.

Though I've only recently become part of the community, I'm already impressed by my colleagues' profound knowledge of their subject matter, their unwavering dedication to educational excellence, and their intense devotion to the students under their care. I'm further impressed by the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of the student body and the generosity of spirit they have shown in welcoming me to their community. I look forward to working with them this year and in the years to come.”

I began teaching high school while pursuing a Ph.D. in 19th-century American literature at
the University of Maryland, where I was also teaching undergraduate literature classes.
What began as a brief detour soon became a calling: I left my dissertation behind and have
spent my career in independent schools.

I taught for eight years at Sidwell Friends School, where I learned to center inquiry in my
teaching. I then spent nearly two decades at The Calhoun School in New York City, where
my students reminded me daily of the importance of joy in the classroom. Along the way, I
earned a second master’s degree at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, an experience that
deepened my commitment to shared inquiry and nurturing authentic curiosity.

In the classroom, I aim to create space for students to read deeply, write with intention, and
engage with challenging ideas—while also feeling free to show up fully as themselves. I see
teaching as a collaborative process shaped by the particular students in the room, and I
continue to be drawn to texts like Melville’s Moby-Dick and Morrison’s Song of Solomon,
which reward sustained attention and open-ended exploration.

I’m thrilled to be back in DC after 19 years in New York City and excited to explore the area
with my college-bound son and our African Grey parrot. As a lifelong baseball fan, I’m
especially looking forward to returning to Nationals Park and Camden Yards.

"Teaching children in Lower School is a dream come true.  I never wanted to stop being a kid, and now I'm fortunate enough to immerse myself within energetic and creative personalities on a daily basis.  I wouldn't have it any other way."

I grew up in Littleton, CO and eventually went to school on the east coast.  I attended Westminster Prep School during high school, and then later played soccer and hockey at Colby College.  My mom was an educator and my dad a coach, so it's no surprise to me that I ended up teaching and coaching here at Potomac.  I began my journey as a Panther in 2004 as in intern, eventually getting my masters degree in 2006.  I have been teaching in Lower School and coaching the Girls Varsity Soccer team ever since!  My wife and I have 2 daughters, both of whom attend Potomac, so the "daddy bus" is often busy from September till June.  In my mind, Potomac is the perfect place for me and my family!

“There’s no better way I can imagine spending my time than working with the bright, curious, talented, and motivated students that populate Potomac’s hallways.” 

I grew up in northern New Jersey with my three younger brothers and spent my college years in Vermont at Middlebury College, where I earned a B.A. in History. I was also fortunate enough to play football and men’s lacrosse for the Panthers. After moving to Washington D.C. in 2017, I spent three years working in healthcare consulting at an awesome company alongside even better people. While I enjoyed my time there, I knew I had more to give. That initial thought launched a journey that brought me to Potomac and I haven’t looked back since. 

Working with students in the IS classroom and then on the field with grades 7-12 provides me with quite the vantage point as they make their way through the ups and downs of adolescence. My job description as I would describe it: Meeting kids where they are with a smile on my face, learning their specific needs and frame of mind, and using that understanding to help them achieve their goals through preparation, hard work, and a positive attitude. This formula applies as much to 8th grade history as it does to the week leading up to the MAC championship. With that in mind, I look forward to every day at Potomac. 

When I’m not on campus, you’ll find me on the running & biking trails across DC and NoVa, in my apartment reading a book, or trying out as many DC restaurants as possible with my girlfriend. 

"As an educator, I strive to ignite and nurture students' curiosity by creating a learning environment that challenges them to question, wonder, and grow as individuals."

Growing up along the river in Great Falls, the childhood moments I remember most are those of independent play and exploration in the woods and waters. With Potomac's glass-enclosed Lower School science lab, outdoor science deck, and 90 acres of creeks and biodiverse plant populations, students have a remarkable opportunity to fully immerse themselves in nature and science. As an educator, I strive to ignite and nurture students' curiosity by creating a learning environment that challenges them to question, wonder, and grow as individuals.

As the co-creator of the Upper School Exercise Physiology & Nutrition Science elective, I combine my knowledge from my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the College of William & Mary, my American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist certification, and my years of experience as an elite cyclist to provide a comprehensive learning experience. This helps students better understand their bodies, their capabilities, and the stressors they face, enabling them to maximize their daily exercise—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the concert hall.

