Faculty & Staff Biographies
 Andrew Kutt
Founder and Executive Director
Born in 1958 in Ware, Massachusetts, Andrew Kutt is a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester Massachusetts where he majored in English and French, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1981. After two years of studying German, European Literature, Philosophy, and Art History in Tubingen, Germany, Andrew returned to study World Literature at the University of North Carolina. It was here, two years into his Master’s program that Andrew made an important career choice – deciding to change paths and study Montessori Education at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he received his Montessori Education Diploma in 1985. After three years as a teacher at the Barrie School in Silver Spring Maryland, where he worked under the guidance of renowned Montessori educator Timothy Seldin, Andrew founded his own school, The Oneness-Family School, in the autumn of 1988.
For the past 20 years, as founder and Executive Director, Andrew has guided the Oneness-Family School to become a world-class Montessori-based educational institution that builds self-confident individuals who have a life-long love of learning. The School empowers students by teaching conflict resolution, personal reflection and virtues such as courage, compassion, and integrity. At Oneness-Family School learning is not just about finding the right answers but about asking essential questions on the journey of discovery. Based upon Montessori philosophy, Andrew has designed an “integral curriculum” - incorporating academics, self-discovery, and world service. The goal of the curriculum is to enable students to have the leadership skills necessary to understand the complexities and to meet challenges of the global society of the 21st century.
Andrew has nearly twenty-five years of experience as a Montessori teacher, administrator, teacher trainer and educational consultant. Andrew has taught all students of all backgrounds and ages from first grade to college. He has developed curriculum materials and activities in the areas of positive discipline, cooperation skills, virtues, citizenship, conflict resolution, multicultural understanding, world religions, and environmental studies. Andrew is the founder of Peacekeepers, an after-school club that teaches students positive values and empowers them to become global citizens.
Andrew is co-author, with S.G. McKeever, of “America’s Heroes and You”, a booklet that introduces elementary and middle school students to heroic qualities exhibited in the lives of great Americans, and which encourages students to incorporate these qualities into their own lives. He is also the author of the “Peaceable Classroom”, a positive discipline program for students of all ages. Andrew’s latest book is “Living in Harmony”, a comprehensive handbook for teachers and parents to help students build citizenship skills and global understanding. Andrew is also the author of numerous articles on education and modern society. He is also a published poet and songwriter.
Andrew is actively involved many aspects of the daily and long-term initiatives at the Oneness-Family School. He is the Head of School, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, President of the Oneness-Family School Board of Trustees, serves on the Board of the International Montessori Council and he is one of the founding members of the Montessori Peace Academy.
 Karen Donovan
School Director
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson
Karen began working with the students at the Oneness-Family School in 1998 when she brought the DiscoverMe! program to the School. Karen received her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in families and children, from the University of Maryland.
Since 1998, Karen has been in private practice working with children, adolescents and parents. With over 20 years of experience in empowerment, advocacy, support and leadership in the mental health and educational fields, Karen’s work history ranges from managing the daily operations of a residential adolescent treatment center, to working with inner city families effected by abuse, neglect and violence, to advocating for students with special needs before the Montgomery County Board of Education.
Karen grew up in Florham Park, New Jersey, spending many childhood summers on the Jersey shore. She is married with three children, Gabrielle, an OFS graduate; Elliot, a first year in the Arbor; and Amanda, her 10 year old stepdaughter. Karen loves working with the students at Oneness-Family School, being a mom and snowboarding with her husband, Darren.
 Stefania Rubino
Director of the Little Stars (2-year-old) Program
“I think of myself as a gardener who sows the seeds of knowledge that will grow to be the beautiful flowers of the world, each one growing in his/her own unique ways. I love to help them to appreciate and discover all the things around them; I give them water and sun and I respect their time, waiting patiently for the ‘blossoming time."
Italian-born Stefania Rubino began teaching in 1991 in Milan at Scuola Montessori di via Milazzo for ages 3-6 years where she spent eight years. Curious to see how school systems worked in a different country, she began her work in the United States in 1999 at The World Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. teaching Italian in a full immersion program for ages 3-5 years. Feeling that her dream was to work again in a Montessori school, Stefania joined the Oneness-Family School in 2000 and was as a teacher for the 3-6 year old students, Children’s Peace Garden, Moon room class for seven years.
