Meet Our Faculty and Staff

List of 77 items.

• Carolina Agostini

  Spanish
  Mrs. Agostini is known in our Oakcrest community for the beautiful work she has done, and continues to do, in Admissions since 2014. Mother of Giorgina ’15, Mrs. Agostini holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Marymount University, is certified with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and has taken thirty graduate credits from the University of Virginia’s School of Education. With eleven years teaching experience, four of which have been in Spanish, Carolina continues as a member of the Foreign Languages department.  As a native Spanish speaker, Carolina brings with her a passion for other cultures that will enrich her classroom.

   

• Joana Allen

  Master Teacher - Theology, Class Dean
  Mrs. Allen is originally from Lisbon, Portugal where she studied at the Escola de Reabilitacao de Alcoitao. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist in school systems throughout Portugal, England and the United States. She collaborated with Allyson Adrian to develop and write the new Guan Series, Learning Spanish with Francois Guan and Charlotte Mason, Vol I & II (Cherrydale Press). Prior to joining the Oakcrest faculty in 2013, Mrs. Allen homeschooled her four daughters, Mia ‘13, Rosemary ‘16, Grace ‘18, and Nina ‘20.
  
  

• Alix Baldwin

  Instrumental Director
  Mrs. Baldwin is an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger, as well as an experienced instructor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from George Mason University and was named GMU’s Most Outstanding Musician of 1997. While studying at GMU, she sat as Principal Chair flute and Principal Chair harp in both Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. She was awarded the Brannen-Cooper Commission in 1999, the National Flute Association Commission of 2009, and the Blessing Foundation Commission for the NFA in 2012. Alix has been a harpist, flutist, composer and arranger for the First Light Ensemble since 2009 and for the Columbia Flute Choir since 1995. She was named the 2019 Scottish Harp Society of America's US National Champion. Before joining the Oakcrest faculty in 2014, Mrs. Baldwin worked as both a private lesson instructor and a sectional coach in the Fairfax County Public Schools for over 20 years. When asked what she enjoys about teaching at Oakcrest, she responded, “I love the ability to teach not just the notes, but the history and meaning behind the music; and I love the atmosphere of joy and kindness that prevails at Oakcrest!”
  
  

• Michael J. Barvick

  Director of Institutional Advancement
  Michael Barvick joined Oakcrest as the Director of Institutional Advancement in September of 2016. He has broad experience in the world of advancement and during his career has helped build programs in support of education, underserved communities and public policy. Before coming to Oakcrest, he served for six years as the Director of Major and Planned Giving at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. Prior to that he had served as the Executive Director of The Youth Leadership Foundation. Mr. Barvick has a particular expertise in the area of planned giving and has trained numerous non-profits organizations on how to build and sustain a successful planned giving program. He is also the CEO of Alexis Consulting, which provides non-profits assistance in management and fundraising strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas and is the father of Edith ‘19, Franny ‘22, Irene '25 and Lulu '28.
  
  

• Laura Bell

  Staff Assistant
  Laura Bell holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and English from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Education Administration from the University of Scranton where she received the Outstanding Graduate Award. She enjoys having mentored at Oakcrest for over 10 years.  Laura is the mother of Kathryn '12.

• Sara Bendeck

  Spanish, Director of International Programs
  Mrs. Bendeck (Mariana '23, Rocio '27) earned a Master in Marriage and Family from the University of Navarre in Pamplona, Spain and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Honduras. An experienced Spanish teacher, Mrs. Bendeck has served as the Spanish Curriculum Specialist, Spanish Teacher, and Classroom Head Teacher for Georgetown Hill Early School.

• Cynthia Bertolini

  Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Mathematics
  Cynthia Bertolini holds a Master of Arts in International Economics and European Studies from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Languages and Linguistics from Georgetown University. In addition to her work in admissions, she also teaches Middle School math. Cynthia is currently pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership at George Mason University. She and her husband Lorenzo are the parents of five children, including Luisa '20. 
  
  

• Victoria Bigliano

  Visual Arts, Interior Design - Vienna Campus
  Ms. Bigliano has pioneered the AP Art History class at Oakcrest. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she moved to Virginia after a strong career in interior design, primarily with commercial and civic spaces. Her interest and professional development in the decorative arts and art history led her to Winterthur Museum in Wilmington, Delaware where she graduated from their Certificate Program in Connoisseurship. In addition to teaching, Ms. Bigliano is overseeing all aspects of the interior design of the permanent campus and is the lead designer of the chapel.
  
