New Faculty and Staff: 2025-2026

Great teachers — along with staff and administrators — make great schools!

We would not "Be Gilman" without the men and women who teach, advise, coach, mentor, cajole, comfort, and celebrate our boys.

We invite you to learn more about the faculty, staff, and administrators new to Gilman in 2025–2026, with some having joined the community mid-year during the previous school year and others over the summer.

Faculty and Fellows

Lower School (Grades Pre-K–4)

Ashby Thoeni, Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Ashby joins us as an experienced educator and curriculum leader with nearly two decades of experience in elementary education. She holds a Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dickinson College. She comes to us after serving as Director of Lower School Curriculum and Instruction at Garrison Forest School, where she has been instrumental in shaping inclusive, mission-aligned academic programs for grades K-5. Her leadership has resulted in the implementation of impactful programs such as Global Studies, Nature Walk, and Lower School After School Clubs. Ashby brings a deep expertise in responsive classroom practices, cross-curricular planning, and differentiated instruction.

Rachel Rockwell, Resource Teacher

Rachel is a dedicated and experienced educator with over two decades of teaching and tutoring expertise, specializing in literacy instruction for students with learning differences. She most recently taught currently teaches at The Odyssey School, providing individualized instruction to students with diagnosed dyslexia and other learning differences. She’s also an active tutor of Gilman and Calvert students in need of individualized instruction, specifically in reading and writing. Rachel’s extensive background includes roles as an assistant teacher at Grace Preschool, a reading tutor at Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, and a variety of teaching positions at Calvert School and Grace and St. Peter’s School. Rachel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies with a minor in Education from Middlebury College. She is professionally trained in Phono-Graphix and Orton-Gillingham methods. Her passion for education, combined with her deep understanding of science-based teaching methods and individualized instruction, allows her to empower students to overcome learning challenges and achieve academic success. Outside of the classroom, you can find Rachel cheering on her kids at their sports games.

Lucy Gumpert, Resource Teacher

With a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University of Maryland, Lucy joins our learning support team. Lucy’s professional experience spans public schools, private practices, and clinical settings where she has provided individualized, child-centered therapy to a broad range of clients. Lucy most recently provided speech-therapy services for Montgomery County Public Schools, where she collaborated across disciplines and led staff trainings to support students with diverse needs. Lucy is also the founder of Play on Words, a private practice offering in-home and school-based speech therapy and reading intervention services. Recognized with the ASHA ACE Award in 2023 for her commitment to continuing education, Lucy integrates empathy, evidence-based practice, and collaborative strategies to help her students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her 5 nieces and nephews and her Bernedoodle, Bailey.

Jennifer Schmerling, Second Grade Homeroom Teacher

Dr. Jennifer Schmerling is a seasoned educational leader with a doctoral degree in Education Administration & Policy Studies from George Washington University and over 15 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, learning support, curriculum development, and administrative leadership. Most recently, she served as Director of Curriculum and Faculty Development at Krieger Schechter Jewish Day School. Prior to that, Jen was the Director of Student Support in our Lower School, guiding a multidisciplinary team and shaping academic and social-emotional supports across the division. She now returns to Gilman with a continued commitment to innovative instruction, inclusive education, and strong school-family partnerships.

Lauren Longo, Administrative Assistant

Lauren joins Gilman as the Administrative Assistant in the Lower School. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Studies and a minor in Geography. Prior to joining the Lower School Admin team, Lauren was serving the Howard County Government as a Planning Specialist I. There, she played a key role in shaping agriculture preservation policy by preparing analytical reports, advocating at legislative meetings, and leading public education initiatives in collaboration with multiple county and state agencies. Her earlier experience includes Naturalist and Camp Director at Marshy Point Park and Nature Center, as well as an Education Programming Intern at the National Aquarium. Lauren brings exceptional organizational skills, a collaborative spirit, and a keen eye for detail.

Middle School (Grades 5–8)

Soleil Atterberry

Soleil Atterberry will be joining Gilman as the Middle and Upper School Robotics teacher. A graduate of Morgan State University with a B.S. in Computer Science, she has taught and designed engaging STEM curricula in a variety of settings, including her recent role as an After-School Program Teacher at Gilman. She has also served as a Tech Lead Teacher at ESF Camp and Experiences and as a STEM Instructor with the Imogen Foundation. With experience ranging from app development and data science research to guiding students through hands-on tech projects, Soleil is passionate about fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in the classroom. She will be continuing her education this fall at her alma mater, pursuing a Master's in Data Analytics and Visualization.

