Meet Our Teaching Staff
Year after year, family after family, the overwhelming feedback within the school community is that Congressional teachers are exceptional in every way. Our teachers are all certified. Some grew up knowing they would one day touch the lives of children in the classroom, while others discovered a love of the profession later in life, bringing outside life experiences into their teachings. All were selected to join the Congressional community, not just for their commitment to education, but for the special spark they offer to excite and motivate young learners. Our faculty is what makes Congressional the place that it is. We invite you to get to know them.
Lower & Middle Schools Teaching Team
At Congressional, we are not just a school; we’re a community, we are a family. We care for all the eager young minds who enter our classrooms each September. I strive to couple expectations with a comfortable, welcoming learning environment, and daily I attempt to impart my love of history to each and every student. For me, seeing the light of understanding in my students’ eyes is what has kept me in the classroom for over 30 years. Frequently our alumni return to visit, and it is most rewarding to learn of their great successes and accomplishments in high school and beyond, based on their education at Congressional. It is also gratifying to know that I have played some role in those successes.
John Cavanaugh
Middle School Social Studies
I have a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering and worked for the Boeing Company on Apollo 11, 12 & 13 moon landings before joining the Air Force. In the Air Force I was assigned to the Pentagon for eight years before retiring.
My passion for teaching started many years ago while tutoring my daughters and their neighborhood friends. I believe that any student can succeed in math. After taking graduate education courses, I became certified to teach mathematics in Virginia in both middle and high schools. I taught Algebra I and II for eight years locally and then came to Congressional in 2006 on the advice of two former teachers and neighbors. Congressional allows me to use the latest teaching technology with very well-behaved students and their supportive parents.
Jerry Van Keuren
Middle School Math
Born, raised, and educated in Northern Virginia, I have a special tie to this area. I adore the rich cultural diversity and lively discussions that arise because our close proximity to Washington, D.C. As an educator, I want my students to make connections and ask questions in order to continue the extension of their knowledge and understanding of our world. Learning is a never-ending circle in my classroom.
Suzanne Burns
Director of Curriculum
I am proud to say I am starting a new career as a teacher. Before teaching, I was in the Navy where I located and tracked submarines. After leaving the Navy, I worked for the Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Weather Research Program. (The weather became an interest of mine while I was in high school getting my private pilot's license. I actually flew solo in an airplane shortly after I got my driver's license.)
For me, being a teacher at Congressional is very rewarding because I enjoy working with kids and I especially like the fact that the students are excited about learning and enjoy having fun in the classroom.
Pete Kirchoffer
Middle School Math
I decided to teach because I grew up loving school and learning. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree is Social Science Education from Florida State University and am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the George Washington University. I have been teaching for five years and always want to challenge myself as an educator the same way I hope to challenge my students in the classroom. When moving to the Washington-metro area, I chose to teach at Congressional because I had finally found a school where students truly love learning and where educators truly love teaching.
Michelle Mullineaux
Middle School Social Studies
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of one day becoming a teacher. Coming from a family of educators and administrators, I realized early on the importance of learning and love of children. Growing up, I loved helping my mom grade papers and enjoyed hearing stories about her students. As I grew older, my love of children grew and I decided to attend college and major in education. During my college years, I had the pleasure of visiting many schools in the area and was able to work with many children. Gaining hands-on experience in schools and working with a variety of educators helped shape me into the teacher I am today. Upon successful completion of my degree, I joined the Congressional Community. The moment I joined the faculty, I was welcomed with open arms. Congressional is my home away from home. It is a place where I feel safe and secure, a place where people work together and the students are our number one priority. The parents, students, and staff at Congressional make it what it is today.
