At Hill, we are fortunate to have excellent facilities and resources, which provide an ideal environment in which to teach our children. But no asset is more valuable and important than the people. The faculty and staff of The Hill School are truly inspirational. Many of these people have been associated with the school for decades; for others this will be their first year at Hill. All of them are dedicated to Hill’s educational philosophy and program.
Faculty & Staff
Denise All
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. Bridgewater College
Hill School 1989-1994; 2011-
dall@thehillschool.org
Denise, a native of Loudoun County, and her husband, Olen, moved to Middleburg after they were married. Denise earned her B.S. in elementary education from Bridgewater College in 1989. The following fall she joined The Hill School faculty. Between 1989 and 1994, she served as a 2nd grade assistant and 3rd grade lead teacher. Denise left Hill in 1994 after the birth of her first child. She returned to Hill in 2011 to assist in 2nd grade and has been the lead Kindergarten teacher for the last 8 years. She and Olen have three daughters, Emma is a University of Virginia graduate who lives in Philadelphia and works in publishing, Hannah, (Hill ‘11), who is a graduate of University of Virginia with her Masters in Education and is teaching Kindergarten at The Epiphany School in New Bern, NC, and Abigail, (Hill ‘16), a junior at Randolph Macon College. For relaxation Denise enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and reading.
Denise All
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Paula Austin
Lead 1st Grade Teacher
B.S Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M. Ed. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Hill School 1996-2002; 2004 –
paustin@thehillschool.org
Firmly believing in learning from experience, Paula tries to take away something from every phase in her life. She grew up in a close knit family in a tiny western Pennsylvania town (appreciation for a small town community). The oldest of four children (responsibility and awe of the randomness of genetics), she was the first in her family to graduate from college (grit). After completing her degrees (focus and fun times can coexist!), she left Pennsylvania. For the first eight years of her career, Paula taught 1st-3rd grade (young children are very funny), developed curriculum, and served as a reading teacher and testing coordinator in Prince George’s County and in Washington, DC. In 1996, she came to Hill as the lead 2nd grade teacher (Hill has the textbook characteristics of a great school). Her post-graduate work at the University of Virginia centered on reading and word study. Her recent professional interests cluster around community building and a phonics based reading approach. In 2002, she took two years off to begin a family before returning to Hill (parenting is humbling, hard, yet there is nothing like it). Paula lives locally with her husband, Richard Skarnes, son Benjamin (Hill ’17), daughter Mei (Hill ’22), two cats, named Turtle and Tiger, and a small flock of chickens. She enjoys gardening and landscaping with native plants. Her go-to sections of a library or bookstore are American history, historical fiction, and autobiographies with preferences toward China, adoption, and strong female protagonists.
Paula Austin
Lead 1st Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Mike Barreda
Dornin Labs, JK-8 Athletics
B.A. University of California at Santa Cruz
Hill School 2006 –
mbarreda@thehillschool.org
Mike grew up inside the Washington beltway and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where he met his wife Leslie Grayson. After graduating Mike worked as a writer and management analyst for contractors serving the EPA and other government agencies before becoming an editor at the National Recycling Coalition. Throughout this period he pursued his passion for Ultimate Frisbee by playing for club teams that competed at the Ultimate Frisbee National Championships. In 1996 he became a stay-at-home Dad and a more-than-part-time farmer. Mike owns and operates Blue Ridge Beef, which produces natural, grass fed beef and commercial cattle. As a farmer, he has won state-level producer and environmental awards. Mike discovered the joys of coaching when he found himself “that dad” who coaches his kid’s recreational soccer teams. As a coach, he is especially interested in fostering a lifelong love of physical activity and the outdoors. As a fan, Mike follows soccer, especially the Premier League. As an athlete, Mike is a passionate road and gravel cyclist. His daughter Mia, (Hill ’11), is a physician assistant at Logan Regional Hospital Center in WV, and his son Xavier, (Hill ’15), is serving in the Peace Corps in Panama. He lives at Blue Ridge Farm near Upperville with his wife Leslie, cows (70), dogs (5), and cats (5)!
Mike Barreda
Dornin Labs, JK-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Jill Beifuss
English Department Chair, Lead 7th Grade Teacher, 7 English, 5 Writing & Language Fundamentals
B.A. Lawrence University
M.A. University of Virginia
Hill School 1999 –
jbeifuss@thehillschool.org
Jill earned her B.A. from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and her M.A. in English Literature from UVA. She taught literature, composition, and remedial writing at UVA, spent two years as an instructor at Chowan College in North Carolina, and taught for four years at the College of Charleston. Jill’s experience teaching a wide variety of ages has reinforced her commitment to helping students become lifelong readers and writers with an awareness of the power of language. Jill has presented papers on Renaissance literature, Shakespeare, film, and media literacy at conferences in Utah, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded her grants to study Mark Twain and the literature of the Reformation. While Jill owns two cats, she is also very fond of dogs. She is a doting aunt, an interested cook, and a passionate filmgoer.
Jill Beifuss
English Department Chair, Lead 7th Grade Teacher, 7 English, 5 Writing & Language Fundamentals
Faculty & Staff
Phill Bradshaw
Facilities
Hill School 2022 –
pbradshaw@thehillschool.org
Phill was born and raised in northern Virginia but now enjoys country livin’ in Front Royal. Phill has been commercial electrician since 2004. His interests include self-sustainability and home farming/gardening. He’s a do it yourselfer and loves tinkering around the house He is super excited to be part of the Hill School faculty and staff.
Phill Bradshaw
Facilities
Faculty & Staff
Marnie Butu
Librarian
B.A. ITT Technical Institute
M.I. Library Science Rutgers
Hill School 2022 –
mbutu@thehillschool.org
Marnie was born in Hawaii. She grew up there with her parents and older sister. Her mother was a teacher and professional freelance writer, and her father was an Army veteran, helicopter pilot and lifelong learner. Marnie moved to Virginia in 1995, and in 1999 started working for a small not-for-profit organization that manages a high-risk insurance policy for small business owners across the country. She wore many hats, from accounting and event planning to managing their certification courses. In 2008 became their membership coordinator and LMS administrator. During that time she also went back to school for her B.S. in Business Administration and graduated with honors in 2010. In 2019 she decided to go back to school to pursue her M.I. degree in Library Science and graduated with honors through Rutgers University in January 2022. Marnie and her husband have a daughter who loves all things Star Wars, ancient mythology, Marvel and retro anime, and who keeps them on their toes. The Butus like to explore museums, botanical gardens and other such places both in DC and beyond. Marnie also loves to craft, enjoys supernatural and true crime movies, and these days primarily enjoys reading YA and picture books.
