About Us
Faculty & Staff
Faculty members are carefully chosen from qualified teachers who are dedicated to academic excellence and the development of the whole child. In addition to prior experience, they are trained to implement Westminster’s program within its environment of small classes, consistent classroom management, and individual student attention. Teachers are selected on the basis of broad educational background and affinity with Westminster’s philosophy, plus training and ability in their particular subject area. All Westminster teachers have at least a Bachelor’s degree, with many also holding advanced degrees.
Westminster School is proud of its high-quality staff. In addition to professional credentials and experience, Westminster seeks individuals who are kind, loving, enthusiastic, dedicated, articulate and creative, and who can serve as outstanding personal role models for our students.
Leadership
Nancy Schuler
Head of School
Nancy SchulerHead of SchoolMEd in Independent School Leadership, George Mason University, BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Business, George Mason UniversityWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?Westminster School is unique because of our classical approach to education, which fosters confident, articulate, and inquisitive young people, and because of our beautifully diverse community.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…In the Outer Banks, NC any time I can get there! My favorite time is spent with family around a big table just enjoying each other's company.
Kathryn Jacobson
Assistant Head of School, 8th Grade History Teacher
Kathryn JacobsonAssistant Head of School, 8th Grade History TeacherM.A. in Teaching of Secondary Social Studies, Columbia University Teachers College, BA in Political Science and American History, Washington and Lee UniversityWhat do you value most about working at Westminster?I am grateful to work at a school where the students are excited about learning and respect their teachers, and the parents work in partnership with the faculty, a support which enables us collectively to achieve what we do. I get to work alongside colleagues who are deeply invested in a shared mission to raise our students to the greatest heights as honorable and knowledgeable people through our classical curriculum. I am inspired daily by the dedication, creativity, and intelligence of the Westminster staff.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Reading a book with my cat curled up next to me!
Charlotte Foster
Director of Curriculum and Publications, English Teacher, Upper School Team Leader, English Dept. Chair
Charlotte FosterDirector of Curriculum and Publications, English Teacher, Upper School Team Leader, English Dept. ChairEdD in Educational Leadership & Org Innovation, Marymount Univ. MA, Teaching of Writing & Literature, George Mason UniversityWhat inspires you to teach what you teach?I enjoy helping to make classic literature more accessible to the students and watching when they fall in love with the novels. They move on to high school so well prepared, and it's the most gratifying part of my job.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…At my beach house in Rehoboth!
Kari Mock
Director of Campus Operations and Auxillary Programming
Kari MockDirector of Campus Operations and Auxillary ProgrammingAD in Occupational Sciences, Johnson and Wales University, BS in Occupational Sciences, Johnson and Wales UniversityWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?The Eighth Grade Dinner is an important tradition for the graduating class. It allows the students to reminisce about their year with each other, their upper school instructors, and administrators while preparing for Graduation the following day. This is the final event that binds friendships and the class together.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Hiking, reading, putting puzzles together and crocheting
Kevin Crook
Director of Multimedia & Technology
Kevin CrookDirector of Multimedia & TechnologyBS in New Media Arts and Technology, Rochester Institute of TechnologyWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?I love that no two days are quite the same. Whether I’m capturing a school event, working on a production, or bringing a new creative idea to life, I get to see firsthand what makes the Westminster community so special.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…On the golf course, traveling, or relaxing with my cats.
Lauren Cowles
Development Project Coordinator
Lauren CowlesDevelopment Project CoordinatorBA in Communication Studies, Christopher Newport UniversityWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?What truly sets Westminster apart is our deep commitment to developing the whole person. We care deeply about academic excellence, but we also believe in cultivating students of strong character, confidence, and integrity—students who are prepared not only to succeed in the classroom, but to go out into the world and make a meaningful difference.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me going on an adventure with my husband, trying out a new recipe, watching reality TV, or snuggling with my cat, Cookie!
Sara Caltrider
Registrar, Human Resources Manager & Bookkeeper
Sara CaltriderRegistrar, Human Resources Manager & BookkeeperBA in Administration, Marymount UniversityWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?I love seeing the children in the plays and music programs. It's heartwarming to see the bonds and camaraderie formed with one another. I just love to witness and watch their individual personalities shine and develop through the years!Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Cooking and enjoying time with my family and friends.
Erin Van Bevers
Executive Administrative Assistant & Assistant to the Head of School
Erin Van BeversExecutive Administrative Assistant & Assistant to the Head of SchoolBS in Communications, Castleton UniversityWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?Westminster helps students achieve academic success through a classical education that broadens their view of the world. By holding students to high standards, it prepares them to become responsible, well-rounded people of substance.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…With people I love and/or in the outdoors.