Before joining The Potomac School community, I held various roles, including Science Department Head, K-8 science educator, middle school coach, and Programming Director. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Kinesiology from the College of William & Mary and my master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. 

When I'm not teaching, my husband and I enjoy spending time with our two active boys and our Belgian Malinois, taking them on outdoor adventures, including trail running races and bike racing.

“I wake up each day keenly aware that there is always something new to unearth and seek to understand.”

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the natural world. As a kid, I loved exploring the woods, catching fireflies, watching the clouds, and learning to identify all kinds of living things. As an adult, I wake up each day keenly aware that there is always something new to unearth and seek to understand, and I feel incredibly lucky to spend my days with students who are eager to do the same. I found my love of ornithology during a college semester abroad in Panama, and I discovered my passion for teaching in Okayama, Japan, where I taught English (and stared wistfully into the science labs during my free periods!). In graduate school, I studied the behavior patterns of the notorious brown-headed cowbird in the high plains of New Mexico and was a teaching assistant for several courses in ecology.  

Before coming to Potomac, I was a lifer at Tower Hill School in Delaware, taught science at Princeton Day School in New Jersey, was a stay-at-home mom for several years, and worked for a nonprofit that provides scholarships and mentoring to lower-income students who plan to attend college. The Potomac community has welcomed my family so warmly, and I can't wait to get more involved with all aspects of life here.

Outside of school, I enjoy outdoor activities with my family, reveling in my kids' boundless curiosity, knitting, birdwatching, travel, spicy food, and learning about Japanese and Japanese-American culture and history.

"Whether I’m clipping a wireless microphone onto a nervous kindergartner, or a former president, all guests of the Engelhard Performing Arts Center will get the same commitment to courtesy and respect."

Born and raised in Arlington County I am the youngest of 6 boys. I have a BFA in Acting from George Mason University and an MFA in directing from The Granada Artists-in-Residence Program at The University of California, Davis. I have experience in many aspects of production in film, television, and theatre.

As a Potomac faculty member for over 20 years and a parent of two Potomac Lifers I have a rich appreciation for the value of a Potomac education. 

"My goal as a teacher is to introduce students to the richness and joy of making photographs, and help them discover their own creative voice."

After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a BA in American and French literature, I worked as an editor at various publications until I found my way to a photography class. After two semesters, I quit my job and worked as a photo assistant until going out on my own as a freelance photographer. I’ve been a freelancer now for 30 years. I’ve worked on a lot of different types of jobs, but most of my work has been shooting magazine portraits and advertising assignments. I got my MFA from the University of Delaware while I was building my freelance career.

My personal photo work went through a dramatic change about eight years ago, when my interest in food and food systems led me to photograph a woman farmer in Maryland (who coincidentally rented land from the Langstaff family of Potomac fame). My work with her has become an ongoing documentary project about women farmers called Grounded Women.

In addition to leading photography workshops on farms, I have taught photography at George Mason University, Holton Arms School, and Potomac, and I am happy to be returning to Potomac. My goal as a teacher is to introduce students to the richness and joy of making photographs, and help them discover their own creative voice.

"When I am not teaching, and sometimes when I am, I climb trees, crawl into caves, trek through mountains, learn languages, carve, draw, design, read, and write as I see fit."

I spent one half of my childhood in Philadelphia and the other half in my imagination. I was the product of benign neglect by my parents, who trustingly let me explore, climb trees, crawl into caves, carve, draw, design, read, write, and just fool around as I saw fit.

In addition to two tolerant parents, I had a number of remarkable teachers who understood me better than I did myself. All were fascinating examples of curiosity in action, each following intense personal interests, while masterfully guiding students. The great teachers never ordered students around; instead they made subtle suggestions and allowed us to grow at our own pace.

Miss Crawford gave us an art studio to experiment in and explained Jungian archetypes. Mr. Walker took us leaf collecting in the autumn and inspired us to memorize poetry. Mr. Boyhan served us strong tea, taught us portraiture, and talked about medieval frescoes. Professor Hay led us through the quiet storm of Chinese ink painting. Professor Sekler made us at home in the palace of Knossos. While I cannot claim to equal the insight and sensitivity of my teachers, they continue to whisper advice to my inner ear.

I attended Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia for 10 years, St, Mark's School in Southborough, MA, for three years, and Harvard University for four years. My studies were varied, but they always included studio arts and art history. Uncles, aunts, two siblings, and a variety of friends serve as examples and mentors. I began teaching at Potomac in 1984.