Marnie Butu
Librarian
Faculty & Staff
Karen Chase
JK-8 Music
B.M.Ed. Westminster Choir College
Hill School 1991 –
kchase@thehillschool.org
Before coming to Hill, Karen’s career history included a variety of occupations, all with one common thread: music. She worked as a music therapist, a church musician, as Head of the Music Department at the Ethel Walker School (CT), and as music teacher and Dean of Students at Foxcroft School. Karen earned a Bachelor of Music at Westminster Choir College (NJ). After spending six years as Hill’s third grade assistant teacher, Karen became the Lower School Music Teacher in 1998. She became the K-6 music teacher in 2000 and in 2006, added grades 7 and 8 to her musical responsibilities, and JK in 2013. Karen is certified in the Orff music curriculum through level two and is also an amateur cellist and has attended Cellospeak, a national workshop for five years. Besides music, Karen has many interests. She enjoys handwork, such as needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch. She and her husband Steve live in Middleburg. The Chases have two cats.
Karen Chase
JK-8 Music
Faculty & Staff
Linda Conti
Art Department Chair, JK, K, 4-8 Art, Culture Study Program, Yearbook
B.F.A. Temple University – Tyler School of Art
M.I.S. Virginia Commonwealth University
Hill School 1996 –
lconti@thehillschool.org
Linda Conti has loved and created art all her life. As one of seven children growing up outside of Chicago, Illinois, there were many weekend trips to the Art Institute. She went to Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia, and also received an M.I.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her personal artwork uses books, mixed media, photography, fabric, painting, jewelry and sculpture. She has been teaching at Hill for 24 years. Linda loves teaching children because she feels that art really is for everyone. The students explore a variety of materials, express themselves visually, and learn about artists from both the past and contemporary times. She is the Past-President of the Virginia Art Education Association, the professional organization for art educators in the state. She has served on a number of community boards, and enjoys working with adults to make the world a better place. She lives near Philomont with her husband Matt in a small house with a big studio!
Linda Conti
Art Department Chair, JK, K, 4-8 Art, Culture Study Program, Yearbook
Faculty & Staff
Erin Coulter
Theater Program Director, 3-8 Theater, 6 Homeroom
B.F.A. Carnegie Mellon University
M.S.T. Pace University
Hill School 2018 –
ecoulter@thehillschool.org
Erin serves The Hill School as the Theater Director and sixth grade homeroom partner. Erin received her B.F.A. in Theater from Carnegie Mellon University and has been involved with 100+ productions as a director, actor, teacher, or producer, spanning three decades. She began teaching through Teach for America, has her Masters of Science in Teaching from Pace University, and spent ten years in New York City teaching everything from Kindergarten to graduate courses. Erin is the artistic director of the Middleburg based theater, Tagragg productions, serves on the town Arts Council and in her other free time she enjoys travel, writing, and spending time with friends, family, and her two cats. She and her husband, Alejandro, welcomed their first child this winter, and are excited to be part of the Hill community!
Erin Coulter
Theater Program Director, 3-8 Theater, 6 Homeroom
Faculty & Staff
John Daum
Lead 5th Grade Teacher, Culture Study Program
B.A. Ohio Wesleyan University
M.F.A. New York University
M.Ed. UCLA
Hill School 1997 –
jdaum@thehillschool.org
John grew up in the Washington suburbs and made his first trip to Europe in elementary school which fostered his lifelong love of travel. He spent his junior year of high school as an exchange student in Germany and then attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he received his B.A. He lived in New York City for three years and received an M.F.A. from New York University. He and his wife Kasia lived in Los Angeles for eight years where John received an M.Ed. from UCLA. Kasia and John have traveled extensively throughout Europe with their children, Jacob (Hill ‘13) and Julia (Hill ‘15), and also enjoy trips to New York City, and cross-country driving trips to California. John has endless enthusiasm for all things Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. He is an avid scholar of art history, architecture, and the great cities of Europe (and their food!) He also enjoys taking families on custom designed trips to Europe as part of his company, Daum Adventures.
John Daum
Lead 5th Grade Teacher, Culture Study Program
Faculty & Staff
Kasia Daum
School Counselor and Consultant
B.A. University of Maryland
M.A. Loyola Marymount University
Hill School 1999 –
kdaum@thehillschool.org
Kasia was born in Poland and moved to Maryland with her family at the age of eleven. She discovered her love for the field of psychology while attending college at the University of Maryland. After earning her bachelor’s, Kasia moved to California, where she completed a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy. It was Kasia’s job at a school-based clinic that first exposed her to working with schools. She found the job so rewarding that she was hooked! After working professionally for a number of years in Los Angeles, Kasia and her husband John moved back to the East Coast to be closer to their families. Kasia divides her work time between her job as Hill’s counselor and her private practice in Leesburg. At Hill, Kasia loves all aspects of her job: consulting with parents and teachers, leading town meetings, meeting with Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten applicants, and providing support to students of all ages.
Kasia Daum
School Counselor and Consultant
Faculty & Staff
Dorsey deButts
Development/Publications, K, 1 Library, Late Gates Aftercare
B.S. Roanoke College
Hill School 2008 –
ddebutts@thehillschool.org
Dorsey grew up in Arlington, VA. She graduated from St. Agnes School in Alexandria and then attended Roanoke College where she earned a B.S. in Psychology. She worked as a travel agent, a meeting planner, and a manager of a travel agency over the course of 11 years. Dorsey and her husband Hays have lived in Upperville since 1988. They have three sons, Hays (Hill ’09), Rooney (Hill ’12), and Cooper (Hill ’14). Dorsey loves skiing, traveling, reading, live music and the beach. She enjoys the opportunity to work with children of all ages in the After School Care program.
Dorsey deButts
Development/Publications, K, 1 Library, Late Gates Aftercare
Faculty & Staff
Cate Donohoe
Reading Specialist, Lower School Academic Support
B.A. Randolph-Macon College
M.S. Walden University
Hill School 2009 –
cdonohoe@thehillschool.org
Cate grew up in Middleburg. She and her brother Larry (Hill ’97) and older sister Samantha (Hill ’90) are all graduates of Hill. They loved living in the country, playing in the creeks and woods, and mastering climbing skills on the rocks and trees around their house. Cate earned her B.A. at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia and her Masters in Education from Walden University in 2010. She completed The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s Comprehensive IMSE Orton- Gillingham Training in 2019. Cate started off by teaching Senior Infants (1st grade) in Wexford, Ireland, where she met her husband Michael. She has also taught in Loudoun County public schools. Cate loves spending time in Middleburg with her husband Michael and their family. She also enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, grocery shopping, and relaxing with friends and family. Cate is grateful to live close to family and friends, and thrilled to be teaching at Hill.
