Who’s Here

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

I've spent the last 45 of my 55 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 fiftieth 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? A college friend and I started a zine, and 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 have taught English and Social Studies classes and serve as the Assistant Head of School -- which, on some days, is just as adventurous as any of those other adventures.

University of North Carolina B.A. (2020); University of Maryland M.Ed. (2025)

I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, with my parents, two sisters, and lots of pets! Growing up, I spent lots of time outside, which inspired a lifelong passion for nature and the environment. I attended college at the University of North Carolina, where I majored in environmental studies with a minor in social and economic justice. After graduating, I taught Pre-k for three years before returning to school to pursue my Master’s in teaching middle school science. This will be my first year at Parkmont, and I’m looking forward to getting to know and learn about all of the students. Outside of school, I am a competitive ultimate frisbee player, and I travel all around the country to compete in tournaments! I also love to bake, read, and spend time outside with friends and family.

I am originally from San Diego, California, and while I miss my family and the beach, I’ve enjoyed building my life on the East Coast. I came to Washington, D.C., to earn my B.A. in International Affairs with a minor in Spanish from George Washington University. After graduating, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, where I taught literacy in Spanish in rural communities for two years. I am excited to continue my teaching journey here at Parkmont! Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing soccer, drinking tea, and reading.

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

After moving to the DMV area in 2022, I joined Parkmont as the Student Support Coordinator. 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, where I 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.

Providence College, B.S. Physics; Minors in Mathematics and Sociology (2020)

I joined Parkmont in January of 2022 after spending a year teaching Mathematics to grades 7 through 9 at Sa-Nguan Ying School in Suphanburi, Thailand. I graduated from Providence College with a BS in Applied Physics and minors in Mathematics and Sociology. With a deep passion for teaching, curriculum development, and educational equity, I am currently teaching Middle School Math and Precalculus. This tight-knit community has been a joy to work with, and I am so excited for what’s to come. When I am not in school, you can find me playing pickup sports at your local park, traveling around the country or world, or eating new delicious foods.

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. Physics, government, and geography courses have all been added to my teaching repertoire over the years, but I 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. I now live only a few miles from where I grew up in Maryland, but as I raise my young son with my wife and our dog, I can 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, I am the Office Administrator and Senior Advisor, and teach a Reading Group. 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.

Rollins College; American University- Masters Special Education

So happy to be back at 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.

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.

I joined Parkmont last 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. 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.

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 and 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.

Some of my greatest adventures were experienced alongside students and staff asI’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. This followed 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 like science, math, sci-fi, games, and sports, and I've been active in the ultimate frisbee scene of DC since the late 90s. I have lived in Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and currently reside in Mt. Pleasant with my wife, two cats, and two kids—who are (all) awesome.

Amherst College: B.A. Sociology and Political Science

I am excited to join the Parkmont community, especially as someone who grew up just down the street from here! While I have experience managing and working with small businesses, my passion has always been education. I've taught English abroad in Costa Rica, Australia, Argentina, and Japan. In my free time, I love to play and watch soccer, as well as cook Japanese food.

Pratt Institute - BFA/MS Art and Design Education; MPS Art Therapy

Imani Shanklin Roberts is an artist, art therapist, and enthusiastic educator who has returned to her native Washington, D.C., after ten years in Brooklyn, NY. As both an artist and a facilitator with her students and clients, Imani seeks to create liberating and socially responsive work that encourages self-realized liberation. Her artwork spans a wide range of media and forms, including oil on canvas, commissioned murals and other public art, sculpture design, graphic design, and film. She has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows and has been featured in AfroPunk, Artnet, Essence, Huffington Post, and other national and international publications.

Connecticut College (1993) BA, major in English

I love working with this amazing team of people and wonderful students! In my 28th year at Parkmont School (although I was away from 2017-2021), I've 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 out of college. My husband, dog, and I are now holding down the fort on our own. 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!

Dickinson College - B.A. Ancient Greek (1993); Johns Hopkins University - M.A. Creative Writing (2005)

Hello! I joined Parkmont in 2024, and I’m very happy to be here! Born and raised in D.C., I attended Edmund Burke School, a small, progressive school with strong ties to Parkmont. My interest in independent schools deepened when my kids enrolled at Christian Family Montessori School, and I witnessed—as a parent—the transformative effects of a positive, student-centered approach.

Here at Parkmont, the interactions among staff and students inspire me daily. I love seeing the kids lean into their curiosity and enjoy the thrill of learning, and I will never get tired of watching a student’s face light up at a new idea. Before coming to Parkmont, I spent most of my career in journalism, with roles at Legal Times, National Geographic Magazine, and Fresh Air. I live with my spouse, Joe, our two teenagers, my parents, and a small, toothless dog named Gus. Most of our free time is spent at the kids’ athletic events, but on the weekends you might find me working at American Plant, hiking, or reading mystery novels.

I began as a math teacher at Parkmont in 2024. 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.

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. A proud graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, a fiercely distinctive and intimate program, I was drawn to Parkmont maybe due to the similarity of the two schools. 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, teach a Research Writing boot camp to get seniors ready for college, have advised senior petition writing as long as I've been here, and have 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!