Kindergarten
Mrs. Hoffmann
Kindergarten Teacher
Hometown: Potomac, MD
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Education: Mount St. Mary's University - K-8 Elementary Education Degree, K-12 Special Education Degree
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love to shape the minds of future leaders.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? I approach each child individually to make sure that all of their needs are met.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? You can always walk into the kindergarten classroom and find us busy in a hands-on lesson that is sure to engage every type of learner.
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Fun Facts: In my free time, I love to take my dog, Wilson, on walks. I also love to bake, gluten free of course!
Mrs. Giblin
Kindergarten Aide
Hometown: Vestal, NY
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Education: SUNY, Binghamton - BS
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What makes you passionate about teaching? I love when I see children having success with something they might be struggling with and how happy it makes them.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
I stay calm and have an understanding of the children’s needs and wants.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would find a positive environment with children engaged in the activity we are working on, but of course a little bit of chaos also.
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Fun Facts: I enjoy exercising and reading.
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First Grade
Mrs. Kashatus
1st Grade Teacher
Hometown: Valhalla, New York
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Education: The Catholic University - BS, Nursing, Johns Hopkins University - Masters in Teaching
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What makes you passionate about teaching? I experience great joy watching little people learn! I feel incredibly fortunate in this job. My first career was in critical care nursing, taking care of patients and families during the most difficult experiences in their lives. Working with first graders is completely opposite. I get to take part in their sense of wonder as they learn about their world. They provide the greatest hope - and I get to laugh every day!
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? Every child is a gift from God and it is my job to see the light in each of them. I want them to know they are loved and that I believe they are capable of great things. I believe a structured routine and clear expectations ensure success, and I work to find effective strategies to meet the needs of every learner. We build a classroom community that promotes respect and celebrates successes. We begin the year by writing a class promise and we repeat it daily.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? Busy, productive learning. I hope a visitor would notice that our students are happy, enthusiastic learners and caring people.
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Fun Facts: I began to paint with watercolors during the pandemic. I love to be out in the natural world- and I love to share this passion with children. I enjoy traveling, and especially love to visit museums and the homes of some of my favorite artists.
Second Grade
Ms. Moore
2nd Grade Teacher
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
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Education: Loyola University - BA
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
The students - they inspire me every day!
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
It is important to build a relationship with each student. I focus on building a well-rounded person, not just an academic achiever.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
They would see that we have a lot of fun in second grade!
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Fun Facts:
I was a collegiate swimmer.
Fourth Grade
Ms. Constable
4th Grade Teacher
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
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Education: Brown University - BA Psychology, Catholic University - Master's in Social Work (MSW), Notre Dame of Maryland University -Teaching Certification in Elementary Education
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
The idea that I could help a child discover their strengths as a learner and person, and potentially make a real difference in at least one child's life, is incredibly motivating, and such a privilege.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
I believe that connecting with each student is essential to helping them feel safe enough to take the risks required for growth. When students feel seen, and know they are valued and cared for, they are much more highly motivated to succeed. I foster a positive, laughter filled room, where we focus on each other's strengths.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
Hopefully, they would see a community of engaged learners, working hard together. Also a lot of laughter!
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Fun Facts:
I was trained as an opera singer and am a cantor at Mass. I love to travel everywhere, and I lived in Africa, Asia and Europe growing up. I love to hike and ride horseback.
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Sixth Grade
Mrs. Katie Danver
6th Grade Homeroom,
Middle School English
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
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Education: B.A. in English from Washington College; Masters of Humanities from Hood College; Masters of Science in Education: Teaching and Curriculum from University of Kansas
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What makes you passionate about teaching? I love helping students discover strengths and skills they never realized they had. It is such a privilege to watch young people learn and grow.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? I recognize that every student is unique and what works for one, may not work for another. I try to put myself in their shoes and find different strategies that will help students grasp new concepts.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? Students would be comfortable in their environment, communicating, listening, and actively learning. Students would be making connections with the material and learning how it applies to their everyday lives.
