Andrew Kutt
Founder and Executive Director
Born in 1958 in Ware, Massachusetts, Andrew Kutt is a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester Massachusetts where he majored in English and French, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1981. After two years of studying German, European Literature, Philosophy, and Art History in Tubingen, Germany, Andrew returned to study World Literature at the University of North Carolina. It was here, two years into his Master’s program that Andrew made an important career choice – deciding to change paths and study Montessori Education at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he received his Montessori Education Diploma in 1985. After three years as a teacher at the Barrie School in Silver Spring Maryland, where he worked under the guidance of renowned Montessori educator Timothy Seldin, Andrew founded his own school, The Oneness-Family School, in the autumn of 1988.
For the past 20 years, as founder and Executive Director, Andrew has guided the Oneness-Family School to become a world-class Montessori-based educational institution that builds self-confident individuals who have a life-long love of learning. The School empowers students by teaching conflict resolution, personal reflection and virtues such as courage, compassion, and integrity. At Oneness-Family School learning is not just about finding the right answers but about asking essential questions on the journey of discovery. Based upon Montessori philosophy, Andrew has designed an “integral curriculum” - incorporating academics, self-discovery, and world service. The goal of the curriculum is to enable students to have the leadership skills necessary to understand the complexities and to meet challenges of the global society of the 21st century.
Andrew has nearly twenty-five years of experience as a Montessori teacher, administrator, teacher trainer and educational consultant. Andrew has taught all students of all backgrounds and ages from first grade to college. He has developed curriculum materials and activities in the areas of positive discipline, cooperation skills, virtues, citizenship, conflict resolution, multicultural understanding, world religions, and environmental studies. Andrew is the founder of Peacekeepers, an after-school club that teaches students positive values and empowers them to become global citizens.
Andrew is co-author, with S.G. McKeever, of “America’s Heroes and You”, a booklet that introduces elementary and middle school students to heroic qualities exhibited in the lives of great Americans, and which encourages students to incorporate these qualities into their own lives. He is also the author of the “Peaceable Classroom”, a positive discipline program for students of all ages. Andrew’s latest book is “Living in Harmony”, a comprehensive handbook for teachers and parents to help students build citizenship skills and global understanding. Andrew is also the author of numerous articles on education and modern society. He is also a published poet and songwriter.
Andrew is actively involved many aspects of the daily and long-term initiatives at the Oneness-Family School. He is the Head of School, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, President of the Oneness-Family School Board of Trustees, serves on the Board of the International Montessori Council and he is one of the founding members of the Montessori Peace Academy.
Visit Andrew's Peace by Piece blog.
Karen Donovan
School Director
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson
Karen began working with the students at the Oneness-Family School in 1998 when she brought the DiscoverMe! program to the School. Karen received her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in families and children, from the University of Maryland.
Since 1998, Karen has been in private practice working with children, adolescents and parents. With over 20 years of experience in empowerment, advocacy, support and leadership in the mental health and educational fields, Karen’s work history ranges from managing the daily operations of a residential adolescent treatment center, to working with inner city families effected by abuse, neglect and violence, to advocating for students with special needs before the Montgomery County Board of Education.
Karen grew up in Florham Park, New Jersey, spending many childhood summers on the Jersey shore. She is married with three children, Gabrielle, an OFS graduate; Elliot, a first year in the Arbor; and Amanda, her 10 year old stepdaughter. Karen loves working with the students at Oneness-Family School, being a mom and snowboarding with her husband, Darren.
Bodil Eriksson
Primary Level Program Coordinator,
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sun Room (ages 3-6), School Curriculum Coordinator
“We need to center our children's attention on what they do well, express our confidence in their ability and give encouragement. To do so, we must be patient, positive and show respect to each individual.”
“First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” - Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471)
Bodil Eriksson joined the Oneness-Family School as a teacher in the Sun classroom, Children's Peace Garden, in 2002.
Born and raised in Göteborg, Sweden, Bodil holds a degree in Teacher Education from Göteborg University. She earned an Advanced Diploma in the Montessori method for ages newborn to twelve years from the St. Nicholas Montessori program in London in 1987 and holds a B.A. in Economics. Prior to joining the Oneness-Family School, Bodil directed a Montessori school in Sweden and served as Assistant Director and Head Teacher for The Educational Alternatives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In the fall of 2008, Bodil was certified as a Parent Coach from Seattle Pacific University. She is a resource for many families in the Oneness-Family School community who seek her counsel and coaching to support a positive and nurturing family dynamic.