Preschool
Kristine Lee
Preschool Director, Builders Club Sponsor
Kristine LeePreschool Director, Builders Club SponsorBA in Lieberal Studies, Marymount UniversityWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?I think my favorite event was the opening of the new field and playground plaza. Having been at the school since the idea of the field was a dream, seeing it come to fruition is quite special. I will always remember the faces on the children when they heard the news that the field was open and the ribbon was cut. The sight was priceless! The field of dreams certainly has exceeded my expectations!Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Reading a book, relaxing with my dogs, watching sports, or road tripping to Richmond and Durham to visit my girls.
Laura Reynolds
Preschool Lead Teacher, 3-Year-Olds
Laura ReynoldsPreschool Lead Teacher, 3-Year-OldsBS in Healthy and Safety, Human Development and Family Studies, Indiana UniversityWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?My favorite tradition is Reading Buddy Day with the preschool and 2nd grade. The personal connections they make carry on through the year.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Running on a park trail or supporting the local farmers' market.
Lower School
Amy Bowab
Math & Science Teacher
Amy BowabMath & Science TeacherAD in Child Development, National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenWhat inspires you to teach what you teach?Working with the younger students makes me so happy! I love watching them come into themselves, gain confidence, and walk through the day with those big smiles on their faces. It’s the little moments in life that often make the biggest impact.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…At home with my husband and dogs!
John Branum
2nd Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
John Branum2nd Grade Language Arts & Social Studies TeacherMEd in Curriculum & Instruction, George Mason University, BA in History, and Minor in Political Science, James Madison UniversityWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?I love the way Westminster's many traditions and events help lay the foundation of strong character and global citizenship. I'm particularly drawn to the teamwork, commitment, creativity, and bravery it takes to put on a class play in front of the school community. The class plays are experiences the students will never forget!Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Outside of Westminster you can usually find me chauffeuring my teenage daughter to her many equestrian events. When I am not wearing my dad hat I can often be found shooting pool in a local pool hall, hitting golf balls at the range, or strumming one of my guitars.
Julie Farrell
Math & Science Teacher
Julie FarrellMath & Science TeacherBS in Psychology, University of South FloridaWhat do you value most about working at Westminster?I value teaching at Westminster School because of the strong sense of community. I truly appreciate being part of a school where admin, teachers, students, and families work together to create a positive environment.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food, exploring new places, and making the most of my free time.
Sylvie Peev
French Teacher, Language Dept. Chair
Sylvie PeevFrench Teacher, Language Dept. ChairAD in Business, Chambre de Commerce de Lyon, AD in Physical Education, Unite de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et SportivesWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?Westminster is unique because of the diversity of students and families coming together to create a wonderful community based on classical education.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Exercising, dancing, hiking, gardening, cooking and shopping for all of these!
Middle School
Taryn Ellmyer
Math Teacher
Taryn EllmyerMath TeacherBS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Social Sciences and English, Radford UniversityWhat impact do you hope to have on your students as their teacher?I hope to inspire my students to see themselves as capable, confident mathematicians who are willing to take risks, persevere through challenges, and learn from their mistakes. I want to instill a love of math and make them aware that math is all around them in their everyday lives.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…In the Outer Banks with my family and my 4 Golden Retrievers or watching the Bengals play football.-
Sylvie Peev
French Teacher, Language Dept. Chair
Sylvie PeevFrench Teacher, Language Dept. ChairAD in Business, Chambre de Commerce de Lyon, AD in Physical Education, Unite de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et SportivesWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?Westminster is unique because of the diversity of students and families coming together to create a wonderful community based on classical education.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Exercising, dancing, hiking, gardening, cooking and shopping for all of these! 
Samantha Smith
English & Language Arts Teacher, Team Leader
Samantha SmithEnglish & Language Arts Teacher, Team LeaderBS in Justice Studies (Minor in Music Industry), James Madison UniversityWhat inspires you to teach what you teach?The classic novels that I have the privilege to teach challenge the students to appreciate elevated writing, descriptive language, and expert storytelling. The class discussions surrounding the books we read are rewarding, inspiring me to teach.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…At spin class biking away or singing in my car.
Upper School
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Charlotte Foster
Director of Curriculum and Publications, English Teacher, Upper School Team Leader, English Dept. Chair
Charlotte FosterDirector of Curriculum and Publications, English Teacher, Upper School Team Leader, English Dept. ChairEdD in Educational Leadership & Org Innovation, Marymount Univ. MA, Teaching of Writing & Literature, George Mason UniversityWhat inspires you to teach what you teach?I enjoy helping to make classic literature more accessible to the students and watching when they fall in love with the novels. They move on to high school so well prepared, and it's the most gratifying part of my job.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…At my beach house in Rehoboth! -
Kathryn Jacobson
Assistant Head of School, 8th Grade History Teacher
Kathryn JacobsonAssistant Head of School, 8th Grade History TeacherM.A. in Teaching of Secondary Social Studies, Columbia University Teachers College, BA in Political Science and American History, Washington and Lee UniversityWhat do you value most about working at Westminster?I am grateful to work at a school where the students are excited about learning and respect their teachers, and the parents work in partnership with the faculty, a support which enables us collectively to achieve what we do. I get to work alongside colleagues who are deeply invested in a shared mission to raise our students to the greatest heights as honorable and knowledgeable people through our classical curriculum. I am inspired daily by the dedication, creativity, and intelligence of the Westminster staff.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Reading a book with my cat curled up next to me! 