Kimberly Rook
First Grade
All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten, including the knowledge that one day I would be the lady with an apple on her desk. For me, there’s nothing better than knowing that I spend my time helping young minds explore a new piece of their world each day! For the past 7 years, I have worked with children, ranging from tiny toddlers to thriving third graders. I have also worked as a special education teacher for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Now entering my third year teaching in the elementary setting I have found my niche in the world of first grade and thoroughly enjoy the curiosity and eagerness of the six-year-old mind. I am thrilled to have joined the wonderful group of teachers and families at The Congressional Schools of Virginia and look forward to many more successful years to come!
Brittany Williams
First Grade
This will be my sixth year as a classroom teacher; however, I have been involved with private schools all around the Northern Virginia area for over ten years, serving as a teacher’s assistant, a summer camp counselor, a private tutor and an in-house substitute. Most recently, I was the kindergarten teacher at the Western International School of Shanghai in China. I attended James Madison University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a double minor in Spanish and Speech Communications. I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in International Education at George Mason University.
Angela Ulsh
Second Grade
I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction. This is my eighth year at CSOV and I’m just as pleased as ever to be here. The decision to be a teacher was easy for me; I’ve always enjoyed working with children. I find their enthusiasm to be a constant source of inspiration, even on days when I feel like we’re all going bananas! I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. CSOV truly is an exceptional place. I really enjoy working with the entire school community, and I couldn’t ask for better colleagues, students, or families.
As much as I love teaching, I do find time for a few other activities. At home, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Isaiah, and dog, Lily. I read and write extensively, I’ve been known to paint a picture or two, and I dabble in the art of Jell-O molding from time to time!
Mya Akin
Second Grade
To quote the Pigeon from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus “I have dreams you know!” and so do I. I fulfilled one dream last year when I graduated from Florida State University with my Master’s in Library Science. This year, I am thrilled to fulfill yet another dream by joining the staff here at Congressional as the librarian. My past experiences in the education field have included working with preschoolers, elementary and middle school students, as well as administering a school system’s integrated library system. Raised in Arlington, I continue to live there with my family and giant chocolate lab. I am enjoying getting to know all the students at Congressional and look forward to helping them explore all that the library has to offer.
Nancy Buchholz
Librarian
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. and went into Marketing. I spent 13 years in employee benefits marketing and then stayed home with children for 12 years. During that time, I completed a Master’s Degree in Education at Marymount University. I have taught for six years, kindergarten and third grade. I enjoy teaching at Congressional because the students are enthusiastic and I have an opportunity to focus with them on things that are important.
Beth Corish
Third Grade
I came to love science as a seventh grader because of a wonderful science teacher. However, it wasn’t until I was in graduate school at the University of Minnesota, working on a degree in genetics and cell biology, that I even considered being an educator. I enjoy science but I also like interacting with people and I wasn’t getting do that while doing research in the laboratory. After speaking with people from the education program, I decided to earn a post baccalaureate degree in science education. Two years later, I completed my Masters in Secondary Science Education. I am so pleased that I made the decision to teach. I’ve taught science at many levels including college, high school, junior high, elementary, and even preschool. I’ve enjoyed each experience. I look forward to exploring the large outdoor campus with my students and taking advantage of all the learning opportunities it affords. Fifth and sixth grade is a great time to show children the importance of science in their everyday lives. My goal is to help my students see the relevance of science through fun and engaging lessons and activities.
Cami Creason
Middle School Science
When I get home from work, I enthusiastically talk about my day with my wife! I can’t say I ever did that prior to joining the teaching profession four years ago. While I found my technology career rewarding at times, I had many more skills that I wanted to unleash, and teaching at Congressional has allowed me to do that.
Todd Friedman
Third Grade
Recently retired from the Fairfax County Public School system, I am now honored to be a part of the Congressional Schools community and to bring with me my 35 years of educational experiences. My experiences include that of a classroom teacher, administrator and Title 1 Language Arts Specialist and I am pleased to be able to bring all my years of experience to the students and staff of Congressional. I look forward, not only to sharing what I have learned, but continuing my own learning process from my colleagues and students alike. I received my BA degree in Elementary Education from Thomas Moore College in Covington, Kentucky. My MA degrees in Administration and Reading were acquired from George Mason University. My passion for the beach comes from Ocean City, NJ, my hometown. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and wonderful Cockatiel birds, Lupita & Leo. I am proud to be associated with a place that is all about learning and children ......Congressional!
