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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Dewayne Robinson
Director of Athletics
Flint Hill truly embodies the definition of community. We have a group of people who truly support one another, challenge each other, inspire by example and provide a helping hand whenever needed. It is great to be a part of a community where you can influence and are constantly motivated by experts in various fields of education. Everyone has the best interest at heart for others and always a smile to give.
Where'd you go to school?
I grew up in Memphis, Tenn., and graduated from Millington Central High School, a Navy town just north of Memphis (my mom was an environmental specialist for the Navy). I went on to study exercise and sports science at Judson University, located about 20 miles northwest of Chicago. I completed my master’s degree in business management from Kaplan University in downtown Chicago.
Professional experience
St. Anne’s Belfield School, Director of Athletics; Elgin Academy, Director of Athletics, Varsity Basketball Coach; Eastside Recreation Center, Program Coordinator
What trail did you want to blaze as a kid?
As a child, I never accepted being stumped by anything and would work relentlessly until I figured it out. As a result, I am self-taught in quite a few areas and enjoy the challenges of learning new things.
Is there something fun about you that most people would be surprised to know?
Carrying over from the question above, I am an unofficial graduate of YouTube University. In conjunction with my refusal to be stumped, I now know how to do every home DIY possible: paint, build furniture, change brakes, and several other things many people usually pay others to do.
Dewayne Robinson
Director of Athletics
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
Kaylynn Yankovich
Director of Marketing and Communications
Kaylynn Yankovich
Director of Marketing and Communications
