Senior Leadership Team
Patrick McHonett
I have been a Flint Hill fan from afar for many years. Its graduates are known to be leaders and change-makers across the country, and I first encountered them while I worked in admissions at Claremont McKenna College. During my time in independent schools, I have found that the best schools and communities live their values actively and with great intention.
When Flint Hill asks its students and community members to respect and value all equally; lead and support with compassion; act with integrity; imagine what’s possible; and blaze the trail, these lofty goals are not just lip service. Flint Hill students, faculty, staff, families and alumni are asked to “do the work” individually and together to be their best selves. That’s exactly the type of school I’m excited to lead and the type of place I’m proud my children attend—honoring every individual, recognizing their value as a part of a whole community and taking impactful action to better the world around us.
I am honored to apply my experiences, as a teacher and administrator, to the benefit of the entire Husky community as we all strive to make a great school even better for years to come.
Where'd you go to school?
Claremont McKenna College, Bachelor of Arts in Literature & Legal Studies
Arizona State University, Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Administration
Continuing Education from University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, NAIS, etc.
Professional experience
St. John’s Episcopal School
Head of School
Phoenix Country Day School
College Counselor, Dean of Students, Upper School Teacher English and College Counseling, Upper School Basketball and Lacrosse Coach, Middle School Football Coach, Director of Admissions and Marketing, Associate Head of School & Director of College Counseling
Claremont McKenna College
Assistant Dean of Admission, Assistant Football Coach
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
From an early age, I wanted to be a comic book artist. My father was a graphic designer, and I vividly remember spending hours at his drawing table trying to put my spin on an image of Batman or the X-Men. I was lucky enough to have a couple of my drawings featured in the fan art pages in the back of some of my favorite comic books! That same love of imagery and stories continues in the reading and writing I try to do each day.
Is there something fun about you that most people would be surprised to know?
Despite being a team-sport athlete throughout my school years, one of my favorite athletic endeavors these days is hot yoga. Maybe being in a 110-degree room brings me to my southwestern roots, or perhaps I love stretching myself literally and figuratively, but an hour of sweating it out is always a joy.
Patrick McHonett
Head of School
Anne Peterson
Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations
The first time I came to campus I felt a different type of energy and drive; at first, I couldn’t put my finger on it but I knew it was special and unique. I learned quickly it was the magic of Flint Hill’s Driving Spirit. A school that always puts the best interest of its students first, a school that is always looking for ways to make the learning more relevant and accessible, a school with a drive and determination for excellence. A place I am proud to call my home.
Where’d you go to school?
I grew up in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and attended Baldwin, an all-girls independent school, for grades K-12. I am grateful to my parents for providing me this foundation in my educational journey. After Baldwin, I went to Middlebury College where I majored in political science and minored in education, doing my student teaching at Middlebury Union Junior High. I played varsity field hockey and lacrosse for four years and loved every minute of my time in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Professional Experience
Great American Land (Project Manager); Hazel/Peterson Companies (Project Manager)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I always wanted to be the bionic woman.
What trail do you want to blaze?
School was never easy for me and not a place where I was a shining star but from a young age, I loved sports. I was competitive by nature and most at home on the field, court or in the pool with my teammates. I was fortunate to have a “girl dad” before it was a thing, incredible female athletes as role models and impactful coaches that instilled the importance of hard work, discipline, teamwork, drive and grit into my soul. My trail and path as a kid have informed my passion for education and the true meaning of athletics.
Anne Peterson
Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations
Meredith Cook VanDuyne
Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement
From my first Skype conversation with John Thomas to visiting campus, I was captivated by Flint Hill — the authenticity and total devotion to students. What was true as a candidate is still true today — there is so much potential in this community, just on the verge of being unleashed. My passion comes from believing that education is one of the few forces that can simultaneously transform an individual and society. It's incredibly inspiring and rewarding to support teachers, students and parents in this wonderful community.
Where'd you go to school?
I’ve always loved school. I started out in northern New York state before moving to the Hudson Valley. Concerned I was too competitive, my parents enrolled me in a Rudolph Steiner-style school for fourth grade to expand my horizons. As a result, when Norse mythology comes up on Jeopardy I crush the category.