Within the School, Bodil serves as Curriculum Coordinator and works closely with Executive Director, Andrew Kutt, to plan and develop the curriculum across all classes. She also serves as a Montessori trainer for new faculty at the School.
Bodil is also an Oneness-Family School parent; her daughter graduated from the Middle School in 2008 and her son is in the Middle School program, in 8th grade. She often states that raising children has helped her to become a better teacher. When not working with Oneness-Family School children and families, Bodil enjoys spending time with her own family. She is a certified Jiu-jitsu instructor who has taught this art to children and adults for more than 20 years and has been a member of the Swedish Society Board of Education.
Bodil is fluent in English, Swedish and is proficient in German.
James (Jimi) Purse
Assistant School Director
James (Jimi) Purse joined the administrative team in October of 2009. Jimi brought with him experience as a teacher, a coach, a school administrator, and also experience in special education. At Oneness, Jimi works closely with Karen Donovan to manage the daily operations of the School in areas such as student discipline, aftercare, and School trips.
Before joining the OFS team, Jimi was the Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School, a K-8 school in Raleigh, North Carolina. Prior to that, Jimi worked at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, VA as the Director of Constituent Relations and as an AP Psychology Teacher. Once an Exceptional Children's Teacher and a Support Coordinator, working with children and adults with disabilities in the classroom and at home, as well as coaching a Special Olympics basketball team, Jimi has a unique ability to work with all types of students. His experience working at the high school level also brings an important perspective to the School.
Jimi received his Master of Educational Leadership and Administration Degree from Trinity University, Washington, DC. He received hi B.A. in Educational Psychology from Miami University in Ohio. Jimi has coached soccer, lacrosse, tennis and basketball.
Jimi lives in Silver Spring with his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, McKenna.
Guy Brochu
Accounting and Business Affairs Office
“Three things in life that make you a good person: be true to yourself, be nice and be honest.”
Guy Brochu hails from Canada and Maine before coming to Washington, D.C. for college. He was a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for 15 years and then decided to go into Business & Financial Management. Since 1990, he has managed the finances of several businesses, the most recent one being the wonderful Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park.
Guy is very happy to be part of the team at the The Oneness-Family School since January 2009 and hopes to help the school grow in the years to come.
When not working at the school Guy cycles at least 5 days a week, and cooks for family and friends. He enjoys reading and painting using acrylics and oils.
Morrie Schactman
Interim Business Manager, Accounting and Business Affairs Office
Morrie started as a consultant to the Board Treasurer, Peter Novick in February 2010.
Prior to advising OFS, Morrie served as Business Manager at the McLean School in Potomac for 13 years and one year as Special Projects Manager. The McLean School was in the process of seeking to expand its upper school into an 80,000 square foot building under purchase contract.
Prior to McLean, Morrie was treasurer of the Cold Spring Harbor School District in New York. Previous employment was in various roles of the mortgage banking industry. Morrie graduated from McGill University with a B.Com. and from Columbia University with an MBA.
Lindsay Goetting
Director of Admissions and Marketing
"Beginning with ourselves, we must cause positive change to radiate out into the world. We need a change of heart, a change of perception, a change of attitude, which we can then pass on to others through education, enlightenment and love." - Unknown
As the External Affairs Coordinator, Lindsay Goetting is often the first point of contact for guests and visitors to the School, including prospective families. Her cheerful attitude is contagious, and she fields questions and helps ensure that our parents, prospective families and guests have their questions answered and what they need. Lindsay works closely with Andrew Kutt to coordinate fundraising, special events, marketing, admissions and parent partnership programs.
Lindsay received her B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University in 2006. A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Lindsay is a die-hard Phillies and Eagles fan. Having relocated to the D.C. area in 2007, Lindsay spends time outside of school exploring and enjoying the culture, history and fun that D.C. has to offer.
Shercrisha "Cree" Finley
Administrative Assistant
Cree has many years of experience as a Director of After school programs and enrichment classes in local schools. She is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia.
This is her second year with Oneness-Family School.