Noah Cohen-Mitchell, Social Studies Teacher

A recent graduate of The College of Wooster, Noah holds a B.A. in Adolescent and Young Adult Education and History. Noah completed multiple supervised teaching placements in middle and high school U.S. History and Government classrooms, where he designed and delivered lessons, assessed student learning, and fostered inclusive learning environments. His diverse experience includes working as a Teaching Assistant for college-level education courses, a Teaching Fellow with AmeriCorps at a STEAM academy for underserved middle schoolers, and a museum intern where he brought local history to life through archival work and youth programming. Recognized with numerous academic honors, including membership in the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, he brings a thoughtful, reflective approach to teaching. In his free time, Noah enjoys playing basketball and soccer, hiking, and traveling.

Marco Pedulli, Science Teacher

Marco brings a vibrant blend of teaching expertise, scientific research, and immersive field experience to his new role in the Science Department of the Middle School. With a PhD in Marine Science and Technology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Marco has taught a wide range of subjects, from Integrated and Environmental Science to Aquaponics and Marine Biology, at schools and summer programs across Massachusetts. His passion for student mentorship shines through his many roles as advisor, club leader, coach, and house parent, and his dynamic approach to education includes hands-on learning through field trips, ecosystem studies, and interactive lab work. Fluent in six languages and certified in advanced open water diving, Marco brings to Gilman an inclusive, adventurous spirit and a love for inquiry-driven science that will surely inspire and energize our Middle School community.

Robert Bacon, Language Arts Teacher

Robert is an accomplished educator and dynamic leader who brings a wealth of interdisciplinary experience, intellectual curiosity, and student-focused energy to his new role as Middle School Language Arts teacher. Holding degrees from the University of Southern California, including a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, Robert has honed his ability to blend analytical thinking with creative communication. Most recently serving as a History teacher and coach at Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy, he crafted culturally relevant lessons, fostered personalized learning, and integrated technology to engage diverse learners. His commitment to student development shines through his work with the Student Government Association, his role as a Parent Teacher Association liaison, and his mentorship of student athletes.

David Smith, Design and Woodworking Teacher

David is a passionate and experienced artist, designer, and fabricator who brings decades of hands-on expertise in sculpture, woodworking, metalworking, and exhibit construction to the Middle School Design and Woodworking classroom. With an M.F.A. in Sculpture and a strong foundation in both fine arts and applied design, David has taught sculpture and ceramics at the college level, built large-scale public art pieces, and led teams in professional fabrication settings. His educational philosophy emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and inclusive, hands-on learning.

Ana Roher, Spanish Teacher

Ana joins Gilman as a Middle School Spanish teacher with more than ten years of experience in bilingual education and advocacy. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with a concentration in Teacher Training and Development from the School of International Training and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Ana has taught English and Spanish to learners of all ages, including adult students at CASA and K-8 students in Baltimore City Public Schools, where she designed newcomer-focused instruction and participated in dual-language program initiatives. Ana also brings professional experience in bilingual crisis support, having served as a hotline specialist for RAINN and a domestic violence court advocate for DC SAFE. She is fluent in English and Spanish and conversational in French.

Mary Margaret Dineen, French Teacher

Mary Margaret joins Gilman as a Middle School French teacher with more than two decades of global experience in leadership, education, and cross-cultural communication. She earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the American University of Paris. Her professional background includes roles designing and managing democracy and governance, peacebuilding, and civic education programs across more than 20 countries. Fluent in French, she has provided technical assistance and developed and led training and capacity-building initiatives for organizations including the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, Catholic Relief Services, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and instructed regional studies and analysis courses for the U.S. Army. In previous roles, she designed educational curricula, organized international conferences, and supported civil society organizations’ work focused on women’s political participation and youth law-related education and civic engagement. When not working, Mary Margaret enjoys traveling and exploring, playing sports, listening to live music, and volunteering in her community.

Upper School (Grades 9–12)

Soleil Atterberry

Leah Leiner, Mathematics Teacher

Leah will be joining Gilman as an Upper School Mathematics teacher after just completing her Ph.D. in Mathematics at Temple University. Her academic research covers the intersection of hyperbolic geometry, dynamics, and number theory. With over five years of collegiate teaching experience, she has served as an instructor, teaching assistant, and grader for a wide range of courses, including Precalculus, College Algebra, Probability, Statistics, and Differential and Integral Calculus. Her dedication to expanding access to mathematics is evident through volunteer work with high school students, math outreach programs, and tutoring in correctional education through the Bard Prision Initiative. Leah brings expertise in MATLAB, Java, LaTeX, and web development languages, and her passion for community engagement is reflected in her leadership roles organizing math conferences and seminars. In her free time, Leah enjoys attending orchestra concerts, trying new recipes, and searching for the best coffee shop.