Cate Donohoe
Reading Specialist, Lower School Academic Support
Faculty & Staff
Bob Dornin
Grounds Supervisor
B.S. Virginia Tech
Hill School 2002 –
bdornin@thehillschool.org
Bob graduated from Hill (‘72), Woodberry Forest (‘76), and Virginia Tech in 1984 with a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife Management. He has spent most of the last 30 years working in the plant care industry as a highclimber and consulting arborist, and as the owner/operator of a small design-build landscape company from 1990-2002. Bob’s father began teaching at Hill in 1960, so many of his earliest memories involve being on the Hill campus. His daughter Sarah ’06 is also a Hill alumna. Bob’s primary role is managing the Hill grounds, and like his father, he hopes to instill in Hill students an appreciation and a reverence for the beauty and complexity of the natural world around them.
Bob Dornin
Grounds Supervisor
Faculty & Staff
Sarah Dornin
Lower School Art, Dornin Labs, 6-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
Stratford University
Hill School 2021 –
sdornin@thehillschool.org
Sarah graduated from Hill (‘06), Highland (‘10), and Stratford University (‘15) with an Associate’s degree in Baking and Pastry. She has 10 years experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry with the last several years spent at Salamander Resort. She spent last year jumping into any opportunity that Hill School had to offer, spending time working with children in every grade. She is excited to be a full-time faculty member this year teaching art, sports, and science. Sarah’s father is Bob Dornin and grandfather is Faculty Emertus, Bob Dornin Sr., so the tradition of being a part of the Hill School community is a family one. Sarah loves being part of the faculty and staff at Hill and helping the children find their way in the world just as Hill did for her.
Sarah Dornin
Lower School Art, Dornin Labs, 6-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
Faculty & Staff
Lori Emerick
Lower School Resource
B.S. Cabrini University
Hill School 2022 –
lemerick@thehillschool.org
Lori is celebrating her 41 year as an educator this coming school year. She graduated from Cabrini University with a B.S. in ECE/ELEM ED. Upon graduation, she has been an independent school teacher at various schools and grade levels on the East Coast, most recently Flint Hill School in Oakton, VA. During her years in the classroom, building strong relations with her students and parents has been her top priority. As a new member of The Hill School, Lori is excited to be part of the vibrant community of educators and families she has met. Lori currently resides in Warrenton with her husband Bob and enjoys raising chickens, caring for her many dogs and cats, and exploring the Northern Neck. She is an avid gardener and photographer.
Lori Emerick
Lower School Resource
Faculty & Staff
Maria Fedorchak
Lead Junior Kindergarten Teacher
B.A. Boston College Wheelock University
Hill School 2020 –
mfedorchak@thehillschool.org
Maria values early childhood education and its impact on young lives. Originally from New York, she attended Wheelock College, Boston University earning a B.A. in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Education. She has over twenty five years experience in both the public and private school sectors, primarily in the NYC/NJ area. Additional trainings include Lucy Caulkins Reading & Writing Workshop (Columbia University), Responsive Classroom, significant STEM coursework, and a variety of classes at Bank Street College of Education addressing the ever evolving developments in the fields of Early Childhood Education. Maria has two sons, Matthew and John who attend Hill, and an older son Dominick who recently graduated from The Catholic University of America. Maria’s hobbies include running, biking, yoga, hiking, and anything outdoors. Her dog Ruban is the glue of the family. She is thrilled to be at Hill and a member of this special community.
Maria Fedorchak
Lead Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Silvia Fleming
Assistant to the Head of School
Teachers College, Bern, Switzerland
Hill School 1983 –
sfleming@thehillschool.org
Silvia was born and raised in Switzerland. She graduated from the Teachers’ College in Bern with a Kindergarten Teacher Diploma. She taught Kindergarten in Switzerland before coming to the United States to work as an au pair. In September 1983 Silvia was hired at Hill to design and implement the Afternoon Kindergarten Program and later taught lower school science. In addition to having fun with the Kindergartners and teaching science, she had two sons, Alexander Bern (Hill ’00), and Nicolas Basel (Hill ’02). Silvia’s organizational talents have made her indispensable in the Hill School front office, where she began working as a part-time receptionist in 1990. During the 90s, Silvia took over more and more administrative duties and taught fewer and fewer classes. Her interests include playing with her six grandchildren, reading, sewing doll clothes, and skiing.
Silvia Fleming
Assistant to the Head of School
Faculty & Staff
Jessica Gibson
5-8 Math, 6-8 Athletics
B.A. Washington and Jefferson College
Hill School 2020 –
jgibson@thehillschool.org
Jessica was born in Akron, Ohio where she was the oldest of all her cousins. She took on childcare responsibilities at a young age and has been working with kids ever since. When she was in middle school she started martial arts training. She now has a second degree black belt in several different disciplines and became an assistant instructor. After graduating high school, she attended Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania where she earned a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Russian Language. She even spent a semester abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia where she was able to learn from native speakers! Now, she spends her time painting, practicing martial arts and Russian, and pampering her adorable cat, Quasar. Jessica is also taking a Russian class with her tutor from her times in Russia. She loves being part of the Hill School Community and working with students to build their confidence in math and in general.
Jessica Gibson
5-8 Math, 6-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Will Heron
Director of Finance & Operations
B.A. Claremont McKenna College
M.Sc. London School of Economics and Political Science
Hill School 2018 –
wheron@thehillschool.org
Will joined the Hill School community in July of 2018 after a 13 year career in accounting, consulting, teaching, and independent school finance. Born in New York City, he benefited greatly from an independent school education and enjoys having the opportunity to help provide those same benefits to the next generation. Will and his wife Sonya are avid hikers, animal lovers, and adventurers who can often be found most evenings walking the loop with their dog Waylon.
Will Heron
Director of Finance & Operations
Faculty & Staff
Thea Israel
2nd Grade Teacher
B.A. Western Maryland College
Hill School 2008 –
tisrael@thehillschool.org
Originally from Baltimore, MD, Thea is an alumna of the McDonogh School (MD) and a graduate of Western Maryland College. Before teaching at Hill, she served as a summer camp counselor and director for over fifteen years. During the summer Thea is the pool manager, head swimming coach, and lesson instructor for the Winchester Country Club. When not teaching, Thea enjoys working with her church, swimming, and spending time with her husband, Stuart, and her children, Charlotte (Hill ’23) and Stuart Jr. (Hill ’26).
