LEADERSHIP
John Thomas
Headmaster
I fell in love with Flint Hill when we made the decision to move from Texas to be closer to our parents who were in poor health at the time. It was visiting Flint Hill and hearing about something they called the “Driving Spirit” that absolutely intrigued me. And while I was interviewing at a number of schools, the more I got to know about Flint Hill, the more I heard words like “entrepreneurial,” “value-driven,” “relationships,” “student-centered,” and suddenly realize this is a school that really was very intentional, deliberate and strategic in all that it did. This was a school that took its mascot, the Husky, very seriously.
Where’d you go to school?
I grew up in Baltimore and went to a local elementary and junior high school. From 8th-12th grade, I attended McDonogh School in Maryland, which at that time, was an all-boys military school. I had some outstanding teachers and coaches during that time, and also had the privilege of serving in the Calvary under the school's Corps of Cadets.
For college, I attended Randolph-Macon, where I earned a degree in psychology. From there, McDonogh hired me to come back to be a gofer in their Dean of Student’s Office, to be a House Parent, and to coach. While working there, I attended graduate school at Towson University and received my certification as a School Psychologist for the State of Maryland.
Professional Experience
McDonogh School (Owings Mills, MD), Kinkaid School (Houston, TX), Graland Country Day School (Denver, CO), Saint Mary’s Hall (San Antonio, TX)
What trail do you want to blaze?
Believe it or not, I want to write. I have a series of “outlines“ I have created on a number of topics. I collect materials, do research but need to finally find the time to write. And I would love to do more sculptures. And it shouldn’t go without saying I want more time with family and to continue building on the foundation we have all worked so hard to set in place for Flint Hill.
John Thomas
Headmaster
Anne Peterson
Assistant Head o 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
Assistant 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
Michelle Odell
Director of Signature and Special Programs
I’ve always thought it best to surround yourself with experts. One of the things I love about Flint Hill is the strength everyone brings to the table. Where I am weak, they are strong, and vice versa. It is the collective intelligence and strength that enable us to do such great work with students.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Texas and attended a small-town school from kindergarten to 12th grade. After that, I pursued a degree in biology and physical education with the intention to eventually teach at Abilene Christian University. After that, my sense of adventure and love of science took me to the University of Arizona for a master’s degree. I followed that up when I lived in Florida with an educational specialist degree in curriculum, technology and instruction. And, finally (or maybe not, since I love to learn), I recently completed my doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California (Fight On!)
Professional Experience
Lake Highland Preparatory School (Associate Head of Upper School, Science Curriculum Coordinator, Teacher); Orange County Public Schools (Teacher); The University of Arizona (Adjunct Lecturer)
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
As a child, I wanted to be Nadia Comaneci, but despite my best efforts, gymnastics was not my thing. However, I think my efforts (and failures) there helped me learn to love difficult things. I like to try new things, especially if they take time to learn or master.
Michelle Odell
Assistant Head of School for Signature and Special Programs
Angela Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
It’s hard to know where to begin when I talk about Flint Hill. From my very first visit to campus, I knew this was a special place. Now it’s home. It’s a place where I am given new opportunities every day to do good work that matters, with people I love, respect and admire.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Detroit, MI, and attended parochial schools in the area from kindergarten on — Gesu School in Detroit, Our Lady of La Salette in Berkley, MI, and then Mercy High School, an all-girls’ school in Farmington Hills, MI. People who’ve met me as an adult would be surprised to know that in high school I was that student who was bright but not working to my full potential. After Mercy, I attended Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, a place where at the time, cow-tipping was considered an exciting weekend activity. Later I received an MBA from Regis University in Denver, CO.
Professional Experience
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman (Marketing and Client Service Coordinator); WilmerHale (Marketing and Business Development Coordinator), Siteline Marketing (Account Manager); Venable LLP (Business Development Specialist); agencyQ (Senior Digital Strategist); CoStar Group (Communications Manager); Shift7 Digital (Communications Manager)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have an almost unnatural enthusiasm for horror — movies, books, haunted houses, you name it. Halloween is my favorite holiday and every year I add new items to my collection of spooky home decor items. My son gets pretty into it too.
Angela Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
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
Suzy Chiarolainzio
Director of College Counseling
Even after 20+ years here, I still look forward to the first day of school, the celebrations and traditions that make up the last days and almost all of the days in between. Both of my kids attended Flint Hill from JK/K through graduation. I've seen the commitment and dedication of our faculty and staff and can't thank the Flint Hill community enough for helping them become the thoughtful, kind and socially aware young adults they are.
Where'd you go to school?
