Our Faculty

About Me: Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Before coming to Lowell in 2016, he owned and operated three small businesses in the financial services, insurance, and home improvement fields. He has held leadership positions at a number of independent schools over the course of the past three decades. In his spare time, Chris designs and builds things that amuse him and gawks at cool cars.

About Me: Chase earned his BA in pastoral studies from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Before coming to Lowell in 2024, he spent nine years at the Latin School of Chicago, where he served as a classroom teacher, Summer @ Latin Day camp director, and assistant director of Latin 360°. Chase also served on cross-divisional committees of the board and led Latin’s re-accreditation with the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). He enjoys spending his days with his wife, Anna, and their two dogs. When not at work Chase keeps busy playing pick-up basketball, watching the latest and greatest that television has to offer, and staying active.

Why I Teach: I’ve always believed that within each person there is a beautiful collection of unique ideas, experiences, and characteristics that make up who they are. I also believe that we all want to figure out the place in the world where that unique collection can be shared and strengthened for the good of our communities. Sometimes we just need a teacher or mentor to lend a hand and help provide opportunities to find that. 

What Inspires Me: I draw inspiration from seeing students and teachers celebrating the small victories in life and learning. Additionally, there is nothing in the world like seeing the people you care about step into their most authentic and true selves to create positive change in the world around them.   

Why I Love the Lowell Community: At Lowell our emphasis on belonging is not merely stated, it is lived. You feel it the moment you step onto this campus.  

About Me: Elizabeth majored in history at Haverford College outside of Philadelphia and earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. Elizabeth previously taught at Sidwell Friends School for 11 years after beginning her teaching career in her hometown of New York City. Elizabeth loves exploring parks and playgrounds with her family around their neighborhood in Washington, DC. She joined the Lowell team in 2019 and previously taught 1st grade.

Why I Teach: I became a teacher because it was a career where I could actively use my heart as much as my mind, and one where I would never have a dull moment. My favorite thing about being a teacher is all the laughter shared and connections built with students, parents, and colleagues.

What Inspires Me: I am inspired by my colleagues’ enormous dedication and passion.

Why I Love the Lowell Community: My husband and I were looking for a school for our children which upheld progressive values and prioritized living out its DEI mission. When we found Lowell, it felt like a home away from home, and I quickly saw that it was also a place where I wanted to grow as a teacher and educator.

About Me: Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC. Before coming to Lowell, she taught 2nd grade and pre-Kindergarten at Creative Minds International Public Charter School for six years and at locations in Illinois, Tibet, and Peru. In her spare time, Julie enjoys camping, making art, and reading. She joined the Lowell team in 2020.

Why I Teach: I love the curiosity and enthusiasm of young children. It’s infectious!

Why I Love the Lowell Community: It truly is a community—everyone looks out for and genuinely cares for each other. Having this support from such passionate and talented teachers makes this a great place to be!

About Me: Allison earned a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic studies with a correlate in elementary education from Vassar College and has completed coursework toward a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut’s Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development. She previously taught at the Grayson School in Pennsylvania and Feynman School in Maryland. Allison presented at the National Association for Gifted Children’s annual convention in 2014 and has participated in training at the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Outside of school, she enjoys board games, going to the movies, and cuddling with her dog, Ruby. Allison joined the Lowell team in 2021.

Consuelo holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Blas Canas University in Santiago, Chile. Prior to Lowell, she worked for more than twenty years in private schools, teaching Spanish to children from three years old to 5th grade. Consuelo is a native of Chile and enjoys the outdoors, knitting, and gardening. She joined the Lowell team in 2021.

Laurie graduated from Cornell College with a double major in biology and sociology and completed her master’s level teacher certification at the University of Colorado Denver. With more than 20 years’ experience with children from preschool to high school ages, Laurie began her career teaching high school science in Chicago and went on to teach 3rd grade in Aurora, CO, and 4th grade in El Paso, TX. She is trained as a parent educator with the Parent Encouragement Program in Kensington, MD. Deeply affected by canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Provincial Park as a young person, Laurie continues to be passionate about canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. She also loves theater—especially musicals. She joined the Lowell team in 1996.

About Me: Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Arts in modern language and culture from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN, and completed graduate work at Universidad Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain. She has taught Spanish in independent schools from grades K-12 for the majority of her career, save when raising her small children in New York City and starting a grassroots Waldorf preschool called The Wooden Button. Prior to joining Lowell in 2024, Kirsten worked at National Presbyterian School as the lead Spanish teacher. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids, traveling, reading, visiting museums, being outdoors, swimming, and biking.