I now live half in Arlington and half in my imagination. Over the last 30 years, I have traveled on five continents to see for myself what beautiful things we have inherited from our ancestors. When I am not teaching, and sometimes when I am, I climb trees, crawl into caves, trek through mountains, learn languages, carve, draw, design, read, and write as I see fit.

"One of my favorite projects while teaching at Potomac is the seventh-grade monuments project. It is incredibly rewarding to see students’ excitement as they visit a monument they’ve studied for weeks, making history truly come alive with the rich resources that Washington, D.C. offers. "

As a graduate of Potomac’s Teaching Fellows Program, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have learned from some of the most talented educators and coaches. This experience helped me discover my passion for teaching Intermediate School humanities.

Working with seventh and eighth graders is a constant source of joy for me. I love the laughter, unpredictability, and meaningful connections that come with teaching this age group. One of my favorite projects is the seventh-grade monuments project. It is incredibly rewarding to see students’ excitement as they visit a monument they’ve studied for weeks, making history truly come alive with the rich resources that Washington, D.C. offers. 

Before joining Potomac, I graduated from Davidson College, where I had the privilege of writing an honors thesis on the first women to attend previously all-male colleges and universities in the South. This project deepened my commitment to broadening the scope of history to include voices that have often been overlooked. This remains central to my mission as a humanities teacher. 

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants, visiting museums, and spending time with my cat, Suki. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Virginia. 

Prior to joining Potomac, I worked in the college counseling office at Hopkins School, an independent school in New Haven, CT. At Hopkins, I worked closely with students, serving as an adviser, faculty leader for clubs and affinity groups, and as a member of the office of Equity & Community. Prior to my time at Hopkins, I worked in the admissions office at Skidmore College.

In my free time, I love to travel, explore the world, cook, and find the next trendy restaurant. 

What I didn’t know is that it would be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. The interviews, note-taking, outlining, drafting, revising, editing…and 95% of it was done virtually because she was living and coaching in Greensboro, NC, at the time while I was in Northern Virginia. Our book is called Believe, Live, Think: Two Feet In, and it’s about how to be an elite performer in life, regardless of profession or circumstances. We’re incredibly proud of the finished product; however, it was quite the journey getting there. What’s beautiful about the experience is that it brought the writing process to life for me in a way I’d never felt before. 

As a lifelong English teacher, I teach the writing process each year to young writers of all abilities. I gladly work with them through struggles and celebrate their wins; however, it wasn’t until I co-wrote this book that I gained a newfound appreciation for my students with regard to how challenging writing can be, especially for non-native speakers. I also had to “practice what I preach” when writing the book and not skip out on the outline or all the necessary revisions. It made me feel like a student again in a way because I was trying my best to adhere to writing advice I’ve given students for almost two decades.

In a neat twist, a senior student of mine in 2023 read our book and cited it in his senior thesis project. He made a documentary about the impact of psychology on coaching basketball and used our book to support his argument. It was an honor to be included in his research.

As I begin the next chapter of my teaching career, I hope to bring a passion for writing to my students at Potomac. I look forward to getting to know them and seeing the ways in which their experiences impact them as thinkers, problem-solvers, and writers. And maybe I can convince some of them to read my book!

"The discrete study of the sciences alone will not aid us as we move forward in our lives; we must learn to apply, sometimes in a cross-curricular manner, the knowledge we have acquired along the way in a most creative way."

My interest in the sciences actually began toward the end of my high school career, after participating in a classroom assignment to teach another student about DNA transcription. I was amazed by the intricacies of the process and captivated by my anatomy and physiology teacher. After high school I pursued my bachelor's and master's degrees in biochemistry with a minor in theology from the University of Scranton, conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease. The interest I developed in the hands-on world of research led me to pursue further studies in environmental carcinogens at Penn State University Medical Center. From then on, my love of chemistry would combine forces with my love of teaching, taking me to places I never thought possible, including teaching organic chemistry for 5 years at my alma mater. All these experiences have presented me with challenges, both as a teacher and as a person, shaping the way I approach education and fueling my desire to become better.

What I enjoy most about teaching at Potomac is the quality of the relationships that are formed on every level.

When I’m not in the chemistry lab, you can usually find me in the weight room, baking in my kitchen, or enjoying local restaurants with my husband, Ian.

