Meet Our Summer Programs Directors
Meet Our Individual Program Directors
Alix Baldwin
Harp Camp (Beginning and Intermediate)
Beginners Sewing
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 (Beginning and Intermediate)
Beginners Sewing
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!”
Anna Cipollone
Oakie Tea Party Time!
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.
Oakie Tea Party Time!
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.
Bridget Crnkovich
Sacred Music Intensive
Ms. Crnkovich attended Christendom College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in history with a double minor in classics and philosophy. She was awarded the Warren Carroll History Thesis Award given to the best senior thesis in the history department for her thesis titled, "Give Me That Old Time Religion: The Movements Behind Evangelical Religion in the Antebellum and Postbellum South."
Sacred Music Intensive
Ms. Crnkovich attended Christendom College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in history with a double minor in classics and philosophy. She was awarded the Warren Carroll History Thesis Award given to the best senior thesis in the history department for her thesis titled, "Give Me That Old Time Religion: The Movements Behind Evangelical Religion in the Antebellum and Postbellum South."
Miria Fisher
Culinary Nutrition & Fitness
Mrs. Fisher is a graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Athletic Training. She has always had a passion for incorporating regular exercise into her daily routine to contribute to the mind, body, and spirit aspects of a healthy human. She has worked as the Oakcrest Athletic Trainer for two years managing, preventing, and caring for sports injuries. Her background as a previous collegiate swimmer led her to continue working with swimmers by becoming the Assistant Swim Team coach for the Oakcrest Chargers. She enjoys teaching young women to develop a strong character, faith, and veritas in athletics. Physical Education is all about moving the body, learning about the many benefits of exercise, gaining general sports skills, being a part of a team, improving muscular coordination, and enjoying the blessings gifted to us by God.
Culinary Nutrition & Fitness
Mrs. Fisher is a graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Athletic Training. She has always had a passion for incorporating regular exercise into her daily routine to contribute to the mind, body, and spirit aspects of a healthy human. She has worked as the Oakcrest Athletic Trainer for two years managing, preventing, and caring for sports injuries. Her background as a previous collegiate swimmer led her to continue working with swimmers by becoming the Assistant Swim Team coach for the Oakcrest Chargers. She enjoys teaching young women to develop a strong character, faith, and veritas in athletics. Physical Education is all about moving the body, learning about the many benefits of exercise, gaining general sports skills, being a part of a team, improving muscular coordination, and enjoying the blessings gifted to us by God.
Christina Friddle
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.
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.
Kat Hussmann, Ph.D.
STEM
Dance Camp
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.
STEM
Dance Camp
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.
Matilda "Bunmi" Johnson, Ph.D.
Culinary Fitness & Nutrition
Prior to coming to Oakcrest, Dr. Johnson (Clare '26, Ann Marie '29) 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.
Culinary Fitness & Nutrition
Prior to coming to Oakcrest, Dr. Johnson (Clare '26, Ann Marie '29) 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
Spycraft: Science and Secrets
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.
Spycraft: Science and Secrets
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
Shakespeare Tragedy and Comedy
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.”
Shakespeare Tragedy and Comedy
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.”
Christina Kilmer '16
Summer Adventures Await
Ms. Kilmer graduated from Oakcrest in 2016, where she played soccer and ran cross country and track. She has a Bachelor's degree in History and a minor in Spanish from the University of Dallas. Ms. Kilmer served as a seventh and eighth grade mentor and character education teacher at Metro Achievement Center in Chicago during the summer of 2019. From 2020 to 2022, she worked at a conference center in New York City as part of a Hospitality Management program where she took classes in philosophy as well and helped with the Avenue Leadership Program in her free time. Ms. Kilmer also was the director of the hospitality internship programs at Arnold Hall Conference Center. She then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to help develop high school leadership programs for girls at a new Opus Dei center, Petawa, that opened in March of 2023, while working full time in finance and administrative work. Ms. Kilmer teaches theology to Middle School and Upper School students and also coaches Middle School Cross Country and Soccer.
Summer Adventures Await
Ms. Kilmer graduated from Oakcrest in 2016, where she played soccer and ran cross country and track. She has a Bachelor's degree in History and a minor in Spanish from the University of Dallas. Ms. Kilmer served as a seventh and eighth grade mentor and character education teacher at Metro Achievement Center in Chicago during the summer of 2019. From 2020 to 2022, she worked at a conference center in New York City as part of a Hospitality Management program where she took classes in philosophy as well and helped with the Avenue Leadership Program in her free time. Ms. Kilmer also was the director of the hospitality internship programs at Arnold Hall Conference Center. She then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to help develop high school leadership programs for girls at a new Opus Dei center, Petawa, that opened in March of 2023, while working full time in finance and administrative work. Ms. Kilmer teaches theology to Middle School and Upper School students and also coaches Middle School Cross Country and Soccer.
Dawn Kuker
Sacred Music Intensive
Sacred Music Intensive
Mrs. Kuker is a professional singer in the Northern Virginia area, serving as cantor at St John the Beloved in McLean, St. James in Falls Church, and others. She has also directed the Beloved (Liturgical) Choir at St. John’s for youth in grades 3-8, and directed both the Treble and Middle School Choirs at St. John the Beloved Academy. She has expertise singing in early sacred music ensembles, including Holy Family Schola Cantorum under the direction of Scott Turkington, and in the Choirs at St John the Beloved and Cathedral of St. Thomas More. She has extensive vocal training, and she shares her knowledge of vocal pedagogy and enthusiasm for singing with her students. Mrs. Kuker is trained in the Ward Method of Music Education at Catholic University of America. Her goal is “to foster beauty in the sacred liturgy through the joy of singing.
