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12-13 Teacher Roster


We are delighted to share with you the teaching assignments for the 2012-2013 school year. At St. Anne’s School, we know that our teachers are our most valuable resource. They transform our mission into action every day and make the St. Anne’s School learning experience an outstanding value to you and your family.

The community of teachers we have assembled demonstrates our commitment to excellence and our recognition of the value that each teacher brings to your child’s classroom experience.

We are excited to announce three new teachers who will be joining our team in the fall. Christina Cook, Fifth Grade Humanities Teacher, Diana Carroll, Chaplain and Religion Teacher, and Sheena Jordan, Spanish Teacher, will be wonderful additions to our exceptional staff.

We're also excited to share three appointments we've made within our current staff.

To further highlight our hallmark service learning program, Donna Davis has been appointed Director of Service Learning and will work with students and staff throughout the year to coordinate our school-wide efforts to make a difference in the community through experiential learning opportunities.

Christian Pazdersky, who has begun his Klingenstein Fellowship at Columbia University, will serve as Resource Leader in our Middle School social curriculum program, to which he brings tremendous talent.

Lisa Dewey Wells, taking a year-long sabbatical, will be serving our consultant and certified trainer in the Responsive Classroom approach, which is the backbone of the social curriculum in our school. Lisa has written extensively about Responsive Classroom.

We are also pleased to announce that Jul Lee Martensson, Judy Fedinick and Tiffany Musa will serve as Division Program Directors in the Early Childhood, Lower School and Middle School, respectively. This continuation of their service as division leaders will allow them to strategically guide our program and promote communication and collaboration between families and the school. As members of the administrative team, the Program Directors will work with Lisa Nagel, Head of School, to ensure our exceptional program is delivered at every division level.

Our staff continues to define itself by its sense of professionalism, commitment to academic excellence and leading edge curriculum and instruction. It is with pride and confidence that we share with you our roster for the upcoming school year.

Staff Roster: 2012-2013

About Our Staff

Jul Lee Martensson, Early Childhood Program Director and Director of the Annapolis Twos
B.A., Loyola College
Jul Lee Martensson joined St. Anne’s School of Annapolis over 16 years ago and has been a valuable asset to our Early Childhood Division ever since. A master of the Reggio Emilia approach that St. Anne’s School is known for in our Early Childhood and Lower School Divisions, Jul Lee believes that even the youngest learners should be “encouraged to think outside of the box and to collaborate, research, and problem solve.” Jul Lee graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Loyola College and in her spare time enjoys boating, camping and traveling.

Judy Fedinick, Lower School Coordinator, Learning Specialist, Library Supervisor and Upper School Counselor
M.LA., Johns Hopkins University
B.A., University of Baltimore
For over 40 years, Judy Fedinick has been enriching the lives of students in Preschool through their adult years. Arriving at the school over 16 years ago, Judy found St. Anne’s School the perfect place for her not only to continue educating children, but also to continue on her journey of life-long learning and growth as an educator. With her experiences in the classroom and serving as Learning Specialist and a leader in the Lower School, Judy's feeling deeply echo the school ethos that all students are capable learners who bring unique gifts to our community. Judy was one of 200 teachers in the USA to travel to Japan as a Fulbright Memorial Fund recipient, and she regularly attends workshops with the “gurus” of education. For Judy, no matter what she is doing away from school – traveling, dancing, treasure hunting, or reading- it becomes part of her work at St. Anne’s School. She believes “learning is not removed from the real world. It is what makes the world what it is and can be. Being an educator is not a job, it is part of who I am.”

Tiffany Musa, Middle School Program Director, Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher and Technology Teacher and Coordinator
M.S., Syracuse University
B.S., State University of New York at Cortland
Entering her eighth year at St. Anne’s School, Tiffany Musa leads the Middle School through program development as well as continuing in her position as Sixth Grade Humanities and serving as Technology Teacher and Coordinator. In addition to bringing integrated curriculum alive in the Sixth Grade classroom, Tiffany leads the Middle School team in programmatic and strategic role and also serves as a conduit for communication with parents. Before coming to St. Anne’s School, Tiffany taught language arts, social studies and math at the middle school level and also served as a conference director for a regional YMCA and as a director at a YMCA camp. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys running.