Thea Israel
2nd Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Kelly Johnson
Director of Enrollment
B.S. Berry College
M.B.A. Georgia State University
Hill School 2011 –
kjohnson@thehillschool.org
In 2006, Kelly and her husband Tom joined the Hill School community as parents of Madison ’12, then a 3rd grader, and Cole ’14, then a 1st grader. From the beginning of their children’s experience, Kelly knew this was an extremely special place. Throughout the years, Kelly and Tom have grown as parents and worked in partnership with Hill to provide the best experience, both academic and co-curricular, for their children. Watching Madison and Cole grow and mature in an environment that is supportive, patient, challenging, and respectful has been a joy. Serving as the PTC President in 2010 provided Kelly the opportunity to see how the engagement from the families, teachers, staff, and Board members make Hill the community it is. In 2011 Kelly joined Hill as an Admissions and Development Officer. She will tell you the highlight of her day is meeting with prospective parents and giving them a look into the gift of a Hill School education, through her personal experience and an engaging tour of the school.
Kelly Johnson
Director of Enrollment
Faculty & Staff
Vicki Kelly
5-8 Academic Support
B.A. Marygrove College
Hill School 2013 –
vkelly@thehillschool.org
Vicki received her B.A. at Marygrove College (MI) with a major in special education for the emotionally impaired. She continued to do graduate work focusing on learning disabilities. After graduation, Vicki worked for eight years at a center-based program in Detroit. She provided individualized academic instruction in a self-contained classroom for severely emotionally impaired (SEI) students. In 1997, Vicki and her family moved to southern California. She taught third grade at Castaic Elementary which is a Blue Ribbon school. Her classroom included many second language learners and children with learning disabilities. During her time there, Vicki also mentored new teachers and served on the school’s student study team. She spent ten years raising Patrick, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Erin, a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design and Matthew, a graduate of Marymount University (VA). She loved volunteering in her children’s schools, the countless hours of sporting events, and horse activities. In2013, Vicki returned to teaching at the Hill School as the upper school academic support person. She enjoys sharing her passion for academics with her students. Vicki spends her free time reading, gardening, and traveling to horse shows with her husband Dan.
Vicki Kelly
5-8 Academic Support
Faculty & Staff
Alex Kirven
Faculty Fellow, 4 History, 7-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
B.A. Washington & Lee University
Hill School 2020 –
akirven@thehillschool.org
Alex grew up in the historic town of Davidson, North Carolina which fostered his love of history and the outdoors. He attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where he earned his B.A. in European History and spent summers studying historic conservation and aided in studies of the American Civil War. Since graduation, Alex has worked in both Colorado and Vermont as a ski instructor, state park manager, and a children’s camp coordinator. These paired his love of education and the outdoors. Alex has spent the last two years at Hill School working with the 4th and 8th grade history classes. Beyond the history classroom, Alex coaches a variety of sports teams at Hill. Alex has greatly enjoyed being a part of the Hill School community and looks forward to working with more wonderful students in the future. Alex lives in the town of Middleburg and loves being able to walk to work, even early in the morning when he drives the Leesburg bus route! Alex’s hobbies include reading and cooking, swimming (as he did in college), hiking, skiing, and more!
Alex Kirven
Faculty Fellow, 4 History, 7-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
Faculty & Staff
Treavor Lord
Head of School
B.A. St. Lawrence University
M.Ed. University of Virginia
Hill School 1990 –
tlord@thehillschool.org
Treavor grew up in Williamstown, Massachusetts (one of four children born within five years). He earned a B.A. with honors in Philosophy from St. Lawrence University, a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Virginia, and has completed postgraduate work at Oxford, the University of Rochester, and UVA. Treavor has taught history, English, math, language study, grammar, Spanish, and coached upper school sports at Hill, and he co-taught a senior seminar in African History at Foxcroft. Before beginning his graduate work, Treavor spent his summers teaching sailing, English, and creative writing at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. Treavor was Chair of the Emerging Leadership Institute – a joint venture between the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and the University of Richmond; he has served on the VAIS Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Middleburg Community Center. He loves living in Middleburg, close to Hill, where he sees members of the Hill community often.
Treavor Lord
Head of School
Faculty & Staff
Christie Lovelette
6-8 Latin, Dean of Students
B.A. Wesleyan University
Hill School 2006 –
clovelette@thehillschool.org
Christie grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she attended a charter high school and competed as a coxswain on a rowing team. She went on to Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where she earned Honors from the College of Social Studies and completed a second major in Classical Civilization. Christie moved to Middleburg after graduation to head the Latin program at Hill School. She loves sharing her passion for ancient history, mythology, and language with her students, who participate in a variety of national competitions and use Roman literature and artifacts to learn about the ancient world. She also enjoys her role as Hill’s Dean of Students, where she has the opportunity to spend time getting to know and helping Hill students of all ages. Outside of school, Christie loves to read, cook, and relax with her husband Brendan and their two dogs, Evie and Georgie.
Christie Lovelette
6-8 Latin, Dean of Students
Faculty & Staff
Huntington Lyman
JK-8 Academic Dean, 8 Homeroom & English, 4 Language Fundamentals, Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator
B.A. Yale University
M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University
Ph.D. University of Virginia
Hill School 1984 –
hlyman@thehillschool.org
Hunt came to Middleburg from New York City in 1984 to teach for a couple of years, and he has stayed for 38 years (and counting). He appreciates Hill’s commitment to building a strong community of citizens and learners, and he loves helping students unlock worlds of reading and encouraging them to explore their lives as writers. Hunt graduated from Yale Phi Beta Kappa in 1983, and he earned a Master’s Degree from Wesleyan in 1992 and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 2004. He has chaired high school English departments, taught Advanced Placement English, graded AP exams, taught at the University of Virginia, directed the Central Virginia Writing Project, written frequently for publication, and presented at schools across the country. Hunt has played many roles in the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, including serving on the faculty of the New Teacher Institute for 20 years and leading Accreditation teams. Hunt and his wife Sue have a son, Christian (Hill class of 2015) and an overweight Jack Russell. He enjoys kayaking, hiking, playing guitar, and telling ghost stories.
Huntington Lyman
JK-8 Academic Dean, 8 Homeroom & English, 4 Language Fundamentals, Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator
Faculty & Staff
Susan McCaskey
JK-5 Science
B.S. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Hill School 1998 –
smccaskey@thehillschool.org
Susan is a native of Middleburg. Not only was she a member of Hill’s class of 1986, but both of her parents attended Hill School and her two sisters are alumnae as well. Susan, who teaches JK through 5th grade science, spent her childhood exploring local fields, ponds, and woods learning about the natural world. At Hill Robert Dornin, Sr., (a Faculty Emeriti) was one of her science teachers and further inspired her love of nature. She studied environmental science at Lynchburg College and earned a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Susan has led many students on outdoor adventures such as camping and kayaking in the Georgian Bay, Canada; canoeing local creeks and the New River; hiking in the Shenandoah Park. She is also an avid gardener and participant in the Hill Garden adjacent to the Dornin Science Center. She enjoys working with local organizations in monitoring Wankopin Creek in an effort to protect the area’s streams.