Linda Marie Lorenz
Reading Specialist
I’ve been teaching at the elementary level for two years but have enjoyed a myriad of teaching opportunities in other settings. While receiving my degree from Brigham Young University, I took 18 months off to serve a volunteer mission, teaching in North Carolina. Afterwards, I returned to BYU and taught part-time for a year and a half at the Missionary Training Center. These experiences helped me realize my passion for sharing knowledge and helping people of all ages to reach their ultimate potential. I really do have my dream job! I work with a room full of bright, exceptional students whose parents are fully committed to the education of their children, and I have an abundance of resources at my fingertips that help me to create fun, interactive lessons. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to work for the Congressional Schools of Virginia.
Misty Proctor
Fourth Grade
How can children hold learning in their hands? This is a question I first asked as a Harvard undergraduate two decades ago when I taught at an inner city school in Boston. My next classroom was the lakes of the Boundary Waters during a stint as an Outward Bound instructor. I came home again to Alexandria, Virginia to teach at Mount Vernon High School in Fairfax County, where I worked with students from around the world in the International Baccalaureate Program. Following that I dipped my toes in the independent school world as an 8th grade English teacher and Director of Summer Programs at Alexandria Country Day School, where I developed an outdoor program incorporating writing called Learning Alive. Most recently, I taught at nearby Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, where my tenth graders built a dugout canoe to get a “boat’s eye view” of primitive technology and the clash of cultures as part of the regional observance of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. With great anticipation I join the accomplished staff at Congressional this year as Dean of Students and teacher of 8th grade English.
Emmet Rosenfeld
Dean of Students, 8th Grade English
I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but spent several years studying in Western Maryland. After receiving my Bachelor of Arts in English from Sewanee: The University of the South, I am thrilled to be back in the area. The DC area is fantastically rich in culture and history; I look forward to drawing from this naturally academic environment. As my greatest passions are education and literature, I am excited to join Congressional School’s stellar faculty and staff in passing on that love of learning to my students.
Jeanette Smith
English and French
I can’t think of a better job for me than teaching fourth grade here at Congressional. I truly enjoy working with nine- and ten-year olds. They love to learn and know so much by the time they enter my classroom. I can then build upon these traits and develop their higher-level thinking skills. In addition, the dedicated and knowledgeable staff is a wealth of support and expertise. These factors, combined with the wonderful community feel, make Congressional a very special place.
Tim Smith
Fourth Grade
Early-Childhood Programs Team
I started my first job with kids when I was in college. I was working towards a degree in business and enjoyed my part time job so much that I changed my major and went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Education. I love to teach five and six year olds because of that magical moment when the light bulb clicks on and the children just take off with their learning. Kindergarteners are sponges and I enjoy watching them soak up everything. Kindergarten at Congressional is the best place on Earth! Congressional’s amazing children are why I have chosen to stay here for 17 years. I have really enjoyed watching Congressional grow over the years, and I am looking forward to many more years with the children here.
Michelle Fry
Sr. Kindergarten
It has been said that “All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” After 23 years of teaching kindergarten, this still holds true. The inquisitive minds of five and six year olds challenge me to re-learn information that has remained dormant since my formative years. “Who was the president when the Titanic sank?” asked Will. Not knowing the answer, we looked it up together on the computer. Thank goodness for technology. I am able to retrieve information quickly and provide the children with timely answers. I love kindergarten minds, their enthusiasm for learning, and the great satisfaction seen in their face when they grasp new concepts. I am a kindergarten teacher and I am still learning each and every day.