Mitch Weisbrot, Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
M.Ed., Goucher College
B.S., University of Tampa
After completing his first year at St. Anne's School, Mitch Weisbrot is excited to return as Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher.  Mitch received his master's degree in education from Goucher College, where he also served as a graduate assistant for the men's and women's cross country and track and field teams.  When not on field or court, you can catch Mitch teaching Junior Joggers in our Enrich Annapolis program or serving as a Lead Counselor at Camp Annapolis!

The Reverend Diana Carroll, Chaplain and Religion Teacher
M. Div., Yale University
B.A., Kenyon College
The Rev. Diana Carroll is Priest-in-Charge of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Eastport and will begin this fall as Chaplain and Religion Teacher at St. Anne's School. Diana is a native of Crystal Lake, Illinois and a cradle Episcopalian. She holds an undergraduate degree in English from Kenyon College and a Master of Divinity from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Diana was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2008 and to the priesthood in January 2009. From 2008 until the end of 2011, she served as Assistant to the Rector at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.

Lisa Dewey Wells, St. Anne's School of Annapolis Responsive Classroom Certified Trainer and Consultant
M.Ed., Lesley University
B.S., University of Vermont
An expert in the Responsive Classroom approach, Lisa Dewey Wells has played an important role implementing our hallmark social curriculum in both the Early Childhood and Lower School Divisions for over 11 years. Lisa’s passion for teaching includes a commitment to knowing each learner as an individual and creating a classroom community where the social curriculum is interwoven with the cognitive fabric. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont and received her master’s degree in education from Lesley University. She has also completed additional coursework at Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Extension School and Anne Arundel Community College.

Jonnell Landsman, 5-Day Preschool Lead Teacher, Science Teacher, Spanish Teacher
M.A., Trinity University
B.S., Xavier University of Louisiana
Jonnell Landsmand is entering her second year as a lead teacher in the Early Childhood program at St. Anne's School of Annapolis. Jonnell is a devoted Early Childhood educator who defines her goal to "inspire and cultivate my students' love of learning." Jonnell also focuses on a multi-sensory learning approach that supports a breadth of learning styles. In addition to leading our 5-Day Preschool class, Jonnell will support our Early Childhood and Lower School links classes by teaching Science and Spanish. Before teaching at St. Anne's School, Jonnell was a lead teacher at the National Child Research Center, an independent preschool in Washington, DC, and at V-Linc, a non-profit organization that provides support for children and adults with special needs. When not in the classroom, Jonnell can be seen spending time with her adorable 1-year old son!

Pat Miller, 5-Day Preschool Assistant Teacher
University of South Florida
Constantly inspired by the incredible passion of her colleagues, Pat Miller has been sharing her talent with the St. Anne’s School community for over 11 years. Even though Pat works with some of our youngest students, she finds the Eighth Grade Graduation ceremony a particularly meaningful St. Anne’s School tradition. To Pat, the ceremony represents a culmination of the work of all the teachers at St. Anne’s School and the efforts put forth by the students themselves. Pat loves sharing her love of diving and the ocean with her students, and incorporates it into the curriculum whenever she can!

Lisa Cumberpatch, 3-Day Preschool Lead Teacher
B.S., University of Maryland
A new addition to the St. Anne’s School faculty in 2010, Lisa Cumberpatch previously taught classes at Universal Gymnastics for 13 years. While Lisa may be relatively new to the staff, her connections to the school run much deeper. Both of her daughters, now 22 and 19, attended St. Anne’s Day School. Lisa finds it inspiring that the same values and traditions that gave her daughters a great start almost two decades ago are alive and well at St. Anne’s School today. A University of Maryland graduate, Lisa is an avid lacrosse fan. Her favorite players are her two daughters!

