New Faculty and Staff: 2024-2025

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 2024-2025, 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–5)

Alleyne "Allie" Aiken, Second Grade Homeroom Teacher

Alleyne received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduating, she spent one year as a kindergarten fellow at Greenhill School in Addison, Texas, and since then has taught lower elementary classrooms at Arlington Christian School in Atlanta, Georgia, The Academy of Scholars also in Atlanta, and Cannon School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Most recently, Alleyne joins us from Norwood School in Bethesda, Maryland, where she taught second and third grades. In addition to teaching at Norwood, she was the yearbook chair for two years, and created the weekly lower school newsletter with more than 60 children during her tenure. In addition to her teaching experience, she is also certified in Orton-Gillingham and currently obtaining her Masters in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, horseback riding, archery, playing with her little Yorkie, Miko, and dining at fantastic restaurants with her family and friends.

Jonathan Bass, Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher

With a Bachelor of Science in education and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, Jonathan joins our fourth grade team. He worked most recently at Collegiate School, an all-boys school, in New York City, as a fourth grade associate teacher. Jonathan completed his student-teaching at Greenwich Central School in Greenwich, Connecticut, in fourth grade. In addition to his bachelor's degrees, Jonathan holds a certification from New York State in elementary education. In his free time, Jonathan is most likely enjoying singing, tap dancing, and musical theater.

Alli Jordan, Third Grade Homeroom Teacher

Alli is returning to the Gilman community after taking one year off to raise her daughter. With a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of Tampa and a Master of Education with a STEM focus from the University of Maryland, Alli rejoins our third grade team. Prior to her time at Gilman, she worked at Hiseville Elementary School in Kentucky as the math interventionist, and third and fourth grade educator. Before then, she worked at Linthicum Elementary School as a third and fifth grade educator and Lanier Elementary School in Tampa, Florida, as a fifth grade teacher. In addition to her master's degree, Alli holds a Maryland advanced educators certificate in elementary education for grades 1–6 and ESOL for grades K–12. She also holds a Kentucky professional educators certification in elementary education in primary to grade 5 and ESL certification in grades K–12. In her free time, Alli loves spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. She also enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and cheering on Baltimore sports teams. Go O's!

Roselynd "Posey" Valis, Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher

Posey has extensive experience working in the lower school at McDonogh School as a kindergarten and pre-first teacher. In these roles, she also had the opportunity to be a lead teacher and mentor for new teachers. Posey's leadership experiences extend outside of the classroom as well with committee work, such as Literacy Department Faculty Advisory Committee, Student Wellness Committee, Student Support Committee, AIMS Accreditation, and Playful Learning Committee Co-Chair. Prior to McDonogh, Posey worked as an early elementary teacher, a librarian and reading specialist, and special education classroom teacher at The Park School of Baltimore, The Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City, and Piedmont Elementary School in Charleston, West Virginia, respectively. In addition to being a graduate of the University of Colorado and Boulder Journey School with a Master of Arts in innovative early childhood and a Reggio Emelia concentration, she also earned a Master of Arts from Lesley College Graduate School in Education and Early Childhood Certification in Cambridge, Massachusetts, grades K-3. Posey also attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science. She holds a Certification in Reading Recovery, Triple Certification in Learning Disabilities, and Special Education from Marshall University Graduate College in Charleston, West Virginia. Leaning into play, Posey 'plays' in Cape May, New Jersey in the summers with her family and friends, loves to walk the nearby Stony Run paths, and enjoys learning new things.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Albina Denisyuk, French and Spanish Teacher

Albina is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a Bachelor of Arts in modern language and linguistics. She also completed a Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration on secondary education at Towson University. Albina has extensive teaching experience in the local area teaching French or Spanish over her career at Harford Day School and John Carroll School. In addition, Albina enjoyed international travel and experiences as she spent eight years as a language assistant for French public schools in the Aix-Marseille district in France, and recently traveled to Central and South America touring Mexico, Argentina, and Peru. In her free time, she enjoys taking photos and walking in the park.

Matt Filardi, Social Studies Teacher

Matt joined our Middle School Social Department early last fall. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Georgia. His prior teaching experience includes teaching middle school ELA at Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School and the Academy for College and Career Exploration both in Baltimore, Maryland. Matt has extensive experience leading youth programs as Youth Group Leader at Sparrow's Nest, a mentoring program in Athens, Georgia, and on the Child's Relations Committee with UGA Hero's, an organization that provides enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Most notable is his participation in the Boy Scouts of America, where he was not only a mentor for other Scouts but achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. His spouse, Shreya, started working in the College Counseling Office this past spring.

