Who’s Here

Harvard University- B.A. Social Relations (1971)

I've spent the last 40 of my 50 years in independent education at Parkmont, adventuring with young people and loving the hundreds of important conversations made possible each year by our size and mission. I started teaching on a 350-foot square rigger in 1971 after graduating from Harvard and then spent five inspiring years at Edmund Burke and four at the Somerset School learning about the virtues of small schools and creative programming. Along the way I've spent 45 years helping organize the annual Northfield Family Conference, 4 years dancing with Liz Lerman's Dance Exchange, 2 running the FONZ summer bus program for DCPS, 15 coaching my children and their friends in travel league soccer, and 35 helping support the leaders of my fellow small school heads in the Washington Small Schools Association. At Parkmont I'm proudest of the remarkable support we've provided for young people for decades, the Poetry Festival, Internship Program, and Parkmont Classrooms that are in their fortieth years, and the young people we've helped get a start in the field of education. That's the same time my wife Holly and I have lived in Takoma Park, much of it graced by the company of our three adult children, Matt, Michael, and Maggie.

Pomona College- B.A. English (1998); Catholic University – M.A. Social Work (2012)

I was born and raised in Houston, TX, which is where my family still lives. I made my way to California for four years at Pomona College, then decided to move to Washington, DC in 1998 because… why not? I started a zine with a college friend, then, within a year of arriving in town, got a job as an intern at a tiny school on 16th Street NW. Since then, with my Parkmont students, I’ve climbed Chichen Itza (back when they still allowed that!) and biked within feet of alligators; I’ve learned to drive a houseboat, have mastered skiing on the bunny slope, and met civil rights leader John Lewis. I’ve taught English and Social Studies classes and serve as the Dean of Students -- which, on some days, is just as adventurous as any of those other adventures.

University of Maryland- B.S. in Computer Science, Minor in Philosophy (2006); Montgomery College- A.S. in Mechanical Engineering

I found Parkmont, or rather, Parkmont found me, just as I was getting ready to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Philosophy way back in 2006. The truth was that I hadn’t really been looking forward to a desk job in front of a screen all day, and if anything, Parkmont has given me the exact opposite. I started off as a supporting math teacher primarily, but over the years have grown into a lot of roles, both inside and outside the classroom. I’ve added physics, government, and geography courses to my teaching repertoire over the years, but also run and manage the technology at our school (a role I really revel in), and am happy to figure out how to fix anything. In the last few years, I’ve really enjoyed being able to bring my love of running, especially on the trails of Rock Creek Park, to the students in the school. Originally, I hail from Takoma Park, MD, where I was involved in the same soccer leagues as a kid where Ron McClain coached his children (and my brother). I was always a Marylander at heart, but a few years ago made the move into DC in earnest, and now live in the Petworth neighborhood. Being a part of Parkmont has been a big influence on where I see myself coming from, and even though I now live only five miles from where I grew up, I can now happily say I am ‘from’ DC.

Hampshire College- B.A. History, minor in Creative Writing (2013)

I joined Parkmont in 2019 after spending a few years working as a bookstore manager and before that, a teacher. I grew up in the DMV but I still find myself discovering new things about the area every day. At Parkmont, my job is split up into three main responsibilities: I support Erin in the communications department, assist Willa with internships, and provide extra support for students that need tutoring. It’s a great work balance that allows me to help with administrative tasks while still connecting with students directly (which I love). When I’m not at school, I’m likely reading manga, watching anime, or catching up on the latest news on my favorite K-Pop group, BTS.

Trinity College (CT)- B.A Urban Studies (2011); American University- Certificate in Spanish Translation (2014)

I’m one of Parkmont’s English and Social Studies teachers. Since 2015, I’ve been sharing my passion for subject-verb agreement and DC Council politics with Parkmont’s middle- and upper-school classes. As a co-coach of the school’s basketball and soccer teams, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented student athletes, and am, admittedly, living vicariously through them as I get to experience the joys of scholastic athletics from a coaching perspective. A DMV native, I’ve lived in Washington and its suburbs for the majority of my life, with several year-long sabbaticals in-between to spend time in Chile and other South American countries. Before joining Parkmont, I worked as an interpreter for the Fairfax County Park Authority and, in my most recent escapade to South America, was employed as a fly-fishing guide in a mountain lodge in Chile. During summers and in my spare time, I try to get outside as much as possible, and love fishing, hiking, kayaking and learning new outdoor skills. I also play soccer and am hopelessly addicted to the rising and falling fortunes of Arsenal Football Club. Working at Parkmont has taught me about the value of a small community, and the interconnectedness of our classes and programs. I’m especially proud of our unique ability to explore our nation’s capital and connect our field trips to classroom learning.