Janet Turk
Sr. Kindergarten
I began my teaching career in South Carolina in kindergarten before I made my way up to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Congressional Schools. I have spent the last 8 years in Junior Kindergarten, enjoying each year's group of students. One of my favorite parts of the Congressional experience is to watch my former four year olds blossom into adolescents. Not many schools these days offer programs for students from infancy through the eighth grade. Every day, my students amaze me with their creativity, eagerness to learn, and the ability to try what seems at the time to be the impossible. Watching their faces light up with the recognition that they have accomplished something new that they thought was unattainable is what makes my job so very meaningful.
I am also proud to be a parent of two Congressional students. I feel so fortunate that both of my children are in attendance with me every day. I think Congressional is a wonderful place to learn and grow and I'm so pleased to be a part of this community.
Heather Dawson
Jr. Kindergarten
I have worked with young children since I was a teenager, teaching Sunday school, baby sitting, and as a teenage assistant in Head Start. The teachers and students I worked with encouraged me to strive for a degree in Early Childhood Education.
I have seen many changes in my 17 years at Congressional. The growth of the campus, our curriculum, our professional staff and, the student body have made Congressional one of the top academic programs in the area. Most of all, I have loved watching our families grow and playing a small part in the growth of their young ones. I love having my BIG KIDS return to give me updates on their lives and hugs! The Congressional students will always have a special place in my heart.
Virginia Delawder
Jr. Kindergarten
I grew up in this area. As a youth, I remember riding along Sleepy Hollow Road and thinking that the school on the hill was so beautiful. Who would have thought that someday I would work here and be a part of the Congressional family? I had already been teaching kindergarten for several years when I came to Congressional sixteen years ago. I was hired as a preschool teacher with the thought that I would move into an open kindergarten position the following year. I think some things must happen for a reason. I instantly fell in love with three year olds and have never looked back. The children all possess gifts that make them special and unique. Congressional recognizes this and does all it can to enhance these treasures. I feel so fortunate being able to watch the children bloom and grow throughout the year. Three year olds see things with wonder and awe and I am able to rediscover it over and over again through their eyes. People say they wouldn't trade jobs with me- I wouldn't trade jobs with them! A preschooler is so full of love and is amazing beyond words. I love my job!
Susie Welty
Pre-School
Foreign Language Team
French is a beautiful language that is a joy to teach! I believe in sharing not only the language, but also the rich culture and exciting history of France with my students. I stand by the belief that everyone can learn a second language. Languages open up the door for communication with others and help spread the understanding of different cultures around the globe. I am proud to say that I am an educator at The Congressional Schools of Virginia because I know that every day my students are receiving a world- class education!
Brenda Jensen
French
I have always loved speaking Spanish and so naturally I became a Spanish major in college. After graduation I traveled abroad and became a Spanish teacher. For the past eleven years, I have taught my students to use the language skills they have developed in my Spanish class to be more effective in communicating with other people and thereby loosening the monolingual bonds of our American culture.
Living in a multicultural world, people need language skills. The study of foreign languages fosters the development of a better understanding of other people and cultures.
On a more personal level, through the years of my invaluable teaching experiences, my desire to teach has only become stronger. I come from a long line of teachers, as many teachers do, and my parents instilled in me the value of education my whole life. As a teacher, I carry on the tradition of teaching excellence and inspire my students to want to learn. I became a teacher because "I love what I do, while doing what I love.”
Pamela Hunt
Spanish
Physical Education and Health Team
I have worked in Physical Education and Athletics for the past 16 years. It’s the perfect job for me as starting children on the path of making healthy lifestyle choices meshes with my core values and beliefs. Outside of school, my life mirrors my profession: basketball and golf are two of my favorite past times. The Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and the Bruins are my passion! On weekends, my family, Danielle, Dominick, Dylan and I, watch and attend sporting events with any free time we have.