Coach Rita McPheeters
Volleyball with Coach McPheeters
Coach Rita McPheeters is passionate about volleyball and has been playing volleyball for over 30 years and is in her 12th year of coaching. She is currently in her 9th season coaching a club team and just finished her fourth season coaching at Oakcrest School. Her club teams have won several medals over the years at various AAU and USAV tournaments. This will be her third year leading a volleyball camp at Oakcrest School. In addition to coaching club teams, she coached recreational volleyball for three years. Before coaching, she played on USAV club teams and in numerous outdoor doubles tournaments. She was also a certified referee and scorekeeper. She is CAP 1, IMPACT, Positive Coaching and SafeSport certified; and attends and/or assists with in-person volleyball clinics to stay up to date on the latest techniques/strategies. In addition to her passion for volleyball, she also enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, traveling, and staying active with her family.
Volleyball with Coach McPheeters
Coach Rita McPheeters is passionate about volleyball and has been playing volleyball for over 30 years and is in her 12th year of coaching. She is currently in her 9th season coaching a club team and just finished her fourth season coaching at Oakcrest School. Her club teams have won several medals over the years at various AAU and USAV tournaments. This will be her third year leading a volleyball camp at Oakcrest School. In addition to coaching club teams, she coached recreational volleyball for three years. Before coaching, she played on USAV club teams and in numerous outdoor doubles tournaments. She was also a certified referee and scorekeeper. She is CAP 1, IMPACT, Positive Coaching and SafeSport certified; and attends and/or assists with in-person volleyball clinics to stay up to date on the latest techniques/strategies. In addition to her passion for volleyball, she also enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, traveling, and staying active with her family.
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.
Maggie Musacchio
Summer Adventures Await
Ms. Musacchio has six years of experience in establishing special education programs in Catholic parochial schools for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Science summa cum laude in Modified and Comprehensive Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Musacchio has continued her professional development through the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education and Aquinas College Center for Catholic Education in Nashville, Tennessee, and she was a 2021 Leonine Fellow.
Summer Adventures Await
Ms. Musacchio has six years of experience in establishing special education programs in Catholic parochial schools for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Science summa cum laude in Modified and Comprehensive Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Musacchio has continued her professional development through the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education and Aquinas College Center for Catholic Education in Nashville, Tennessee, and she was a 2021 Leonine Fellow.
Ana Rose Soley
Coding for Kids
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.
Coding for Kids
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.
Coach Nicki Strosnider
Field Hockey Camp
Coach Strosnider (Charlotte '31) is a professional investment manager and was a partner at her previous firm in the UK for over 15 years. An accomplished athlete in her youth, she has rediscovered her passion for sports through coaching and teaching middle and high School students. She helped launch the first Oakcrest Middle School field hockey team in 2024 and is Head Coach for Oakcrest Middle School Track and Field. She is an adamant believer that sports help set up students for life, providing them with essential skills, such as working together as a team, perseverance, leadership, learning how to win graciously, and coming back stronger from defeat.
Field Hockey Camp
Coach Strosnider (Charlotte '31) is a professional investment manager and was a partner at her previous firm in the UK for over 15 years. An accomplished athlete in her youth, she has rediscovered her passion for sports through coaching and teaching middle and high School students. She helped launch the first Oakcrest Middle School field hockey team in 2024 and is Head Coach for Oakcrest Middle School Track and Field. She is an adamant believer that sports help set up students for life, providing them with essential skills, such as working together as a team, perseverance, leadership, learning how to win graciously, and coming back stronger from defeat.
Coach Margaret Sweatman
Field Hockey Camp
Coach 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.
Field Hockey Camp
Coach 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.
Elisa Torres
Sculpting Camp
Summer Painting
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.
Sculpting Camp
Summer Painting
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.
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.
Questions? Please contact:
Marty Lerner
Director of Summer Programs
Director of Summer Programs
Contact your Summer Program Director
List of 16 items.
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Beginners Sewing
Alix Baldwin
abaldwin@oakcrest.org -
Coding for Kids
Ana Rose Soley
arsoley@oakcrest.org -
Culinary Fitness & Nutrition
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Dance Camp
Dr. Kat Hussmann
khussmann@oakcrest.org -
Intermediate Harp Camp
Alix Baldwin
abaldwin@oakcrest.org -
Musical Theatre
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Oakie Tea Party Time!
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Sacred Music Intensive
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Sculpting Camp
Elisa Torres
etorres@oakcrest.org -
Shakespeare Tragedy and Comedy
Lisa Kenna
lkenna@oakcrest.org -
Spy Camp
Leslie Kanuch
lkanuch@oakcrest.org -
STEM
-
Summer Adventures Await
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Summer Painting
Elisa Torres
etorres@oakcrest.org -
Volleyball with Coach McPheeters
Rita McPheeters
rmcpheeters@oakcrest.org -
Volleyball with Coach Mehan
Molly Mehan
mmehan@oakcrest.org