Alyson Obert
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden Teacher, Sky Room (ages 3-6)
For the 2011-12 school year, Alyson will be teaching her first year at Oneness-Family School in the Children's Peace Garden with Carina Sonora in the Sky Room.
June Lang
Arts Director, Teacher Creative Arts (ages 3 – Grade 8)
"For me, relationship is the beginning. Once a heart to heart connection is made, then there is no limit to the artistic expression. I want each student to know that they are the seat of creativity, just by their very act of breath the possibility is endless.”
Teaching began for June in her teenage years. In high school she began tutoring and assisting several teachers in a private school in Maryland. A few years after graduating from college, June moved to Tennessee to help found and then teach at a small peace school in Crossville, Tennessee in 1981. A few years later, June was trained in the Waldorf home schooling methods based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner from the Oak Meadow School. She home-schooled her two sons for 13 years and was a leader of a 4-H club during that time. She has worked with children in many capacities, teaching guitar, recorder, and being a mime in a women’s entertainment group for children.
June came to Oneness in 1992 as the preschool aftercare teacher, and later became a teacher in the Children’s Peace Garden (ages 3-6) classroom. Today, as the Arts Director for the School, she enjoys working with all the students in the School, rather than just one classroom. June directs the Drama Production, the Spring Tea, coordinates Special Events and leads the Community Meetings on Friday mornings. In her classroom, the Light Room, students experience art, music, drama, creative movement, and creative play. These artistic experiences are based on the curriculum of each class and serve to enhance the students’ academic studies through self-discovery.
June earned a B.A. in Art and Anthropology from the University of Maryland and studied education for two years. She holds a teaching certificate in Yoga for children 3 to 13 years old. She continues expanding her expertise by taking classes at the Kennedy Center and other places. She has frequently presented art workshops at Montessori conferences on topics such as watercolor painting, sculpting with beeswax and drawing with block crayons.
Influenced by Asian cultures, June has adopted the ancient philosophy of Taoism and has been practicing yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong for over 30 years. June spends her leisure time in nature: walking, hiking, camping, painting, and sculpting. She enjoys music and studies Ta Ki Ti Na, a dance and rhythm art form. She has studied French, Latin, Classical Greek and Italian.
Fiona Lewsley
Lead Teacher, Wishing Stars, Little Stars Program
Fiona Lewsley was born and raised in Waterford, Ireland. Her passion for dance was discovered at an early age and after years of classes joined the Irish national ballet as a student dancer.
While not fond of the spotlight or performing on stage, she loved working in the company's school where her passion for teaching was born.
Fiona earned her teaching diploma through the Royal Academy for Dance and Dramatic Arts and spent many years teaching dance and movement to young children before immigrating to the United States. A nursery school teacher since 2001 she has earned her C D A credential and has taken Montessori classes to support her work in the classroom. As Owner/Director of a local summer camp, Fiona has established a great knowledge of working with and supporting children and parents.
Looking forward to joining the Oneness family, Fiona says that it is a joy to watch the excitement and energy that every child brings each day and to watch their unlimited capacity to learn and grow in such a warm and caring environment.
Agnieszka (Aga) Laska
Lead Teacher, Shining Stars, Little Stars Program
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.“ Plato
Aga’s experience in early childhood education spans two countries, Poland and the United States. In Poland, Aga’s volunteering in a public preschool sparked her desire to teach. She moved to the metropolitan DC area where she completed her Associate’s Degree in General Studies, specializing in Psychology, from the Northern Virginia Community College in December 2007. Aga’s teaching experience began in 2004 as a nanny to children ages 0-7. She began teaching 2.5-3.5 year olds at a local preschool in Reston for a year before coming to Oneness to be a co-teacher in the Shining Stars classroom of the Little Stars Program.
Aga recently graduated and received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia. She enjoys swimming and photography and speaks fluent Polish, English and intermediate Russian.
She teaches with Martina Lopez.
Melanie Shur
Assistant Teacher, Wishing Stars, Little Stars Program
Melanie, is a graduate of the University of Maryland and she is attending Montgomery College for additional studies in Early Childhood Education. She has several years of experience in childcare with young children and she also has worked with older children in various theater productions. Melanie will be a nice addition to our classroom and a wonderful complement to Fiona Lewsley.
