Meet our New Faculty and Staff: 2026-27

Tori Ball

Upper School Math Teacher

Ms. Ball holds a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Ball joins us from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, where she served as Math Department Chair and Dean of Experiential Learning. Ms. Ball is looking forward to joining a community dedicated to cultivating strong female leaders. (An avid fan of “Seinfeld,” she’s also ecstatic to be working at Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ alma mater!)

Fun Fact: An active outdoorswoman, Ms. Ball has been on hiking trips everywhere from New Zealand to Nepal. This summer, she spent two weeks backpacking in California’s Sierra mountains. (She’s thrilled to have returned to sleeping in a bed and taking a shower each day!)

Charles Batchelor

Security Guard

Fun Fact: When he's not busy keeping our campus safe, you will find Mr. Batchelor out on the basketball court, playing his favorite sport.

Martin Bednar

4th Grade Teacher

Mr. Bednar holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Mount St. Mary's. He joins Holton-Arms with 10 years of experience teaching elementary-aged students, including time at The Landon School and The Woods Academy. He was drawn to Holton by the School's commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging and its inspiring motto, "Find a Way or Make One." 

Fun Fact: In addition to his passion for teaching, Mr. Bednar loves coaching. Throughout his career, he has coached more than seven different sports and enjoys helping students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. 

Abbie Cowden

4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Cowden holds a B.A. in Marketing and an M.A.T. from Belmont University. She joins Holton-Arms from The Ensworth School in Nashville, where she taught second grade. Prior to Ensworth, she taught second and third grade at Julia Green Elementary (TN), Charleston Day School (SC), and Station Camp Elementary (TN), experiences that shaped her commitment to relationship-driven, developmentally responsive teaching. She is drawn to Holton because of its dedication to developing young women of integrity, leadership, and purpose.

Fun Fact: Mrs. Cowden played four years of collegiate golf at Belmont University and still enjoys playing on weekends with her husband, Tucker. 

Hannah Ewing

Upper School History Teacher

Ms. Ewing holds a B.S. in Archaeology from University College London, and an M.A. in Material Culture and Public Humanities from Virginia Tech. Ms. Ewing joins us from North Cross School in Virginia, where she taught history in grades 9-12 and was the Director of Global Studies. Ms. Ewing was attracted to Holton because of its commitment to encouraging young women to bravely seek their own path, to become global leaders, and to embrace the joy of a challenge.

Fun Fact: Ms. Ewing loves baking (but rarely does it), loves reading (but rarely picks up a physical book), and loves crab (which she is allergic to).

Kaitlin Gleason

Upper School English Teacher

Ms. Gleason holds a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland and an M.A.T. in Secondary Education from Towson University. Ms. Gleason joins us from McDonogh School where she taught Upper School English in grades 9-12. She was attracted to Holton because of its impressive curriculum and feels a special connection to the environment as she also attended a girls school.

Fun Fact: Ms. Gleason loves traveling! She has already visited places like Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Italy, and hopes to plan a trip to Iceland in the future.

Crystal Hill

Director of Human Resources

Ms. Hill holds a B.A. in Psychology & Women’s Studies from the Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York and an M.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business. Ms. Hill was also a 2013 Education Pioneers Fellow and joins us from AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation where she was the Chief People Officer for a network of public charter schools focused on early childhood education. Ms. Hill has spent her career partnering with educational organizations to align human capital programs and initiatives with organizational goals and objectives. She was drawn to Holton’s motto to “find a way or make one,” and looks forward to way-making at Holton. 

Fun fact: Her favorite hobby is chasing advanced movie screenings across the DMV. 
 

Lauren Hook

Lower School Counselor 

Ms. Hook holds a B.S.Ed. in Communication Disorders from the University of Virginia, an M.Ed. and Ed.S. in School Psychology from William & Mary, a Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling from George Washington University, and she is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation at Marymount University. Ms. Hook joins us from The Langley School, and brings 15 years of Lower School experience. She was drawn to Holton because of its dedicated focus on nurturing girls, and she is eager to partner closely with students and faculty in such a warm, supportive environment.

Fun Fact: She adopted a kitten this summer—a girl named Teddie!

Keno Huerta

Assistant Director of Facilities

Mr. Huerta earned his B.S. in Engineering Technology from the Universidad de Santiago de Chile. Prior to joining our team, he worked at American University. He has a strong passion for problem-solving and finding effective solutions to everyday challenges, and values the opportunity to be part of an organization that feels like family and shares the same principles and values that guide him personally.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, Mr. Huerta enjoys gardening, cycling along the C&O Canal, and traveling with his wife in their RV, exploring new places and experiences.