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Fun Facts: I played collegiate soccer. I enjoy running and being outside. I also love to bake.
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Eighth Grade
Mrs. Rebaudengo
8th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Religion,
Specialized Math Instruction
Hometown: For the last 30 years our family has resided in Germantown, MD. Our home parish is Mother Seton Parish.
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Education: American University - BSBA in Business Administration, Notre Dame of Maryland University - Leadership in Education; Hearts Aflame Certification from ADW.
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What makes you passionate about teaching? I want to make present our Lord to all my students — to teach and learn about math, science, social studies, etc. knowing and understanding that God is involved in everything.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? I believe in love, care, positivity, encouragement, and respect for one another. My students know I expect a lot from them, and that I challenge them to become the best version of themselves. At the same time, they know I give my all, that I care for them and will do everything that I can to help them.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would see an engaging environment with different ways to for students to learn. For example, in Religion, at the beginning of class a visitor will see us reading the day's Gospel, reflecting on it, and writing in our Lectio Divina journals. At other moments, a visitor may witness a game, group work, class discussion, or a creative project such as "taping interviews" with biblical characters such as Abraham, Mary, or Joseph.
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Fun Facts: My husband of more than 30-years and I volunteer in support of the Catholic Church. My son is a bilingual school teacher in New York City. My daughter is a sister of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (a.k.a. Servidoras). Some of my hobbies are Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and logic puzzles.
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Third Grade
Ms. Ligon
3rd Grade Teacher
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
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Education: University of Iowa - BS Elementary Education, Lesley University - M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love the "light bulb" a.k.a. "aha" moment... seeing the students' faces when they suddenly realize or gain full understanding of a concept.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? I believe in active listening and open communication.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would see active learning and engaged students.
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Fun Facts: I am an avid organizer.
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Fifth Grade
Mrs. Digges
5th Grade Teacher & Reading Specialist
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
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Education: St Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN - BA, Trinity College - Graduate work
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
The delight that lights up a child’s face when they make a discovery is a privilege to witness.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
Understanding my students as learners helps me ensure engagement and motivate them to find joy in learning, even when it may be challenging.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
Fun and wonder! Finding joy in reading and accessing information can be silly, serious, and awesome! My goal is to foster confidence and boost a student’s appreciation for their achievements in order for them to be life-long learners.
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Fun Facts:
I love crafting, beekeeping, and nature.
Seventh Grade
Ms. Stone
7th Grade Homeroom,
Middle School Science Teacher
Hometown: New York
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Education: University of Maryland - B.A., Trinity University - M.A.T
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What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love to share my love of learning with my students.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
To ensure success in the classroom, I build relationships with my students. I make sure the students have a say in how we learn. I make sure they know we are a team.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
If someone walked into my classroom, they would see the students having fun while learning. I try to make sure my classroom is student-centered and not teacher-directed.
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Fun Facts:
I love nature, golf, crossword puzzles, and listening to audiobooks.
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Middle School Math
Daniel Urgo
Upper School Math & Social Studies Teacher
Hometown: Potomac, MD
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Education: University of Maryland at College Park - BS in Finance, Montgomery College - Dual AA in Elementary Education and Music
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What makes you passionate about teaching? I am motivated by the opportunity to positively impact the daily lives of our students by reinforcing their respective strengths and identifying personalized strategies for challenges.
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What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom? My strategy to keep the students engaged, focused and having fun centers on maintaining a collaborative classroom, introducing ideas in varied and dynamic ways, and ensuring content is broken down and relatable.
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If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? They would encounter students as active participants, weaving independent work alongside collaborative and respectful discussions. They’d see a determined group learning together, with positive attitudes and a good bit of fun!
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Fun Facts: I am the youngest of 10 siblings and I play four different instruments - bass, drums, guitar, and piano.