Martina Lopez
Assistant Teacher, Shining Stars, Little Stars Program
This is Martina's first year with Oneness-Family School. She will be teaching with Aga Laska.
Kathy O'Reilly
Lead Teacher, Peace Academy (Grades 4-5)
Kathy joins us for her first year as the Peace Academy Teacher. She will be working in tandem with Marcy Seitel, whom is also new to OFS. Prior to joining the Oneness team, Kathy was a lower elementary teacher at the Barrie School and an upper elementary teacher at the Snake River Montessori School.
Kathy received her Bachelor of Arts at Williams College and went on to get her Bachelor of Science and Nursing at Columbia. Kathy is also a Registered Nurse and received her masters at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins.
When not working at the school, Kathy spends time with her family, as she is a busy mother of five! Kathy also enjoys volunteering and is fluent in French. Kathy is thrilled to be at Oneness this year, which will be her tenth year working in a Montessori classroom!
Marcy Seitel
Co-Teacher, Peace Academy (Grades 4-5)
Marcy began her adult professional life in the area of international human rights, after receiving a degree in anthropology from Vassar College and later a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from Catholic University. After working for several years in this field, Marcy decided to bring her focus to a more local and personal level, and sought to learn the skills of creative, nonviolent conflict resolution. She trained and worked with Children’s Creative Response to Conflict and since then has lead conflict resolution workshops with people of all ages in a variety of communities, in the DC area and Pennsylvania.
Through this work, Marcy came to appreciate the powerful role that schools can have in teaching children about peace and helping to bring more harmony to the world, and in 1998 received a Masters Degree in Education from Catholic University. Since then Marcy has taught at St. Ambrose School and Friends Community School, and has taught and served as Middle School Head at Thornton Friends School and Oakwood Friends School.
Marcy not only loves to teach, but also loves to read and to write, and to hear and tell stories. She loves to work in the garden, spend time in the woods, walk with her dogs, cook, and share meals with friends. Marcy's greatest love is being with her family. She lives with her husband, Peter, in Mt. Rainier, and stays in close touch with her young adult son and daughter who both live in Philadelphia.
Katie Ball
Teacher, Middle School (Grades 6-8)
This is Katie's first year with the Oneness-Family School. She will be teaching in the Middle School, with Hannah Chick.
Full bio coming soon.
Hannah Chick
Teacher, Middle School (Grades 6-8)
"I like the environment at OFS. Since arriving, I have been running non-stop and am thoroughly enjoying myself."
A Howard Hughes fellow and awarded the Merck Fellowship while at Earlham College, Hannah joined the OFS team in 2009. Hannah's background is in Math and Science.
Prior to joining the OFS faculty, Hannah was working at The Thorton Friends School in Silver Spring, MD, where she served as the Dean of Students in the Middle School, and as a science teacher for both middle school and high school students. At Thorton, Hannah developed a three-year integrated science curriculum with an environmental focus for the Middle School. In addition to courses in the earth, biological and physical sciences, Hannah also taught courses in photography, nature writing, writing, literature and physical education.
Hannah received her B.A. in Biology from Earlham College, Richmond, IN in May 2005.
In her free time, Hannah lives in DC with her husband Ben. When not at OFS, Hannah likes cooking and baking (and eating!), knitting and reading. She enjoys spending time with Ben and the rest of her family and friends.
She teaches in the Middle School with Katie Ball.
Matthew Chappell
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden Teacher, Moon Room (Ages 3-6)
“I love the warmth and curiosity of young minds and hearts and seeing how they progress and learn. For me, what makes the Oneness-FamilySchool special is the combination of philosophy and atmosphere.”
When Matthew Chappell discovered the Oneness-Family School in 2007, he was excited about joining the staff as a faculty member. The School’s Montessori–based philosophy and commitment to honoring the uniqueness of each child resonated with Matthew, who had been teaching for twelve years in Montessori classrooms. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, he relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in 2007 after getting married.
Matthew has completed Masters-level coursework in Elementary Education and holds Montessori Certification from the American Montessori Society for Early Childhood Education (ages 3-6). A graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia with a B.A. in French in 1990, Matthew also holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina (1988).