Deby Kijak

Lower School Spanish Teacher

Ms. Kijak is originally from Argentina. She joins Holton-Arms with over 25 years of teaching experience across both Argentina and the United States, most recently serving as a Lower School Spanish teacher at Concord Hill School. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

She is excited to dive into the school year, get to know our wonderful families, and share the joy of the Spanish language and culture with her students.

Maggie Lang

Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Ms. Lang holds a B.S. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Ms. Lang joins us from Saint John's Episcopal School, where she taught middle school math. When asked what drew her to Holton, she said: "Holton's mission aligns strongly with my own teaching philosophy. Both center on the development of the whole student through an emphasis on nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a trusting, respectful community of learners that support each other. I have been impressed by the degree to which everyone I've met at Holton embodies the School's values and works to build that robust community to uplift young women. That is truly something special, and I am very excited to be a part of it."

Fun Facts: She loves to rock climb, and she finds it super interesting that most of the rock climbers she knows (herself included) are afraid of heights! She also likes to help friends and family redesign rooms in their houses using CAD software, and she's starting to try her hand at basic woodworking as well.

Beatrice Lauman

Upper School Math Teacher 

Ms. Lauman has a B.A. in Mathematics from Cornell University, an M.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.A. in Philosophy from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teacher Education from Stanford University. She was drawn to Holton-Arms because of its mission, vision, and motto. She is inspired by Holton's dedication to empowering young women through a supportive environment.

Fun Fact: Ms Lauman enjoys books that challenge assumptions. She is currently reading Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.

David Le

Associate Director of College Counseling

Dr. Le holds a B.A. from the University of South Florida, an M.M. from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, and a D.M.A. from the University of Maryland. He joins Holton from Ransom Everglades School in Miami, where he served as Associate Director of College Counseling, following earlier work in college admissions at American University. Dr. Le was drawn to Holton's collaborative spirit, commitment to student growth, and dedication to helping students discover and pursue their individual passions.

Fun Fact: Dr. Le is an award-winning flutist and pedagogue who has presented recitals and masterclasses at universities and concert venues throughout the United States, previously serving as a flute professor at Skidmore College.

Paul Leistra

Middle School History Teacher

Mr. Leistra holds a B.A. in Religion from Carleton College and an M.A. in History of Religion from the University of Chicago. Mr. Leistra joins us from Barrie School in Silver Spring, where he taught Humanities in grades 6-12 and directed the Experiential Education Program. Mr. Leistra was drawn to Holton by "the affirming, mutually supportive student environment and atmosphere of high achievement."

Fun Fact: He recently visited his 200th National Park.

Cristina Linsenmeyer

Lower School Math Specialist

Ms. Linsenmeyer holds a B.S. in Business from Towson University and an M.A. in Leadership in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She joins us from a math coaching position, where she worked with teachers in grades 1 through 10 across Maryland and D.C. One of the reasons Ms. Linsenmeyer was drawn to Holton-Arms is its strong commitment to developing confident, capable learners and building a positive mathematics culture. Holton’s motto, “Find a way or make one,” resonated with her when thinking about the work students do in a math classroom.

Fun Fact: She loves traveling and just got back from a road trip to Maine with her family. She enjoys reading, cooking, listening to true crime podcasts, and working out.

Cora MacKenzie

Assistant Director of Admissions

Ms. MacKenzie graduated with a B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Vermont. Ms. MacKenzie joins us from Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, where she served as the Associate Director of Student Affairs. Prior to that, she served as the Associate Dean of Students at Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. She shared that "Holton's focus on developing the whole student immediately resonated with me. I've always been drawn to schools that recognize that some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom through relationships, leadership opportunities, challenges, and everyday moments within a community." 

Fun fact: Ms. MacKenzie recently taught herself how to paint her own needlepoint canvases! 

Evelyn Mena

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Ms. Mena holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in Integrated Design from the University of Baltimore. Ms. Mena joins us from The Woods Academy, where she supported marketing, social media, alumni relations, fundraising, and school communications. She was drawn to Holton because of its strong sense of community, rich history, and commitment to empowering girls through creativity, confidence, and connection. She is excited to help tell the stories of the students, faculty, staff, and families who make the Holton community so special.

Fun fact: Ms. Mena loves photography, reading, building LEGO sets, and cooking and baking.