In 2007, she founded the Little Stars Program for 2-year-olds, and a unique blend of Montessori and Waldorf methodologies. Now, as the Director of the Little Stars Program, which has now expanded to two classrooms called “Wishing Stars” and “Shining Stars”, Stefania is the lead teacher in the Wishing Stars classroom. If you are walking past her classroom, you can often hear her singing to her students.
Stefania received the equivalent of a B.A. in English from Istituto Magistrale Carlo Tenca of Milan in 1990. In 1991, she received the equivalent of a Masters Degree, a Diploma of Specialization in Montessori Education, in Milan Certification from Opera Nazionale Montessori for ages 0-10 years. She has taken classes in singing at Scuola Di Musica Tinelli, music and acting courses at Quelli Di Grock in Milan. She also holds a certificate in creative movement.
In 2004, Stefania received a Certificate in Education Counseling (Early Childhood) from Lifeways Institute of North America. She also holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Waldorf Education from Sunbridge College, NY in 2006.
Stefania enjoys painting, singing, acting, and various arts and crafts. She brings her creative talent to the sets of the School’s Drama productions and other special events.
Stefania speaks fluent Italian, English and basic Spanish.
 James (Jimi) Purse
Assistant School Director
James (Jimi) Purse joined the administrative team in October of 2009. Jimi brought with him experience as a teacher, a coach, a school administrator, and also experience in special education. At Oneness, Jimi works closely with Karen Donovan to manage the daily operations of the School in areas such as student discipline, aftercare, and School trips.
Before joining the OFS team, Jimi was the Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School, a K-8 school in Raleigh, North Carolina. Prior to that, Jimi worked at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, VA as the Director of Constituent Relations and as an AP Psychology Teacher. Once an Exceptional Children's Teacher and a Support Coordinator, working with children and adults with disabilities in the classroom and at home, as well as coaching a Special Olympics basketball team, Jimi has a unique ability to work with all types of students. His experience working at the high school level also brings an important perspective to the School.
Jimi received his Master of Educational Leadership and Administration Degree from Trinity University, Washington, DC. He received hi B.A. in Educational Psychology from Miami University in Ohio. Jimi has coached soccer, lacrosse, tennis and basketball.
Jimi lives in Silver Spring with his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, McKenna.
 Guy Brochu
Head, Accounting and Business Affairs Office
“Three things in life that make you a good person: be true to yourself, be nice and be honest.”
Guy Brochu hails from Canada and Maine before coming to Washington, D.C. for college. He was a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for 15 years and then decided to go into Business & Financial Management. Since 1990, he has managed the finances of several businesses, the most recent one being the wonderful Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park.
Guy is very happy to be part of the team at the The Oneness-Family School since January 2009 and hopes to help the school grow in the years to come.
When not working at the school Guy cycles at least 5 days a week, and cooks for family and friends. He enjoys reading and painting using acrylics and oils.
 Lindsay Goetting
External Affairs Coordinator
"Beginning with ourselves, we must cause positive change to radiate out into the world. We need a change of heart, a change of perception, a change of attitude, which we can then pass on to others through education, enlightenment and love." - Unknown
As the External Affairs Coordinator, Lindsay Goetting is often the first point of contact for guests and visitors to the School, including prospective families. Her cheerful attitude is contagious, and she fields questions and helps ensure that our parents, prospective families and guests have their questions answered and what they need. Lindsay works closely with Andrew Kutt to coordinate fundraising, special events, marketing, admissions and parent partnership programs.
Lindsay received her B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University in 2006. A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Lindsay is a die-hard Phillies and Eagles fan. Having relocated to the D.C. area in 2007, Lindsay spends time outside of school exploring and enjoying the culture, history and fun that D.C. has to offer.
 Aziza Rush
Front Desk Receptionist
"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it from without."
(Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)
Having lived in South Africa for a period of time herself, Aziza is very excited about the School's mission to teach peace in such an international setting. Aziza personally follows the Oneness philosophy of living and following your own values and traditions, while also being open to experiencing those of others.
Before coming to OFS, Aziza worked as an administrative assistant at Sunrise Academy in Washington, DC, a school for boys ages 7-22 with learning and emotional disabilities. She has also taught basic computer applications to students grades K - 6 at the Computer Learning Center Partnerships in Fairfax, VA.
Aziza received her B.A. in International Affairs with a specialization in Business Economics from Trinity University in Washington, DC in May 2007.