Susan McCaskey
JK-5 Science
Faculty & Staff
Joan McNaughton
4 – 5 Academic Support
B.A. Ashford University
Hill School 2002 –
jmcnaughton@thehillschool.org
Joan grew up in Northern Virginia, the youngest of four children. She spent a number of years working as an office administrator and bookkeeper, responsible for management, human resources, and accounting. She has three children: Michelle (Hill ’97), a graduate of Arizona State University, Caitlin (Hill ’03), a graduate of The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, and Ian (Hill ’09) a graduate of Shenandoah University. In 2002 she joined Hill’s faculty as an assistant to Debbie Sharples in Special Academic Services. In 2007 she joined the first grade homeroom team. Each summer, she has furthered her development in education through courses on the reading and writing workshop approach, guided reading, interactive writing, and word study. She has received training in Sterns Structural Arithmetic, Math-U-See, the Wilson Reading System and the Orton-Gillingham Approach. She has also been trained in Handwriting without Tears instruction, evaluation, and remediation. She earned her B.A. in Organizational Management, with a minor in Psychology from Ashford University. Joan loves knitting, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren, Bowen, Beck, and Maverick. She enjoys working with students as an Academic Support teacher.
Joan McNaughton
4 – 5 Academic Support
Faculty & Staff
Kim Medica
Auction Coordinator
B.A. Virginia Tech
Hill School 2021 –
kmedica@thehillschool.org
Kim grew up in Fairfax, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education. She also received a post-baccalaureate Accounting Certificate from the University of Virginia. She worked for many years as an analyst for large companies like Freddie Mac and Skadden, Arps, where she met husband Jim. Kim and Jim live in Aldie with their three children Jack (Hill ’14), Lauren (Hill ’17) and Owen (Hill ’21). Kim has been part of the Hill School Community for more than ten years. During that time, she has taken a role in many Hill School activities, including chairing the Hill School Auction, acting as a room parent and hosting the Holiday Boutique. Kim enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, watching most any sport (especially ones involving her kids) and is an avid reader.
Kim Medica
Auction Coordinator
Faculty & Staff
Alyssa Miller
3rd Grade Teacher
B.A. University of Virginia
M.A. Kings College London
Hill School 2021 –
amiller@thehillschool.org
Alyssa was born in Connecticut, but lived in the small town of Horseheads, New York until moving to Virginia when she was 10 years old. Since then, Virginia has been her home base even though she has done a lot of venturing in other parts of the world. She earned her B.A. from University of Virginia and her M.A. from King’s College London. Afterwards, Alyssa spent three years working in South Korea teaching in an immersive English Kindergarten, and elementary schools. She is excited to join the Hill School Faculty. When not teaching, Alyssa enjoys learning new languages, reading, and cuddling her handsome black cat Pabu.
Alyssa Miller
3rd Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Karen Monroe
Business Office Administrative Assistant, Reception, Staff Photographer
Hill School 2000 –
kmonroe@thehillschool.org
Karen was born in Australia and lived both there and in England before moving to the United States at age five. She grew up in Middleburg and has lived here since. Before coming to Hill, she worked at Lee Cross Jewelers and the Middleburg Bank. She enjoys her work in the Business Office where she handles a variety of tasks. Karen is a professional photographer and along with her husband, Doug Gehlsen, owns and operates Middleburg Photo, and has exhibited her work in many local shows.
Karen Monroe
Business Office Administrative Assistant, Reception, Staff Photographer
Faculty & Staff
Claire Nichols
1st Grade Teacher
N.N.E.B. Norland Nursery Training College (England)
Hill School 1987 –
cnichols@thehillschool.org
Claire was born in Connecticut and moved to England at the age of five. She grew up on a farm in Suffolk. Before going to college, she spent a year living in France working in a children’s home. Claire attended Norland Nursery Training College in England where she earned her N.N.E.B. after completing a broad spectrum practical and theoretical program which prepares students to work with children from birth to age eight. She delivered babies in a London hospital, taught elementary school, and worked in England before coming to the states. She lived in Kentucky and taught pre-Kindergarten and second grade at the Lexington School and later pre-K at the lab school at Midway College where she established their nanny-training program. Claire moved to Virginia in 1987. Soon thereafter, Claire began to assist in the Kindergarten program at Hill. She has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades at Hill. She loves the energy, excitement, and curiosity that first graders bring to the classroom every day. She has three children – Josh (Hill ‘06), Meredith (Hill ‘03) and Caroline (Hill ‘00). Claire enjoys traveling, the outdoors, horse racing, breeding Labrador puppies, and spending time with her grandsons.
Claire Nichols
1st Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Will Nisbet
Director of Institutional Development
B.S. University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
M.S.Ed. University of Pennsylvania
Hill School 2017–
wnisbet@thehillschool.org
Will was born and raised in North Carolina, the middle of three boys and a zoo of animals. His life and desire to work with children have been influenced by his time in schools, traveling, working with summer camps, and the Boy Scouts. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, where he spent time in Middleburg and became familiar with The Hill School. Following college at UNC, he moved to the Colorado Mountains, joining the faculty of Aspen Country Day School. After graduate school in Philadelphia, he spent seven years at Maret School in Washington, DC as a 4th grade teacher and Outdoor Exploration Director. Will became part of The Hill School in 2017 as a member of the development team. He has enjoyed getting to know the Hill community as well as building and developing partnerships with students, families, and supporters of the School’s mission. Will lives in town with his wife, Eloise, and their puppy. They enjoy reading, skiing, hiking, traveling, and exploring rural Virginia.
Will Nisbet
Director of Institutional Development
Faculty & Staff
Lisa Patterson
Alumni Engagement & Development Coordinator
B.S. Bucknell University
M.S. University of Stuttgart
Hill School 2013 –
lpatterson@thehillschool.org
Lisa moved to Middleburg from the Virgin Islands when she was 10. She spent her fifth through eighth grade years at Hill School, graduating in 1985. She graduated from Foxcroft in 1989, Bucknell University in 1993, with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and from University of Stuttgart in 2003, with a Master’s of Science. After returning from Germany, she continued her environmental engineering work with the Virginia Department of Transportation, where she specialized in stream restoration, wetland design, and construction. She earned her professional engineering license in 2004. Her interests include birding, cooking, hiking, and gardening. Lisa, husband Tom, and daughter Remy (Hill ’18), live just outside of Middleburg with their two dogs. Lisa loves working at Hill and being part of the Hill community, and working with the Alumni Board and former schoolmates.