  

• Virginia Boles

  History, Class Dean
  Miss Boles attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in Greek and Latin, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her senior thesis examined the program of education for an orator in ancient Rome. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in American History and Government from Ashland University.  Prior to joining the Oakcrest faculty in 2014, Miss Boles worked as a Latin Teacher at The Geneva School of Manhattan and a Latin curriculum writer for the South Bronx Classical Charter School. A graduate of a classical, liberal arts high school in her hometown of Pasadena, California, Miss Boles' liberal arts background allows her classes to be interdisciplinary.  In her Ancient and American History classes, she endeavors to help her students understand the underpinnings of free, democratic societies, and to express their ideas cogently in writing and speech. 
  
  

• Michele Bulger

  Registrar
  Ms. Bulger began working at Oakcrest in 2006. Her responsibilities include developing and managing the schedule, maintaining academic records, and providing official transcripts for our students. She has been coaching lacrosse at Oakcrest since the program was started. Ms. Bulger holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Franklin & Marshall College.

  
  

• Miriam Buono

  Director of Operations, Media and Journalism
  

  Mrs. Buono has a Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science cum laude in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Prior to joining the Oakcrest staff, she served as President of the Board of Directors, working on strategic planning and the permanent campus project.  She has developed and implemented leadership programs for young women for over 14 years and has experience helping area Diocesan schools build enrollment.  She and her husband, Frank, have six children, including Sophia '14 and Elena '21. 
  
  

• Matthew Buonocore

  Chief Financial Officer
  As CFO, Mr. Buonocore is responsible for overseeing all financial, human resource, facility, technology, risk management, transportation, construction, safety and other administrative operations for Oakcrest. He brings more than 25 years of experience to the school, with an expertise in managing both financial and operational activities for non-profit organizations. Mr. Buonocore previously served as the Director of Administration for two large private schools located in Northern Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. He enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his sons' baseball teams, and singing in the halls of our beautiful new school.
  
  

• Anna Cipollone '17

  English
  Ms. Cipollone earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Georgetown University with a major in English and a minor in Art History. She was one of twenty students selected for a program in Florence, Italy, where she studied Italian literature, language and culture. Ms. Cipollone completed an intensive Senior Capstone seminar course on Literature of the Global South.

• Terri Collins

  Associate Head of School, Director of Parent Support
  Mrs. Collins (Lucy ‘11, Helen ‘14, Audrey ‘16, Jill ‘17) received a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at the University of Maryland. She joined the Oakcrest faculty in 2007 and over the next 14 years, Mrs. Collins has taught science and theology, and served as the Director of Admissions. Mrs. Collins brings her knowledge, experience and love for Oakcrest to the role. She aims to provide excellent resources to our parents, such as the Family Enrichment program, and plentiful opportunities for parents to find friends among parents. Mrs. Collins is also the school liaison for the Oakcrest Parents Association (OPA). Read more about her here. 

• Catherine Scalia Courtney

  Director of Academic Advising, Head Librarian
  Catherine Courtney joined Oakcrest in 2018 as the Head Librarian, and is now also the Director of Academic Advising and a Latin teacher. Catherine received a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Maryland. She has experience working in corporate, public, and school libraries as well as undergraduate academic advising at George Mason University. Building the collection for Oakcrest School’s beautiful library is a dream come true! 
  
  

• Mike Craven

  Bus Driver
  Mike joined oakcrest in 2015.  Mike is a third generation Washingtonian and before joining Oakcrest was in management at John Deere Landscapes and was an integrated pest management specialist.  Mike and his wife Natalie enjoy spending time with their son and his family in Cincinnati, OH.  They have two grandchildren.
  
  

• Maritere Gramatges Crum '91

  Alumnae Relations Coordinator
  Maritere graduated from George Mason University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing. She and her husband, Richard, have 8 children ranging in ages from 26 to 8 and 2 grandchildren born in 2021 and 3 more on the way for 2022/2023. She currently homeschools her two youngest girls and her younger boys attend The Heights. Over the last 27 years, they have lived in Virginia, Connecticut and Florida, and returned home 2 years ago, moving around the corner from Oakcrest. She is very passionate about the pro-life movement and has served on the Board of the Paul Stefan Home in Orange, VA and as a volunteer at A Woman’s Choice in Herndon, VA. Maritere loves being creative, baking, reading, writing, planning events and spending as much time as possible at the beach..

• Heather DeLisle

  Master Teacher - Science and Technology
  Heather DeLisle holds a Master in Education in Secondary Education from Providence College and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Religious Studies from Connecticut College. She joined the Oakcrest faculty in 2011. Read more about her here. 
  
  

• Jessica DeVera 

  Director of College Counseling

  Mrs. DeVera has five years of experience in college admissions and an additional four years of experience in private school college counseling. She brings her professional expertise, support of the Oakcrest mission and love of working with students to our school. Mrs. DeVera earned a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Communications, Public Relations and Journalism from Marist College.        
  
  

• Anna Diederich '17

  Mathematics, Class Dean
  Ms. Diederich earned a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. As a teaching assistant in Notre Dame's department of Chemical Engineering she guided students in developing effective strategies for studying, test-taking, and assessed their assignments, quizzes and exams. She is delighted to serve as a faculty member for her alma mater, where she was the Salutatorian of the Class of 2017.