Aziza lives in Fairfax, VA. When she is not at OFS, Aziza likes to read books on natural living and spirituality. She loves learning about different cultures and trying out new foods from different countries.
 Bodil Eriksson
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sun Room (ages 3-6)
School Curriculum Coordinator
“We need to center our children's attention on what they do well, express our confidence in their ability and give encouragement. To do so, we must be patient, positive and show respect to each individual.”
“First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” - Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471)
Bodil Eriksson joined the Oneness-Family School as a teacher in the Sun classroom, Children's Peace Garden, in 2002.
Born and raised in Göteborg, Sweden, Bodil holds a degree in Teacher Education from Göteborg University. She earned an Advanced Diploma in the Montessori method for ages newborn to twelve years from the St. Nicholas Montessori program in London in 1987 and holds a B.A. in Economics. Prior to joining the Oneness-Family School, Bodil directed a Montessori school in Sweden and served as Assistant Director and Head Teacher for The Educational Alternatives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In the fall of 2008, Bodil was certified as a Parent Coach from Seattle Pacific University. She is a resource for many families in the Oneness-Family School community who seek her counsel and coaching to support a positive and nurturing family dynamic.
Within the School, Bodil serves as Curriculum Coordinator and works closely with Executive Director, Andrew Kutt, to plan and develop the curriculum across all classes. She also serves as a Montessori trainer for new faculty at the School.
Bodil is also an Oneness-Family School parent; her daughter graduated from the Middle School in 2008 and her son is in the Middle School program, in 8th grade. She often states that raising children has helped her to become a better teacher. When not working with Oneness-Family School children and families, Bodil enjoys spending time with her own family. She is a certified Jiu-jitsu instructor who has taught this art to children and adults for more than 20 years and has been a member of the Swedish Society Board of Education.
Bodil is fluent in English, Swedish and is proficient in German. She co-teaches in the Sun Room with Carina Sonora.
 Ana Ardon
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden Teacher, Moon Room (ages 3-6)
“At Oneness-Family School, the students, faculty and staff foster an appreciation of different cultures every single day.”
While working at an adoption agency in Silver Spring for one year and taking courses towards her B.A., Ana became interested in working with children by becoming a teacher. In order to get a feel for a school environment, Ana interviewed for a position working at the Oneness-Family School in 2006 and spent one year supporting the Front Office team.
Ana began teaching full-time in September of 2007 while working on her Montessori credentials. She is very happy with her decision to work with the 3-6 year-olds and enjoys watching the significant progress made by students over the course of the year.
Ana was AMS certified for 2 ½ - 6 year-olds in the summer of 2008. She is studying to receive her B.A. in History from the University of Maryland.
Ana is an avid Redskins fan and likes FOOTBALL! FOOTBALL! FOOTBALL! Ana also holds her Christian faith as a high priority in her life.
Born in Hyattsville, Maryland, Ana is fluent in English and Spanish and speaks conversational Russian. She co-teaches with Matthew Chappell in the Moon Room.
 June Lang
Arts Director, Teacher Creative Arts (ages 3 – Grade 8)
"For me, relationship is the beginning. Once a heart to heart connection is made, then there is no limit to the artistic expression. I want each student to know that they are the seat of creativity, just by their very act of breath the possibility is endless.”
Teaching began for June in her teenage years. In high school she began tutoring and assisting several teachers in a private school in Maryland. A few years after graduating from college, June moved to Tennessee to help found and then teach at a small peace school in Crossville, Tennessee in 1981. A few years later, June was trained in the Waldorf home schooling methods based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner from the Oak Meadow School. She home-schooled her two sons for 13 years and was a leader of a 4-H club during that time. She has worked with children in many capacities, teaching guitar, recorder, and being a mime in a women’s entertainment group for children.
June came to Oneness in 1992 as the preschool aftercare teacher, and later became a teacher in the Children’s Peace Garden (ages 3-6) classroom. Today, as the Arts Director for the School, she enjoys working with all the students in the School, rather than just one classroom. June directs the Drama Production, the Spring Tea, coordinates Special Events and leads the Community Meetings on Friday mornings. In her classroom, the Light Room, students experience art, music, drama, creative movement, and creative play. These artistic experiences are based on the curriculum of each class and serve to enhance the students’ academic studies through self-discovery.