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where community and education were always at the heart of my experiences. At Howard University, I earned a degree in Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies with a minor in Spanish. I’ve always been fascinated by how people grow, communicate, and make sense of the world, which led me to explore different paths, including counseling and social work. Still, I kept returning to classrooms through volunteering, coaching, and supporting students, and it became clear that teaching is where I’m meant to be.

Along the way, I developed a deep love for language and its ability to open doors, foster understanding, and bring people together across cultures. Teaching Spanish has become one of the most meaningful ways I share that passion. It allows me to help students build connections, grow in confidence, and see the world through new perspectives. I believe language learning is not just about vocabulary, but about expanding empathy and curiosity to prepare students to be thoughtful global citizens.

I was drawn to The Potomac School because of its strong academics and deep sense of community. I strive to create a classroom where students feel seen, encouraged, and feel safe to take risks as they grow. My hope is to inspire students to become thoughtful, engaged learners who feel confident expressing themselves and connecting with others, both in and beyond the classroom.

"I enjoy working with students as they develop their cultural competency while exploring the rich and diverse francophone world."

In addition to teaching three sections of French (levels III, IV and V), I will serve as registrar, in charge of scheduling classes, students, and faculty, maintaining schedules during the year (e.g., drop/add and level changes), and overseeing student transcripts.

I received my bachelor's degree in French from St. John’s University and my master's degree in French literature from the University of Michigan. I have taught all levels of French during my more than two-decade career at the Ashley Hall School in Charleston, SC and locally at the Connelly School of the Holy Child.

With an industrial arts teacher for a father and a physical education teacher for a mother, it is no surprise that working in a school was on the table for me. Spending a lot of time exploring the suburban forest behind my childhood home and secretly testing the role of pepto bismol in the germination of seedlings in my dresser drawers give a behind the curtain peek to how I ended up with science as my area of focus.

I graduated from Penn State with a BS in Geology and University of Virginia with a MA in Physics Education. My teaching career started in 2001 and has consisted mostly of teaching physics to teenagers but has branched off on occasion to include chemistry, engineering and middle school science. This is my second stint at the Potomac School and I am eager to both be in the science classroom with eleventh graders and to work in Advisory with ninth graders.

When not on campus, I live with my wife and eighth grade son near Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Montgomery County. I am a big FC Barcelona fan as well as a pickleball aficionado. When you see me on campus, please share your recommendations for pizza and barbecue.

"For an adventurous kid with diverse interests, it meant the world to have professors during my formative years who not only took sincere interest in my curiosity and growth, but also took pride in guiding my bright-eyed aspirations."

I graduated from Loyola (the Baltimore one) with dual degrees in Biology and the Classics around the turn of the millenium. Sounds like a long time ago, but my time there still resonates with me. It was there that I had two hugely impactful capstone projects: (1) undertaking independent research on a gene that affects cancer, and (2) joining an archaeological team to reconstruct a newly unearthed ancient temple in southern Greece. My adventures continued at Penn and WashU, where I had the opportunity to intensify my language studies, intern at art and archaeology museums, develop research on epic poetry, theatre, and the history of medicine, and grow my passion for teaching through increasingly involved TAships and ongoing work with a volunteer group whose mission was "to promote literacy through the arts."

I’m excited to join Potomac's Upper School as an advisor and science teacher. For an adventurous kid with diverse interests, it meant the world to have professors during my formative years who not only took sincere interest in my curiosity and growth, but also took pride in guiding my bright-eyed aspirations. Their attentiveness and encouragement has influenced much of how I view my role as an advisor and mentor, and why I gravitated to teaching here. I credit a constellation of teachers for helping orient me on a path whereon I could define my own research questions, make discoveries in the lab and in the field, recognize the vital importance of service learning and community engagement, and ultimately encounter the joy of teaching.

"Whether a scholar, an athlete, a dramatist or all of the above, every student is given the opportunity to excel on our campus."

Potomac has been my home in many ways for the past 16 years. I was a fourth grade teacher for five years, field hockey and lacrosse coach for many seasons, and a one-day-a-week teacher, job sharing in both fourth and fifth grades. I am fortunate to return to Potomac as an assistant in the Arundel Family Library. For me Potomac has always been a welcoming place where all aspects of each child are celebrated. Whether a scholar, an athlete, a dramatist or all of the above, every student is given the opportunity to excel on our campus. I graduated form Harvard College, where I majored in American history and played both field hockey and ice hockey. When not at Potomac, I still play hockey and watch with pride as my two children grow to love learning both in and out of the classroom.

"My hobbies include everything I do for a living; I love music in all its forms."