Thomas Hochla, Director of Middle School Music

With experience as a classroom teacher, piano accompanist, and music director, Thomas is joining our Middle School music department. In the classroom, Thomas most recently taught in the APEX Arts Program at Wiley H. Bates Middle School in Annapolis, Maryland, and has intern experience at Phelps Luck Elementary School, Northfield Elementary School, and Glenelg High School in Howard County Public Schools. At Towson University, Baltimore School for the Arts, and Mike's Music, he has accompanied modern dance, ballet, and voice performances, in addition to teaching private voice and piano. His directing covers a wide area as he was Director of Music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption in Baltimore, Maryland, Choir Director/Assistant Director of Music at Region Ten Catholic Youth Conference, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Organist and Choir Director at Zion Episcopal Church in Wappingers Falls, New York. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Vassar College as well as a Master's of Vocal Performance from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. When not teaching music, you might find Thomas in the yoga studio at CorePower Yoga, on stage performing in local productions, or taking hikes with his beagle, Beauregard.

Alasia McDonald, Language Arts Teacher

With a Master of Arts from Loyola University Maryland in curriculum and instruction for social justice and a Bachelor of Science from Towson University in English secondary education, Alasia comes to Gilman from St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, serving as a sixth and eighth grade language arts teacher. In addition, a self-proclaimed technophile, Alasia served as the Technology Coordinator as well, which involved her attending to infrastructure as well as instructional aspects of technology at St. Ignatius.

Desvan Moody, Middle School Counselor

Desvan received a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from York College of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in school counseling from Loyola University Maryland. His most recent experiences are at KIPP Forward at KIPP Baltimore where he was the Associate Director, and prior to that role, Manager of College Persistence. Concurrently, he worked as a professional school counselor with the Baltimore County Public Schools. Prior to working at KIPP, Desvan worked at Baltimore City College as a college counselor and at Gettysburg College and York College as an admissions officer. In his free time, he enjoys reading, staying active, traveling, and exploring culinary arts. Desvan is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he continues to demonstrate his dedication to community service and advocacy.

Danilo Piana, Latin Teacher

Danilo holds a Master of Arts in classics from Johns Hopkins University, where he is currently completing his Ph.D. Before moving to America, he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Università di Genova in Italy, his native country. For the past five years, Danilo has enjoyed helping students as an executive function coach, while also maintaining a presence in academia by lecturing at local colleges and universities, such as the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Loyola University. As a graduate student at Hopkins, Danilo has been very involved in various aspects of campus life in the areas of health and fitness instruction, research, and diversity. When he is not busy teaching or writing, Danilo is usually thinking about words, listening to music, reading, cooking, or working out.

Hetta Saatman, Science Teacher

Hetta is joining our Middle School Science Department after earning her Bachelor of Science in education from Drexel University and spending the last year working towards completing (anticipated completion fall of 2024) a Master of Education in sports coaching leadership from Drexel as well. Hetta was a four-year player for the Drexel women's basketball team where she was recognized for her accomplishments on and off the court in the areas of academics and community service. Most notable was her selection as team captain during her senior year. While working towards her master's, she continued to play basketball at Drexel and was heavily involved in coaching and mentoring young basketball players in the fundamentals of the game and leadership skills.

Upper School (Grades 9–12)

Kirsten Anastasio, English Teacher

Kirsten completed her Bachelor of Arts in economics with a minor in American Studies at Fordham University in Bronx, New York, and earned a Master in Education with a dual certification in special education and secondary ELA at Johns Hopkins University. Most recently, Kirsten taught English and creative writing at Western High School, an all-girls school in the Baltimore City Public School System, where she focused on instruction to 11th and 12th graders. Kirsten has a wide variety of educational experiences before becoming a full-time classroom teacher. She worked as a resident teacher for sixth and seventh grades at Lillie May Carroll Jackson School as part of the Urban Teachers program, she was a seminar facilitator at Notre Dame of Maryland for Focus on College Understanding and Success (FOCUS) and acted as Community Engagement Fellow/Elective Teacher at ACE Leadership High School as part of Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Sam Sims, Mathematics Teacher

Sam spent the last year as a substitute teacher at our neighboring school, Friends School of Baltimore, teaching across all three divisions and providing extra support to teachers. Prior to this role, he received awards and accolades for his work teaching at the collegiate level. His experiences span teaching philosophy and formal logic at Florida State University to teaching critical thinking and working in a couple of different neuroimaging labs at Georgia State University. Sam has completed the coursework for a Doctor of Philosophy from Florida State University and holds a Master of Arts in philosophy from Georgia State University. He spent his undergraduate years at Wake Forest University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in math and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy with honors. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife, Toni, and their cat, Min Min, and messing around with computers.