Dan Prete
Athletic Director; Physical Education
In 1995 I moved to Northern Virginia from Newport News to marry my husband Tim, and I found Congressional Schools through an advertisement in The Washington Post. I have been working at Congressional for 13 years now, and I have loved every minute of it. I’m a 1991 Virginia Tech graduate, and I began my physical education teaching career with Chesapeake Public Schools where I taught for three years. I have always been interested in physical fitness; I was a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons for a number of years before and during college, so it was a natural progression for me to go into teaching physical education to children. My experience ranges from teaching three-year olds all the way up to coaching seventh and eighth graders, and I’m thankful for the opportunity Congressional provides to work with such a range of ages. All children are unique and special and I am honored to teach them.
Patricia E. Dokken
Physical Education and Health
I have been coaching and teaching since 1981, when I first started coaching the JV soccer team at Ohio Wesleyan University before I had even graduated from college. Since that time, I have come to realize that dealing with young people on a daily basis can touch their lives in so many ways.
My professional goals are twofold: to help guide young student-athletes into adulthood and to enhance the school's athletic and PE program so that they are an asset to the school community and academic environment. With those items in mind, I constantly remind myself that I am a role model and that my teaching and coaching behavior is one of the most effective tools I possess. My appropriate behavior can teach players life-long lessons about how to behave when confronted with both adversity and success. Congressional has been a wonderful place to coach and teach due to my colleagues, as well as the students and their parents. Everyone has been receptive to a variety of new ideas and their implementation, making my job quite rewarding and enjoyable.
Chris Barker
Assistant Athletic Director, Physical Education and Health
When I accepted the job at Congressional, I knew that I was going to be taking on a new adventure. I have been coaching soccer for the past 8 years, ages three through twenty-two. I have been blessed to have many amazing experiences through my playing and coaching. Soccer has taken me as far as Hawaii within the United States and overseas to places like Denmark and Germany. Because my knowledge base was, how to deal with children about “all things soccer,” I knew I was going to have to learn the tricks of the trade quickly. I believe what helps me with this experience is my personal belief in living a healthy lifestyle. I love the fact that I can pass that philosophy onto all of the students that I interact with at Congressional.
Emily Janss
Physical Education and Health
Fine and Performing Arts Teaching Team
In third grade my teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer was simple: “I want to be an art teacher.” Daily I have the honor of providing students with a place to experiment, think outside of the box, and grow creatively. Being an art educator allows me to combine my love of art and learning, and being a middle school art teacher is a new education every day. I love the fact that my students teach me as much as I teach them, and nowhere else have I found that experience to be truer than here at Congressional.
Cheryl A. Miehl
Middle School Art
Music has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. Although I earned my J.D. from the University of Richmond (T.C. Williams School of Law), passion drew me into teaching music and there I have remained for more than 20 years, 13 of which have been at Congressional. I particularly enjoy teaching music as it relates to art and history and I gain a lot of joy seeing the students perform, whether in recorders, hand bells, or as a vocal ensemble. Preparation for International Day, choir festival, the spring musical, and our concerts provide ideal venues to reflect what we do in class and in after-school activities. Outside of school, I play piano professionally for occasions of all kinds and am active in many organizations that can make me a stronger professional, including the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the Virginia Music Educators Association.
Nancy Carpenter
Music Teacher
I began my Congressional career by teaching part-time in 2002 and joined the staff full time three years later. During my tenure I have had the opportunity to be part of many “firsts.” I started Congressional’s first instrumental program with a band of 17 players in 2003 and in 2006 I expanded the instrumental program to include the teaching of stringed instruments. I really enjoy learning/teaching the music for International Day programs and preparing the Lower School Chorus and “pit band” instrumentalists for the Spring Musical.
Music runs in my family. I played with the United States Navy Band for 26 years. I have been married for 35 years to my husband who is a trumpet player. We have two grown daughters, Lina and Celeste, who teach piano and voice, respectively. I am active in the music ministries of my church and continue to play flute professionally.
Mrs. Nancy R. Stanly
Music Teacher