Rollins College (FL)- B.A. in Sociology, (2014); American University- M.A. in Special Education (Expected 2024)

My Parkmont career began in 2013 after graduating with a degree in Sociology from Rollins College in Orlando, FL, and returning to the DMV. I spent my formative years in Takoma Park, MD, where I attended local MCPS schools. My most salient memories from my childhood include those forged on the soccer fields and basketball courts of Montgomery County, where I met many of my closest friends, and on campsites and National Parks around the country, where I learned to love the outdoors on family vacations. I love working at Parkmont--I am lucky to be surrounded by a dynamic group of educators and a wonderful and diverse student body, and those relationships are what I value most about our community. In my time here, I’ve taught social studies, health, and math classes to upper school and middle school sections, have been an academic advisor to middle school students, and have taught and coached our sports classes and teams. I’ve experienced some of my greatest adventures alongside students and staff--I’ve led trips to the California coast, to mainland Puerto Rico and Vieques, to Kenai Fjord and Denali National Parks in the Alaskan wilderness, to the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest, to the Everglades, and to the campgrounds of the Outer Banks. Those trips have been special for a number of reasons, but the common thread among them is witnessing firsthand the excitement with which students experience places they have learned about, and the confidence that they gain on those trips and bring back to the classroom.

University of Notre Dame - B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. Political Science (1995)

I joined the Parkmont team in 2019, teaching math and science in the upper school program. I worked for 20-plus years at Emerson Preparatory, another small, local, private high school with a unique character, where I was a science and math teacher, as well as the Dean of Faculty, and the Associate Head of School over the years. Parkmont seemed like a natural fit to continue with the style of teaching, students, and community that I had connected so strongly with over those years – offering small class sizes, a welcoming and connected faculty, and a focus on engaging whole students, rather than just pushing for academic excellence. I have lived in Adams Morgan or Mt. Pleasant my entire time in DC. I like science, math, sci-fi, games, sports - and was very active in the ultimate frisbee scene of DC (until the pandemic, so it is one of the things I look forward to most on the other side!)

St. John’s College- B. A. Classical Liberal Arts (1979)

I've been a part of the fabric of Parkmont since we took up residence on 16th Street in 1990, and I really just remained onsite as I’d been part of the Somerset community for three years prior to that. I’m a proud graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, a fiercely distinctive and intimate program, and maybe that similarity is part of what drew me to Parkmont. I stuck around because of the people, and because each of the many hats I’ve worn is based in a passion of mine: I coordinate the Parkmont Poetry Festival; I teach a Research Writing boot camp to get seniors ready for college; I've advised senior petition writing as long as I've been here; and I’ve helped lead the school through two accreditation cycles. When I’m not doing any of that, I’m acting on DC-area stages or narrating audiobooks. Among my favorite Parkmont adventures was having a student teach me to ski on an overnight trip to Blue Knob!

Hendrix College - B.A. in Environmental Studies, Minor in History (2020)

I joined Parkmont in September of 2022 after just moving to the DMV area in August. I grew up in south Louisiana until I moved to Arkansas where I attended college and began my career in education. After graduating, I taught 7th grade science at Mann Magnet Middle School in Little Rock until I moved on to coordinating educational programming for the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. I am excited to now find myself back in a school, especially one as special as Parkmont. I am the Student Support Coordinator and work with a select group of students to ensure their academic success and sense of place in the Parkmont community. On my own time you will find me either hiking with my partner and our dog, playing a variety of board games and tabletop roleplaying games, or making music with friends.

Rollins College; American University- Masters Special Education

I have re-joined Parkmont  after taking a few years off to raise my now second grader.  I am a native Washingtonian who has spent many years teaching and tutoring students throughout the Metro Washington area.  I am the special educator at Parkmont and greatly enjoy working with students and staff.  My favorite part of my job is being able to connect with the wonderful Parkmont community.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida before receiving my Masters in Special Education with an Emphasis on Learning Disabilities from American University right here in Washington, D.C. When I am not at Parkmont, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.  