June earned a B.A. in Art and Anthropology from the University of Maryland and studied education for two years. She holds a teaching certificate in Yoga for children 3 to 13 years old. She continues expanding her expertise by taking classes at the Kennedy Center and other places. She has frequently presented art workshops at Montessori conferences on topics such as watercolor painting, sculpting with beeswax and drawing with block crayons.
Influenced by Asian cultures, June has adopted the ancient philosophy of Taoism and has been practicing yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong for over 30 years. June spends her leisure time in nature: walking, hiking, camping, painting, and sculpting. She enjoys music and studies Ta Ki Ti Na, a dance and rhythm art form. She has studied French, Latin, Classical Greek and Italian.
 Fiona Lewsley
Lead Teacher, Wishing Stars, Little Stars Program
Fiona Lewsley was born and raised in Waterford, Ireland. Her passion for dance was discovered at an early age and after years of classes joined the Irish national ballet as a student dancer.
While not fond of the spotlight or performing on stage, she loved working in the company's school where her passion for teaching was born.
Fiona earned her teaching diploma through the Royal academy for dance and dramatic arts and spent many years teaching dance and movement to young children before immigrating to the United States. A nursery school teacher since 2001 she has earned her C D A credential and has taken Montessori classes to support her work in the classroom. As Owner/Director of a local summer camp Fiona has established a great knowledge of working with and supporting children and parents.
Looking forward to joining the Oneness family, Fiona says that it is a joy to watch the excitement and energy that every child brings each day and to watch their unlimited capacity to learn and grow in such a warm and caring environment.
 Agnieszka (Aga) Laska
Lead Teacher, Shining Stars, Little Stars Program
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.“ Plato
Aga’s experience in early childhood education spans two countries, Poland and the United States. In Poland, Aga’s volunteering in a public preschool sparked her desire to teach. She moved to the metropolitan DC area where she completed her Associate’s Degree in General Studies, specializing in Psychology, from the Northern Virginia Community College in December 2007. Aga’s teaching experience began in 2004 as a nanny to children ages 0-7. She began teaching 2.5-3.5 year olds at a local preschool in Reston for a year before coming to Oneness to be a co-teacher in the Shining Stars classroom of the Little Stars Program.
Aga recently graduated and received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia. She enjoys swimming and photography and speaks fluent Polish, English and intermediate Russian.
Devon Boone
Assistant Teacher, Wishing Stars, Little Stars Program and Aftercare Lead Teacher Devon is from Atlanta, GA. She always had a passion for working with children. Devon started working with special needs children when in middle school and teaching has been her goal since then. Devon started at Oneness-Family School in the fall of 2009 and she has been the Aftercare Lead Teacher for Little Stars. Next school year, she will be working in the Wishing Stars as a part-time assistant and will be leading the Little Stars Aftercare Program.
Devon is currently a student working on her Masters degree in Special Needs Education.
Allison Yood
Assistant Teacher, Shining Stars, Little Stars Program
Allison grew up in Silver Spring and went to Albert Einstein High School to take part in the fine arts magnet program. After graduating she went to Temple University, where she earned a BFA in painting and drawing as well as a certification to teach art, K-12.
Since then, Allison has worked for the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop as an outreach art teacher, working in after-school programs and as a guest teacher during the school day. These classes have ranged from Kindergarten to 8th grade.
She is very excited to be joining the Oneness-Family School community this coming school year as an assistant teacher in the Shining Stars classroom. Allison looks forward to bringing her knowledge of education as well as her enthusiasm and a strong work ethic with her!
Kathy O'Reilly
Lead Teacher, Peace Academy (Grades 4-5)
Kathy has a BA in English, a BS in Nursing, a Masters in Public Health and a Montessori Credential for grades 1-6.
She also has nine years of experience teaching grades 1-6 and has most recently taught at the Barrie School in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Full bio coming soon.
 Amy Rose
Teacher, Middle School (Grades 6-8)
"The kindness, caring and thoughtfulness of the adults in this community – the parents, administration, faculty and staff - is apparent in the outlook of children at Oneness-FamilySchool."
A native of Darnestown, Maryland, Amy Rose is a natural teacher who sought a special school environment when returning to the D.C. area after living in Pennsylvania and Texas. Amy taught World Geography at Cypress-Fairbanks High School in Houston, Texas. She has also taught World History Classes for Immaculata College in Immaculata, PA as an adjunct professor. Since 2007, Amy has been excited to be a teacher of the Oneness-Family School Middle School.