After teaching for over 30 years at The Potomac School, I am just as impressed with the students today as I was that first year in 1987. The kids here are so broadly talented that the same student can impress in the science lab, sing in the musical, and thrill on the soccer team. Potomac is a real Renaissance community. Many Potomac alumni have gone on to become professional (even award-winning) musicians, including: Chris Ayer (internationally-known SONY singer-guitarist and laureate of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition), Rostam Batmanglij (co-founder of the celebrated indie rock group Vampire Weekend; recent solo concerts in Barcelona, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, and Paris), Grace Browning (Principal Harpist with Dallas and Santa Fe Operas; Principal Harpist, Rochester Philharmonic), Alyson Cambridge (operatic soprano and recording artist who has sung leading roles with Dallas Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Opera, Metropolitan Opera, San Diego Opera, Spoleto Festival, and Washington National Opera), Peter Lerman (an award-winning composer whose most musical Brooklynite enjoyed a successful off-Broadway run and was a New York Times Critics’ Pick), Johannes Löhner (adjunct professor at Nuremberg’s Hochschule für Musik), Alex Ross (prize winning author, MacArthur Fellowship recipient and music critic for The New Yorker), and Theodore Shapiro (composer for over 70 films; winner of 12 BMI Film Music Awards and 2 IFMCA Awards).

Although I am currently leading Potomac’s Intermediate and Upper School choruses and teaching AP music theory, music history, and jazz arranging, over the years I’ve taught composition, counterpoint, handbells, history of jazz, orchestration, and vocal performance. My musical background includes studies at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory of Music and Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. I have been music director for 70 musicals, conducted at the White House and the Kennedy Center, and directed 24 chamber choir tours in Atlanta, Austria, Barcelona, Bermuda, Boston, Charleston (twice), Chicago, England (twice), Florida, Germany, Italy, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans (twice), New Jersey, New York (five times), Philadelphia, and Provence. I am also director of music at McLean’s Trinity United Methodist Church, where I direct several choirs and get to play an 1850 pipe organ. Each summer I work with our summer programs’ discovery and theatre camps, and then I take time off for master classes with noted choral conductors such as Ralph Allwood, Timothy Brown, Robin Gritton, Robert Hollingworth, James MacMillan, Christopher Robinson, Harold Rosenbaum, John Rutter, and Jeffrey Skidmore.

“Seeing students excited about the colleges they visit and apply to is so rewarding! I love hearing about their experiences and impressions as they navigate the college search process!” 

Many years ago when I applied to three colleges, the Common Application did not exist. I remember using a typewriter to fill out paper applications and a lot of white out when I made mistakes! Ultimately I attended and graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor's degree in English, and after trying a few different career paths, I earned an M.Ed. in higher education administration from The College of William & Mary. 

Luckily, pen and paper applications are no longer the standard method of applying to college. The evolution of the process allows students to apply to a variety of different colleges and universities with a click of a button. Deciding where to apply and enroll is exciting but also daunting. I strive to empower students to take ownership of their college search and experience. Having worked as an admission officer prior to being a college counselor, I understand the emotions that are attached to this process for the student and the person reading the application. College counselors function much like a GPS navigation system, providing different routes and advising where to turn, with the student selecting the ultimate destination. There are often numerous side trips during the journey, and everyone has their own unique path to follow. 

I am excited to join the Potomac community, and I look forward to working with students and their families! I am a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), the Potomac & Chesapeake Association of College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling (SACAC), and the Washington Area Independent School Counselors group. I reside in Maryland with my husband and son. 

“One of the ideas I stress every year to my students is that English is an enormous subject that they should explore widely until they find areas that excite them.” 

I grew up in a Navy family and have lived all over the Eastern Seaboard and Europe. I majored in English at Bates College, where I studied poetry and co-captained the sailing team. I try to bring my own interests in literature to the classroom every day. Sometimes that means designing new senior seminars on dystopian novels and ethics, and other times it means showing teenagers that 19th-century writers actually lay out some truths that apply to our modern world. One of the ideas I stress every year to my students is that English is an enormous subject that they should explore widely until they find areas that excite them. 

Potomac is a special place because students have such a desire to work hard and trust that their teachers are leading them in the right direction. As a teacher, that is a lot of responsibility to manage, but it is inspiring to teach here. 

This summer I went on a four-week road trip, when I visited national parks, hiked in the Canadian Rockies, and avoided bears.