Deb Kontor, 3-Day Preschool Associate Teacher and Physical Education Teacher
M.A., University of Florida
B.A., Manchester Metropolitan University
Currently a Physical Education Teacher at St. Anne’s School, Deb Kontor will return to teaching Physical Education and in the Early Childhood Division next year, as she did in 2010-2011. Deb received her bachelor’s degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK and holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida. Deb has a diverse teaching background and once taught in a rural Thai village school. In her spare time Deb loves to run and has completed 10 marathons with her husband!

Krista Spradlin, Prekindergarten Lead Teacher
M.S., Virginia Tech
B.A., Western Maryland College
Krista Spradlin joined St. Anne’s School of Annapolis in the fall of 2003 and has been sparking a passion for learning in our Prekindergarten classes ever since. For Krista, the Reggio-inspired, inquiry-based, experiential program at St. Anne’s School suits her educational philosophy and education background perfectly. She believes even the youngest learners should be critical thinkers and actively participate in their education. Krista holds a master’s degree in child development from Virginia Tech University. While obtaining her degree, she worked at the university’s lab school, in a project-based, Reggio-inspired program.

Liz Martinez, Prekindergarten Associate Teacher
Randolph Macon College
In her third year of teaching at Prekindergarten St. Anne’s School, Liz Martinez finds it inspiring that St. Anne’s School is a place where students are nurtured in all aspects of their life; emotionally academically and personally. “As teachers,” she says, “we’re here to support our students holistically in every capacity we can.” Liz is trained in Responsive Classroom techniques and also teaches Fuse Glass at Camp Annapolis. Liz feels a special connection to St. Anne’s School, as her daughter was in the first Eighth Grade class. Even more special, her daughter was in the team that won the inaugural cardboard boat race! Outside the classroom, Liz is a licensed pilot, loves to fly and was once an ice and rock climber.

Anne Egan, Kindergarten Teacher
B.S., Towson University
The acclaimed director of the longest-standing and much loved St. Anne’s School tradition The Friendly Beasts, Anne Egan has been with St. Anne’s School for nearly 19 years and has directed the production for almost as many years. Anne has always been interested in Responsive Classroom techniques and social curriculum at St. Anne’s School, noting that “this part of the curriculum is as important as the academic areas in creating strong lifelong learners.” Anne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Towson University and enjoys spending time with her three daughters watching her favorite sport, lacrosse!

Emma Moran, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
B.S., Lewis and Clark College
New to St. Anne’s during the 2010-2011 school year, Emma Moran is a graduate of Lewis and Clark College, where she studied psychology. Emma appreciates how teachers at St. Anne’s School think about the child as a whole as the foundation of their teaching philosophy. As a younger member of the staff, Emma has taken full advantage of professional development opportunities by attending the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association Conference and Responsive Classroom training. In her spare time, Emma loves to cook, and don’t forget to ask her about her study abroad trip to Ireland!

Jewel Hill, First Grade Teacher
M.Ed., Coppin State College
M.Ed., Towson State University
B.S., Morgan State University
Advanced Professional Certificate
The oldest of six children, Jewel Hill always knew she wanted to be a teacher. In childhood photos, she can be seen standing at a chalk board, scribbling down facts for anyone who would pay attention. For over thirty years, Jewel has worked in church, school and other learning environments and her dream has always been to help children find their joy and passion. Jewel believes that “working at St. Anne’s School allows each of us a chance to help children grow into creative, confident, compassionate people of this global world.” Jewel holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degrees in early childhood education and curriculum and instruction.

Kelly Finnegan, First Grade Teacher
M.Ed., George Mason University
B.S., University of Maryland
Kelly Finnegan began her career in the business world, but soon learned that teaching was her true passion. After teaching at St. Anne’s School for 10 years, Kelly says that “my bliss is realized every day as I watch students have ‘aha’ moments and share their thoughts and ideas with their peers.” For Kelly, St. Anne’s School is a place that teaches how to think, not what to think. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in sociology from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from George Mason University.

Sara Wallace, Second Grade Teacher
B.A., Pacific Oaks College
While recently completed her year at St. Anne’s School, Sara Wallace has been teaching for nearly 19 years. At St. Anne’s School, Sara admires the school’s dedication to children’s natural curiosity and creative thinking. Sara particularly likes the challenge of finding new and creative ways to help children explore and learn from the world around them. With a master’s degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College, Sara is enthusiastic about encouraging children to explore their world through hands on experiences. While not in the classroom, Sara can be found in the garden, in the gym, or at her favorite place, the coast of Maine.