Why I Teach: I teach because I love to combine my love of the world, Spanish language, and culture with inspiring students who become lifelong learners.

What Inspires You: The warmth of humanity inspires me to keep teaching.

Why I Love the Lowell Community: I love the natural creativity and openness of Lowell School.

About Me: Mellie received her MS Ed in museum education and childhood education at Bank Street School of Education and her BA in journalism at Marist College. Before coming to Lowell, she taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade at the Spence School in New York City and taught abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal. She has also created educational programs for children at the Central Park Zoo and Brooklyn Botanic Garden and contributed articles to Independent School Magazine. Mellie joined the Lowell team in 2018 and also serves as a DEI community leader and member of the student admissions committee.

About Me: Audrey holds a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and a Maryland teaching certificate through Trinity Washington University. Outside of Lowell, she has taught music in Prince George’s County and multiple preschools around the DC area. As a performing songwriter, Audrey has been recognized by the Washington Area Music Awards for her contemporary folk CD, Sense of Wonder - Open the Gate, and from the Parents’ Choice Awards for her CD, Imagine That! She loves singing, being in nature, and spending time with her family, her puppy, and her parakeet. Audrey joined the Lowell team in 2011 and has contributed to daily singing meetings for even longer!

Why I Teach: I teach because I want to share my love of music. Songs lift the spirit, broaden our understanding of the world around us, and bring us together in community.

Why I Love the Lowell Community: The focus on social-emotional learning, identity, and equity; the Pre-Primary through 8th-grade Spanish program; Wednesday Gatherings; and of course, Singing Meeting!

About Me: Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowie State University in Bowie, MD, and was a 6th-grade teaching assistant at McLean School in Potomac, MD. Outside of the classroom, she is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher throughout the DMV community. Taylor joined the Lowell team in 2021 and was previously both a camper and counselor in the school’s summer programs, as well as a 1st-grade teacher.

Why I Teach: I teach because of my interest in childhood development. I enjoy connecting with my students inside and outside of the classroom, forming impactful and lifelong relationships. 

What Inspires Me: I am inspired most by my students, who continuously choose to show up as their most authentic selves every day and take charge of their learning. 

Why I Love the Lowell Community: I love the Lowell community because of its efforts towards diversity, acceptance, and social justice.

About Me: Jesse earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and philosophy from Hamilton College and a master’s degree in education, with a focus on independent school leadership, from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining the Lowell School team in 2022, he was the athletic director, track and cross-country coach, and history teacher at The Field School. He has worked closely with the Deputy Mayor for Education to reimagine coaching development, facilities, and programming for high school and youth sports in the District. When not teaching, Jesse loves running and biking in Rock Creek Park and sailing in Annapolis.

About Me: Charmaine graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in music education and a BM in vocal performance. She received her MA in vocal performance and her graduate performance diploma in opera from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Charmaine previously taught at Gibson Island Country School, Norbel School, and Essex Community College Creative Arts Center. As a soloist, she has appeared with Peabody Opera Theater, the Columbia Orchestra, the 21st Century Ensemble, the Baltimore Opera, and Washington National Opera. Originally from Connecticut, Charmaine loves to paint, read, travel, collect seaglass, and spend time with her son and two cats. She joined the Lowell team in 1999.

About Me: Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Reed College in Portland, OR, and a master’s degree in elementary education from Lewis and Clark Graduate School, also in Portland. She previously taught first grade at Georgetown Day School. Kelly was born and raised in Washington, DC, and lives with her fiancée, Ruth, and two cats, Bjorn and Elly. She joined the Lowell team in 2021.

Why I Teach: I have been teaching for over eleven years, and I love how each day is unique and surprising. My experience as a neurodivergent learner inspired me to go into teaching, striving to create a nurturing, uplifting classroom environment in which every learner feels welcome and supported.

About Me: Charlotte holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Goucher College in Towson, MD, as well as a master’s degree in education and certification as a reading specialist from the University of Maryland. She previously taught first grade at Somerset Elementary and Bells Mill Elementary in Montgomery County. In her free time, Charlotte loves to knit, bake, and spend time with her family and her puppy, Petey. She joined the Lowell team in 2021.

About Me: Becca holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and business from Drew University in Madison, NJ, and a master’s degree in hydrology and water management from Johns Hopkins University. She was previously a science teacher at Washington Latin Public Charter School and an academy director at Friendship Public Charter Schools. She has served as an AP reader for the College Board and was named teacher of the year in her previous school district. Becca is from Washington, DC, and attended Lowell for her primary school years. She returned to join the Lowell team in 2021.

