Meet Our Faculty and Staff

List of 74 items.

• Carolina Agostini

  Spanish, Director of International Admissions
  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 and Director of Oakcrest’s International Program, Carolina brings with her a passion for other cultures that will enrich her classroom.

   

• Joana Allen

  Master Teacher - Theology, 10th Grade 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

  6th Grade Assistant Dean
  Laura Bell joined Oakcrest in 2011 and is the mother of Kathryn '12. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and English from Louisiana State University and a Master in Education Administration from the University of Scranton. She has worked as a high school teacher, a head of school, a middle school teacher, and a class dean. Laura and her husband Tom are the parents of three children and have four grandchildren. 
  
  

• Sara Bendeck

  Spanish 
  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

   Art History,  Interior Design - Permanent 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.
  
  

• Catherine Blume

  English, 9th Grade Class Dean
  Ms. Blume earned a Master of Arts in English from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta. She served as a Graduate Instructor of Writing at the University of Virginia and earned a Fullbright grant to teach English as a Second Language in the Czech Republic. She has several years of experience as a teacher as well as a Catechesis instructor.
  
  

• Virginia Boles

  History,  6th Grade 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. 
  
  

• Maria Bonvissuto

  Marketing Associate
  Maria Bonvissuto joined the marketing team in the fall of 2018. She graduated from Christendom College with a Bachelor of Arts in history. Before joining the Oakcrest staff, she worked in the editorial department of Regnery Publishing.
  
  

• Michele Bulger

  Registrar
  Michele Bulger began working at Oakcrest in 2006. She holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Franklin & Marshall College.

  
  

• Miriam Buono

  Director of Operations
  

  Mrs. Buono has a Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science 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.
  
  

• 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).
  
  

• Catherine Scalia Courtney

  Director of Academic Advising, Head Librarian
  Catherine Courtney is proud to be a member of the Oakcrest community as Director of Academic Advising,  Head Librarian, and mother of an Oakie, Class of 2024. 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 brings experience working in corporate, public, and school libraries as well as undergraduate academic advising at George Mason University. Building a collection for Oakcrest School’s beautiful library is a dream come true! Read more about her here. 
  
  

• 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
  Mrs. Crum graduated from George Mason University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing. Before joining the Oakcrest Alumnae office, she served as the Oakcrest Alumnae Association President. She has been involved in education for over 20 years, including working in development, admissions and on a parent advisory board. She has served on the Board of the Paul Stefan Home in Orange, VA and most recently has been training to be a volunteer at A Woman’s Choice Center in Herndon, VA. She and her husband, Richard, have eight children.
  
  

• 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. 
  
  

• Anna Diederich '17

  Mathematics, 12th Grade 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, 11th Grade Class Dean
  Ms. Duncan holds a Masters of Education and a Bachelors of Arts in Classics from the University of Virginia. Ms. Duncan has fourteen years of teaching experience in the context of private all-girls education. She has taught Latin at the Virginia Governor’s School, has participated extensively in various spoken Latin programs, and has even hosted summer Greek camps for middle schoolers. Ms. Duncan teaches both Middle School and Upper School Latin.
  
  

• 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, 7th Grade 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.
  
  

• Rachel Grabowski

  History, 11th Grade Class Dean
  Ms. Gabrowski earned a Masters degree in Medieval and Byzantine Studies from Cornell University, where she is a Ph.D. Candidate in Medieval Studies. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval and Byzantine Studies from The Catholic University of America, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She has over ten years of teaching experience at Cornell, Georgetown and Catholic University. She has also served as a high school librarian and has tutored students preparing for various AP History exams.
  
  

• 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. 
  
  

• Caroline Heeter '97

  Middle 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

  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.
  
  

• Elizabeth Hughes

  English, 7th Grade Class Dean
  Miss Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy summa cum laude from The Catholic University of America. She received the H. Edward Cain award for English. She has particular interests in 19th and 20th century British literature. She also enjoys learning about the philosophy of human nature and epistemology. Elizabeth was the Editor-in-Chief of Inventio, the multidisciplinary undergraduate research journal at The Catholic University of America. She worked in the Catholic University Writing Center for two years and did research on tutoring students with ADHD, presenting her conclusions at two conferences.
  
  
  

• 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. 

  
  

• Miranda Johnson

  Director of College Counseling, History
  Mrs. Johnson earned a Master of Arts in Workforce Development and Education from The Ohio State University and a  Bachelor of Arts in History from Clemson University. She has eight years of experience working in higher education, including three years of experience in medical school admissions. She is motivated and passionate about working with students and helping them succeed in their academic and career endeavors. In her spare time, Miranda enjoys quilting, spending time with her husband and two dogs, and watching Clemson Football.
  
  

• Leslie Kanuch

  Science, 12th Grade 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, 9th Grade Class Dean
  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. 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.
  
  

• Monica Kolf '01

  Mathematics
  Miss Kolf earned a Master in Mathematics Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. She began her teaching career at Oakcrest 16 years ago and went on to other professional pursuits including founding the SHADES Media Literacy Project and serving as the Dean of Students for the Magnolia School in Houston, TX. She is delighted to return to her alma mater as a member of the faculty.