Amy earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Social Studies from Arcadia University in 2001. In 1994, she received a B.A. in History from the University of Delaware.
Amy enjoys traveling, photography, and reading. She is also a big sports fan. Amy speaks a little French.
 Hannah Chick
Teacher, Middle School (Grades 6-8)
"I like the environment at OFS. Since arriving, I have been running non-stop and am thoroughly enjoying myself."
A Howard Hughes fellow and awarded the Merck Fellowship while at Earlham College, Hannah joined the OFS team in 2009 as a co-teacher in the Middle School with Amy Rose. Hannah's background in Math and Science is a perfect compliment to Amy's natural gifts in English and History.
Prior to joining the OFS faculty, Hannah was working at The Thorton Friends School in Silver Spring, MD, where she served as the Dean of Students in the Middle School, and as a science teacher for both middle school and high school students. At Thorton, Hannah developed a three-year integrated science curriculum with an environmental focus for the Middle School. In addition to courses in the earth, biological and physical sciences, Hannah also taught courses in photography, nature writing, writing, literature and physical education.
Hannah received her B.A. in Biology from Earlham College, Richmond, IN in May 2005.
In her free time, Hannah lives in DC with her husband Ben. When not at OFS, Hannah likes cooking and baking (and eating!), knitting and reading. She enjoys spending time with Ben and the rest of her family and friends.
 Matthew Chappell
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden Teacher, Moon Room (Ages 3-6)
“I love the warmth and curiosity of young minds and hearts and seeing how they progress and learn. For me, what makes the Oneness-FamilySchool special is the combination of philosophy and atmosphere.”
When Matthew Chappell discovered the Oneness-Family School in 2007, he was excited about joining the staff as a faculty member. The School’s Montessori–based philosophy and commitment to honoring the uniqueness of each child resonated with Matthew, who had been teaching for twelve years in Montessori classrooms. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, he relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in 2007 after getting married.
Matthew has completed Masters-level coursework in Elementary Education and holds Montessori Certification from the American Montessori Society for Early Childhood Education (ages 3-6). A graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia with a B.A. in French in 1990, Matthew also holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina (1988).
He is conversant in Spanish and French though he says that he has plenty to learn in both languages. Matthew enjoys hiking, biking, camping and spending time with his wife and young daughter, Mia. Matthew co-teaches with Ana Ardon in the Moon Room and is enjoying his experience as part of the Oneness-Family School community.
 Shawn Harrity
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
“The Montessori Curriculum integrates real life into the learning experience – it’s more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. I love the experiential aspect of this approach.”
Shawn Harrity always knew that he wanted to teach children. A graduate of Mount St. Mary’s College, he taught grades 1-5 at Parkview Montessori School in Mount Prospect, Illinois as an assistant teacher. At Holy Family Lutheran School in Chicago, Shawn taught third grade for four years and language arts in the Middle School program for two years. Shawn heard about the Oneness-Family School from his wife’s nephew, a former student, and when he moved to the area in 2005, he applied to teach here and was hired as a co-teacher in the Peace Arbor classroom with Madhavi Ray and Sondra Dorsey.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Shawn heads several clubs such as Basketball and the Earthkeepers program.
Shawn will be receiving his Montessori certification for ages 6-9 years in 2009. Shawn received his B.A. in English and Secondary Education at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1998.
Born in Wilmington, DE, Shawn is brushing up on his spoken Spanish each day as he and his wife Giselle are raising their toddler son Max in a bilingual household and expecting their second child. Shawn enjoys all sports, especially playing basketball, reading and hiking. Shawn also has a keen interest in mythology and science, especially astronomy.
 Madhavi Ray
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
“For me teaching children means becoming partners with a child so that both teacher and child are students and teachers.”
Madhavi Ray has almost 40 years of teaching experience. After teaching for 20 years in the Virginia public school system, Madhavi joined Oneness-Family School in 1990, two years after it’s founding. She often speaks of the moment when meeting Andrew Kutt and hearing his philosophy of education, she realized that it was perfectly aligned with her own vision.
She has pursued her love of teaching since 2000.
A leader of the School, Madhavi has served on many committees and has aided the development of the School in a variety of ways – from curriculum development to working with parent committees. She oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the school facilities and vehicles.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Madhavi graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1970 with a B.A. in Sociology and Education. She earned Montessori certification with AMS for ages 6-9. A lifelong learner, she has taken a wide range of courses in topics relevant to her teaching, such as alternative educational methods, parent encouragement programs, and coursework on self-esteem in children.