   

• Susan Drummond

  Latin
  Miss Drummond earned her Master of Arts in Classics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Mary Washington. She has been teaching Latin for eleven years and has taught the full range of Latin curriculum, from beginner to college Latin. In addition, at her previous school Miss Drummond helped develop an Integrated Humanities Program. She is excited to join Oakcrest because our “strong liberal arts focus creates an ideal environment for students to grow intellectually through the study of Latin literature and Roman culture.” A lover of Cicero, Virgil, and the stoic tradition, Miss Drummond also enjoys coaching lacrosse. 
  
  

• Laurie Duncan

  Master Teacher - Foreign Languages, History, Class Dean
  Ms. Duncan holds a Masters of Education and a Bachelors of Arts in Classics from the University of Virginia. Ms. Duncan has seventeen years of teaching experience in the context of private all-girls education. In addition, she has taught at the Virginia Summer Governor’s School Latin Academy, participated extensively in various spoken Latin programs, and hosted summer Greek camps for middle schoolers. Ms. Duncan teaches Middle School and Upper School Latin, Ancient Greek, and Medieval History. 
  
  

• Cecilia Escobar

  Middle School Director, History
  Mrs. Escobar (Clare '18) first began teaching at Oakcrest in 1991. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Loyola University of Maryland and a Professional Teaching Certificate in History. Mrs. Escobar established the "Most Courageous American" tournament for the 7th and 8th grade History students, which makes history come alive for the entire school. When asked what she particularly likes about teaching at Oakcrest, Cecilia says, “I especially love the students. Their joy, their humor and their kindness make every day exciting and joyful. My colleagues are some of the best in the profession and there is a spirit of collegiality that permeates everything we do.”
  
  

• Teresa Fernandez-Ulloa

  Spanish
  Mrs. Fernandez-Ulloa received an Master of Arts in Spanish Language from Universidad Pontificia Salamanca, Spain, and a Law Degree from Universidad de Navarra. She has taught at George Washington University, and is well-read and knowledgeable on the most significant methodologies of language teaching (such as Task-Based Language Teaching and the Communicative Approach). She has worked alongside Dr. María de la Fuente, who is renowned in the field of Spanish language teaching, and even helped with Dr. de la Fuentes’s textbook. She has also worked alongside students in Hispanic community outreach and is dedicated to fostering and spreading the love of all things Spanish. Teresa is an avid reader and history enthusiast, and was born in Orense, Spain.
  
  

• Heather Finkler

  Mathematics

  Ms. Finkler studied for a Master of Secondary Education at George Washington University and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University. She has experience teaching mathematics and science. Ms. Finkler's teaching philosophy includes the goal of helping students develop a richer understanding of mathematics by studying its vocabulary, language, and properties and by using real-life models.
  
  

• Christina Friddle

  Science, Class Dean
  Mrs. Friddle (Maura '19, Jacqueline '22 and Suzie '25) has over fifteen years of teaching experience in the classroom. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and a Professional Teaching Certificate in Education from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She holds a National Certificate for STEM Teaching from the National Institute for STEM Education. She has completed an intensive course in "Science Inquiry in the Classroom," from the Maryland State Department of Education. Mrs. Friddle is very active in professional development related to teaching strategies that enable teachers to have a much larger impact on student learning with more meaningful results and setting up students for success as lifelong learners. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association.

• Luz Gonzalez

  Mathematics
  Ms. Gonzalez earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from The Catholic University of Nicaragua. She dedicated many years of her professional career as an engineer and also has experience teaching Mathematics. She has a deep love for the Oakcrest mission.
  
  

• Inés Vera Gruschow

  English, Class Dean
  Mrs. Gruschow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature with a concentration in Art History from the University of Dallas. She says about her own liberal arts education: “[It] taught me to appreciate multiple disciplines outside of my studies in English and Art History and to excel in written and oral skills as well as critical thinking.” Mrs. Gruschow brings this depth and breadth to all her classes at Oakcrest.

• Meghan Hadley '06

  Dean of Students, History
  Ms. Hadley earned both degrees, a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History, from the University of Notre Dame. She completed Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program. After teaching abroad in Spain for a year, she moved to Chicago where she taught at the Willows Academy for five years, serving as Dean of Students for two of those years. She has a great love and enthusiasm for working with young people and a deep love for her alma mater. 
  
  

• Natasha Hamblet, Ph.D.