I happily returned to the local school system and graduated from Hudson High School. Despite my plan to do an exhaustive research project to determine the best fit for college, I visited Wells College in the Finger Lakes (then a women’s college) on a lark, applied early and went on to major in political science with a minor in economics. A highlight was participating in the Washington Semester at American University which I was convinced would lead to moving to D.C. upon graduation. I’ve finished the coursework for a master’s in communication management from Syracuse University, just have the final project to finish (someday).
Professional Experience
Muscular Dystrophy Association (Program Coordinator); Marts & Lundy (Consultant); Wells College (Assistant to the President, Interim CFO, Director of Development, Associate Director of Admissions, Director of Annual Giving, Assistant Director of Annual Giving); Breck School (Special Advisor to the Head of School and Special Projects Manager, Director of Advancement)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I love a dance party! My favorite gift was a disco ball and strobe light. I’m on an embarrassingly high level of Candy Crush. I’ve always been a democracy dork. Since I was 10 I’ve watched every State of the Union and both political conventions. My future retirement plans include visiting all of the Presidential libraries.
Meredith Cook VanDuyne
Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement
Mia Burton
Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
As the Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, I have the opportunity to interact with our youngest, and oldest, Huskies. I consider it my charge to ensure that the Flint Hill vision is attainable for all students: Take meaningful risks. Be yourself. Make a difference.
Where’d you go to school?
Our vision also connects me to my earlier life experiences as a student, athlete, leader, innovator, and volunteer; and is present through earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and master’s degree from Marymount University.
Professional Experience
Children’s Defense Fund, United Negro College Fund
What trail do you want to blaze?
As I continue to blaze trails by fostering awareness and engaging different perspectives and ideas, some consider me Flint Hill’s combination of Oprah, Olivia Pope and Beyonce, but the role that means the most to me is the “JK Kindness Lady.”
Mia Burton
Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion and Interim Director of Counseling
Melissa Holder-Murray
Chief Human Resources Officer
I learned about Flint Hill not too long after my first child was born. Not only was I in awe of the undeniably beautiful campuses, but more importantly, inspired by the School’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse learners.
I am thrilled to be a part of a school community that values respect for individuality; encourages creativity, innovation and the arts; and asks students, faculty and staff to be their best selves. In my role as Chief Human Resources Officer, I challenge our employees to be better today than they were yesterday and to be passionate about their work.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Queens, New York with immigrant parents who placed a high priority on education in a diverse environment. I attended a Jewish preschool and Kindergarten and then went to a Roman Catholic parochial school for first through eighth grades. For high school, I made the long daily commute to attend Kellenberg Memorial, an independent Catholic school in Nassau County, New York where I was a student-athlete competing in cross country and track and field in all seasons. I graduated from Howard University magna cum laude (majoring in Political Science and minoring in Psychology) and then from Howard University School of Law Juris Doctorate on academic scholarships and fellowships. During law school, I spent time studying abroad in London and loved it so much that we named our firstborn child London!
Professional Experience
- Judicial Law Clerk (DC Superior Court)
- Private employment law practice (Seyfarth Shaw LLP; Proskauer LLP)
- In-house law practice (Viacom/MTV Networks)
- Contract Attorney
- Various Human Resources positions (Archdiocese of Washington)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that I have been a “fire-walker” in Tony Robbins empowerment courses; prior to having my family, I was an award-winning body-builder; and I have appeared on The Price is Right which was definitely a bucket list event in my life.
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
As a child I was not “the best” at any particular thing. However, what I always had in my corner was my willingness to work harder than anyone else to be at the top. So from winning my high school senior class’ most-improved athlete award, placing second in a body-building competition or being selected by two of my law school professors to be a teaching fellow, I have always embraced a “never quit” approach to every task even if it seems like an impossible task at the start.
Melissa Holder-Murray
Chief Human Resources Officer
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
When I interviewed at Flint Hill nearly 20 years ago, what stood out to me relative to other schools were the adult collegiality, the comfortable student-teacher interactions, and the focus on refining and improving as a school. Throughout the many years I have spent here, in various roles and multiple divisions, these same elements of warmth and innovative thinking have kept me excited about coming to work every day and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a growth-focused institution.
Where'd you go to school?