Connecticut College (1993) BA, major in English

I love working with this amazing team of people and wonderful students! I am in my 26th year at Parkmont School (although I was away from 2017-2021) and have had various roles including art teacher and admissions director, but mostly have been the Director of Institutional Advancement. I'm a native Washingtonian, and my two kids are now in college. My husband, dog, and I are now holding down the fort on our own. I also run a wellness company, Little Green, and am building a women's health company, Sage+Sisters. When I'm not working, you can find me walking various trails of DC, creating art or textiles, doing pilates, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, or exploring our amazing city!

I've rejoined the Parkmont community after living and working in Malaysia for the last four years. I'm drawn back to our small school environment teaching math, social studies, and a reading group. A lifelong educator, I got started teaching through Peace Corps in Ghana in 2010 and continued ever since. One of my favorite parts of the year is winter when Parkmont takes its annual ski trip; see you on the slopes!

Guilford College (Major in Physics, minor in math and dance)

Born and raised in DC, I came to Parkmont this year after working in several schools and educational organizations around the city, including a few years in DCPS.    Most recently, I worked for 4 years at a maker space called KID Museum in Bethesda, designing and delivering hands-on programming in coding, robotics, textiles, woodworking, and circuitry.  As a teacher, I love tinkering with new ways of making, experimenting, and getting students to ask questions about the world.   After attending Guilford College and graduating with a B.S. in Physics, with minors in math and dance, I spent a year living in Germany, and another year travelling around South America. I am excited to join Parkmont both as a teacher, and as an internship coordinator and office staff.  When I'm not at work, you could usually find me exploring a new artform, outside slacklining or planning my next travel adventure.  However, this year you might find me on the couch, as I'm expecting my first child in January 2023!

I joined Parkmont at the beginning of 2024 and have loved watching the students' creativity flourish. Originally from the DC metropolitan area, I attended school not far from Parkmont. I hold a BFA from the University of Maryland, College Park, and have been a practicing studio artist ever since. When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me traveling or attending sports events with my son, Aiden.

I am one of Parkmont's new math teachers. My favorite subject is Algebra 2, which I have the privilege to teach to my upper school students. Prior to educating students on the intricacies of math, I worked in the tech industry in the Bay Area in California. I studied Computer Science at the University of Michigan, which is where I fell in love with math. When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me running, at Hungarian cultural events, or spending time with friends.

I joined Parkmont this year, after earning a computer science degree from Connecticut College, with a special interest in technology addiction. Starting in winter 2023, I was a substitute teacher at Maret school, where I was reminded how much fun it is to learn along with students. During this past summer, I worked with a psychologist on questions around social media and addiction, especially as it pertains to kids. During this time I heard about Parkmont and really wanted a chance to engage with students more directly.

My philosophy is: "my community invested in me, so now I must invest in it."

I was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar, a large city that is as dense, as large, and as lively as New York City. I attended The International School Yangon (ISY) where I received the International Baccalaureate Diploma. My unforgettable experience at this school where there was an emphasis on community, family, and global perspectives was what drew me to Parkmont (and Washington DC!). Simply put: it reminded me of home. I moved to the US for the first time ever (and alone!) in 2019 to attend The George Washington University, and graduated in Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Right after college and before I joined Parkmont, I worked as a Civic Program Instructor at The Close Up Foundation in the DC/VA area. At Close Up I led field trips every single week for different groups of middle and high school students around historical places including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Williamsburg in VA. I have also worked extensively with children of recent immigrants (less than 5 years in the US), and students who speak English as a second language. This experience confirmed to me that I enjoy being an educator which led me to pursue classroom teaching. At Parkmont I teach Middle School English, Upper School U.S. Government, and Upper School Modern World History. Education was seen as a ticket out of hardship, and living in Myanmar impassioned me to excel in school. These experiences inspired me to invest in my education and other people's as well. I hope that one day I can return to my home country, and invest in my own community there as well. Right now I am grateful to be where I am, ready to teach but most of all ready to learn!

Tom is in his first year at Parkmont School, teaching math, world religions, social studies, and afternoon classes such as chess. He grew up in Washington DC and is a graduate of Washington Latin Charter School and Hamilton College in upstate NY. In his free time, Tom loves playing soccer, ultimate frisbee, tennis, and adventuring around the city and farther afield. Tom is excited to be part of the Parkmont community!