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Our Faculty

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

From PK3 through Middle School, our talented, caring, and devoted faculty provide classroom instruction and so much more.

Faculty Quick Facts:

  • 75% have an advanced degree
  • 24% are people of color
  • 15% are male
  • 20% have taught abroad
  • 100% complete professional development annually
  • Our student to teacher ratio is 7 to 1
  • 14 students comprise the average class
  • All of our world language teachers are native speakers of that language

They are also role models and coaches. They give needed hugs, extra help with science fair projects, and encouragement with math word problems. Relationships between students and teachers last long after WES graduation. It is not unusual for alumni to return and visit during holidays and college breaks!

Washington Episcopal School Teachers and Faculty

St. George's Society

The St. George’s Society honors founding and current faculty of Washington Episcopal School for their remarkable dedication and commitment in taking the School from a dream to a thriving institution.  Membership in the Society is open to those faculty, staff, and administrators who have faithfully served the School for at least 15 years.

The St. George’s Society Fund, established in 2017 to honor St. George’s Society members, allocates funds to The Stuart Work Library.

 

MEMBERS:

Deighton Alleyne†                    Maryalys Hopkins
Betty Anthony                           Barbara Hutton
Ruthann Arnsberger†              Bill Isola*
Kim Bair*                                   Martha Jenkins
Michele Baker                           Sally Koenig
Amy Barnes                               Tolek Kozlov*
Nadine Barr                              Gayle McLaughlin
Ellen Bien                                  Betsy Meeker†
Jane Boynton                            Marguerite Miller
Ali Bratun*                                Donna Muir
Marilyn Brown                          Mary Lee Nickel*
Kris Butler                                  Joyce O’Donnell*
Alice Cassman                           Brenda Patterson†
Fran Caterini                            Patricia Herzog Poffel
Janice Davis*                           Annette Poston
Janet Davison                           Jane Reeves
Laurie Dinsmore                      Ann Robinson
Linda Durling*                         Dave Schuessler*
Caterina Earle*                        Isabelle Schuessler
Mehdi Elkassem*                    Petie Schuessler*
Dorothy Flynn                          Anne Smalley
Matt Frentsos                           Susan Stern
Frances Hamby†                      Barb von Schilcher
Dawn Harding†                        Frances Webster†
Jacqueline Hassanzadeh*      Nancy Wright
Claire Henderson                    LaKisha Yirenkyi*
Jayne Hood
      *Current Faculty       † Deceased

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

Katie Abarr
Grade 3 Teacher

I am so excited to be a part of creating an atmosphere of community learning.
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Kim Bair
Director of Admission and Financial Aid

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

Ali Bratun
Assistant Director of Development

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

Justin Black
PE Teacher & Basketball Coach

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

Barbora Bridle
Grade 5 Teacher

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

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

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.
Read More

Courtney Clark
Elementary Division Director

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

Kevin Corcy
MS French Teacher

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

Emma Cowan
Elementary Art Teacher

It makes my heart grow to work with a bunch of fearless artists.
Read More

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.
Read More

Amy Davies
Grade 2 Teacher

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

Lexie DePont
Grade 1 Teacher

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” 
Read More

Caterina Earle
Middle School Science Teacher

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

Alexis Doyle
Grade 1 Associate Teacher

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

Katya Elkassem
PK3 Teacher

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

Mehdi Elkassem
Science Teacher & Soccer Coach

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

Matt Eisenberg
Band Teacher

Matt Eisenberg is an educator, performer, and conductor in the Washington, DC, area.
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Diana England
EC Counselor

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

Matt Foster
IT Director

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

Ann Freniere
Assistant to the Head of School

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

Kalila Henry
Grade 3 Associate Teacher

I love how autonomous and eager 3rd graders can be about learning new things and I am excited about all that they’ll be learning throughout the year.
Read More

Annalisa Herrero
Communications Associate

I love the warm and welcoming environment WES provides.
Read More

Jacqueline Hassanzadeh
EC and ES French Teacher

I assess my teaching methods and look to improve to ensure the best experience for my students.
Read More

Katie Hopper
Middle School English Teacher

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

Bill Isola
Athletics Director

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

Stephanie Jayakanthan
Marketing and Communications Director

I truly appreciate WES's warm and welcoming community.
Read More

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.
Read More

Maureen Kellerman
Middle School Math Teacher

I strive to make every student successful and confident in the material we are covering in their class.
Read More

Katherine Kunze
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

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

Will Layman
Director of Development

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

Nick Lellenberg
Assoc Dir of Admission & Fin Aid

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

Caitlin Lennon
PE Teacher & After-School Enrichment Program Director

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

Amnee Lindbloom
Grade 4 Teacher

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

Erica Lopez
Grade 2 Teacher

My educational philosophy is rooted in educating the whole child.
Read More

Conner Mace
Campus Security Officer

WES embodies what the family culture means.
Read More

Kayla Merryman
Classroom Support Personnel

For me, the best piece of advice is to stay true to myself and not care so much about what other people think.
Read More

Jessica Nelson
Grade 4 Teacher

If you love and enjoy teaching the lesson, the students are likely to reciprocate that joy for learning.
Read More

Mary Lee Nickel
Early Childhood Director

Children learn best through the power of play and exploration. Let them take ownership of their learning.
Read More

Moira O’Kon
EC/ES Spanish teacher

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

Katherine Owens
Elementary STEM Innovation Teacher

I have always been fascinated by science, filled with ideas and passion to create useful things.
Read More

Patrick Pané
Librarian and Advisor

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

Trish Peva
Development Associate

When you're green, you're ripe. When you're ripe, you rot.
Read More

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.
Read More

Sarah Poland
Grade 2 Teacher

I want my students to know they can positively impact their communities-no matter what!
Read More

The Rev. Kristen Tossell Pitts
Chaplain & DEI Director

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

Emily Rice
EC Learning Specialist

My favorite part about being a learning specialist is seeing how much kids grow over the year!
Read More

Rachel Rodriguez
Grade 1 Teacher

My goal as a teacher is to reach every child to assist them in becoming avid learners.
Read More

Katie Rothwell
PK4 Lead Teacher

My heart belongs in the classroom, and I believe there is no one-size-fits-all in education.
Read More

Rana Ryan
Classroom Support Personnel

I am passionate about giving children the skills and the atmosphere where they can express themselves.
Read More

Dave Schuessler
Facilities Manager

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

Monica Shelly
EC Music Teacher

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

Na’Kia Simpson
Front Desk Receptionist

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

Hao Song
Payroll and Benefits Specialist

I love to see smiles on people's faces. 
Read More

Brittany Sullivan
Grade 4 Teacher

I enjoy helping children grow their love for learning and the excitement of seeing them do new things!
Read More

Wendy Tasin
Chief Financial Officer

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

Tracy Theal
PK3 Associate Teacher

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

Ron Valenzia
Performing Arts Director

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

Catherine Voelpel
PE Teacher & Coach

If the students show up to a fun and engaging environment, then they will be more likely to participate.
Read More

Danny Vogelman
Head of School

I have a passion for creating optimal environments in which children learn and grow.
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Danielle Werkmeister
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

I want to help kids discover their spark of excitement for learning.
Read More

Stacy Xu
Senior Accountant

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

Cameron Yeutter
Grade 3 Teacher

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

LaKisha Yirenkyi
MS Art Teacher; EC Support Art Teacher

I believe art should be both fun and challenging.
Read More

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