Bryce DeBoer, Mathematics Teacher

Bryce holds a Master’s degree in Math Education from Towson University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from St. Lawrence University. He comes to us from neighboring St. Paul’s School for Boys, where he recently served as the Mathematics Department Chair. He has led comprehensive initiatives including curriculum redesign across multiple subjects, departmental transitions from IB to AP standards, and mentorship for teaching staff. In addition to teaching a wide range of math courses, Bryce has served as a coach and advisor, launching the school’s indoor track program and coaching football teams across JV and varsity levels. His leadership extended to community initiatives like Middle Grades Partnership, where he taught project-based math integrating financial literacy, data science, and DEI concepts to Baltimore students. His commitment to inclusive education and student development is reflected in both his classroom strategies and extracurricular mentorship. In his spare time, Bryce enjoys exploring Baltimore with his nine-year-old rescue buddy and trying new restaurants in Baltimore City.

George Hopkins ’88, Mathematics Teacher

George is joining Gilman’s Upper School faculty as a Mathematics teacher with nearly three decades of educational and leadership experience across international and independent school settings. A graduate of the Gilman class of 1988, he returns with a rich professional background that includes teaching a broad range of math courses from Pre-Algebra to Advanced Mathematics and has served in senior administrative roles such as Dean of Students and Head of Student Affairs. George holds an MBA in International Business from Long Island University and an MSEd in Leadership in Mathematics Education from Bank Street College. In addition to teaching Mathematics, George is a passionate coach, leading lacrosse and football teams at both high school and collegiate levels. George has been honored twice as Coach of the Year and has guided most of his teams to post-season play and a state championship. George and his wife are thrilled to be back in Baltimore, along with their 20-month baby girl, they have been enjoying Charm City and everything it has to offer, especially the waterfront walking.

William Smythe, History Teacher

William joins Gilman’s Upper School History department with a rich interdisciplinary background in government, French, and historical research. William graduated with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, holding degrees in Government and French. He spent the last year as a Hardy Fellow at the Bryanston School in Dorset, England, teaching American Politics and British History while helping to oversee a boarding house of 60 boys. During his undergraduate career, William was engaged in campus activities such as serving as a writer for the Virginia Cavaliers on Sports Illustrated, a student researcher for the U.Va. Media Studies Department, and a Student Manager for the Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team. William is fluent in French and deeply engaged with both the academic and extracurricular lives of students. In his free time, he enjoys watching college sports, specifically Virginia basketball, and loves to play golf and tennis.

Anthony “Rich” Heffron, History Teacher

Rich joins Gilman with extensive experience in global history education, religious studies, and Middle Eastern history. He has previously taught at the secondary and post-secondary levels, including positions at Mercersburg Academy, Ithaca College, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. At Mercersburg, Rich taught Ancient Mediterranean World, World History, World Religions, and electives on the modern Middle East. He also contributed to campus life as a dorm parent, adviser, and coach of the cross country and track teams. Rich is currently pursuing a Ph.D. In Islamic History at the University of Chicago, where he also earned a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies. During his graduate studies, Rich lived abroad in Yemen, Syria, Egypt, and Germany, and published scholarship in the Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity, Penguin Book of Exorcisms, and Encyclopaedia of Islam. In his free time, Rich loves spending time with his family, reading, and running races of all distances.

Nazeé Wright, Upper School Counselor

Nazeé is a dedicated Professional School Counselor with experience in supporting student success in academic, personal, and career development. He holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Canisius University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from SUNY Buffalo State University. Nazeé has been a proud member of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. since 2017. He most recently served as a School Counselor and Department Chair in Prince George’s County Public Schools. In this role, he implemented a comprehensive data-driven counseling program and collaborated with colleagues across departments to promote achievement and student well-being. Nazeé has also worked as a classroom counselor at the Co-op School and Just For Kids School Age Programs, where he developed and delivered curricula that support social-emotional learning and supervised students in educational settings.

Denzell Walker, Academic Coach

Denzell Walker is a passionate and experienced youth development leader dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people, particularly those in underserved communities. At Project Pneuma, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, he served as Director of Programs, where he led a team in designing and delivering holistic programming focused on academic enrichment, emotional intelligence, physical wellness, and leadership development. His work supported the growth and well-being of more than 150 students annually, fostering strong school partnerships and family engagement along the way. Denzell earned his B.A. in Strategic and Corporate Communications with a Business minor from Susquehanna University, where he was named the Most Outstanding Student in Corporate Communications. His leadership is grounded in data-informed strategy, culturally responsive practices, and a deep commitment to mentorship. He is also a proud alum of both the Center for Urban Families’ Practitioners Leadership Institute and the Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute. He will continue to champion youth empowerment as an Academic Coach in the Upper School, helping students navigate their personal and academic journeys with confidence and purpose.