In her free time, Madhavi enjoys horseback riding, reading, swimming and running.
 Jessica Regal
Teacher, Peace Arbor (Grades 1-3)
Bio coming soon.
 Abra Lerch
Co-Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sun Room (ages 3-6)
Abra is new to the Oneness-Family School for 2010-11, and comes to us with more than ten years of teaching experience.
Her most recent experience was as head preschool teacher at the Willow Montessori School in Ashburn, Virginia.
Abra attended Montgomery College and has a Montessori Credential for the preschool level.
Full bio coming soon.
 Carina Sonora
Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden, Sun Room (ages 3-6)
“The vision that we all hold of a school that is about peace really does make a difference for the experience here.”
At the Oneness-Family School, Carina is famous for her warm smile and sunny disposition. Carina co-teaches with Bodil Eriksson in the Sun Room, and she weaves her native Spanish into the students’ daily activities.
Carina has been teaching since 2000, previously teaching at a Christian daycare. In addition to her work with the children in the Sun Room, she has served as the Spanish teacher for students ages 3-4.
Carina has taken Montessori courses to support her in her work at the Oneness-Family School and will complete her Montessori Certification for ages 3-6 in the summer of 2009. Carina has also completed courses in teaching students with autism and general childcare for children 0-4 years old. Carina received her 5-year High School diploma in Argentina. Carina has been taking karate since childhood and enjoys playing the piano and biking.
Born in Cordoba, Argentina, Carina is fluent in English and Spanish, and is also comfortable speaking Portuguese and Italian.
Jennifer C. Gershman, M.Ed.
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” – Anthony Robbins
Jennifer joined the Oneness-Family School in 1998 as an independent speech-language pathologist. She offers a communication class for students in grades 1-3. The class is designed to build the students' social language skills, which include listening, having conversations, and using and understanding nonverbal communication skills necessary for both academic and social competence.
Jennifer has a Bachelor's of Science in Speech Pathology from Emerson College and a Master's in Education in Speech Pathology from Northeastern University, both located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jennifer grew up in Connecticut and enjoys returning there each summer to spend time with her family. She is married with two sons and one dog. Her older son is married to his wonderful wife, who is also a speech pathologist.
Jennifer enjoys reading, sewing, boating, and spending time with her three grandchildren and family.
 Paul Harrington
Teacher, Physical Education (All Grades)
"The future is bright here, and I'm proud to teach the children in this community. I love to teach someone a sport and later hear that they played it in high school and excelled in it."
Since joining the Oneness-Family School in 2007, Paul has used his extensive background in athletics to focus on helping students to improve individual skills, coordination, muscular strength, and cardiovascular conditioning. He works to instill in his students the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Paul loves sports, and played rugby throughout college. He has been coaching in some way for many years. In high school, he coached at various soccer and basketball camps and assisted in coaching soccer teams and at clinics during the summer months. After graduation from college, Paul worked for a small home building company and continued to coach on the weekends. Eventually, he began working for the Warrenton Youth Soccer Club as a full-time coach.
Paul graduated with a B.S. from Radford University in 2004. He is certified in CPR and First Aid.
 Jacquline (Jackie) Carvajal
Foreign Language Coordinator, Spanish Teacher (Grades 1-8).
Jackie, a native of Chile, received her Education degree with an English minor from Catholic University of Blas Cañas, in Santiago. After teaching English as a second language to students in grades 1-7 in Chile, Jackie wanted to gain experience teaching Spanish in the United States. More than 10 years later, Jackie has found teaching Spanish as a second language to be most wonderful experience. She is so amazed at the speed at which children learn Spanish.
Jackie has been quite busy teaching Spanish to children in a variety of settings. Since 2001, Jackie has been teaching Spanish to elementary school students in the FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) Program in Montgomery County and in The Goddard School.
In 2002, Jackie came to Oneness-Family School as a Spanish Teacher and Foreign Language Coordinator. Our students in Elementary and Middle Schools have all benefited from Jackie’s teaching. Jackie believes that being a teacher is one of the noblest professions in the world. Teaching requires patience, love, understanding, and compassion and Jackie feels fortunate to be teaching children which keeps her active.
When not teaching, Jackie loves going to the movies, dining out, and visiting with friends, most who are teachers.