Athletics

Kevin Boland '00, Physical Education

Kevin returns to his alma mater after teaching physical education for grades two through five at Glenelg Country School. In addition, he was the head coach of varsity lacrosse for four years. Prior to this experience, he was involved in lacrosse in a variety of areas as assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the University of Vermont, in charge of player development and college recruiting at Titanium Lacrosse, and as a national sales representative for OT Sports Industries, Inc. Kevin has a storied lacrosse career at Johns Hopkins University where earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He was a four-year letter winner, co-captain his senior year, and an all-American for two seasons. His successful college career was followed by an opportunity to play for the Baltimore Bayhawks from 2004-2008.

Jaren Maybin, Physical Education

With experience teaching physical education at the middle and high school levels and, most recently, working as a physical education teacher and head varsity football and track coach at Catonsville High School for six years, Jaren joins our athletic department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Iowa Wesleyan University and a Master of Art in sports and recreational management from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. He holds a Maryland State Department of Education Certification in Physical Education and Special Education. Jaren's work with students extends beyond the playing field as he has extensive experience with player development for college and established two after-school mentoring clubs: one for male students and one for South Asian students.

Teaching Fellows

Raymond Diaz-Mena, Middle School Callard Penn Fellow, Mathematics

Raymond is a graduate of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in education studies. While there, he was president of the Student Government Association and president of one of the cultural organizations on campus, Distinguished Men of Color. In addition, he was a resident assistant, math tutor, peer education facilitator, and dancer. Raymond is a graduate of The Browning School in New York City, an all-boys independent school where he was captain of the varsity fencing and track teams. He spent this past year working as an apprentice teacher at New Canaan Country School in New Canaan, Connecticut, and has summer teaching experience working at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, and The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. In his free time, he enjoys expanding his food palate, going thrifting, and working out.

Jamarya Jackson, Middle School Foreman Fellow, Science

Jamarya graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in human development and a minor in Spanish. She has extensive educational experiences as a Youth and Community Service Intern at JAMMAT Housing and Community Development Corporation in Providence, Rhode Island, Playground Manager, and SFSP Administrator in the City of Newport, Rhode Island, and substitute teacher in Prince George's County Public Schools in Forrestville, Maryland. Jamarya also has worked internationally as Program Manager and International Fellow at Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism (LEAP) in Africa Lagos, Nigeria, a nonprofit organization with a mission to produce the next generation of African leaders. In her free time, she fosters kittens with PAW rescue and enjoys baking.

Amiri Rivers-David, Upper School Cooper Penn Fellow, Science

With a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Pomona College in Claremont, California, Amiri will teach physics this school year. At Pomona, Amiri was involved in extensive research opportunities both in the physics lab, where he studied the fluid-flow dynamics of sphagnum moss, and internationally, where he traveled to Nuremberg, Germany, to study the prints of Albrecht Durer's Coat of Arms with a Skull, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, to complete sociological studies on the urban poor. Amiri is fluent in Spanish and has intermediate capabilities in Modern Sanskrit. He is also able to translate German, Latin, and Greek.

Administrators and Staff

Administrators

Stacy Hedeman, Director of Marketing and Communications

Stacy joined our Leadership Team last fall. A graduate of Syracuse University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer animation and design, Stacy most recently worked at T. Rowe Price in Baltimore for 20 years where she steadily was promoted from Senior Designer to Executive Vice President: Associate Creative Director, and then to Vice President: Account Director. Her last position at T. Rowe Price was Vice President in Marketing and Operations for Retirement Plan Services, where she focused on data-driven digital marketing and rebranding materials and content. Stacy started her career as a graphic designer at Young & Rubicam in New York City and spent time as an instructor at the Maryland Institute College of Art teaching graphic design and applications of publishing software. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and grown sons, sailing, and taking long walks.

Advancement

Elizabeth Bond, Director of Prospect Management and Research

Elizabeth joins the Advancement team after spending most of her career working in development as a research analyst, individual giving officer, or project manager. Most recently, she worked at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, as a Prospect Researcher, where she created a prospect research and management system in support of their $50 million capital campaign. Early in her career, Elizabeth worked at the National Geographic Society, Enterprise Community Partners (Formerly The Enterprise Foundation), and Baltimore School for the Arts. Elizabeth is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston, where she received a Master of Library Science in archives management, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art from the University of Maryland College Park. In addition to a K-12 Art Education Certification from Towson University, she also studied abroad for one semester at the Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence, Italy.

Riley Campbell '09, Associate Director of Annual Giving

Riley comes to us from Franklin Templeton in Baltimore where he was Business Analyst focusing primarily on providing analytical and project management support for departments across the firm. Prior to that, Riley has worked at several organizations in client-facing roles with one notable position at PwC Ireland as a Client Account Administrator in Dublin, Ireland. He received a Bachelor of Arts in business management from Washington College and is a 2009 graduate of Gilman. In his free time, he attends as many concerts as he can, and enjoys playing, listening to, and reading about music.