Why I teach: My drive to teach comes from my family’s deep-seated desire to instill the morals of social and environmental justice. I believe in educating youth to understand their responsibility to others and to their community.

About Me: Kait Magida holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from American College of Education. Before coming to Lowell, Kait was a middle school reading and social studies teacher at Southern Oaks Middle School in Port St. Lucie, Florida, later serving there as a school counselor. Kait enjoys staying active with her husband and three dogs, trail running, and competing in races. She joined the Lowell team in 2017.

About Me: Aimee earned a Master's degree in physical education from Springfield College in Springfield, MA and a Bachelor of Science in special education from Ohio University in Athens, OH. Prior to joining Lowell in 2024, she taught PE at Fairfax County Public Schools, Georgetown Day School, and Beauvoir School; and was a Learning Specialist at Fairfax County Public Schools, Georgetown Day School, and Landon School. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, exercising, and doing anything outside!

Why I Teach: Teaching gives me the opportunity to reach and connect with children where they are and to help them grow into the humans they aspire to be!

What Inspires Me: Finding joy and beauty all around me. 

Why I Love the Lowell Community: It feels wonderful to have felt so welcomed by both children and adults.

About Me: Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, and a master’s degree in language and literacy studies from the Wheelock College of Education at Boston University. She has served as an instructional coach and early childhood educator for fifteen years. Mary joined the Lowell team in 2021.

About Me: Chèlon earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA, and a master’s degree in elementary education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Prior to joining the Lowell School team in 2022, she was a third-grade intern at the Chestnut Hill School for two years. Chèlon enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and dancing.

About Me: Jackie holds a BA in English from the University of Florida and an MEd from the University of Georgia. Before coming to Lowell, she spent many years teaching middle and high school English and directing school-based literacy programs in DC and Montgomery County schools. A potter since 1997, Jackie has also developed art-based programs in collaboration with museums and arts organizations and has been the board of directors co-chair for a local arts organization serving children and adults. In her spare time, she can be found in her ceramics home studio making functional pottery or at maker markets in the DMV. Jackie joined the Lowell team in 2011.

Why I Teach: Even if I tried, I couldn’t not be a teacher. I think with most teachers, including myself, it’s baked into who we are. Teaching young artists in Lowell’s primary school reminds me every day that there is beauty and kindness in the world, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

About Me: Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of William and Mary. She spent her first two years as an educator teaching humanities in 6th and 7th grades at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac, MD, which she followed by teaching 4th grade at St. Francis Episcopal Day School. Emily joined the Lowell team in 2005 and has also taught 3rd grade.

About Me: Adrienne holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental education from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in K–8 science education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has taught Kindergarten through fifth-grade science at Sheridan School in Washington, DC, and middle school math and science at several schools in the United States and Costa Rica. She has also worked as a planetarium operator, shipboard educator, high ropes instructor, seasonal naturalist, hiking guide, and wildlife control technician. Adrienne volunteers as an identifier with iNaturalist, enjoys photographing insects, and is always looking to expand her skull collection. She lives in Takoma Park, MD, with her husband and two kids. Adrienne joined the Lowell team in 2020.

About Me: Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies with a minor in secondary education from Wells College in Aurora, NY, and a master’s degree in elementary education from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She completed her graduate coursework and student teaching through the Mid-Atlantic Teacher Institute at Norwood School, where she taught 2nd and 6th grades. Kristin has taught 1st grade at the McLean School and served as the assistant director of an undergraduate research program at Georgetown University. When not working and being the mother of a young Lowell Leopard, she is active in several local community theater groups. She joined the Lowell team in 2012 and previously taught 1st and 2nd grades.

About Me: Gabrielle (Gabby) earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and a master’s degree in school counseling from George Washington University in Washington, DC. She served as a school counselor in Wheaton, MD for four years. Gabby began her current role in 2022, and previously served in various positions within Lowell’s summer programs and as part of the first-grade team. She enjoys collecting sneakers, playing basketball, kayaking, and laughing.

Why I Teach: I became a counselor because I believe that every child deserves to have a supportive adult that ensures that they feel emotionally safe and secure within their school environment. My favorite things about being a counselor are building relationships and helping children learn to love all parts of themselves.

What Inspires Me: I am not only inspired by all of the educators who helped me become a better version of myself, but also by my students who continue to inspire me to remain a lifelong learner and improve for them every day.

Why I Love the Lowell Community: I love the Lowell community because the entirety of the community shares the same commitment, joy, and level of care for our children and families. I am so excited to be back in a place that feels like home!