I began my journey at Hampton Elementary School (Hampton, CT), the local school in the one store, no stoplight town in which I grew up. I spent grades 7-12 at Parish Hill Middle/High School (Chaplin, CT), where I played three sports and learned that there are downsides to having seventh graders in the same building as seniors. I attended Connecticut College, where I earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and got some leadership experience as a residence hall director. I waited almost a decade to begin my graduate degree, earning a master's in school administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.
Professional Experience
River Oaks School (Middle and Upper School Math Teacher); Saint Andrew's School (Eighth Grade Math Teacher and Team Leader)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I designed the mascot for my elementary school. My mascot (the cougar) and design were chosen as the winning submission in a schoolwide contest. Of course, it could be that mine was the only submission; this was definitely my peak as an artist.
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
I was very sports-focused as a kid and enjoyed making scale models. The one I was most proud of was a replica of Boston's Fenway Park. I would have loved the chance to use the tools and materials in our Makers room.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Robyn Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School
Within minutes of my interview, I knew that Flint Hill School was the right fit for me. Feedback and reflection are valued to ensure growth, which is one of the many reasons I continue to be thankful for being a member of such an amazing community. I love that I collaborate with a talented and passionate team that keeps the students front and center of every decision.
I look forward to spending time with the students during Morning Meetings, duties, and classroom visits. The teachers are so caring, intentional and determined to bring out each child’s personal best. They are the rockstars, and I’m so honored to be part of a great team.
Where'd you go to school?
I was born and raised in Indiana. Upon graduating from R. Nelson Snider High School, I attended Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Ala., and majored in elementary education. I started my teaching career working at a Maryland public school in Prince George's County. Once the school principal encouraged me to explore leadership, I left the public school sector and continued my teaching career while strengthening my leadership skills at Sidwell Friends School for 16 years. I earned my master’s degree in school administration from Trinity University in Washington.
Professional experience
Flint Hill School, Lower School Assistant Director, Middle School Assistant Director;
Sidwell Friends School, Middle School Interim Dean of Students, Jumpstart Summer Program Director, Fifth Grade Team Coordinator, Upper School Standardized Testing Coordinator, Fifth Grade Teacher; Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Fifth Grade Team Coordinator, Fifth Grade Teacher
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
Although my mother told me, at the age of 12, that teaching was in my blood, I ignored the maternal rumblings. Years later, while on summer vacation from Alabama A&M University, fate stepped in, and I served as a summer teaching assistant at my mother’s school, Adams Elementary. Little did I know that a 10-year-old girl, who was stressed because she could not recall specific multiplication facts during a math game, would shift my occupational trajectory. By applying strategies I had observed my mother use in the classroom for years, I was able to help the child memorize the facts by the end of the program. The student began the school year with confidence, and I returned to college with the desire to teach that I never knew existed. At the start of my junior year, I changed my major to elementary education and thus began the transformation from a stubborn college kid to a future educator.
My summer experience is a prime example of how imperative it is to understand the whole child. The student I supported was smart, funny, gentle, and kind. She loved to read comic books. I found out that a few games of UNO calmed her nerves during math enrichment time. Her mother told me that the weekly, timed multiplication tests her daughter was forced to complete during the school year exacerbated her math anxiety. I was drawn to her because I was this same student in elementary school. Teachers never took the time to understand me and therefore assumed that I wasn’t trying my best. The teachers were dominant auditory learners, and it was a challenge for me to make connections or even retain information unless there were visuals or some type of kinesthetic activity. They didn’t know my favorite cartoons or that I was glued to the television every Saturday morning watching Julia Child cook another three-course meal. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize my true potential until college. However, as an educator for over 20 years, I am incredibly determined to help students identify their passions, strengths and develop a growth mindset. It is all about the Power of Yet! The learning process is a marathon, not a sprint, and each student will have a unique journey. My educational journey was for a purpose. Understanding and nurturing the whole child is not just a phrase for me — it is what I believe.
Is there something fun about you that most people would be surprised to know?
I enjoy playing kickball with the sixth graders on campus during recess or playing Red Light/Green Light with our littlest Huskies. During lunchtime, I visit classrooms to find out how many students have no crust on their sandwiches. I love to sing, and I’ve had opportunities to sing background vocals for a few gospel recording artists. Although my goal is to grab one item at Target, I end up spending at least two hours in the store, placing items in my basket that I don’t need.