Owen Edwards, Long-Term Substitute English Teacher

Owen joins Gilman as a dedicated educator, writer, and scholar with a strong foundation in English and Philosophy, graduating summa cum laude from Towson University. Owen most recently taught English at Archbishop Curley High School, where he fosters student growth through dynamic, voice-driven writing instruction and deep textual analysis. His previous experience includes tutoring at the Towson University Writing Center, as well as customer service at the Ivy Bookshop. A published writer and prose editor for Hominum Journal, Owen combines academic rigor with a passion for mentorship, creative expression, and community engagement. In his free time, Owen enjoys running, following baseball, and planning literary events around Baltimore.

Athletics

Abel “Mickey” Watson, Varsity Soccer Coach

Mickey is joining Gilman as our Varsity Soccer Coach, bringing over eight years of coaching and leadership experience, as well as a distinguished background as a Division I student-athlete at Loyola University Maryland and Syracuse University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Political Science from Loyola and is working to complete a Master of Arts in Sports Management from Syracuse University. Mickey also has his UEFA B Coaching Certificate. Mickey has coached competitive boys’ varsity and club teams across several schools and organizations, including Episcopal Academy, Friends School of Baltimore, The Phelps School, and Radnor Soccer Club, where he also served as the Social Media Coordinator. His coaching philosophy centers on holistic athlete development, and he brings strong expertise in athlete recruitment, academic support, and community engagement.

Teaching Fellows

Madeleine Grabarczyk, Upper School Callard Penn Fellow, Classics

Madeleine is a recent graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where she received a dual Bachelor of Arts in Classics and English, with a strong academic focus on ancient languages, Arabic, and interdisciplinary humanities research. She brings experience from multiple research initiatives, including Latin pedagogy projects and the study of Greco-Roman mosaics, and has contributed to digital education platforms like Race Against Time. Madeleine is a two-time recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship for Arabic, with immersive study in Morocco and Jordan, and has also participated in the Paideia Institute’s Living Latin in Paris program. She has held leadership, tutoring, and curriculum development roles, and is passionate about language accessibility, global education, and student advocacy.

Julia Kidd, Middle School and Upper School Foreman Fellow, Art

Julia is a visual artist and educator coming to us from Houston, Texas. She holds an MFA in Painting from the University of Houston and a BA in Art History and Studio Art from Rice University, where she graduated cum laude with Distinction in Research and Creative Works. She has taught a range of studio and art history courses, developing curricula, leading critiques, and organizing public workshops that center community engagement. Beyond teaching, Julia’s experience includes director, curatorial and education roles at Thornwood Gallery in Houston, the Blaffer Art Museum, and the Moody Center for the Arts. Her artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions across Texas, and she brings to Gilman a passion for creative exploration, collaborative learning, and helping students develop their unique artistic voice.

William McCall, Middle School Cooper Penn Fellow, Language Arts

William is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator entering the teaching profession as a Penn Fellow, where he will be teaching Language Arts in the Middle School. A recent graduate of Georgetown University with a B.A. in English, William brings a strong academic background along with a passion for storytelling, critical thinking, and student empowerment. During his time at Georgetown, he served as a writing tutor, helping students strengthen their academic and creative work. He served as columnist and Arts & Culture senior editor for The Hoya, the university’s newspaper of record. Outside of the classroom, William has led K-6 students as a chess coach and previously served as a legislative aid and field director in Colorado. In his spare time, William enjoys hiking and watching horror movies.

Johannes Lichtman, Upper School Tickner Writing Center Fellow

Johannes is a celebrated novelist and experienced educator with over five years of experience teaching at the university level, now bringing his expertise to his role as a Language Arts educator. Johannes holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, an MA in Literature, Culture, and Media from Lund University in Sweden, and a BA in English from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is the author of two acclaimed novels: Calling Ukraine (2023) and Such Good Work (2019), the latter earning him a National Book Foundation “5 Under 35” honor. His fiction and essays have appeared in The Sun, Foreign Policy, Travel + Leisure, The Paris Review Daily, and other publications, and his work has been covered by The New York Times, Vanity Fair, LitHub, and The New Yorker. A passionate mentor and editor, Johannes will be joining Gilman to help students explore literature, develop their voices, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Taniya Bogier, Bridges Public Service Fellow

With a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Howard University, Taniya is joining Gilman as the Bridges Public Service Fellow. At Howard, Taniya has distinguished herself through academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List six times and being honored with prestigious awards such as the John R. Lewis Good Trouble Scholarship and Alain Locke Scholars Award. Her experience spans legal, educational, and advocacy work: she has served as a legal intern in Baltimore, a Teaching Fellow in criminal justice, and a policy fellow at D.C. Action, where she researched youth justice and education equity. Taniya brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to student success. In her free time, Taniya enjoys watching movies, reading books, hiking and creating playlists.

