WES Faculty and Teachers | Washington Episcopal School

Rachel Auerbach
PK3 Associate Teacher

I hope to help foster an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, speaking their minds, making mistakes, and asking for help.

Kim Bair
Director of Admission and Financial Aid

The WES community has been my second family from the beginning.

Ivanna Bandura
EC Spanish Teacher

I want to inspire my young students to love and engage in learning a new language, in a fun way!

Andy Benton
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator

Adam Bergman
Middle School Math Teacher

I look forward to being a part of a community that puts its students first!

Ali Bratun
Assistant Director of Development

After volunteering as a parent for years, the Development Office said, “Give her a desk!”

Justin Black
PE Teacher & Coach

I want to help students meet their fullest potential by providing a safe environment that supports risk-taking.

Barbora Bridle
Grade 5 Teacher

I love Grade 5 because students are developing their opinions and learning how to articulate the "whys."

Tiffney M. Brockway
Registrar

My favorite thing about WES is the sense of community and caring that I share with my colleagues.

Lauren Brooks
PK3 Associate Teacher

I love to see the milestones each child accomplishes over time and the huge smiles on their faces every day.

Courtney Clark
Elementary Division Director

I help students understand their potential and identify their level of success.

Kevin Corcy
MS French Teacher

I am passionate about sharing my culture and getting students excited about learning French.

Kristin Cuddihy
Middle School Director

One of the reasons that I am here at WES is our school's focus on kindness, confidence, and preparation.

Amy Davies
Grade 2 Teacher

I nurture lifelong learners by cultivating curiosity, encouraging teamwork, and inspiring joy.

Lexie DePont
Grade 1 Teacher

You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Jeanna DiCarlo
Middle School Learning Specialist, Grade 6 Executive Functioning Course Teacher, and Grades 6/7/8 Academic Skills Course Teacher

Every day is a new adventure in learning, where love for exploration and discovery blossoms in a nurturing community.

Amina DeVries
PK4 Teacher

Sometimes the people we least expect can have the biggest impact on us.

Julien Dourlen
PE Teacher & Coach

PE should be a space where everyone feels safe and comfortable to explore new activities, with the potential to embrace them immediately or later in life.

Caterina Earle
Middle School Science Teacher

I love the challenge of developing methods for explaining concepts clearly and efficiently.

Alexis Doyle
Classroom Support Personnel

I knew from an early age that I wanted to give back to children just like my teachers did for me.

Katya Elkassem
PK3 Teacher

I want my students to feel that they are loved and cared for no less than they are at home.

Mehdi Elkassem
Science Teacher & Soccer Coach

My goal is to make EVERY child feel that they are loved and that they matter.

Diana England
EC Counselor

I want to make students feel confident by helping them develop mastery of their social-emotional and academic skills.

Krista Engler
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

I believe that children learn best through intentionally planned, hands-on experiences.

Matt Foster
Systems and Ed Tech Administrator

I try to create a safe, inclusive environment for students where they can explore what interests them.

Ann Freniere
Assistant to the Head of School

I'm a fourth generation native Washingtonian and a product of local independent schools.

Emma Garry
Grade 4 Teacher

Whether I’m accidentally burning myself in the kitchen or covered in hot glue, I love to be creative and try new things.

Jill Gelman
Elementary Learning Specialist

I hope to inspire a love for learning, adventure, and discovery in every student.

Jessamine Griewahn-Okita
Grade 5 Teacher

Teaching my peers showed me that being a source of knowledge could be a good thing and that the real fun was in figuring out how to pass that knowledge onto others.

Emmy Hass
Nurse

I'm energized by the school environment WES provides.

Jody Henderson
ES/MS Band Teacher

I am motivated everyday to provide students exciting and successful access to performing music.

Ian Hendrie
Director of Extended Day & Classroom Support Personnel

I’m eager to grow and contribute within the WES community.

Annalisa Herrero
Communications Associate

I love the warm and welcoming environment WES provides.

Katie Hopper
Middle School English Teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to be surrounded by people eager to learn.

Bill Isola
Athletics Director

Win or lose, there is always something that our students can learn from competition.

