Administrative Staff

I began my teaching career in Arlington Public Schools in 1991, at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. This early teaching experience helped me understand how important it is to create a small learning community (a team) that helps students feel that they belong ... and the difference one teacher can make in how connected a student feels to school and how optimistic they feel about their learning experiences. When I'm not working in school - I love spending time with my husband and two grown children, reading, and exploring the beautiful Adirondack Park or San Juan Islands. Ask me about my favorite stops in each!

I am originally from Arlington and attended APS schools from K-12. I joined Dorothy Hamm MS in 2019 and I'm excited to be part of this historical building. With over 20 years in education, I started out as a Business & Information Technology teacher before becoming an Assistant Principal at Washington-Liberty HS. My hobbies include running and spending time with my husband and two young adult sons.

I’m excited to join the terrific Administration team at DHMS, especially with the deep historical significance of our building. I’ve been an educator for over 20 years across many districts from elementary to college levels with a focus on literacy, plus 8 years as a school Administrator. I’m from RI and love the beach, running and tennis, as well as spending time with my husband, our 4 great kids and 1 crazy dog.

I am excited to return to Dorothy Hamm this year! I've completed 20 years in education and my experiences include equity, instructional coaching, gifted leadership as well as 16 years as a classroom teacher. My husband and I have 3 amazing sons, 2 sweet dogs, 1 leopard gecko, and 1 beta fish. I love football, music, and family time!

This is my 25th year in Education with 24 of those years at the middle school level. However, my degree is in Elementary Education with a middle school endorsement in English and Social Studies. I also have my master's in counseling. I began my career in Indianapolis, IN teaching junior high 9th graders in Reading. I also taught 7th and 8th grade English in Falls Church at George Mason Middle School when I moved to Virginia. Then I got the opportunity to open Mary Ellen Middle School in a leadership role as Counseling Director. After 10 years in Falls Church City Public Schools, I moved to Arlington and became the Director of Counseling at Williamsburg Middle School. When a new middle school opened in Arlington, I was fortunate enough to be part of opening Dorothy Hamm Middle School and creating a new school community that belongs and becomes!

I am originally from Edinburgh, Scotland but have lived in the US for 42 years with my husband, who is also from Scotland. We have three children, and three precious grandchildren, to date! I love old movies from the 30's and 40's, I love all kinds of music but especially vintage jazz and bluegrass. I like to sing with musicians if and when I can. I love antiques and history, especially the Civil War and so this area is perfect for me to visit sites. Agatha Christie books have always been my favorite and I have read every single one, over and over again.

I love being a part of Dorothy Hamm Middle School! I’m an Arlington native and after going away to Virginia State University while studying Special Education, I decided to come back home serve my school community. If I’m not singing my heart out at a concert or season festival, I’m spending quality time with family and friends. My favorite movie is the Polar Express and I love anything yellow or pink. I love everything about growth mindset & encouraging others to reach beyond the stars.

I'm from Bolivia, where I studied Psychology. I have 3 children and my favorite books are from Mario Vargas Llosa. In my free time, I like to exercise.

I was born and raised in Arlington. Besides being the Activities Coordinator at DHMS, I'm also a cheerleading coach at Wakefield High School. I have an amazing daughter, and in my free time I like to bake cupcakes.