Joseph Montelione

Lower, Middle, And Upper School Band Teacher

Dr. Montelione holds a doctorate in music from the University of Southern California, and has over 20 years of experience directing band programs. His goals as an educator serve to develop musicians who think critically, independently and creatively. He strives to instill a hunger for lifelong learning by creating a diverse curriculum that spans musical genres. Overall, the environment he seeks to develop within the band is one that is supportive, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community.

Fun Fact: In his spare time, he conducts research for the eventual publication of his second book.

Kara Mutuli

Upper School English Teacher

Mrs. Mutuli holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Fontbonne University, an M.S. in Communications from Northwestern University, an M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Kent at Paris, and an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Mrs. Mutuli joins us from the McLean School where she taught Literature and English to grades 9 and 11, and AP African American Studies and Independent Studies-Entrepreneurship to grades 11 and 12. Prior to McLean School, Mrs. Mutuli taught English 101 at George Mason University and the Community College of Baltimore County. She is excited to join Holton-Arms citing that “because of the school's dedicated mission to the development of young women, and because the school also prioritizes growth and rigor in its approach to the study of literature and language.”

Fun Fact: Mrs. Mutuli worked in banking and bank regulation for 17 years in St. Louis and Chicago. In her spare time, she enjoys writing. She re-reads her favorite book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, annually.

Maria Pagliarini

Early Childhood Educator

Ms. Pagliarini is a certified preschool teacher with 25+ years of experience. She will be our new toddler teacher in the Brown House. She has many years of experience working overseas with children of different ages and backgrounds. Ms. Pagliarini is originally from Brazil and is fluent in three languages. She grew up in the area and attended Walt Whitman High School. 

Fun Fact: Ms. Pagliarini is a mother and grandmother. Her favorite movie is The Sound of Music. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, knitting, and gardening. 

Ana Ratcliffe

Middle School Science Teacher

Ms. Ratcliffe holds a B.A. and M.A.T. from the University of Virginia. She has more than three decades of experience developing student-centered, inquiry-based science learning environments. Fully certified in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science, she has served as a Science Department Chair, curriculum author, and Middle School Science Lead Teacher. Passionate about holistic student growth, Ana also served as a Sustainability Liaison and head girls’ tennis coach. She is dedicated to fostering confidence and environmental stewardship in the next generation of women leaders.

Fun Fact: Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and her favorite vacation spot is Emerald Isle, North Carolina, where she vacations with her family every summer.

Amanda Rhem

Upper School Spanish Teacher

Ms. Rhem holds a B.A. in Spanish from Lander University and an M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College. She joins Holton as a Spanish teacher and Assistant Varsity Tennis Coach after teaching Spanish in Washington, D.C. Public Schools. She is drawn to Holton because of the welcoming environment and high academic standards, and is excited to work in a school dedicated to excellence in education for young women.

Fun Fact: Ms. Rhem’s favorite book that she read this summer was Communion by bell hooks.

Ariella Scott

Upper School Science/Biology and Bio-Tech Teacher

Ms. Scott holds a B.S.A. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin. She joins the Science Department after teaching biology to students in Grades 9–12 at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas.

Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys baking and especially loves baking and decorating cakes.

Elisa Shapiro

Upper School Computer Science/Design Technology & Innovation Teacher

Ms. Shapiro holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. After working in engineering fields, she transitioned into education, specializing in developing engineering and maker programs at schools across D.C., Boston, and Connecticut, most recently at The Field School. She was attracted to Holton because of its desire to offer true STEM opportunities to its students and adapt to what that looks like in the modern world.

Fun Fact: She found herself playing hockey with several of the Holton coaches this summer, and came up with a "Why did the animal cross the road" joke for every animal that crossed in front of her family on a trip to South Africa.

Cleo Smith

Admissions Associate 

Ms. Smith holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Sewanee: The University of the South. She joins Holton from Moondance Adventures, where she spent three years on the admissions team, most recently serving as Director of Admissions. She was drawn to Holton’s commitment to empowering young women to lead with curiosity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Fun Fact: She once spent a night in a submarine in the Arkansas River with her college lacrosse team!

Ali Thompson

3rd Grade Teacher

Ms. Thompson earned a B.A. in Theater from NYU and an M.S. in Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education. She has taught across public, private, Montessori, and IB PYP settings in Montgomery County, and most recently taught second grade at The Chapin School in New York City. Joining Holton as a 3rd-grade teacher, she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her family playing competitive strategy games.

Fun Fact: Ali is an avid cruciverbalist and has created and published several crossword puzzles.