He is conversant in Spanish and French though he says that he has plenty to learn in both languages. Matthew enjoys hiking, biking, camping and spending time with his wife and young daughter, Mia. Matthew co-teaches with
Rehana Godil in the Moon Room and is enjoying his experience as part of the Oneness-Family School community.
Shawn Harrity
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
“The Montessori Curriculum integrates real life into the learning experience – it’s more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. I love the experiential aspect of this approach.”
Shawn Harrity always knew that he wanted to teach children. A graduate of Mount St. Mary’s College, he taught grades 1-5 at Parkview Montessori School in Mount Prospect, Illinois as an assistant teacher. At Holy Family Lutheran School in Chicago, Shawn taught third grade for four years and language arts in the Middle School program for two years. Shawn heard about the Oneness-Family School from his wife’s nephew, a former student, and when he moved to the area in 2005, he applied to teach here and was hired as a co-teacher in the Peace Arbor classroom. This year, he teaches with
Madhavi Ray and
Samantha Klinger.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Shawn heads several clubs such as Basketball and the Earthkeepers program.
Shawn will be receiving his Montessori certification for ages 6-9 years in 2009. Shawn received his B.A. in English and Secondary Education at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1998.
Born in Wilmington, DE, Shawn is brushing up on his spoken Spanish each day as he and his wife Giselle are raising their kids, Max and Isabella in a bilingual household. Shawn enjoys all sports, especially playing basketball, reading and hiking. Shawn also has a keen interest in mythology and science, especially astronomy.
Madhavi Ray
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
“For me teaching children means becoming partners with a child so that both teacher and child are students and teachers.”
Madhavi Ray has almost 40 years of teaching experience. After teaching for 20 years in the Virginia public school system, Madhavi joined Oneness-Family School in 1990, two years after it’s founding. She often speaks of the moment when meeting Andrew Kutt and hearing his philosophy of education, she realized that it was perfectly aligned with her own vision.
She has pursued her love of teaching since 2000.
A leader of the School, Madhavi has served on many committees and has aided the development of the School in a variety of ways – from curriculum development to working with parent committees. She oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the school facilities and vehicles.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Madhavi graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1970 with a B.A. in Sociology and Education. She earned Montessori certification with AMS for ages 6-9. A lifelong learner, she has taken a wide range of courses in topics relevant to her teaching, such as alternative educational methods, parent encouragement programs, and coursework on self-esteem in children.
She co-teaches with Shawn Harrity and Samantha Klinger.
In her free time, Madhavi enjoys horseback riding, reading, swimming and running.
Samantha Klinger
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
Samantha is the newest member of the Peace Arbor team with Shawn Harrity and Madhavi Ray.
Samantha is a graduate of Towson University and has experience as a coordinator of special programs for families and children for Maryland's Early Childhood Intervention and Education Program. She loves working with children, and this is her second year with Oneness-Family.
Full bio coming soon.
Abra Lerch
Co-Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sun Room (ages 3-6)
The 2010-2011 School Year will be the first year at the Oneness-Family School for Abra. The Sun Room welcomes her as the new co-teacher, along with Bodil Eriksson. Abra has a history in Montessori, as she has spent a decade teaching ages 3-6 in Montessori schools in Loudon County, Virginia. In 2004, she received her Early Childhood certification from the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies.
Prior to being a teacher, Abra was a personal chef, where she was first introduced to a Montessori child. She was so impressed by the child’s love of learning, independence and intelligence, she was certain she’d send her future children to a Montessori program! Two months after she enrolled her first son in a Montessori program, she became an assistant teacher there. The rest is history!
She co-teaches in the Sun Room with Bodil Eriksson.
Abra currently lives in Ijamsville with her husband Harry and their sons, Nick, 13, and Matte, 5. Monarch butterflies, 3D geometry, music and traveling are her other passions! Welcome Abra!
Carina Sonora
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sky Room (ages 3-6)
“The vision that we all hold of a school that is about peace really does make a difference for the experience here.”
For the 2010-11 school year, Carina will be leading a new classroom for the Children's Peace Garden, the Sky Room, with Alyson Obert.
At the Oneness-Family School, Carina is famous for her warm smile and sunny disposition. Carina co-teaches with Ana Ardon in the Sky Room and she weaves her native Spanish into the students’ daily activities.