  Mathematics
  Dr. Hamblet holds a doctorate in Biomedical Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University with a concentration in Molecular Biology. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Stony Brook University as a double major in Biochemistry and French Literature. Her postdoctoral work was performed at the National Human Genome Research Institute and she is a published author in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Hamblet was named Outstanding Graduate by the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, was awarded NIH predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has taught and mentored students at many grade levels since 2009. Prior to joining Oakcrest, she taught in the science department at Flint Hill School where she provided dedicated instruction, one-on-one coaching and support for students with learning differences. She thoroughly enjoys teaching girls and promoting women in STEM, but more importantly, women that are confident in whatever profession they choose to pursue.
  

• Caroline Heeter '97

  Upper School Athletic Director
  Since joining the staff in 2002, Ms. Heeter has been instrumental in the expansion of Oakcrest’s athletic program and achievements. As a graduate of Oakcrest, Ms. Heeter enjoys the unique opportunity of passing on traditions from her years as a student, as well as helping to create new ones. Caroline earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Dallas and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Ohio University.
  
  

• Jeannie Herrick

  Middle School Director of Mentoring
  Mrs. Herrick received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University. Jeannie brings 30 years of holistic nursing care experience to the Mentoring Program at Oakcrest. She is passionate about helping young women grow in virtue and achieve their fullest potential. Jeannie and her husband, Curt, are the parents of five children, including Jackie '13, Kathryn '18, and Julia '25.
  
  

• Kat Hussmann, Ph.D.

  Science
  

  Dr. Hussmann holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She has done postdoctoral research and has had a number of experiences teaching both college and younger students. She has completed an NIH intensive course called “Scientists Teaching Science,” and has coauthored many peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Hussmann is dedicated to helping high school students understand and analyze scientific literature. She joined Oakcrest as a full-time faculty member in 2015. Dr. Hussmann received the Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) Committee's 2019 Coach of the Year Award. 

  
  

• Matlida “Bunmi” Johnson, Ph.D.

  Academic Support Associate

  Prior to coming to Oakcrest, Dr. Johnson was a tenured faculty at Bethune-Cookman University, FL. specializing in nutrition and public health. Dr. Johnson comes with the experience and expertise in education and community engagement that can be applied to tasks of academic support and advance the mission of Oakcrest School. She earned her Undergraduate Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, her Masters in Nutrition and Food Sciences from Texas Woman’s University, Master of Public Health from Jackson State University, and her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of South Africa. 

• Leslie Kanuch

  Science, Class Dean
  Mrs. Kanuch spent eight years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps before joining the Oakcrest faculty in 2018. She received her Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University and studied Latin through a summer program at The Catholic University of America. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Bachelor of Science in English, and a minor in Russian language and literature. She has extensive overseas experience, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bahrain and a study abroad program in Russia, and has worked directly with multiple federal agencies and senior-level Department of Defense and Department of State officials throughout her military career. Mrs. Kanuch is supremely grateful to be a part of the Oakcrest family and loves sharing her passion for learning and service with her students. Physics, she always tells her classes, is a pathway to God because it enables us to enter more deeply into the wonder of His creation.

• Lisa Kenna

  Master Teacher - English
  As an educator, Mrs. Kenna strives to transmit her love of the liberal arts and the wisdom of the Great Books to each of her students. She joined the Oakcrest faculty in 2011, and since then has cultivated a love of literature and academia, creating the Senior Thesis program and spearheading the founding of the National English Honor Society. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. She earned both a Master of Arts of English and a Master of Arts of Humanities from the University of Dallas, and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Program in Education there as well. Lisa holds a Commonwealth of Virginia Postgraduate Professional License for English Teachers. She has participated in the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture Teacher’s Academy for six years and has spoken at the National Endowment for the Humanities conference on teaching Dante. Mrs. Kenna was selected as one of sixteen participants for the NEH Summer Seminar Scholar program: "Dante’s Inferno: Influence, Adaptation, and Appropriation." Most recently, she was accepted to the National Endowment for the Humanities 2021 Summer Institute on Melville’s “Moby-Dick and the World of Whaling in the Digital Age.” 
  
  

• Jennifer Kilmer

  Master Teacher - Mathematics
  

  Mrs. Kilmer earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University, and taught at Oakcrest from 1993 to 1997, teaching math and coaching soccer, basketball and softball while serving as the athletic director. She has also taught at The Willows Academy in Chicago, Montrose School in Boston, and Portsmouth Abbey in Rhode Island. After raising her 11 children (including four Oakies—Christina '16, Michelle '18, Julie '19 and Rosie '25), Mrs. Kilmer returned to teach at Oakcrest in 2014.
  
  

• Fr. Gerry Kolf

  Chaplain
  Father Gerry, who was our chaplain from 2013 to 2016, returns to Oakcrest after serving as the chaplain to the Willows Academy, a school in the Chicago area with a similar mission to Oakcrest. Fr. Gerry is the brother of two Oakies, Martha (Kolf '80) Kruener and Mary (Kolf '85) Tapia, and the uncle of Catherine (Kolf '98) Gara, Monica '01, Teresa (Kolf ' 03) Swick and Ellen (Kolf '07) Smith. Fr. Gerry blessed the land for our Vienna campus before construction began.