Lisa Patterson
Alumni Engagement and Development Coordinator
Faculty & Staff
Stephen Price
5 & 8 Math, Upper School Resource, 2-8 Athletics
B.S. Davidson College
Hill School 2003-2005, 2006 –
sprice@thehillschool.org
Stephen grew up in Middleburg and has been part of the Hill community for most of his life. He graduated from Hill in 1995 along with his twin brother (Jon); he also has two younger brothers who are Hill alumni, Alex ’99 and Mark ’05. After graduating from Hill, Stephen went to Woodberry Forest School (’99) and then to Davidson College (’03) where he earned a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in education. He loves number games, Davidson basketball, and all the Washington sports teams, especially the Washington Commanders. Stephen also loves the beach, skiing, rock climbing, golf, and getting together with friends. Stephen married Sami in 2019 and they now live right outside Middleburg on a small farm with 24 chickens, 2 horses, 2 barn cats, and 3 miniature goats. Stephen and Sami welcomed their daughter Emma Gray to their menagerie in March of 2021.
Stephen Price
5 Math, Upper School Resource, 2-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Kim Renneker
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
B.S. University of Texas at Austin (Sociology)
B.A. University of Texas at Austin (Applied Learning and Development)
Hill School 2018 –
krenneker@thehillschool.org
Kim Renneker is a Texan who traded the heat for the snow, living and teaching in the Boston area. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in Sociology and Applied Learning and Development, Kim has taught grade levels from Kindergarten to fourth grade. Kim and her husband, Bob, are the parents of Kathryn, a graduate of The University of Virginia (’21), and Logan, a junior at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. The Rennekers are travel enthusiasts and enjoy exploring new places, people, food, and cultures. Their best journey to date was hiking and diving in the Galapagos Islands
Kim Renneker
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Sue Ross
Lead 3rd Grade Teacher
B.A. Wake Forest University (English)
M.A.T Salem College (Elementary Education K-6)
Hill School 2021 –
sross@thehillschool.org
Sue grew up on the shore of Lake Ontario, where Saturday morning cartoons sometimes came from French Canada, depending upon the weather and the fickle TV antenna. She and her three brothers enjoyed exploring the woods and the lake, running around in the orchard, and playing board games and Lego.
She went to Wake Forest University, where she had the life-changing experience of studying overseas in Venice, Italy. After graduate school, she started her international teaching career, which took her to six countries. Sue also taught in North Carolina. Sue encourages students to reflect, be curious, believe in themselves, and to try new things.
She enjoys exploring small towns in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, spending time with family and friends, photography, reading and writing, and being part of a community. She is thrilled to be living in the area and working at Hill.
Sue Ross
Lead 3rd Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Will Roszel
JK, 1, 3, and 4-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Hill School 2018 –
wroszel@thehillschool.org
Will was born and raised in Northern Virginia and graduated from Fauquier High School in the spring of 2008 where he played sports all four years. After graduation, Will moved on to Radford University where he received a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. While at Radford, Will was selected as an athletic department employee where he received his first taste of managing competitive athletics. After school, Will spent time in Hilton Head Island, SC becoming a boat captain and restoration technician while coaching a local rec basketball team. After moving back to Virginia, Will was first introduced to the Hill School through his brother Zach who also works at the school. Will resides in Ashburn.
Will Roszel
JK, 1, 3, and 4-8 Athletics, Bus Driver
Faculty & Staff
Zach Roszel
Athletic Director, Head Coach
B.S. Radford University
Hill School 2018 –
zroszel@thehillschool.org
Zach grew up in nearby Marshall, Virginia and graduated from Fauquier High School in 2005. After graduation from Fauquier, Zach attended Radford University earning an athletic scholarship as a goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team where he started in over 70 NCAA Division 1 soccer games. Zach graduated from Radford in 2009 with a B.S. in Business Marketing. Prior to coming to Hill to teach, Zach started ZAR Soccer Academy LLC in 2010, a private training company for soccer players. At Hill, Zach’s responsibilities as the Athletic Director are developing the sports curriculum for the entire school, teaching lower school sports, and overseeing the 4th-8th grade teams and programs. Although Zach’s primary background is soccer, he spent the majority of his childhood playing and being around all sports with his parents and brothers. His passion is helping young people develop athletically and individually, both on and off the field. Zach resides in Unison with his wife Kim, daughters Olivia and Brooklyn, his dog Bentley, and two cats Stella and Irie.
Zach Roszel
Athletic Director, Head Coach
Faculty & Staff
Alan Saucedo
3 & 4 Strings
Hill School 2015 –
asaucedo@thehillschool.org
Dr. Saucedo holds cello performance degrees from the Escuela Superior de Musica y Danza de Monterrey, Scola Municipal de Musica “Victoria dels Angels” in Barcelona, and Shenandoah University. He has appeared in recitals in Paraguay, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and the USA, presented at the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, and the White House, and has won prizes in music competitions, including the Second Yokohama International Music Competition in Japan. Dr. Saucedo has been the featured soloist with the National Symphony of Paraguay, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of DC, and the VCU Health Orchestra. Highlights for 2020-2021 have included performances at the Mexican Embassy Concert Series, an appearance in ABC’s Good Morning America with student Sheila Johnson, as well as the first performance in front of an audience after the pandemic, A Time To Sing, at the Kennedy Center with internationally renowned artists Renée Fleming, Vanessa Williams, Rob Mathes, Kyung LeBlanc, Ben Butler, Shawn Pelton, and James Genus. Dr. Saucedo published the book The Influence of Carlos Prieto on Contemporary Cello Music based on his investigation of Latin American classical cello music. Dr. Saucedo is on the faculty at Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy, the Community Music School of the Piedmont, CelloSpeak, and the Levine School. He is the musical director of the Shenandoah Valley Chamber Orchestra. Dr. Saucedo was the founder and artistic director for the Middleburg Concert Series between 2015 and 2018. Dr. Saucedo is represented in Japan by Yoshiko Miyamoto and Little Beat Entertainment.
Alan Saucedo
3 & 4 Strings
Faculty & Staff
Cynthia Saucedo
3, 7 & 8 Spanish, 3 & 4 Strings
Hill School 2017 –
csaucedo@thehillschool.org
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico Cynthia Saucedo moved to the United States in 2001 to study music at Shenandoah University, where she earned her Masters in Violin Performance, Masters in Violin Pedagogy and Artist Diploma in Quartet Studies. While at Shenandoah Cynthia helped tutor Spanish students from the university and privately tutored children from elementary to high school. In her violin studio Cynthia offers the option to teach violin in Spanish for those that are in an immersion program at school as well as native speakers. In addition to teaching the Strings Program at Hill with her brother, Dr. Alan Saucedo, and Hill School music teacher Karen Chase, Cynthia loves teaching 3rd, 7th, and 8th grade Spanish.
