Faculty

Our teachers are selected not just because of their educational background, but also because of their personal philosophies and attitudes. They are the best of the best and our students love them. They take a personal interest in each of their students and go above and beyond the standard classroom teacher to make sure that each student is happy and doing their best. Our open-door policy makes our teachers accessible to the parents for in-person conferences or just a quick phone call to check up on your child.

Miss Stephanie

Kindergarten

I have taught at Kenwood since 2008. I graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans. While in school, I volunteered as a youth mentor and tutor with "Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana", "Underwings of Los Angeles", and "Boat People SOS". In 2006, I participated in UVA's "Semester at Sea" program, affording me opportunities to volunteer with underprivileged youth in numerous countries around the world. For me, education is more than merely equipping children with information; it is about inspiring students to critically examine, question, and ultimately better the world we live in. I believe that providing a classroom environment of mutual respect and open dialogue at the onset of a child's academic career will translate into positive interactions with members of our greater global society. In addition to teaching, I enjoy traveling, jogging, and a good game of Scrabble.

Miss Lauren

Kindergarten

I graduated from Bridgewater College with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education in May 2007. I have completed all necessary testing requirements and have received my collegiate professional license for the State of Virginia.

It has always been my dream to share my love of learning with your area's youth. I believe that the teaching profession is one of the more important occupations of which one can be a part, and consider myself fortunate to be a part of Kenwood School.

I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and I understand
-Chinese Proverb

Mrs. Weiss

First and Second Grade

With half my life lived in Southern California and the other half in Boston, MA, I am happy to now be in Virginia for the third year. It has been fun teaching first and second grade here at Kenwood School since then. I am a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a double major in Sociology and Elementary Education. My Master's Degree in Education is from Bridgewater State College. I have enjoyed being in the teaching field for several years, interacting among a wide range of groups. Outside of school, you will find me sharing time with my husband and two kitties as well as hiking, camping, wave diving, at the beach, dancing, reading, and recycling!

Mrs. McDonald

Third and Fourth Grade

This is my 7th year teaching at Kenwood School. I have taught first through fourth grades. I hold Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from George Mason University, anamis currently pursuing another Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia. Prior to teaching at Kenwood School,I spent 10 years in the legislative consulting field where I was active on Capitol Hill and at the White House. I was born and raised in the Northern Virginia area, and currently reside with my husband, daughter, and 2 dogs.

Mrs. Knackstedt

Fifth and Sixth Grade

I have been at Kenwood School for three years and currently teach the 5^th/6^th grade class. I have previously worked for Loudon County and Fairfax County Public Schools and tutored elementary age children through the No Child Left Behind Act in reading and math. I graduated from Virginia Tech and then went on to receive my Master's Degree in Education from Marymount University. Currently, I'm pursuing a Master's Certificate in Special Education at the University of Virginia. I am very excited about this opportunity since it will allow me to stay abreast of new ideas in education. I believe that each child has a unique ability to learn. In order to engage students with various academic ability levels, a personally tailored approach has been proved to be essential. I love the small classes that Kenwood School offers because it gives me the opportunity to work with each student individually. I gain a deeper perspective of students and, with that, am able to help them achieve their goals.

I grew up in Virginia and was raised in Loudon County and presently live in Alexandria. I have a wonderful husband, 4-year old daughter who attends Grasshopper Green Preschool, and a golden retriever named Olivia. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, cheering on the Washington Redskins and Virginia Tech Hokies, and relish being active. When not in school, you can find me running through Old Town or along the Potomac River.