Robyn Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
I immediately noticed how the culture at Flint Hill is similar to having a family and being “known.” People know each other’s families, personal needs, and professional contributions — they care about one another. Everyone I have met shared the great hope that the new members invited to the community keep and maintain this ethos. With everything we have learned in the last two decades about how being “known” helps your teaching or learning, I take great comfort that I teach at Flint Hill and my children learn at Flint Hill.
Where'd you go to school?
I have been at school everywhere and thus the benefit of being a “navy kid.” I started in the Catholic systems of rural New England and moved to the mass public schools of Florida when my father was stationed at Mayport Naval Station located in Jacksonville, Fla. I grew up as a “beach kid” and attended Neptune Beach, which is known for closing two days before a hurricane because many students would skip school to surf the surge waves. One of my best experiences was attending Stanton College Preparatory School, a 7-12 school. I truly think that being exposed to high schoolers while I was in seventh and eighth grade positively impacted my development, and I am happy that my daughter will have a similar experience at Flint Hill. I attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate degree and the University of Georgia for graduate school; this created the perpetual question of “who do I root for?” The answer is “the Gators.” As a young teacher, my first school, The Bolles School, created an exchange agreement with the University of North Florida (UNF). The UNF professors could send their students to The Bolles School (at a reduced tuition) in exchange for Bolles teachers accessing UNF classes. Free classes? Yes, please! I took advantage of this opportunity and went back for a second master’s degree, mainly because I just love being a student.
Professional experience
- The Bolles School, History Teacher, Summer Camp Director; The College Preparatory School, History Teacher, 9th Grade Advisory Program Director;
- The Athenian School in Danville, History Teacher, Director of Residential Program; Shorecrest Preparatory School, History and Economics Teacher, Head of Upper School.
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
There is a trope in 1980s movies that learning isn’t cool, and I found that trope matched my experience as a kid. I can’t overstate the number of times I was asked “why are you reading?” when I was younger. Hearing, as a teenager, that there were celebrity philosophers around the world, I thought I would try to make learning cool again. Thus, young people like me could be honest and more confident about enjoying a range of extracurricular activities, such as watching “NOVA” or reading a book about the history of street addresses. Though I can’t take credit for geek chic or the emergence of the billionaire genius class, I always saw myself being part of the mission to make learning cool again.
Is there something fun about you that most people would be surprised to know?
I am passionate about live music. I usually partake in one music festival per summer and will even drive long distances to see a band that I adore. I most often go alone because I am hyper-focused at the show, which makes me really bad company to be around. During the move to Northern Virginia to work at Flint Hill, I took the indirect route of going through Tennessee and Kentucky so I could attend multiple live concerts. Once it was finalized that the Paige family was moving to Oakton, Va., the first thing I did was buy tickets for a concert, at The Anthem, in late September. I admit, during this time, I should have started looking at homes! But where is the fun in that?
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Carmen Scott
Director of Marketing and Communications
I am drawn to Flint Hill’s educational philosophy of constant innovation and its focus on self-discovery. As the Director of Marketing & Communications, I strive to constantly innovate the ways I tell Flint Hill's story, discovering new things about the School and about myself along the way. It's a joy and an honor to be a member of the team creating windows into the vibrant learning community that is Flint Hill.
Where'd you go to school?
I don't meet a lot of kids named Carmen these days, but there were three Carmens in my high school class back in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was known as "Volleyball Carmen," well, because I played volleyball. I still play, as a matter of fact! For college, I made my way to the University of North Carolina where I studied journalism and completed a full Tar Heel indoctrination. I now know that all good things are Carolina Blue and most bad things come from Duke.
Professional experience
The Field School (Creative Director), The Berkeley School (Director of Marketing and Communications), Best of 7 Films (Producer/Director)
Is there something fun about you most people would be surprised to know?
During my early NYC days, I met Spike Lee on an elevator and he gave me a job at his production house, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. Although my previous ambition was to be a writer, working in film and TV exposed me to the power of visual storytelling and inspired me to pursue filmmaking, something I'm excited to bring to my work here at Flint Hill.
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
It's so important for children to see themselves reflected in their role models. I know how impactful the women of color have been in my life, so my goal, as a member of a community filled with young people, is to embody the joyfulness, resilience and love of learning that I gleaned from my role models growing up. These are values I hope the next generation will carry forward.
Carmen Scott
Director of Marketing and Communications