Ana Karam
Assistant to the EC & ES Directors

I love seeing how our students grow and mature into lovely young people from year to year.

Meghan Keller
ES/MS Counselor

I am deeply passionate about student wellness and creating a comprehensive school counseling program that teaches children strategies and coping skills.

Katherine Kunze
Kindergarten Teacher

I have always loved working with children and knew teaching was the right choice for me.

Will Layman
Director Communications & Marketing

Everyone I have known who graduated from WES has been kind, graceful, and comfortable in their own skin.

Nick Lellenberg
Associate Director of Admission & Financial Aid

WES is a second home, not only for the students, but for parents, faculty, and staff as well.

Caitlin Lennon
PE Teacher & After-School Enrichment Program Director

My goal is to "Be curious, not judgmental."

Amnee Lindbloom
Grade 4 Teacher

Teaching is a lifelong process where I am consistently learning new strategies and new ideas.

Meredith Mason
Receptionist

I love that WES emphasizes creating a school environment filled with JOY!

Michele Maxson
Elementary/Middle School Math Teacher

My classroom is a dynamic environment with opportunities for hands-on inquiry, discovery, and reflection.

Joyce O’Donnell
Kindergarten Teacher

I think mistakes are awesome, because that's how we learn best.

Moira O’Kon
EC/ES Spanish teacher

Teaching is my life, and I believe communication, learning, and enthusiasm are vital.

Patrick Pané
Librarian and Advisor

Every child is a reader. There is a book for every child and a child for every book.

Molly Patruno
Grade 4 Teacher

I strive to empower students to achieve their best and become global citizens.

The Rev. Kristen Tossell Pitts
Chaplain and Director of Spiritual and Cultural Learning

I love when students start to ask more challenging questions about faith and the Bible.

Joel Pizarro
MS Spanish Teacher & Soccer Coach

My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge.

Tanya Powell
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

There's nothing more magical than seeing children reach their goals and make meaningful connections.

Katie Rothwell
Early Childhood Director

My heart belongs in schools, and I believe there is no one-size-fits-all in education.

Bronwyn Roy
Director of Development

I love WES - the consistent presence and support of the school community has transformed our family.

Rana Ryan
EC Science Teacher & Classroom Support Personnel

I am passionate about giving children the skills and atmosphere to express themselves.

Dave Schuessler
Facilities Manager

I ensure our Dragons have a well-maintained and beautiful space in which to learn.

Monica Shelly
EC Music Teacher

I believe that music is a vehicle that drives children to learn social emotional skills.

Archana Shukla
PK3 Teacher

I became a teacher so I could help our younger generations grow confident and kind.

Na’Kia Simpson
Development Associate

My favorite thing about WES is knowing that new adventures await and the best is yet to come!

Hao Song
Payroll and Benefits Specialist

I love to see smiles on people's faces.

Chelsea Stolt
Latin Teacher

My teaching philosophy is to center delight, reflection, and growth in my classes, so that students use the learning of Latin to become confident in their ability to do difficult things.

Wendy Tasin
Chief Financial Officer & Operations Officer

I am a CPA and received my B.S. in business management from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Erica Taylor
Grade 2 Teacher

My educational philosophy is rooted in educating the whole child.

Tracy Theal
PK4 Associate Teacher

I want children to see the excitement behind learning something new every day.

Ron Valenzia
Performing Arts Director

As the director of performing arts, I want to inspire and cultivate a love for the performing arts.

Danny Vogelman
Head of School

I have a passion for creating optimal environments in which children learn and grow.

Stacy Xu
Senior Accountant

The highlight of my experience at WES is that people are very kind and supportive.

Cameron Yeutter
Grade 3 Teacher

I became a teacher because I have a passion for helping children grow as learners.

LaKisha Yirenkyi
MS Art Teacher; EC Support Art Teacher

I believe art should be both fun and challenging.

Our Educators

WES Faculty: Combining Credentials, Individual Attention, and Dedication to Ensure Each Child's Success

Meet some of WES's passionate and dedicated faculty so that you can get a sense of their kindness and character.

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