Buildings and Grounds

Kelly Harrison, Director of Facilities

Kelly comes to Gilman from her role as Director of Facilities Management at Notre Dame University of Maryland, a position she held for almost three and a half years. Prior to taking on this role, she worked for two years as Director of Grounds, Fleet, Custodial Services, and Project Management and a little over a year as Facilities Manager. Kelly brings extensive experience in buildings and grounds having worked as assistant superintendent at The Sparrows Point Country Club and Dupont Country Club. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in business and professional studies and a Master of Arts in communications from Notre Dame University of Maryland.

Business

Vestine Umubyeyi, Staff Accountant

Vestine started at Gilman in the early spring after working at TEKsystems in Hanover, Pennsylvania, as a senior accounts payable associate. Prior to that, she worked at Thomasville Restoration LLC in Pasadena, Maryland, as an accounts payable analyst. Vestine has additional work experience at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Baltimore as an accounting coordinator and customer service representative. She has completed 60 hours of coursework in accounting at Community College of Baltimore County and attended high school at APADE Lycée de Kicukiro in Kigali, Rwanda. Vestine is fluent in French, Kirundi, and Kinyarwanda.

College Counseling

Shreya Filardi, Office Manager

Shreya started at Gilman in the late spring of last year. Before joining us, Shreya was an Administrative Assistant at the Towson University Institute for Well-Being. In this role, she was responsible for managing client services and working directly with practitioners on ensuring high-quality care. Prior to that experience, she taught at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore, and also completed her student teaching at Jackson County Comprehensive High School in Athens, Georgia. Shreya holds a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in world language education and Spanish education from the University of Georgia. She also holds a T-4 State of Georgia Teaching Certificate for Spanish Education (P-12). Her husband, Matt, teaches social studies in the Middle School. In their free time, they enjoy cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, going on roadtrips, and being outdoors.

Anne Mickle, Associate Director of College Counselor and English Teacher

Anne comes to Gilman from St. Paul's School for Girls where she taught humanities, history, and religion while also serving as a grade dean. Her most recent leadership experiences are at St. Timothy's School, an all-girls boarding and day school in Stevenson, Maryland. During her tenure there, she was Director of Admissions for several years before taking the role of Assistant Head of School/Director of College Counseling. Anne has extensive experience at the collegiate level where she was a College House Dean at the University of Pennsylvania and Residence Director at the University of Massachusetts. Anne attended Connecticut College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and government. In addition, she earned a Master of Arts from the Teacher College at Columbia University in administration in higher education and has a Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts in higher education administration. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, being outdoors, and traveling.

Health and Wellness

Jean Perez, Director of Wellness and Support

In August of 2007, Jean began her 18-plus-year career at Goucher College. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in health sciences from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and her Master of Science in athletic training from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, she joined the Gophers as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. After two years, Jean became Head Athletic Trainer, a position she held for six years before being appointed Head of Sports Medicine in July 2015. As inaugural Director of the Department of Student Health & Wellness, she has provided strategic leadership to the areas of Sports Medicine, Student Health Center, Campus Recreation, and Wellness Center. Jean brings extensive experiences to Gilman that not only include strategic initiatives but also designing curriculum in the areas of sexual health, student-athlete health and wellness, mental wellness, substance use, and leadership initiatives for students. Jean lives in Parkville with her husband, two daughters, and the family dog. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, gardening, trying new restaurants, and being on the water.

Information and Innovation

Zack Anderson '20, Middle School Library Assistant

Zack returns to Gilman this year as the Middle School Library Assistant. He attended Towson University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and psychology. In addition, he spent a semester abroad his junior year in Maynoonth, Ireland studying Irish Literature and Medieval Heritage at Maynooth University. Zack continued his work at Gilman in the areas of Community, Inclusion, and Equity at Towson where he was involved in LBGTQ+ organizations. Zack has spent several summers working at either the ESF or Gilman camps as a counselor with a highlight being an instructor for a Dungeons and Dragons course. He received the Redmond C. S. Finney Award at Gilman graduation and is the son of veteran Middle School Art Department Coordinator, David Anderson.

Sherry Schmidt, Upper School Librarian

Sherry is joining us from her most recent position as a library media specialist at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Before that position, she was a consulting teacher for BCPS, which involved mentoring first-year teachers, performing observations, and creating instructional programming district-wide. Sherry's prior experiences also include being an English teacher in the BCPS and the Prince William County School District in Virginia. Sherry graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and earned a Master of Arts in English literature from George Mason University. In addition, she holds certifications in Secondary English Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Library Media Specialist from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Outside of the library and classroom, she enjoys coaching golf, rugby and wrestling, reading, crocheting, golfing, and playing soccer.