My dad was in the Navy and his career took my family across the country from where both my parents were from. My first school was "Candy Cane College," a preschool. We lived in San Diego, California, and I attended elementary and middle school there. Avocado Elementary School was a progressive public school without walls. I attended from third through fifth grades until funding was cut by the state and I had to return to "regular" school where P.E. included outdoor swimming — something much of the rest of the country doesn't get to enjoy. I graduated from Alexander M. Patch High School, a Department of Defense high school located outside of Stuttgart in what was West Germany at the time. Then I attended Lafayette College in Pennsylvania where I was accepted to study engineering. I decided to change majors because I couldn't see myself sitting in front of a computer all the time for the rest of my life … we see how that turned out 
. I attended Teachers College, Columbia University for my master's; I loved the City and everything about the hustle, bustle and diversity of all kinds in New York.
Professional Experience
Gettysburg College (Admission Counselor); Drew University (Assistant Director of Admissions, Associate Director of Admissions); Georgetown University (Assistant Director of Admissions)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I started traveling quite young. I flew for the first time by myself when I was only 5 — the trip was cross-country from California to Pennsylvania. There had been a loss in our family and my mom sent me to live with my grandparents for a few months. My travels continued into high school and beyond and I went Eur-railing (this is using a pass for rail and public transit travel) both the summer before (I was 16) my senior year in high school and after. I had neither a cell phone nor a credit card and it seems impossible to me now that my parents let me do this.
Suzy Chiarolanzio
Director of College Counseling
Sheena Hall
Director of the Lower School
I feel that it is such a privilege to be part of the Flint Hill community. I love the School and what it stands for and I literally pinch myself each day to think that I am part of such an institution. Prior to moving from South Africa to the United States, I taught at St. Peter’s, an all-boys Anglican school that had a very strong sense of community where students and faculty felt a strong sense of belonging. St. Peter’s was an innovative, positive and welcoming environment with strong academics and where boys were expected to be kind and treat others with respect. I wondered if another school like St. Peter’s existed. Nearly 20 years ago I came to the U.S. and after spending four days interviewing at nine schools, when I walked onto Flint Hill’s campus I knew that I had found what I was looking for — a place that put children first, a School that strives to create a space where everyone belongs, and a School that was innovative and was never satisfied with status quo where I could grow as an educator!
Where'd you go to school?
I attended Parktown Convent, an all-girls catholic school from first-12th grade. In South Africa when I went to school there was no kindergarten. School started in first grade. I was on the school debate and public speaking teams and was also on the varsity field hockey, swim and dive team. The year after I graduated from high school in South Africa, I was a foreign exchange student in North Carolina and spent my senior year at Newton-Conover High School. Then I went to the Johannesburg College of Education for my degree in education.
Professional Experience
Parkview Junior School, Horizon View Elementary School, St. Peter’s Preparatory School
What trail do you want to blaze?
I want to continue to embody a growth mindset and look for daily opportunities to learn and grow as an educator. Working collaboratively with the Lower School faculty and staff, I want to continue to provide the best learning environment possible where all children can reach their full potential and go out into the world and be leaders, effective communicators, thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical citizens.
Sheena Hall
Director of the Lower School
Ben Harper
Director of the Learning Center
I love how extraordinarily supportive the Flint Hill community is. Everyone with whom I have the privilege of working is an expert in their area and is creative in the ways they leverage that expertise. The team constantly seeks to better the lives of children in any way possible and are so giving of their time, talent and energy.
Where'd you go to school?
My educational journey began at a K-8 private demonstration school outside Chicago. After kindergarten, I attended my local public schools in suburban Chicago through high school, where I spent most of my time playing and recording music for the school’s performing arts programs. In college, I studied history and music technology at Northwestern University. After that, I completed a master’s degree in learning disabilities at Northwestern. Several years later, I completed a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction at The George Washington University.
Professional Experience
The Cove School (Elementary Classroom Teacher, Elementary Division Leader, Case Manager); North Shore Country Day School (Middle School Learning Specialist); The George Washington University (Adjunct Professor, Research Associate, Research Assistant)
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
As a kid, I was very focused on music and recording. I played in a few garage bands, where I learned the value of patience, teamwork and grit. Being in the studio and working with diverse minds and visions is an interesting challenge and one that brought me back time and again.
Ben Harper
Director of the Learning Center
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
Diana Parente
Director of Athletics
I have worked in athletics my entire life, from being a student-athlete and coach to becoming an athletic administrator. There is nothing I love more than seeing students play the sports they love. I am so lucky to work in such a supportive community that values the importance of athletics in our students' lives. Our students are amazing and truly are my motivator to come in every day.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Long Island, New York where I went to Herricks Lower and Middle School and St. Anthony's High School. Playing sports in high school was very meaningful for me and had a major impact on my career path. At St. Anthony’s I was on the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team and the Varsity Badminton team (yes Badminton 🙂) For undergrad I went to Syracuse University and both of my graduate degrees are from New York University.
