Meet Our Summer Programs Directors
Alix Baldwin
Harp Camp (Beginners and Intermediate)
Beginners Sewing
Instrumental Camp (Strings and Winds)
Mrs. Baldwin is an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger, as well as an experienced instructor. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree of 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!”
Harp Camp (Beginners and Intermediate)
Beginners Sewing
Instrumental Camp (Strings and Winds)
Mrs. Baldwin is an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger, as well as an experienced instructor. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree of 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!”
Mary (Ferstl '94) Dausch
Instrumental Camp (Strings and Winds)
Mary (Ferstl '94) Dausch grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from Oakcrest in 1994. While in high school, she participated in the DC Youth Orchestra and NSO Youth Fellowship Program. She received her Bachelor of Music Performance from San Francisco Conservatory in 1999 and received her Master of Music Performance from Rice University in 2001. Mary moved back to the DC area in 2003 and continued her career as a freelance musician and teacher. She now is the principal violist of Amadeus Orchestra and Apollo Orchestra. She also plays with Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera and with many other groups in the area. She teaches private violin and viola lessons at Oakcrest and out of her home studio. Mary currently resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and four children. She plays on a viola made in 2014 by Dalton Potter.
Instrumental Camp (Strings and Winds)
Mary (Ferstl '94) Dausch grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from Oakcrest in 1994. While in high school, she participated in the DC Youth Orchestra and NSO Youth Fellowship Program. She received her Bachelor of Music Performance from San Francisco Conservatory in 1999 and received her Master of Music Performance from Rice University in 2001. Mary moved back to the DC area in 2003 and continued her career as a freelance musician and teacher. She now is the principal violist of Amadeus Orchestra and Apollo Orchestra. She also plays with Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera and with many other groups in the area. She teaches private violin and viola lessons at Oakcrest and out of her home studio. Mary currently resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and four children. She plays on a viola made in 2014 by Dalton Potter.
College Application Bootcamp
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.
STEM
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.
Discovering the Great Outdoors
Art Camp: Experimenting with Mediums I & II
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.
Culinary Adventures Summer Camp
Mrs. 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.
STEM
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.
Spy Camp
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.
Best of Summer Day Camp
Discovering the Great Outdoors
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.
Rita McPheeters
Volleyball I & II with Coach McPheeters
Coach Rita McPheeters has been playing volleyball for over 30 years and coaching volleyball for 10 years. She is currently in her 7th season of coaching for a club travel team and just finished her 2nd season coaching at Oakcrest School. She originally coached recreational volleyball for 3 years. For several years, she organized and played on USAV club teams; and, was certified as a referee and scorekeeper. She continues to play on a Women's indoor team. She is CAP 1, IMPACT, Positive Coaching and SafeSport certified.
Volleyball I & II with Coach McPheeters
Coach Rita McPheeters has been playing volleyball for over 30 years and coaching volleyball for 10 years. She is currently in her 7th season of coaching for a club travel team and just finished her 2nd season coaching at Oakcrest School. She originally coached recreational volleyball for 3 years. For several years, she organized and played on USAV club teams; and, was certified as a referee and scorekeeper. She continues to play on a Women's indoor team. She is CAP 1, IMPACT, Positive Coaching and SafeSport certified.
In addition to her passion for volleyball, she also enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, traveling, and staying active. She is retired from the Federal Government. She met her husband of 25 years while playing volleyball and has two children who played club volleyball, and her daughter recently graduated from college where she played volleyball for four years.
Molly (McCarthy) Mehan coached Division I volleyball at Loyola College in Baltimore, and she has coached, taught, and mentored at the high school level as well. She places a strong emphasis on developing virtue through athletics.
Molly played volleyball for the University of Notre Dame where she won four conference championships, including three Big East Championships, as well as three appearances in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. She was the recipient of the Francis Patrick O’Connor Award which “honors one female…student-athlete who best displays the total embodiment of the true spirit of Notre Dame as exemplified by [her] contributions and inspirations to [her] team….[through her] caring, courage, confidence, encouragement, humility, honesty, humor, kindness and patience.”
Molly is the mother of eight equally energetic children, including Mary Cecilia ’25 and Bridget ’29.
Best of Summer Day Camp
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.
Discovering the Great Outdoors
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.
Natural Science Art
Basic Embroidery
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.
Guitar
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.
Musical Theatre
Dr. Ricci 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. Ricci 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.
Sports Camp
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.
Soccer Camp
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.
Choral Camp
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.
Summer Painting I & II
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. Prior to joining Oakcrest Ms. Torres was a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at Stony Brook University.
Calligraphy and Illumination of Text
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.
Tea Time
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.
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. Mrs. Lerner has over six years of experience directing summer camp programs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
1619 Crowell Road, Vienna, VA 22182
703-790-5450
703-790-5450