• Caeli Lanzilotti

  English
  Mrs. Lanzilotti received her Master in Teaching at Drew University in 2012 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Philosophy at Penn State University.  She taught Literature, History, and English for six years at Regina Coeli Classical Academy outside of Philadelphia. While there, she helped to establish an integrated classical curriculum for the middle school, coached cross country, and won the Catholic School Teaching Award. She comes to Oakcrest with a love of the Great Books and a passion for sharing that love with her students.
  
  

• Marty Lerner

  Director of Communications and Events, Director of Summer Programs
  Marty Lerner has over 25 years of communications experience having worked for Fortune 500 brands such as Staples, Hershey's Chocolate, Capital One Bank, Heinz USA, PNC Bank, Claritin and GEICO.  Mrs. Lerner's events expertise has aided local and national non-profit organizations with raising millions of dollars to advance Catholic education, benefit breast cancer research, and fight childhood obesity.  Mrs. Lerner graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Mary Washington.  She is the mother of two - Alexa '21 and Nolan.
  
  

• Cynthia Lim

  Assistant to the Middle and Upper School Directors
  

  Cynthia Lim was born and raised in the Philippines. She received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Far Eastern University School of Medicine, Manila, Philippines and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. She worked for two years in Radiology at the Far Eastern Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan and for two years in Pathology at the Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan. After this she switched to full- time motherhood, raising four children. Before coming to Oakcrest, she worked for ten years as the Assistant to the High School Principal at Morrison Christian Academy, Taichung, Taiwan.

   

• Aimee Maturi

  History
  

  Ms. Maturi has nine years of experience in teaching history to both middle and upper school students.  Prior to joining Oakcrest, she taught at Lumen Christi Catholic School in Jackson, Mississippi and Cardinal Newman School in Columbia, South Carolina. Ms. Maturi earned a Master in Teaching Secondary Social Studies Education magna cum laude and a Bachelor of Arts in History cum laude with a minor in Psychology and Cognate in Education from the University of South Carolina. She has been an AP Reader for the US History Exam for the past three years and taught a wide variety of courses ranging from AP US History and AP World History to AP Psychology and AP Microeconomics. 

• Robin McCusker

  Assistant Office Manager
  Mrs. McCusker has an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy and has more than 35 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) having directed and aided patients in therapeutic exercise and care. Over the years Robin has also volunteered as a parent liaison, team manager and coach of her children’s youth sports activities. Robin also enjoys spending time with her 4 adult children when they have some free-time from their busy medical and teaching professions and especially her 2 grandchildren.
  
  

• Allyson McGill, Ph.D.

  Learning Specialist 
  Dr. McGill holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in English from Indiana University, Bloomington. She received her undergraduate B.A. from Wheaton College, Massachusetts where she majored in English and graduated magna cum laude, with English honors, and won the Poetry Prize. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. McGill has over 25 years of special education teaching experience and is certified in learning disabilities K-12 from the University of Virginia, having worked extensively with students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning challenges. Her professional experience includes working as a special education caseload manager, teaching special education English at Longfellow Middle School, and teaching English at the Chelsea School, where she designed and taught high school literature and writing courses for learning disabled students. Dr. McGill is certified to teach the phonics programs Wilson Reading Program and Just Words. 

   

• Mary Ann Messenger

  Theology, Upper School Director of Mentoring
  Mrs. Messenger graduated with her Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University where she studied business, economics, and finance. After working in the public sector for a decade, she then spent the next two decades raising her children and homeschooling, also continuing her own coursework in Christian anthropology, the Cardinal Virtues, Metaphysics, and the Sacred Humanity of Jesus. She has completed a year-long course on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, as well as a course of studies on Catholic Doctrine, in addition to teaching religious education at her parish and pre-cana and marriage prep with her husband. Mrs. Messenger brings with her years of wisdom in working with children and young people, as well as a passion for the mission of our school.
  
  

• Nancy Miggins '98

  School Nurse 
  Mrs. Miggins earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University and has over a decade of experience in pediatric acute care settings. She is grateful and proud to be working at her alma mater and serving the Oakcrest Community. Her daughter, Bridie, is a member of the Class of 2028. 

• Jean-Yves Milette

  Facilities Manager
  Jean-Yves Millette has worked as an Operating Engineer at GWU, during which time he became a DC First Class Steam Engineer, and he was also part time Building Engineer at Yuma Study Center. He served as a senior maintenance technician at Catholic Charities for nine years and for the Missionaries of Charity for nine years. His daughter, Jackie ’14, studied at the University of Navarre, and Joan Margaret, looks forward to coming to Oakcrest.
  