Professional Experience
High School of Art and Design (Ninth Grade Global Studies Teacher, 11th Grade U.S. History Teacher); Bronx Prep Charter School Bronx (Seventh and Eighth Grade U.S. History Teacher); East Side Community High School (Teacher and Grade Team Leader); New York City Board of Education (Director of Title IX Operations); New York City Department of Education (Deputy Director of the Public Schools Athletic League); District of Columbia Public Schools (Executive Director of the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association)
What trail do you want to blaze?
I would say my trailblazing aspirations all come around changing the traditional narrative in sports. My primary work in athletics has been working on making the athletic space more inclusive, accessible and equitable for all student-athletes.
Diana Parente
Director of Athletics
Rico Reed
Director of the Upper School
Flint Hill is exactly what I needed. I had been in the education field for years, but the core values and the shared passion provided a spark for me. It is a community with a rich history and tradition, but it was incomplete, and the new leadership recognized that we could become more. It is a place where I discovered that I could be myself while making a difference and contributing in a variety of ways. The ability to share perspectives while maintaining a growth mindset has resulted in a safe space for me, my son and the other members of our community.
Where'd you go to school?
I was educated in the public school system in the Washington area. I attended Turner Elementary School in Washington from kindergarten through fifth grade and I spent my sixth grade year at Sandymount Elementary in Temple Hills, MD. My junior high experience was at Benjamin Stoddert in Temple Hills, MD and my high school years were spent at Potomac High in Oxon Hill, MD. I received my undergraduate degree from Towson State University, and I attended Bowie State University for postgraduate school. A common theme throughout my educational experience is that I always had the courage to lead both in and out of the classroom. I played sports every season while participating in student leadership, and I performed in a few plays. I was selected to attend Boys’ State following my junior year of high school.
Professional Experience
Blue Cross/Blue Shield; Raymond A. Rogers School at Edgemeade Residential Level V and Level VI Center (Special Education Teacher, Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Coach); Kettering Middle School (Special Education Teacher, Co-Teacher); Potomac High School (Special Education Teacher, Co-teacher, Coach)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am obsessively superstitious. Don’t ask!
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
My trail and path were impacted significantly by my parents. My father was a public servant as a Metropolitan Police Officer in Washington, DC, and I quickly learned the value of integrity and the impact of being respectful while displaying confidence. He truly values a quality greeting (hello, handshakes, etc…), and the importance of making a positive impression. My mother has a huge heart and has always exhibited the value of compassion and helping people. She was involved in the church and supported me in everything that I pursued. I can honestly say that I have never been afraid to fail. I was also exposed to the value of collaboration and teamwork through athletics from a very young age. My former coaches inspired me to return to my community and give back through coaching. It ultimately became my passion.
Rico Reed
Director of the Upper School
Ilana Reyes
Director of Counseling
From the moment I first set foot on Flint Hill’s campus, I was struck by everyone's kindness, warmth, and energetic attitude about School. Driving home the evening after my interview, I knew that I needed to be part of the Flint Hill community. I spent over 10 hours on campus meeting so many people, and, though exhausted, all I wanted to do was go back the next day. Flint Hill doesn't just talk about what is good for kids ... Flint Hill does it. I could not be more thrilled to be part of a school that puts the social and emotional well-being of its students at the top of its priorities.
Where'd you go to school?
I was born and raised through elementary school in New York. I had the pleasure of attending Horace Mann School from nursery through elementary school. We moved from New York to Bucks County (Pennsylvania) and I struggled to fall asleep for months because it was so quiet! After struggling to find my place in a huge public middle school, I was lucky enough to enter the Pennington School in New Jersey for high school. I earned my undergraduate degree in counseling from The George Washington University and my master’s degree in counseling from Marymount University.
Professional Experience
Friends of the National Zoo (Educational Programming Assistant); Annandale High School (School Counselor and Department Chair); George Mason High School/Falls Church City Public Schools (K-12 Director of Counseling)
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
Growing up in New York through the 80's, I saw a lot. The first poem I remember writing was about the homeless population, and how more people needed to see their suffering and find ways to help. I did not want to see people hurting, but I was overwhelmed by trying to figure out how I could make a difference. One day at our local coffee shop, an elderly homeless woman came in looking for something to eat, and my mom — out of the blue — ordered her a grilled cheese and tomato soup. She sat next to us at the counter, and we made small talk for a few minutes. It was well over 35 years ago, but the experience stuck with me. I might not be able to make great systemic changes for everyone’s suffering, but I will do my best to see those in front of me: to give my time, an ear, and whatever else I can offer.