Carina has been teaching since 2000, previously teaching at a Christian daycare. In addition to her work with the children in the Sun Room last year, she has served as the Spanish teacher for students ages 3-4.
Carina has taken Montessori courses to support her in her work at the Oneness-Family School and will complete her Montessori Certification for ages 3-6 in the summer of 2009. Carina has also completed courses in teaching students with autism and general childcare for children 0-4 years old. Carina received her 5-year High School diploma in Argentina. Carina has been taking karate since childhood and enjoys playing the piano and biking.
Born in Cordoba, Argentina, Carina is fluent in English and Spanish, and is also comfortable speaking Portuguese and Italian.
Kia Phillips
Assistant Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden
Kia will be assistant in the Children's Peace Garden for her second year. In 2009-10, she was an assistant in the Little Stars Program.
Kia originally comes to OFS with experience as tutoring and mentoring kindergarten and elementary students at Knowledge Points - A Plus Success and Thurgood Marshall Elementary School respectively.
Alejandra Zarzycki
Assistant Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden
Alejandra had originally joined the Oneness-Family School in September 2007, and left for a year. She has returned for the 2011-12 school year in the CPG.
Alejandra has a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Education from the University of Maryland and has plans to further her education and pursue a Master’s degree in Education. She has pursued her love of teaching since 2000.
One of Alejandra’s favorite hobbies is to travel – visiting new places and learning about different cultures. She also loves to cook, watch movies, read, run, bike, dance and do yoga. Alejandra is fluent in English, Spanish, and speaks conversational Portuguese.
Rehana Godil
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Moon Room
We gladly welcome Rehana to the Peace Garden this year! This is Rehana’s first year at OFS in which she will join the Moon Room team with Matthew Chappell. Before coming to OFS, Rehana was the lead teacher at nursery school in Rockville, MD. Prior to this, she was an assistant teacher at a primary Montessori school.
She co-teaches in the Moon Room with Matthew Chappell.
Rehana was born and raised in Karaeli, Pakistan and received her B.A. at the University of Karachi. Currently she teaches art classes through the Montgomery Recreation Department and Art Barn in Gaithersburg. As one may guess, Rehana is very passionate about art! Rehana lives in Boyds, Maryland with her 3 kids, ranging from 6 to 18. She is very excited to be at OFS and we are very happy to have her!
Jennifer C. Gershman, M.Ed.
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” – Anthony Robbins
Jennifer joined the Oneness-Family School in 1998 as an independent speech-language pathologist. She offers a communication class for students in grades 1-3. The class is designed to build the students' social language skills, which include listening, having conversations, and using and understanding nonverbal communication skills necessary for both academic and social competence.
Jennifer has a Bachelor's of Science in Speech Pathology from Emerson College and a Master's in Education in Speech Pathology from Northeastern University, both located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jennifer grew up in Connecticut and enjoys returning there each summer to spend time with her family. She is married with two sons and one dog. Her older son is married to his wonderful wife, who is also a speech pathologist.
Jennifer enjoys reading, sewing, boating, and spending time with her three grandchildren and family.
Erika Wines
Teacher, Physical Education (All Grades)
Full bio coming soon.
Jacquline (Jackie) Carvajal
Foreign Language Coordinator, Spanish Teacher (Grades 1-8).
Jackie, a native of Chile, received her Education degree with an English minor from Catholic University of Blas Cañas, in Santiago. After teaching English as a second language to students in grades 1-7 in Chile, Jackie wanted to gain experience teaching Spanish in the United States. More than 10 years later, Jackie has found teaching Spanish as a second language to be most wonderful experience. She is so amazed at the speed at which children learn Spanish.
Jackie has been quite busy teaching Spanish to children in a variety of settings. Since 2001, Jackie has been teaching Spanish to elementary school students in the FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) Program in Montgomery County and in The Goddard School.
In 2002, Jackie came to Oneness-Family School as a Spanish Teacher and Foreign Language Coordinator. Our students in Elementary and Middle Schools have all benefited from Jackie’s teaching. Jackie believes that being a teacher is one of the noblest professions in the world. Teaching requires patience, love, understanding, and compassion and Jackie feels fortunate to be teaching children which keeps her active.
When not teaching, Jackie loves going to the movies, dining out, and visiting with friends, most who are teachers.