  

• Mary Jane Milette

  Science
  

  Mrs. Milette obtained her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Biology-Physics at West Visayas State University, and earned a Master of Education in Biology from the University of the Philippines. She has an Advanced Professional Certificate in Biology 7-12 from the state of Maryland and a Postgraduate Professional License in Biology from the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is a member of the American Montessori Society, and has completed the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Education Program. She brings with her some added content knowledge in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Tokyo Gakugei University as a recipient of the Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship Program from 2000 - 2003. Mother of Joan-Margaret ‘29 and alumna Jackie '14, she enjoys “bringing out the best” in every girl during her first year of teaching last year, and as the STEAM camp director last summer. As an educator, she has close to 30 years of work experience in the Philippines and Japan before moving to the U.S. 

• Katherine Mineka

  Advancement Associate 
  Katherine Mineka received her Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Economics from Princeton University.  For several years after graduation, she worked in development for American Ballet Theatre and The Doe Fund, where she specialized in institutional giving by corporations and foundations.  In 2003, Mrs. Mineka graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude and then spent 16 years practicing law in Washington, DC with a focus on employee benefits and executive compensation.  She is excited to return to her first career as part of the Advancement team at Oakcrest.  Her daughter Jane is a member of the class of 2029.

• Janet Monroe

  Admissions Associate
  Mrs. Monroe joined Oakcrest in 2012 and spent six years holding down the fort at the front office where her multi-tasking skills were put to the test. She loves getting to know the students, parents, faculty, staff and school visitors since almost everyone stops by the front office. In the Fall of 2018, Janet joined the Admissions team and enjoys this aspect of school life as well. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond, and is the mother to two Oakcrest graduates, Katherine ‘13 and Kelly ‘16.
  
  

• Kayleen Nagurny

  Art
  Ms. Nagurny earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and comes to Oakcrest with several years of teaching experience. She was a teacher at Holy Family Academy in Manassas as well as at St. Ambrose School in Annandale. She teaches art, piano and voice as a private instructor, is a commissioned artist, and serves as the cantor at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas.

• Christine Nussio

  Upper School Director, History
  Christine Nussio has taught history at Oakcrest School since 2012. Christine holds a Master of Arts in Early Modern Europe from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in History from Christendom College.  She was awarded the Best Senior Thesis Award by Christendom's History Department for her paper “Spring in October: Wladyslaw Gomulka and the Stillbirth of Polish Freedom in 1956”. 

   

• Kristin O'Malley Ricci, Ph.D.

  Master Teacher - Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre Arts
  

  Kristin earned a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies. In addition, she has a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Catholic University and Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. O’Malley has directed over twenty shows, acted in many others, has taught middle school in Virginia and Maryland. She sees the role of theatre as a participation in the beauty of God’s own creative act. 
  
  

• Audrey O'Neill

  Theology, Class Dean
  

  Audrey O’Neill (Christina ‘07) joined Oakcrest in 2019 as a Middle School Theology teacher. In addition to being a trained Montessori teacher, Mrs. O’Neill has completed graduate course work in Theology and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Italian from Boston College. She has seventeen years of teaching experience, including teaching in the Montessori Atrium and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classrooms. Mrs. O'Neill is fully bilingual in Spanish and English with proficiency and intermediate knowledge of Italian. 
  
  

• Mary T. Ortiz, Ph.D.

  Head of School
  

  Mary T. Ortiz  holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from New York University, and a Bachelor  of Arts summa cum laude in English and German from Bowdoin College.  She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. While completing her doctorate, she taught writing and composition at NYU, and began a 15-year career of developing supplementary educational programs for girls throughout the U.S. Working collaboratively with educators and parents, she coordinated the creation and growth of programs that develop the whole person: camps, service projects, cultural and leadership programs, all of which offer spiritual formation through the Prelature of Opus Dei. Mary first joined the Oakcrest faculty as an English teacher and Assistant Head of School in 2009. She became Head of School in 2012, bringing to Oakcrest her love of literature and the humanities, and experience and commitment to the education of young women. Mary especially enjoys being part of a school with such a noble purpose shared by each of the individuals who work here.  Her two nieces (Sarah '15 and Caroline '17) are Oakies!  She has a deep affection for her home state of Massachusetts and the Boston Red Sox.
  
  

• Kathleen Ouyang '09

  Master Teacher - History
  

  After graduating from Oakcrest in 2009, Ms. Ouyang attended Roanoke College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. She received many commendations, including the ASIANetwork Freeman Foundation Award. While studying as an U.S. Fulbright Student Research Fellow, Ms. Ouyang researched the history of heritage tourism in the Chinese city of Xi’an, developed her research topic with an advisor from Northwest University in Xi’an, and presented her research at the U.S. Fulbright Mid-Year Workshop in Taiwan. Kathleen has enjoyed the cheerful and encouraging atmosphere of Oakcrest since joining the faculty in 2014.