Cynthia Saucedo
3, 7 & 8 Spanish, 3 & 4 Strings
Faculty & Staff
Harrison Schroder
6-8 Science, 7 Homeroom, 7-8 Athletics
B.A. Middlebury College
M.Ed. George Mason
Hill School 2018 –
hschroder@thehillschool.org
Harrison grew up in Woodstock, CT playing youth soccer and basketball. He graduated from Pomfret School in 2013 and Middlebury College in Vermont in February 2018 with a B.A. in Chemistry and minor in Education Studies. While in college, Harrison was a member of the men’s varsity soccer team and sang in an all-male a cappella group, The Dissipated Eight. Since joining the Hill School faculty and staff, he has completed a Masters Degree in Independent School Leadership through George Mason University. Harrison enjoys all things sports related (from NASCAR, to football, soccer, basketball and everything in between) as well as family time with his wife Sarah, his sons Will and Simon, and their two dogs – Obi and Reese.
Harrison Schroder
6-8 Science, 7 Homeroom, 7-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Sarah Schroder
Business Manager
Hill School 2017 –
sschroder@thehillschool.org
Sarah grew up in Ridgefield Connecticut where she enjoyed spending time with her family exploring nature, caring for animals, and learning about all things assorted from her dad. Sarah turned her love of animals into a career riding horses which brought her to Virginia in 2001. A self-professed cat lady, Sarah loves all animals large and small. After a ten year career in public accounting Sarah joined the Hill community. Aside from the children, her favorite thing about Hill is that no two days are the same. In her spare time, Sarah loves photography, adventure racing, reading, cooking, trivia, music, and New York sports teams. An avid hiker, she loves exploring nature with her son Will (Hill ‘20), nephew Brandon, and husband Harrison. Harrison and Sarah are excited to welcome their son, Simon, to the family born in June 2021!
Sarah Schroder
Business Manager
Faculty & Staff
Debbie Sharples
Reading Specialist
B.A. Hollins University
M.Ed. Lesley University
Hill School 1992 –
dsharples@thehillschool.org
Debbie grew up outside Philadelphia where she attended the Baldwin School of Bryn Mawr, PA. She received her B.A. from Hollins University and earned her M.Ed. from the Advance Reading Specialist Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Debbie has been a Kindergarten teacher for Head Start, an adult literacy coach in a Massachusetts maximum security facility, an assistant director of an adolescent residential treatment center, a foster care worker, a bookstore owner. She has been Hill’s librarian and the second grade lead teacher, and has had a private practice teaching literacy skills for over 30 years. Debbie’s passion is to help children unlock their potential thereby enabling them to discover and enjoy the world of reading. Debbie and her husband Mike are the parents of two daughters, Katie (Hill ’97), and Elizabeth (Hill ’99). Mike and Debbie also have a foster son, Bill, who is now with a family of his own, lives close by and is an active member of their family. When she is not at Hill, Debbie spends the majority of her time with her family and volunteering for a non-profit Buddhist international peace organization. She loves being with her family and dogs, and traveling, reading, and photography.
Debbie Sharples
Reading Specialist
Faculty & Staff
Caitlin Slater
Junior Kindergarten Teacher, 4-6 Athletics
B.A. The University of the South, Sewanee
Hill School 2013 –
cslater@thehillschool.org
Caitlin is a native of Middleburg and a member of the Hill School Class of 2003. After graduation from Foxcroft, Caitlin attended University of the South, Sewanee, where she was a four-year starter on the field hockey team. At Sewanee, Caitlin earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Education. Caitlin loves being a part of the Junior Kindergarten team where she can work with young children and encourage their curiosity and interest in their first learning experiences. Caitlin and her husband, Fletcher Slater (Hill ’98), their daughter Bowen (Hill ’32), and their son Beck, live in Upperville, Virginia.
Caitlin Slater
Junior Kindergarten Teacher, 4-6 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Hannah Spezzano
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A. George Mason University
Masters in Elementary Education George Mason University
Hill School 2022 –
hspezzano@thehillschool.org
Hannah grew up in Haymarket, Virginia with her 8 siblings. She cheered in high school and continued to pursue the sport at the college level at Christopher Newport University. Hannah then transferred to George Mason University and graduated with a B.A. in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Liberal Arts for the Teaching Professions. She is pursuing her Master’s degree at George Mason in Elementary Education and continues to help out with the cheer team at her high school. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, traveling, doing yoga, relaxing with friends, and cycling. When touring The Hill School’s campus she was drawn to the school’s close-knit community, and is excited to be a part of the Hill School faculty.
Hannah Spezzano
Kindergarten Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Sally Tener
6-8 Academic Support
7-8 Athletics
B.A. Auburn University
M.A.T. Salem College
Hill School 2022 –
stener@thehillschool.org
Sally Tener was born and raised in High Point, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University and worked for four years in a school for children and adolescence with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sally is passionate about providing effective education for those with learning differences, and advocating for all children. She believes all students have the potential to learn and grow when integrated into a nurturing and positively challenging educational environment. Sally earned a Master of the Arts in Teaching Special Education from Salem College. She spent three years working in the North Carolina public school system as a reading specialist and Exceptional Children Resource teacher. She also received her training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading Instruction from The Triad Academy of Summit School in Winston- Salem, NC. After marrying a Virginian, Sally and her husband, John, began their journey to Middleburg. They spent a year in Richmond where Sally worked for The Riverside School and privately tutored children with dyslexia. They next moved to Lynchburg where Sally spent three years at New Vistas School, first teaching high school reading and English and then working as an elementary teacher. Outside of teaching, Sally loves the outdoors. She enjoys watching and playing sports, reading, and spending time with her husband and their 3-year-old yellow lab, Ivy.
Sally Tener
6-8 Academic Support
7-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Babett Thomas-Smoot
Reception, Lower School Resource
Hill School 2021 –
bthomassmoot@thehillschool.org
Babett grew up in Middleburg VA and is one of eight siblings. including fellow faculty member April Woodson. She graduated from Loudoun County High school in Leesburg, VA., and received a diploma in printing from C.S. Monroe Technology Center. She worked for Middleburg Printers for 7 years, at Back Street Café Restaurant and Catering for 20 years, and at Middleburg Academy. Babett has also worked for many families in the area as a childcare giver and personal assistant. She has one son, Sean, and three granddaughters. She loves her family time. She is very happy to be part the Hill School community.
Babett Thomas-Smoot
Reception, Lower School Resource
Faculty & Staff
Peyton Tochterman
6 & 7 History, 7-8 Athletics, 8 Homeroom
B.A. St. Lawrence University
Hill School 2020 –
ptochterman@thehillschool.org
Peyton grew up in Middleburg and graduated from Hill in 1992. Heattended Woodberry Forest School and then went on to earn a B.A. in English from St. Lawrence University. Peyton spent the next 20 years teaching music to children and adults, and as a professional musician where he toured both throughout the country and internationally. In 2012 he served as Cultural Ambassador for the United States State Department in Afghanistan where he taught music and gave seminars at Herat University, among other diplomatic duties. He comes to Hill from Field School of Charlottesville, a middle-school for boys, where he taught English and coached sports. Peyton is excited to be teaching history because this has long been an interest for him. Peyton and his wife Dornin, another Hill School alum, are thrilled to have moved back to Middleburg with their two children, Alma Grace and Judd.