Djamila Maherzi
French Teacher
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom '' ~ Marcel Proust, French novelist
Djamila was born and raised in Algeria. She is a native French and Arabic speaker. In 1980, she received her degree in Economics (Financial Sciences) from University of Algiers. In 1993, she received her Master’s degree in Economics (Financial Management) from University of Algiers.
Djamila’s interest in teaching began when she volunteered with an association that helped single mothers and their children. She taught mathematics to children with special needs in Arabic and in French. Djamila taught Economics for 20 years at a high school and was an assistant teacher at the University of Algiers. Since 2005, she began teaching in the area, first at the French International High School “Lycee Rochambeau” in Washington D.C. as a substitute Economics teacher and then, teaching French at the FLES (Foreign Languages in Elementary Schools) Program and at the Oneness-Family School.
At Oneness, Djamila teaches French to students ages 3-grade 8. Djamila loves reading books, working on cross-word puzzles, going to the gym, listening to French, Arabo-Andalou and Arabo-Jew music and dancing. She is passionate about economics, politics and historic facts.
Sarah Waxman
Teacher, Yoga
For the 2010-11 school year, Sarah will be joining OFS as our new Yoga Teacher. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a local graduate of Sidwell Friends in Washington, DC.
Sarah teaches Yoga at the Sheridan School, is a Certified Yoga teacher and will be completing her certification this year in the NY based Karma Kids program. Sarah has experience working with children from preschool through high school. Welcome Sarah!
Tamara Moshman, M.Ed.
Academic Tutor
"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
"A good teacher is like a candle... it consumes itself to light the way for others."
Tamara received her B.A. and Master’s degrees from The American University in Elementary Education. She interned for one year at The Lab School of Washington in a tutor training program at The Lab School of Washington, she taught at The Lab School for 6 years where she designed individualized reading programs for elementary school students. Tamara also worked as a resource teacher in Baltimore City public school (P.S. 17) for students in K- 5th grades.
In 1998, Tamara transitioned over to academic tutoring primarily based at the Oneness-Family School. Although she tutored at many of the private schools in the area, once she came to Oneness she realized the school was like her second home. She immediately felt bonded to the philosophy of the School and to all the wonderful teachers, the director and the students. Tamara is the academic tutor for students in Kindergarten through grade 6. She tutors early reading skills, reading fluency, writing, math, organizational skills, and study habits.
Tamara enjoys reading and walking her dog in the woods as her most relaxing hobbies. Some of the students at Oneness have been her most wonderful walking companions. She says, " It is a great way to connect with each other, with nature and to unwind."
Carrie Rose
Music Instructor
"At a young age, music set me on fire, so I aim to pass that on by providing students with the opportunity for a profound, inner musical experience in each class."
Carrie is a flutist, composer and educator. Outside of the Oneness Family School, she performs new flute music as a soloist and chamber musician, composes for both young and professional musicians, and teaches private flute lessons.
She has appeared as a flutist throughout the US, Europe, and Russia, and holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has received grants for her work from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Commission, and the American Composers Forum. In DC’s City Paper, she was named a “favorite local composer”.
She was attracted to the Oneness Family School by its mission for peace and emphasis on contemplation. She has been practicing meditation with the Washington Mindfulness Community since 2000, and has felt the benefits in her own life and teaching. In her free time, Carrie enjoys hiking and English Country dancing.
Cheyenne Gartin
Aftercare Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden
Cheyenne recently moved to our area and she will be attending Howard University next year. Cheyenne most recently was working at Bethesda Naval Childcare Center.
Ryan Rosenfeld
Aftercare Teacher, Peace Arbor
We welcome Ryan back to Oneness-Family School this year, not as a student, but as our newest member of Before/After Care Staff! Ryan is an alumni of Oneness-Family School from over ten years ago. After Ryan graduated this year from the University of Chicago, OFS was his first call to seek employment. His fond memories and close relationships with OFS staff members inspired Ryan to pick up and move from Illinois just days before school started!
Ryan has always had a love for children and a passion for helping people. While in Chicago, he taught at a daycare center and actively volunteered at the Red Cross and food pantries in the area. Ryan currently lives in Silver Spring with his two dogs, Juicy and Gnocchi. In his free time, he loves to play basketball and cook. Food is certainly his passion - he was once a personal chef! Welcome back Ryan!