  
  
  
  

• Stephanie Passero

  English, Class Dean
  Stephanie Passero holds a Master of Arts in English literature from Northumbria University in Newcastle, England and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgia State University. She began her teaching career as an adjunct professor at Quincy College in Boston, before moving to Virginia where she has been teaching English for the past ten years. She is always eager to talk about books for great lengths of time—both in and out of the classroom.
  
  

• Monica Pompei

  Latin, Spanish
  

  Ms. Pompei earned a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University and has been a member of the Oakcrest faculty since 2000. Her 15 years of positive Catholic education, professional development, and energetic spirit influence Ms. Pompei's teaching style, making her well-loved by generations of Oakcrest students. She particularly enjoys the familial atmosphere at Oakcrest, citing the countless opportunities to get to know the students, parents, faculty and staff personally.
  
  

• Roger Porres

  Business Manager
  Mr. Porres joined Oakcrest in the summer of 2017. He is a graduate of the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
  
  

• Jennifer Pruskowski

  Physical Education
  Jennifer Pruskowski holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She began teaching and coaching at Oakcrest in 2010.
  
  

• Blanca Reilly

  Front Office Manager
  Mrs. Reilly was born in Spain. She joined Oakcrest in August 2018. She holds a  Master of Arts in Theology and Philosophy from Universitaria Aliseda and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Universidad Complutense. In Madrid she was a pharmacist and later taught Chemistry at Orvalle High School and Biology at Montealto High. She has been a freelance/consultant Spanish translator, and for the last 7 years she has been a Spanish interpreter for FCPS. Blanca is the mother of Catherine ’16 and Teresa ’23.
  
  

• Elizabeth Rolwes

  Theology, Class Dean, Assistant to Parent Support
  Mrs. Rolwes (Patricia '23) graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has many years of experience working with young women and has directed a summer camp for girls for the past five years. She is a Board Member and National Speaker for the International Federation of Family Development (IFFD), whose mission is to support families through programs such as Family Enrichment. Mrs. Rolwes served on the inaugural board and head of the Mission Committee for Holy Cross Academy, a multi-parish collaborative school model in St. Louis, Missouri.
  
  

• Paula Rondon-Burgos

  Latin, Class Dean
  Ms. Rondon has a Master of Arts of Teaching in Latin and the Classical Humanities (UMass Amherst) and a Bachelor of Arts in Classics – Latin (UVA). She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Classics and Ancient History (Durham University). Ms. Rondon is fascinated by the Ancient Romans (especially Cicero!) and loves spending time with students talking about Latin. She has been teaching since 2009 in a variety of settings, including rural Ethiopia where she served as a lay missionary with the Salesians of Don Bosco.

   

• Andie Salerno

  History, Student Life Associate, Class Dean
  Mrs. Salerno earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and a Bachelor of Arts in History and an Instruction for Secondary Education with a concentration in History and Social Studies from George Mason University. Mrs. Salerno is also a licensed teacher through the Virginia Department of Education. After ten years in the finance sector, Mrs. Salerno chose to pursue her passion to share her love of history in the classroom. She spent four years teaching history and government at Oakcrest. She then took time to be home with her two young children and is now returning to Oakcrest to assist in Student Life and to teach History. Andie resides in Vienna with her husband Adam, and her two children Tucker and Veronica.
  
  

• Holly Salls

  Theology
  Ms. Salls earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy of Education, concentration in Character Education from the University of Navarra, Spain and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has authored a book entitled Character Education: Transforming Values into Virtue. Prior to joining the Oakcrest faculty in 2007, Ms. Salls taught at The Willows Academy for 10 years and served as their Assistant Head of School for 10 years. During her years in Chicago Ms. Salls edited a character education newsletter, Tidbits for Parents, in which she encouraged parents to be aware of the opportunities for growth in virtue family life provides. She also developed an after school program for refugee children, Southeast Asian Children’s Association, and supervised tutors from The Willows Academy. Since coming to Oakcrest Ms. Salls has nurtured the Student Government, helped to create the character development program, instituted the Service Initiatives Program and coordinated club offerings.

   

• Carolina Schindler

  Spanish, Chapel Coordinator
  Mrs. Schindler (Kathryn '23) earned a Master of Science in Horticulture from the University of Reading, England with a University Scholarship from the British Council. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. A native speaker of Spanish, Mrs. Schindler has over 17 years of teaching experience.

• Ana Rose Soley

  Science, Class Dean
  Mrs. Soley earned a Master in Secondary Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Italian from the University of Virginia. She has over eight years of experience as a science teacher and is skilled in integrating technology in creative lesson plans, engaging students, and collaborating with teams on design and instruction. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has led science summer camps and has managed science fairs for Fairfax County Public Schools.
  