Gretchen Moran, Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Oregon State University
Once destined to work for the State Department, Gretchen Moran has been working with young children for over 30 years in a variety of settings from public to private and from preschool through third grade. While teaching preschool, Gretchen attended a Reggio-Emilia workshop in our nation’s capital, which eventually led her to St. Anne’s School. Gretchen believes in educating the whole child, encouraging children to take risks, teaching them to be active, responsible learners, group members and citizens of the world. Gretchen is a graduate of Oregon State University and the University of Maryland and you won’t see her out grocery shopping on a fall Sunday afternoon; she’s watching football!

Emily Kolarich, Third Grade Teacher
M.A., Brown University
B.A., Kenyon College
Emily Kolarich will be entering her second year as a Lower School Teacher at St. Anne's School of Annapolis. A graduate of Kenyon College and Brown University, Emily brings a wealth of experiance to the Lower School team. Before coming to St. Anne's School, Emily had previously taught at The Lincoln School and The Hamilton School at Wheeler, both in Providence, Rhode Island, and Emily also served as an assistant language teacher in a middle school and high school in Iwate Japan. In her spare time, Emily is an avid vocalists and hand bell enthusiast. You might catch her performing around town in the Annapolis Chorale!

Erin Russell, Fourth Grade Teacher
B.S., Johns Hopkins University
Entering her second year as Fourth Grade Teacher at St. Anne's School, Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in brain sciences and psychology from Johns Hopkins University and is completing her master’s degree at Loyola University. While at Johns Hopkins, Erin played varsity lacrosse and started all 17 games her senior season. Erin’s face may be familiar; she is one of the alumni featured on the posters in our front hall! When not at school, Erin can be seen running, on the sidelines coaching the St. Anne's School Girls Lacrosse Team, or hanging out with her two sisters, also St. Anne's School alums!

Christina Cook, Fifth Grade Humanities Teacher
M.A.T., American University
B.A., Spelman University
Christina Cook joins the Middle School team this year as our Fifth Grade Humanities Teacher. Christina holds a bachelor's degree from Spelman College and her Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. Christina was named the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year by the Washington Post in 2011. Christina comes to St. Anne's School after working as a teacher at The SEED School of Washington, DC. Christina has been a St. Anne's School parent for over two years and we're excited to welcome her to our staff!

Kim Reddy, Seventh and Eighth Grade Humanities Teacher
M.Ed., University of Maryland
B.A., University of Delaware
Kim Reddy, who is completing her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in social studies at the University of Maryland, will be teaching Seventh and Eighth Grade Humanities for the 2012-2013 school year. As well as previously teaching Fifth Grade Humanities at St. Anne's School, Kim has also taught middle school social studies, language arts, and technology at Holy Trinity School, served as a graduate and undergraduate instructor at University of Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism and has presented on topics related to integrated, project-based social studies instruction.

Christian Pazdersky, Developmental Designs Resource Leader and Middle School Math Teacher
B.A., University of Maryland
While some see subjects like humanities ideal for collaboration, Christian Pazdersky sees math class as an often overlooked area for cooperative learning. While teaching Math in the Middle School, Christian sees group work as a way to increase student knowledge through exploring and explaining concepts to peers. “During cooperative learning,” Christian says, “students not only have to understanding concepts, but they also have to be able to explain their ideas to their peers, often arriving at a deeper level of understanding.” This summer, Christian has been completing a Klingenstien Fellowship at the University of Columbia's Teacher College. Christian has a breadth of professional and educational experience that includes a degree in Mathematics and French from the University of Maryland and a stint teaching English in a French high school!