• 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
  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.
  
  

• Grace Leung

  Learning Specialist
  Ms. Leung earned a Master of Arts in Psychological Science from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bucknell University. She has experience as a Learning Specialist at the The Catholic University office of Disability Support Services and as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist.
  
  

• 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.

   

• Freya Martinson

  Philosophy, Art
  Ms. Martinson is completing a Concurrent Master of Arts in Philosophy and Master of Arts in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in Art History and Philosophy from the University of Tulsa. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Before joining the Oakcrest faculty, she taught Visual Arts at Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta, Georgia.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Mary Ann Messenger

  Theology, Assistant to Parent Support
  Mrs. Messenger holds a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s. She 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

  School Nurse 
  Mrs. Miggins earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University. In addition to her role as the Oakcrest School nurse, Mrs. Miggins works as a pediatric emergency room nurse at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is excited to return to her alma mater to serve as the nurse. Her daughter (Bridie '28) entered the 6th grade at Oakcrest this year.
  

• 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, Technology
  Mrs. Milette earned a Master of Education in Biology from the University of the Philippines, 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 completed the Cinncinati Montessori Secondary Education Program. Mother of alumna Jackie '14, she comes to Oakcrest from the St. Pius X Montessori School in Baltimore and has close to 30 years of teaching experience.

• Fr. Marty Miller

  Chaplain
  After working in enzymes and extracts for beer and cheese for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Fr. Marty took up ecclesiastical studies in Rome and the University of Navarre where he completed a Licentiate and Doctorate in Moral Theology. He studied Chemical Engineering, earning a Master of Science degree from Columbia University and Bachelor degree from the University of Notre Dame. He brings pastoral experience from working as Chaplain at the Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (7 years) and more recently at Princeton University (12 years). He is a native of Seattle.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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, 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, 6th Grade 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 from Boston College. She has seventeen years of teaching experience, including teaching in the Montessori Atrium and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classrooms.
  
  

• 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. She has a deep affection for her home state of Massachusetts, and fondness for the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
  
  

• 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. Ms. Ouyang is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and has been a volunteer English teacher in China. Kathleen has enjoyed the cheerful and encouraging atmosphere of Oakcrest since joining the faculty in 2014.
  
  

• Stephanie Passero

  English, 10th Grade 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

  IT Specialist and Business Office Associate
  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.
  
  

• Sarah Robertson

  Upper School Athletic Director
  

  Sarah Robertson joins Oakcrest's growing athletic program as Assistant Athletic Director. Ms. Robertson earned both a Master in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University.  She was a decorated player on Liberty's Division I Softball team, earning All-Region, All-State, and All-Conference awards as well as being Top 10 in 11 different Program Records. Ms. Robertson is the only player in program history to have 40+ doubles and stolen bases, and she helped build Liberty's teams' RPI from 260th to 25th in the country. She was named Player of the Year in Volleyball and Softball multiple years in the State of Florida for FACA. Ms Robertson is the head coach of the varsity softball team. She also shares her experience in other sports as a member of the basketball and volleyball coaching staffs.

   

• Elizabeth Rolwes

  Theology
  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, 9th Grade 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 Administrative Assistant, 8th Grade 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
  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.

• Danielle Schirripa

  Mathematics, Technology, Assistant to the Head of School, 10th Grade Class Dean
  Ms. Schirripa has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with minors in Mathematics and Spanish from The Catholic University of America. Prior to coming to Oakcrest, she was the Special Projects Manager at the Seton Education Partners, Charter Management Organization of the Brilla Schools Network in the Bronx. She was a tutor in The Catholic University’s Writing Center and Dean of Students for Youth Leadership Foundation’s PALS program in Washington, D.C. She has also served at The Avenue Leadership Program in New York City and at the Yuma Prep Program in Washington, D.C.

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Ana Rose Tuszka-Soley

  Science
  Ms. Tuszka-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.
  
  

• Leonard Van Niekerk

  Bus Driver
  Leonard is originally from South Africa. He is a former high school educator, having taught Economics and Business Studies to 8th, 10th, and 11th graders. He came to the USA in 2014 and joined Oakcrest in 2018. He became a US Citizen in January 2020. He graduated from the University of South Africa (UNISA), with a double major in Education & Psychology. In 2011 he completed a second degree, Human Resources Training & Development. Leonard is currently responsible for transporting the students safely to and from home. 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.
  
  

• Inés Vera

  English, 8th Grade Class Dean
  Ms. Vera 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.” Ms. Vera brings this depth and breadth to all her classes at Oakcrest.
  
  

• Darya Villhauer

  Visual Arts
  Mrs. Villhauer holds an Master of Arts in Slavic Languages and Literature, 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, and is certified with the Virginia Catholic Education Association. With fifteen years of teaching experience, Mrs. Villhauer is also a trained iconographer and has been commissioned to restore local iconostases. Her compassion, love for beauty, and practical artistic expertise are all strong characteristics of her teaching style.

   

• Ines Zinkewich

  Mathematics
  Miss 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. Miss 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. Miss Zinkewich is particularly excited about teaching at Oakcrest because of its commitment to academic excellence and authentic human formation.