• Margaret Sweatman

  Middle School Athletic Director

  Mrs. Sweatman (Grace ‘25, Ryan ‘26, and Kate ‘29) is a multi-sport athlete who competed in a variety of elite-level teams both in high school and in college. She is a CrossFit athlete dedicated to physical fitness and is passionate about women’s athletics. She is experienced in coaching and in running various athletic programs. Mrs. Sweatman earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Providence College. 

• Virginia Tilley

  Choral Music
  Ms. Tilley earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from The Catholic University of America. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and completed an Honors Thesis at The College of William and Mary. She earned a Latin Intensive language Certificate from the University of Virginia and was an Honors Residential College Fellow at Virginia Tech. She has several years of experience in choral music and organ, and has participated in several masterclasses, music workshops, and festivals.
  
  

• Elisa Torres

  Art

  Ms. Torres earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University with a major in Art Education and minor in Art History. She has a certification in K-12 Art Education and a certificate in Professional Campus Ministry from the University of Mary. Ms. Torres manages a professional art practice of oil paintings, journals, prints and stickers. Her work can be found on her website:  www.elisamtorres.com. Prior to joining Oakcrest Ms. Torres was a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at Stony Brook University. 

• Fr. Charles Trullols

  Fr. Charles grew up in Barcelona, Spain. In 1999 he graduated as an architect from the School of Architecture of Barcelona. After spending a year in the Spanish Air Force he moved to Rome where he studied Theology and earned a PhD in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. In 2006 he was ordained a priest in Rome by the Prelate of Opus Dei and was assigned to work in Granada, Spain, as the chaplain of an all-boys high school, Mulhacén. In 2008 he moved to the US and lived in Pittsburgh, PA from 2008 to 2010 and in South Bend, IN from 2010 to 2012 where he took care of the pastoral needs of the Prelature of Opus Dei. In 2012 he moved to Chicago and was appointed Spiritual Director of Opus Dei in the Midwest. He also worked as assistant chaplain of The Willows Academy and Northridge Prep in Chicago.
  
  

• Leonard van Niekerk

  Bus Driver
  Leonard is originally from South Africa. He is a retired high school teacher, having taught Economics and Business Studies to 8th, 10th and 11th graders from 2004 until 2014. He is a former chairperson for the Governing Body of an elementary school from 1997 to 2000. He came to the USA in 2014 and joined Oakcrest in 2018. He became a US Citizen in January 2020. In 2002, Leonard graduated from the University of South Africa, with a double major in Education & Psychology. In 2011 a second degree, BTech Human Resources Development, was completed. Leonard is currently responsible for transporting the students. He stays current with trends in education by also working as a substitute teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools. In his spare time he loves riding his motorcycle and staying fit by biking on the O&D Trail.

• Darya Villhauer

  Visual Arts
  Mrs. Villhauer holds a Master of Arts in Slavic Languages and Literature from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois. She has received artistic training at the School of the Museum of the Fine Arts in Boston, St. John’s College in Annapolis, as well as with individual accomplished artists. With over fifteen years of teaching experience, Mrs. Villhauer is also a trained iconographer and has been commissioned to restore local iconostases. Her practical artistic expertise as well as her love of beauty, truth, and goodness strongly inform her understanding of and approach to teaching art.
  

   

• Josephine von Dohlen

  Marketing Associate
  Ms. von Dohlen earned a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in American History, English and Politics from Hillsdale College.  Her professional experience includes working in the communications office for the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America and as a journalist and magazine editor. Her writing has appeared in publications such as The Catholic Standard, Catholic News Service, and the Holy Land Review. 
  
  

• Jessie Waites

  English, Class Dean
  Mrs. Waites comes to Oakcrest from Northwest Ohio Classical Academy in Toledo, Ohio. Her experience includes instructing according to the classical model of education of the Barney Charter School Initiative, a program through Hillsdale College which emphasizes the cultivation of virtue in the human person, particularly through early exposure to the Great Books and a content-rich, liberal arts curriculum. While at Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, Mrs. Waites was a founding member of the school’s special-education program team, where she aided students with social and learning difficulties in kindergarten through high school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English from Hillsdale College.

• Mary Sheehan Warren

  Theology, Class Dean
  Mrs. Warren has many years of teaching experience in various levels including middle school, high school and university. She has also taught Catholic Catechism at parochial religious education programs as well as Business Ethics to university students. Mrs. Warren has a deep love for the Oakcrest mission and is the author two books and several articles. She earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park.

• Ines Zinkewich

  Mathematics, Class Dean
  Ms. Zinkewich came to Oakcrest from California, where she taught Physics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II, and Geometry at St. Therese Classical School in Santa Barbara. Ms. Zinkewich holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has a rich appreciation of the role of mathematics in education. Ms. Zinkewich is particularly excited about teaching at Oakcrest because of its commitment to academic excellence and authentic human formation.