Valerie Devaris, Middle School Math Teacher and Religion Teacher
M.Ed., Loyola College
B.S., University of Maryland
A St. Anne’s School Middle School Math teacher for four years, Val Devaris helps students see that math can be more than just rote memorization and endless quizzes. With Val’s creative outlook on pre-algebra and math skills, students see math problems as puzzles to be solved and use critical thinking activities to reinforce concepts. A scout leader, craft instructor and parent volunteer, Val’s teaching skills and commitment to learning are evident inside and outside the classroom. Before joining St. Anne’s School as a teacher, Val first became a part of the St. Anne’s School community as a parent, serving on the then PTA.

Donna Davis, Science Teacher and Director of Service Learning
M.Ed., Loyola College
B.S., York College of Pennsylvania
A St. Anne’s School of Annapolis Science teacher for nearly 14 years, Donna Davis’ passion is helping students examine the “why” of the world. For Donna, teaching through lab experiences and projects allows students to explore and discover the answers on their own. This year, she will also serve as our Director of Service Learning, coordinating the efforts of teachers and students at our school to give back to our community. This position is well suited for Donna, who actively contributes to our community through her work the Canine Companions for Independence. Donna holds a bachelor‘s degree from York College in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Baltimore. When not teaching, Donna enjoys biking, swimming, reading and most of all knitting.

Wendy Gray, Science Teacher
M.Ed., University of Maryland
B.S., University of Maryland
Advanced Professional Certificate in Secondary Science
Ever since she joined St. Anne’s School as a Science teacher in 2008, Wendy Gray has been providing students with project-based challenges where they have to work independently and collaboratively to research or solve a problem. Wendy particularly enjoys watching students as they transform projects from ideas to complete concepts. During projects, Wendy believes emphasis should be placed on the use of trial and error, the ability to explain how things work, and how improvements can be made. Wendy holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Maryland and enjoys riding and showing her horse in her spare time.

Kathy Fitzgerald, Art Teacher
M.Ed., Loyola College
B.S., Indiana University
While this is her fifth year teaching at St. Anne’s School, Kathy Fitzgerald has been teaching, as a second career, for about 20 years. Kathy decided to continue her own education when she received a fellowship at Loyola College to obtain her master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction. This year, Kathy will be moving from her position as Lower School Teacher to art instruction for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Kathy began her career as a graphic designer and is excited to share her love of art with students at St. Anne's School! Kathy enjoys the creative aspect of teaching and watching children grow into confident learners that are curious and compassionate about the world around them. It is this philosophy that led her to St. Anne’s School, where “everyone is committed to the education of the whole child, socially, emotionally, and spiritually as well as intellectually.” When she is not teaching, Kathy loves to be outside, and enjoys hiking, biking and gardening.

Jeanne McDermott, Music, Chorus and Band Director
M.Ed., Long Island University
B.A., Duquesne University
Advanced Professional Certificate
A transplant from New Hyde Park, New York, Jeanne McDermott has enjoyed teaching music at St. Anne's School for the last year. An Orff-Schulwerk certified teacher, Jeanne uses this technique as well as the Dalcroze and Kodaly Methods in her classroom, where students learn and experience music through movement, which develops musical concepts, ear-training, rhythm skills, music literacy and improvisation and fosters imagination, creative expression, concentration and music appreciation. This year, Jeanne will be directing our Middle School Band and Chorus, as well as providing music instruction during the school day.

Sheena Jordan, Spanish Teacher
M.A., University of Maryland Baltimore County
B.A., James Madison University
Universidad de Costa Rica
Sheena Jordan has been teaching Spanish to children of all ages for the past 12 years. She comes to St. Anne’s School with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from James Madison University and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Communications with a concentration in Spanish from the University of Maryland in Baltimore County. Sheena has studied abroad at the Universidad de Costa Rica and in 2005 Sheena was chosen by the Washington Post and Embassy of Spain to be a Language and Culture Fellow to study at the Universidad de Granada in Southern Spain. In the summer of 2008 she worked for the John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth as a Dean of Residential Life in Monterrey, Mexico. Prior to relocating to Maryland, Sheena taught lower and upper school Spanish for three years at the Buckley Country Day School in Long Island New York. Sheena is delighted to join the St. Anne’s faculty and is enthusiastic to share her love of the Spanish language and culture with the children and the community at the St. Anne’s School!




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