 Djamila Maherzi
French Teacher
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom '' ~ Marcel Proust, French novelist
Djamila was born and raised in Algeria. She is a native French and Arabic speaker. In 1980, she received her degree in Economics (Financial Sciences) from University of Algiers. In 1993, she received her Master’s degree in Economics (Financial Management) from University of Algiers.
Djamila’s interest in teaching began when she volunteered with an association that helped single mothers and their children. She taught mathematics to children with special needs in Arabic and in French. Djamila taught Economics for 20 years at a high school and was an assistant teacher at the University of Algiers. Since 2005, she began teaching in the area, first at the French International High School “Lycee Rochambeau” in Washington D.C. as a substitute Economics teacher and then, teaching French at the FLES (Foreign Languages in Elementary Schools) Program and at the Oneness-Family School.
At Oneness, Djamila teaches French to students ages 3-grade 8. Djamila loves reading books, working on cross-word puzzles, going to the gym, listening to French, Arabo-Andalou and Arabo-Jew music and dancing. She is passionate about economics, politics and historic facts.
Anne-Marie Smith
Teacher, Yoga
Anne-Marie received a Bachelor of Science in Dance Therapy and a Master of Arts in Education. She taught Early Childhood Special Education for the Alexandria City Public Schools from 1988 to 1998. Anne-Marie completed a teacher training program in the Eastern internal arts and received a black belt and certification to teach Tai Ji and Qi Gong. She has also received certification as a Brain Gym and Budding Yogis instructor.
Anne-Marie joined OFS over ten years ago and teaches yoga with the Peace Arbor (6-9 year old) students and as an after-school enrichment class, Budding Yogis, with the Peace Garden (4-6 year old) students.
 Carmen Arregocés de Radke
Assistant Teacher, Aftercare Staff (ages 3-6)
“Sharing with a child what once delighted us; seeing the delight of that child adds to our delight. That is happiness!” Jason B. Priestley
(Compartir con un niño lo que alguna vez nos deleito; ver que el deleite del niño se suma al nuestro, ¡eso es felicidad!) Jason B. Priestley
Carmen was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia where she received a B.A. in Direction and Production of Film and Television from Manuela Beltrán University, with a specialization in Documentary Production from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in 2006. In 2007, she was the Assistant to the Dean of Film and Television at Manuela Beltrán University where she counseled 300 students about their studies and coordinated faculty meetings and schedules.
Carmen has taught a variety of subjects (religion, screenwriting, video-making, and Spanish) to students ages 2 through college in Colombia and in Minnesota, where she relocated to in 2008. Most recently, Carmen was a Teacher’s Aid and Spanish Teacher at Concy's Montessori School and Day Care in Minneapolis where she used music and art to teach Spanish to students ages 2-6.
Carmen joined Oneness-Family School in the fall of 2008 as an Assistant Teacher in the Children’s Peace Garden’s Sun and Moon room classes. She has completed her 90 credit hours of early childhood education.
Carmen enjoys watching movies, reading, dancing and painting, and listening to music.
Tamara Moshman, M.Ed.
Academic Tutor
"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
"A good teacher is like a candle... it consumes itself to light the way for others."
Tamara received her B.A. and Master’s degrees from The American University in Elementary Education. She interned for one year at The Lab School of Washington in a tutor training program at The Lab School of Washington, she taught at The Lab School for 6 years where she designed individualized reading programs for elementary school students. Tamara also worked as a resource teacher in Baltimore City public school (P.S. 17) for students in K- 5th grades.
In 1998, Tamara transitioned over to academic tutoring primarily based at the Oneness-Family School. Although she tutored at many of the private schools in the area, once she came to Oneness she realized the school was like her second home. She immediately felt bonded to the philosophy of the School and to all the wonderful teachers, the director and the students. Tamara is the academic tutor for students in Kindergarten through grade 6. She tutors early reading skills, reading fluency, writing, math, organizational skills, and study habits.
Tamara enjoys reading and walking her dog in the woods as her most relaxing hobbies. Some of the students at Oneness have been her most wonderful walking companions. She says, " It is a great way to connect with each other, with nature and to unwind."
 Cheyenne Gartin
Aftercare Teacher, Children’s Peace Garden
Cheyenne recently moved to our area and she will be attending Howard University next year. Cheyenne most recently was working at Bethesda Naval Childcare Center.
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