Staff

Advancement

Marianne Pfeffer, Major Gifts Officer

Marianne is a dynamic fundraising and sales professional with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth across education, media, and insurance sectors. She joins us after recently serving as the Director of Special Gifts at Maryvale Preparatory School, where she led major donor initiatives, capital campaigns, and community engagement strategies. Her career spans high-impact leadership roles at The Baltimore Sun Media Group, Zurich Insurance, and the Baltimore Business Journal. Marianne is known for her motivational leadership, relationship-building expertise, and results-driven approach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from the University of Baltimore.

Anne Malone, Director of Advancement Services

Anne is a seasoned Advancement Services professional with over 17 years of experience in nonprofit database management, donor relations, and fundraising operations. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Mass Communications from Towson University. She most recently served as the Director of Advancement Services at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation. There, she led strategic data operations for a donor base exceeding 50,000 constituents. Her expertise spans database administration, wealth screening, prospect research, event planning, and philanthropic reporting, with deep proficiency in Raiser’s Edge and related platforms.

Buildings and Grounds

Phillip “Robbie” Wright ‘06, Director of Safety and Security

Robbie is returning to Gilman School as the Director of Safety and Security. He brings over a decade of law enforcement experience and a strong background in team leadership, threat assessment, and crisis response. As a Baltimore County Police Department Corporal, he has led recruitment and background investigations for sworn and civilian positions and supervised field operations across multiple precincts. Robbie also brings ten years of coaching experience with Gilman’s Track and Field program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hofstra University. His professional skills span surveillance systems, emergency preparedness, team leadership, and community engagement. In his free time, Robbie enjoys traveling to different parts of the world. He believes seeing places that are not next door to us givesa perspective that is valuable for our lives.

Marketing & Communications

Lauren Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Lauren joined the Marketing and Communications team this spring as an accomplished graphic designer and visual storyteller with over 15 years of experience across arts, education, nonprofit, and commercial sectors. She came to Gilman after serving as the Senior Graphic Designer at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. Lauren has also held design roles at the Orlando Science Center, Barn Light Electric, and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Her work spans digital and print media, photography, UX design, and team membership. She holds a B.A. in Graphic Design and Art History from San Diego State University and has been recognized by the Southeast Museum of Photography and the Orlando Museum of Art for her creative achievements.

Community, Inclusion, and Equity

Aliya Reveley, Program and Engagement Coordinator

Aliya holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She brings a rich background in public health administration and program coordination, with a focus on community engagement and equity-driven initiatives. She comes to us after serving as a Project Administrator at the Baltimore City Health Department, where she managed a multimillion-dollar Office of Minority Health grant, orchestrated strategic outreach, and led data reporting and analysis. Her previous role as Director of Special Projects at Beneficial Pain saw her implement impactful resource distribution campaigns and organize large-scale community events. Aliya also contributed to youth development and racial equity research through her work with Growing Girls Inc. and a fellowship with Baltimore Corps. She is adept in grant administration, stakeholder mobilization, budget oversight, and mission-driven programming. In her free time, Aliya enjoys traveling and trying new recipes as a home chef.

Student Safety Oversight

Jahmoni Bartee, Administrative Assistant

Jahmoni is a dynamic and mission-driven professional with a strong background in program management, student support, and educational development. She holds a B.A. in Public Policy Studies with a minor in Educational Studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has recently completed an M.S. in Learning Design and Technology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. At KIPP Baltimore, Jahmoni has led college and career readiness initiatives, supporting over 180 high school students through strategic advising, data-driven programming, and cross-functional collaboration. Jahmoni joined our Student Safety Oversight office as the administrative assistant, where she leverages her organizational skills, communication strengths, and attention to detail.

Information and Innovation

Joshua Johnson, Support Services Administrator

Joshua joined our Information and Innovation team as the Support Services Administrator in the fall of 2024. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Towson University and brings a strong background in marketing, customer service, account management, and e-commerce operations. He has held multiple roles at Under Armour, where he managed high-profile athlete accounts, coordinated product distribution, and oversaw inventory and budget processes. Joshua currently serves as an assistant varsity basketball coach and the discus coach for our track and field program, continuing his passion for athletics through mentorship and coaching.