Linnea Shapter
History Teacher, Grades 6 - 7, Latin Teacher, Grades 7-8
Linnea ShapterHistory Teacher, Grades 6 - 7, Latin Teacher, Grades 7-8MA in Medieval History, King's College London, BA in History (minors in English and Geography), University of California, Los AngelesWhat do you value most about working at Westminster?I believe one of the most valuable aspects of Westminster School is the diversity of our community. We have students of so many different backgrounds, religions, and philosophies, offering their unique perspectives to classroom discussions and overall Westminster life. I feel so fortunate that I get to share my two passions, history and Latin, with this beautiful group of children everyday.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Running through the streets of D.C., writing, exploring music in different languages, and spending time with my friends and family.
Alexa Uhrmacher
Math Teacher, Grades 6-8, Math Department Chair, MathCounts Sponsor
Alexa UhrmacherMath Teacher, Grades 6-8, Math Department Chair, MathCounts SponsorBA in Education and Math from UNC Chapel Hill, MA in Teaching Mathematics from Providence CollegeWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?One thing that makes Westminster School unique is that even though we have subject-specific teachers who are passionate about their fields, every teacher's first priority is to encourage the child's humanity and character development. As much as I love math and am thrilled to foster an appreciation for Algebra and Geometry in my students, I am even more invested in helping students become kind, respectful, tolerant, and independent through having intentional conversations, holding high standards, and introducing them to excellent events and opportunities.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me playing sports with my three-year-old, reading, or cooking.
Specials
NaKyung Ahn
Art Teacher
NaKyung AhnArt TeacherBFA in Fine Art and Art Education, Corcoran School of the Arts and DesignWhat impact do you hope to have on your students as their teacher?I hope my students see art as a journey of self-discovery and growth, not just a way to make something beautiful. Through creativity, mistakes, and challenges, I want them to build confidence, take risks, and develop their own unique voice. Most of all, I hope they find joy in growing, not only as artists, but as individuals.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Enjoying time in nature with my family, with a nice cup of coffee in hand!
Matthew Locke
Music Teacher, Choral Director, Specials Team Leader, Arts Department Chair
Matthew LockeMusic Teacher, Choral Director, Specials Team Leader, Arts Department ChairBM (Bachelor of Music) in Music Education, Nazareth College of RochesterWhat is one thing that makes Westminster School unique?One thing that makes Westminster School unique is that every student, in all grades, participates in the performing arts. As a music teacher who has been surrounded by music since childhood, I've seen firsthand how impactful this experience can be. Over the years, we watch students grow in confidence as they take the stage in a variety of ways, whether acting, singing, or dancing in a play, giving a speech, or performing a solo. Those moments of courage on stage often carry over into the classroom and beyond, helping students find their voices in everything they do!Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Spending time with friends and family, searching for the best chai latte, supporting local bookstores and rooting for the Buffalo Bills!
Kristin Sawyer
Resource Teacher
Kristin SawyerResource TeacherMEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Elementary Education, George Mason University, BA in Integrative Studies, Specializing in Elementary Education PK-Grade 6, George Mason University,What do you value most about working at Westminster?What I value most about working at Westminster is being part of my students’ lives and watching them grow as learners and as people. I especially love helping them grow as readers, build confidence, discover a love for books, and find their voice. Knowing I have played a part in their growth and getting to celebrate their successes with them is what makes Westminster so meaningful to me.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…Outside of Westminster, you can find me spending time with my family, reading, and enjoying cozy days at home with my pets and my new baby boy.
Gary Sockwell
Physical Education Teacher
Gary SockwellPhysical Education TeacherWhat is your favorite Westminster tradition or event?Sports Day is so much fun because it brings the entire school together for a mix of competition, teamwork, excitement, and a break from the usual everyday school routine.Outside of Westminster, you can usually find me…You can find me working in the community and coaching in the DMV.
Maintenance
Ivan Candanoza
Custodial Supervisor & Maintenance Assistant
Pavel Dasek
Head of Maintenance
Bus Drivers
Dudley Davidson
Bus Driver
Rhonda Williams
Bus Driver