Peyton Tochterman
6 & 7 History, 7-8 Athletics, 8 Homeroom
Faculty & Staff
Lucy Turner
Lead 6th Grade Teacher, 6 English, 4 Writing Workshop
B.S. Wellesley College
M.F.A. Goddard College
Hill School 2013 –
lturner@thehillschool.org
A Floridian by birth, a West Virginian by upbringing, and a sometime-Pittsburgher by choice, Lucy likes places with complex histories and mountain views. Areas of particular interest include central and east Africa as well as southeast Alaska. As a teacher, Lucy is a fan of children’s ability to stretch toward new ideas, their readiness to laugh, and their anticipation at the end of a suspenseful chapter. She enjoys working with colleagues in other disciplines, helping students build connections between islands of knowledge. Lucy loves to write and works with students as writers-in-training, offering them age adjusted versions of the experiences that have helped her own practice, from prompts for getting started through mentor texts, peer editing, and reinvention of drafts. Outside of school, Lucy serves as the Lead Steward of Goddard’s Clockhouse Writers’ Conference, an alumni organization that publishes a national literary journal as well as offering writers’ conferences and retreats in both Washington State and Vermont.
Lucy Turner
Lead 6th Grade Teacher, 6 English, 4 Writing Workshop
Faculty & Staff
Emily Tyler
Reception, Development, Special Events, JK Assistant
B.A. New England College
Hill School 1995 –
etyler@thehillschool.org
Emily grew up in Connecticut, the youngest of five children. She graduated from New England College with a B.A. in Psychology. Her first job was with First Boston Corporation, where she was responsible for client entertainment and special events. After marrying her husband, Bill, she went to work for the family real estate company as a broker. Emily enjoys cooking, gardening, and writing recipes for her website, The Kitchen Philosophy. Emily and Bill live in the Philomont area, with their son Jack (Hill ’14).
Emily Tyler
Reception, Development – Special Events, JK Assistant
Faculty & Staff
Katherine Weeden
Mathematics Department Chair, 4, 6-8 Math, 4-8 Athletics
B.A. Smith College
M.S. Johns Hopkins University
Hill School 1996 –
kweeden@thehillschool.org
Katherine grew up in Baltimore County where she attended Garrison Forest School and spent most of her free time with horses. She earned her B.A. in Mathematics from Smith College (MA), where she played field hockey and lacrosse, and her M.S. in Numerical Science from Johns Hopkins University. Before coming to Hill, Katherine worked as a mathematician for the CIA, Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Lab, and Bell Labs. When not teaching, Katherine enjoys time with her family, trail running, and mountain biking. She and her husband, Matt, are the parents of Whitney (Hill ’05), a graduate of Foxcroft and Virginia Tech, and Nicholas (Hill ’07), a graduate of Episcopal and Brown University, and the doting grandparents of Lindy Ann and Calvin Wilson.
Katherine Weeden
Mathematics Department Chair, 4, 6-8 Math, 4-8 Athletics
Faculty & Staff
Kara Whitehead
Lead 2nd Grade Teacher
B.S. Marywood College
Hill School 2006 –
kwhitehead@thehillschool.org
Kara was born and raised in Washington, DC. She loved wandering the museums as a child, visiting Chinatown, and playing in Rock Creek Park. She attended Immaculata Preparatory School in DC and then went on to graduate from Marywood University in Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Kara developed a passion for field hockey in high school and played in college and post college on the DC team. Kara has lived in many areas of the country and has taught in five states plus the District of Columbia and the island of Puerto Rico. She has served on school boards in Puerto Rico and Florida and has taught children of all ages from preschool through high school. Kara is passionate about learning, birds, gardening, but above all else, spending time with her children: Douglass, Nicholas (Hill ’11), and Kathryn (Hill ’13).
Kara Whitehead
Lead 2nd Grade Teacher
Faculty & Staff
Don Woodruff
8 History, Administrator Support
B.A. Trinity College
F.B.S. The University of Edinburgh
M.A. The American University
Hill School 1996 –
dwoodruff@thehillschool.org
Don grew up in Baltimore and graduated from St. Andrew’s School (DE). He earned a B.A. in History and Philosophy from Trinity College (CT), a F.B.S. in History from the University of Edinburgh, and attended the University of Virginia Law School. He spent five years in the Coast Guard and earned an M.A. in American History. Don began his teaching career as a math teacher at Stratford Junior High in Arlington. He taught at St. James in Hagerstown for twenty years, served as Headmaster of Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News, and was the founding Head of School of Fredericksburg Academy. Don has been a facilitator of the annual Princeton History Conference and presented at both the Virginia and National Conferences for History Education (VCHE). In 2002, he was elected President of VCHE. He has been honored as Maryland History Teacher of the Year and for his work with the Presidential Task Force on History Teaching and Standards. In 1988 he was elected to the Century Club of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a coach. Don’s interests include reading history, golfing, collecting military miniatures and porcelain houses, and furniture building. He shares his townhouse in Middleburg with his dog Callie, and is the parent of two adult children, and the proud grandparent of Mary Ann and Donnie.
Don Woodruff
8 History, Administrator Support
Faculty & Staff
Lisa Woods
5-8 Math, I.T. Support
B.S. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hill School 2005 –
lwoods@thehillschool.org
Lisa grew up in Northern Virginia and earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech. She spent 15 years in the engineering and information technology fields before joining Hill School in 2005. Lisa and her husband Dennis raised 4 Hill School graduates: Melissa (Hill ‘04), Evan (Hill ‘07), Anthony (Hill ‘10) and Lindsay (Hill ‘13). They recently moved to the town of Berryville with their dogs and cat.
Lisa Woods
5-8 Math, I.T. Support
Faculty & Staff
April Simms
Lower School Resource
Hill School 2020 –
asimms@thehillschool.org
April grew up in Middleburg, VA and is the youngest of nine family members. She has two daughters Aliyah who is 19 and Alexius who is 23. She attended Middleburg Elementary, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, and Loudoun County High School. She worked at the KinderCare Learning Academy for four years as a Lead Teacher. She also managed the Atoka Market, worked at Salamander Market, and worked for Metropolitan Nannies. April has also worked for many families in the Middleburg area. She has a passion for working with children and wanting to make an impact on their lives and believes wholeheartedly with Nelson Mandela’s statement – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
April Woodson
Lower School Resource