Ilana Reyes
Director of Counseling
Emily Sanderson
Director of Studies
When I describe working at Flint Hill, I compare it to the band the Traveling Wilburys. You have a group of exceptionally talented people (rock stars on their own) who work together to create even better experiences for children. It can be hard to check your teacher-ego at the door and the reward is learning from colleagues and achieving more than you could imagine.
Where'd you go to school?
St. Michael’s Episcopal School in Bon Air, VA; Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, VA, and the University of Virginia, where I had a double major in Slavic languages and history. I earned a master’s in teaching from the College of William & Mary.
Professional Experience
Trinity Episcopal School (History Teacher, Student Government Faculty Sponsor, Field Hockey Coach, Softball Coach)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been a maker and an entrepreneur for much of my life. In high school I made clothing and jewelry and painted furniture and sold it at craft shows. I also did several art projects on commission. I continued jewelry design into college. Now I focus more on quilt-making.
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
I was about 30 years too early in blazing a trail for community supported agriculture in Richmond, VA. When I was a child, my family had a huge vegetable garden and we brought it back to the suburbs. I tried selling vegetables door to door. In the 1970s it didn’t catch on. It taught me that timing is everything.
Emily Sanderson
Director of Studies
James Venhaus
Director of Fine Arts
Changing jobs and moving halfway across the country in the middle of a pandemic may not seem like a choice most people would make. But, most people don't have the opportunity to work at Flint Hill. The warm, welcoming and collegial atmosphere are very special, and the Fine Arts faculty is second to none. And, it is abundantly clear to me that the success of students academically, artistically, socially and emotionally is at the heart of every decision made at Flint Hill.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Texas and graduated from Cy-Fair High School (Go Bobcats!) earned a B.F.A in Theatre at Southwestern University (Go Pirates!) and my Master of Arts in teaching at Austin College (Go ‘Roos!) I’ve always been involved in theatre as an actor, director, designer and playwright.
Professional Experience
Lakehill Preparatory School (Upper School Theatre Teacher, Yearbook Sponsor, Lower School Computer Science Teacher and IT Director — gotta love small schools); Saint Mary’s Hall (Upper and Middle School Theatre Arts Teacher); All Saints’ Episcopal School (Chair of the Performing Arts Department, Director of Theatre Arts, K-12, and Technical Theatre Director)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
In between writing plays, I tried my hand at writing a graphic novel. The result, a series called, “The Night Owl Society,” was published by IDW Publishing and is currently in development as a TV series.
James Venhaus
Director of Fine Arts
Jennifer Webb
Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid
The authenticity, growth mindset and warmth of the community brought me to Flint Hill and keep me excited to come back every day. From the students to the leadership, we learn, grow, connect and challenge ourselves every day. The journey and outcomes are exhilarating. Also, having the privilege to introduce new families to this community and be a part of their path to growth and happiness is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. It isn’t only the new families who say that they’ve found their people at Flint Hill, it is the staff and faculty too. I’ve certainly found my people!
Where'd you go to school?
I went to Conowingo Elementary, which was in the small, one-stoplight town I grew up in. I then attended Perryville Middle and High Schools. I became a Terp for life at the University of Maryland, College Park where I studied psychology. In addition to the incredible academic experience, I also had the opportunity to see the Terps win the national basketball championship during my senior year. Then I earned a Master of Forensic Psychology from Marymount University. I’ve taken Ph.D. courses in international psychology and completed a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania in positive psychology. I love learning almost as much as I enjoy bridging the path for other people to learn. I am contemplating a Ph.D. in educational leadership next. We’ll see!
Professional Experience
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Sleep Reach Center Research Technician); Department of Defense (Compensation Analyst); American Psychological Association (Science Program Associate); Jury Services, Inc. (Research and Analysis Associate); Northern Virginia Community College (Adjunct Faculty); The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Assistant Director of Admissions, Recruitment Programming and Special Projects; Admission Counselor); Marymount University (Director of Graduate Enrollment Services, Senior Associate Director for Graduate Enrollment and New Student Services, Associate Director for Graduate Enrollment and New Student Services, Admissions Coordinator)
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I grew up on a mushroom farm. I competed in equestrian (mostly show jumping) as an adolescent. I’ve been to Burning Man and want to go back because the community, art and principles are inspiring. I’ve passionately followed positive psychology for 15 years after meeting Martin Seligman and becoming familiar with his work when I worked at the APA. I try to bring its core elements (positive emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, achievement and vitality) into everything I do!
Jennifer Webb
Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid
