Everyone at Springdale has a heart for learning, leading, and teaching. Springdale teachers are as diverse as they are distinguished, coming from schools all over the country and bringing their specific areas of expertise to match their individual instructional methodologies.
All have the skills to teach all learners and embrace our holistic approach. Their keen understanding of the subjects they teach and their experience in helping each child meet or exceed their academic potential makes them uniquely qualified to lead this step in the student’s educational journey.
Dr. Gerald Boarman has a long, innovative, distinguished career in education. From 2010 to 2020, he served as Head of School at Bullis School, a prominent independent K-12 school in Potomac, MD. While there, Dr. Boarman expanded student opportunities in the academic program through initiatives including signature programs in STEM, Entrepreneurship, Humanities and Global Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts, and introduced rotating class schedules, data-driven practices for personalized instruction, and project-based learning. Under his leadership, the school’s enrollment grew by over 20% and added grades K-2. He also led the school’s largest capital campaign to raise over $28 million for a 70,000 sq. ft. STEM building. Previously Dr. Boarman served as Chancellor for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics from 2000 to 2010. Prior to those years, he served as Principal of Eleanor Roosevelt Science and Technology High School in Greenbelt, MD, where he also served as Chief Educational Administrator for the Eleanor Roosevelt Community of Schools. Dr. Boarman holds a Ph.D. in education from Nova Southeastern University and earned B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Maryland. He brings vision, energy, and innovative ideas to Springdale Preparatory and enjoys the opportunity to lead a great and growing school community.
Dr. Daniel Bassin teaches instrumental, choral, and general music for grades 6–12 at Springdale Preparatory School. He holds a B.M. with Honors from the New England Conservatory, an M.F.A. in Orchestral Conducting from Bard College, and a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the University at Buffalo.
Daniel brings extensive experience as both an educator and a conductor. He most recently served as Director of Orchestras for the Academy and Summer Programs at Idyllwild Arts and previously taught choral, band, and jazz at Manlius Pebble Hill School. His background also includes roles as Music Director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, Instrumental Music Teacher at Canisius High School, Music Director of the UB Symphony Orchestra, Conductor of the Buffalo State Philharmonia, Instrumental Music Teacher at Nichols School, and Orchestra Librarian for the American Symphony Orchestra.
At Springdale, Daniel is excited to meet students where they are, guiding them as they discover their musical voices and helping create meaningful and unforgettable experiences through music.
Sarah Baxter
Math Resource Specialist, Middle School Math Department Head & Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher
sarah.baxter@springdaleprep.org
Teaching Middle School math and math labs as well as Upper School instrumental music and also serving as head of the Middle School Math Department, Sarah Baxter brings a wealth of experience to Springdale. She has a B.A. in Economics (magna cum laude with high honors in Economics from Brandeis University, and a master’s in elementary education and creative arts in learning from Lesley University. Previously she taught math and was the math learning specialist for eight years at McLean School in Potomac, MD. She also served as adjunct strings instructor at Newman University and taught music lessons to students of all ages (3 to 95!). At Springdale, she found a school where she has a voice and impact, and she enjoys working with colleagues and students, and appreciates being involved in the energy of a new school where she can share ideas and creativity.
With a background as a residential program coordinator and certified medical assistant, Ms. Beckett manages the female dormitory. She finds is rewarding to play a part in students’ journeys. “At Springdale, the community feels like a big family, all united by a love of learning and growth.”
Jessica Black holds a B.A. in English Literature and an M.S. in Secondary Education from McDaniel College, as well as an M.L.A. in Comparative Literature from Loyola University. With over four years of experience working one-on-one with students with special needs, Ms. Black has developed expertise in differentiated instruction, using modified texts, scaffolded activities, and multisensory approaches to meet diverse learning needs. Currently, she teaches middle school English part time at SPS, while serving as an ENGL 101 instructor at the local community college.
Drawn to Springdale Preparatory School for its diversity and global perspective, Ms. Black values the opportunity to engage with students from a wide range of backgrounds. She finds it especially rewarding to guide students in discovering the importance of literature, critical thinking, and lifelong learning as they prepare to make their mark on the world.
Dr. Matthew Brandstetter teaches Latin, Debate, and American Literature in the Upper School. He holds an Ed.D. in Education, an M.A. in Education, an M.A. in Theology, a B.A. in Classical Civilization, and a Specialized Diploma in Latin Literature. He is also completing an M.A. in Communication Studies, with an expected conferral in May 2026.
Dr. Brandstetter brings extensive teaching experience to Springdale, having taught English and Communication Studies for nine years at The Harker School, seven years at Azusa Pacific University, three years at Fairmont Prep, three years at Milton Academy, two years at Oxbridge Academy, and one year at Bishop O’Dowd High School. In addition, he has taught Latin at Saint Joseph High School.
He is passionate about helping students develop strong communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, while expanding their vocabulary and confidence in expression. Dr. Brandstetter values the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant and engaged community at Springdale Preparatory School.
School Nurse Doris Brown has over 30 years’ experience working for the State of Maryland, including 24 years with the Carroll County Board of Education, where she oversaw the daily medical aspects of 600+ students, pre-K to 5th grade; she has extensive experience working with children of all ages, and in addition, has worked with a range of special needs. A licensed practical nurse, she continually updates her knowledge and certifications. Her responsibilities at Springdale include providing nursing care and screening to students and staff as needed, ensuring compliance with school and governmental procedures and protocols, initiating emergency procedures, and counseling students on medical issues; she also implements, records, and maintains all student medical records, administrated medicines, monitors student allergies, notifies parents and doctors when students develop symptoms. Ms. Brown enjoys the spirit of teamwork at Springdale and loves working with students. Her biggest joy is seeing their success.
Austin Buckley teaches World Literature, EAP 6 & 7, World Religions and Cultures, Theater, and Public Speaking. He is also a student advisor, club advisor, and theater director. Mr. Buckley is from Williamsburg, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Liberty University as well as a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty Theological Seminary. Mr. Buckley has worked with youth for over 20 years teaching, and previously taught middle and high school courses at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia. Before coming to Springdale, he taught ESL in South Korea for almost 11 years. Mr. Buckley has a passion for working with international students and watching them succeed, and that interest brought him to Springdale.
Clark Cen serves as Principal of Springdale’s World Foreign Language Chinese Educational Program, overseeing the education and well-being of students from 5th to 12th grades. He also fulfills an important administrative role helping to integrate the international student body and international faculty at Springdale. An experienced educator and educational leader, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in Education from East China Normal University. Previously he taught English at Shanghai World Foreign Language Academy and advanced to Vice Principal there before serving as Principal at Hangzhou World Foreign Language School. He brings to Springdale a strong cultural awareness, a deep understanding of international education, technological proficiency, and outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Mr. Cen also has an ability to positively engage with students, faculty, and parents from a variety of different cultural backgrounds. As Principal of the Springdale Chinese program, he implements a fusion curriculum with a global perspective, and brings experience and knowledge in helping the school to establish and integrate an exceptional international curriculum.
Dalin Chen has more than ten years of experience in business management. She has an extensive background in business and management and holds a bachelor’s degree in business engineering and a master’s in management and technology from the University of Warwick, UK. At Springdale, Ms. Chen serves as bookkeeper, and oversees the International Program Department. She finds working in a high school to be incredibly rewarding, and is passionate about supporting the students and their families.
Mr. Chen teaches mathematics to SPS students in grades 5th-8th, and is also the mathematics competition coach. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in primary education in mathematics and a Professional Master’s degree in education, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Education/Mandarin. Previously he taught primary and middle school in Hangzhou WFL. At Springdale, he enjoys having nice and supportive colleagues, and enjoys the new environment, the challenge of teaching math in English, and the countryside views on campus.
Jintae Cho has a B.S. in Computer Science with English minor from the University of Washington – Seattle. He teaches computer programming, engineering, foundations of computer science, game design, robotics and web design. Before coming to New Windsor, he primarily lived in urban areas, so seeing large cornfields and beautiful landscapes are very interesting to him.
Dr. Caroline Chow teaches Chemistry at Springdale Preparatory School. She earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Taylor University, her M.A. in Secondary Education from Ball State University, and her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Iowa State University.
Caroline has taught high school chemistry at Jac-Cen-Del Jr./Sr. High School and also served as a teaching assistant at both Taylor University and Iowa State University. She was drawn to Springdale for its strong dedication to students and its commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment.
Keith Claiborne
Athletic Director/PE Teacher/Head JV Boys Basketball Coach/ Boys Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach
Keith Claiborne serves as a coach, teacher, and Director of Athletics at Springdale Preparatory School. He holds an undergraduate degree from Hood College in Frederick, MD, and earned certificates in Sports Pedagogy from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
Before joining Springdale, Keith founded the Unity Basketball travel program in 2020 and worked as a Youth Specialist for Carroll County Government and the Boys and Girls Club for six years.
He values the close-knit community at Springdale and is inspired by the school’s growth each year.
Dr. Clemons teaches Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, and Human Anatomy & Physiology at Springdale Preparatory School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Research Concentration from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and later completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Biological Education at Idaho State University, where she specialized in plant ecophysiological research.
Before joining Springdale, she taught introductory biology, evolution, and human anatomy and physiology courses for six years at Idaho State University. She was drawn to Springdale by the faculty’s strong commitment to students, the school’s integrative educational program, and its forward-thinking approach to innovation in education.
Bill Ford
Upper School Social Studies Teacher, IB History and Theory of Knowledge Teacher & Interim Chair, Arts & Humanities
bill.ford@springdaleprep.org
An experienced educator with a decade of experience, Bill Ford teaches upper-school-level history at Springdale. With a B.A. in history from McDaniel College, a master’s in education from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and an M.A. in military history from Norwich University, he taught a variety of courses, including history, government, economics, and psychology at the Harbour School in Owings Mills for a decade. Mr. Ford enjoys leveraging teamwork, classroom technology, and individualized educational programs to help his students succeed. He especially likes Springdale’s smaller size because it allows teachers to really get to know the students, and appreciates that the IB curriculum gives students the opportunity to dive deep into the study of history while exploring perspectives and ways to think about the past.
As a seasoned expert in building construction and maintenance, Facilities Director Tim Gifford ensures that all buildings and operations on both Springdale campuses function optimally and remain in the best possible condition. He oversees a broad range of services, including facility maintenance in all trades, facilities scheduling, day-to-day custodial service and operations, security systems, energy and utility systems, event services, grounds maintenance, codes and regulations, and facility assessments. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Gifford has served in many roles in the construction industry, including remodeling projects throughout Carroll County. He has a vast knowledge of all aspects of building and great insight into the problem-solving and efficient management of all facility needs.
Cindy Goddard brings a love of history and teaching to her classes at Springdale. She holds a B.A. in political science from American University and an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland Global Campus; she also holds certificates from the Institute for Culinary Education and the Apicius International School of Hospitality. At Springdale, Ms. Goddard appreciates the advantage of smaller class sizes that allow close relationships among students and teachers, fostering an environment conducive to learning. She also enjoys the creative freedom that independent school education allows, giving teachers the opportunity to utilize different methodologies, including hands-on learning.
Morgan Goode teaches English AP, IB, and Honors American Literature to 10th through 12th grade students. With a Bachelor’s degree from Towson and a Master’s degree from McDaniel College, he also holds a Maryland Teaching Certificate and is AP certified. Previously he taught English for 12 years at Westminster High School and four years in Baltimore County Schools. At Springdale, he loves the sense of community that comes from working in a tight-knit, small school, and loves having the freedom to meet student needs with creativity as well as rigor.
Joel Hager
Upper School History Teacher and Assistant Coach Varsity Boys’ Soccer
Joel Hager serves as Upper School Model United Nations Adviser and teaches 12th Grade Contemporary African History, 12th Grade Modern Middle East, 6th Grade Geography & World Cultures, and Middle School American History. In addition, Mr. Hager is Head Coach of Varsity Boys’ Soccer.
Mr. Hager holds a Master of Arts in History from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of Wyoming. He brings over 20 years of teaching experience, having taught Geography & World Cultures at Bullis School in Potomac, MD; American History at Randolph School in Huntsville, AL; and 8th Grade American History, Conversational Spanish I, and Conversational French I at Cincinnati Country Day School.
An avid traveler who has visited 40 countries, Mr. Hager was drawn to Springdale Preparatory School for its international environment and global perspective. He finds it deeply rewarding to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and to help them expand their understanding of the world.
Isidro Hernandez
Facilities Staff
Mr. Hernandez helps to take care of buildings on the Springdale campus with daily cleanings, making sure that classrooms and other spaces in our buildings are clean, sanitized, and comfortable. His cheerful and capable presence on campus is appreciated by all.
Monica Johnson
School Librarian & IB Research Development Coordinator
monica.johnson@springdaleprep.org
Librarian and Research Development Coordinator Monica Johnson provides cross-curricular programming for student research skills development, supports classroom instruction, and helps students develop strong research skills. Ms. Johnson earned a degree in nursing and followed an interest in library studies that led her to Whitefield Academy in Georgia for 18 years as assistant librarian. At Springdale, she cultivates and maintains the library’s growing resource collections, both print and electronic, manages information searches, gathers and sorts raw data, and oversees copyright ethics and citation instruction. She also provides classroom and student support via database and research guidance as well as general library services. In addition, Ms. Johnson instructs IB diploma candidates in research methods and supports them in writing the required essays. Dedicated to service in librarianship, she enjoys its challenges and is pleased to help students find research sources and also identify their personal reading choices.
Tyrone Johnson
Deputy Head of School, Executive Director of Athletics & Head Coach, Boys Basketball
tyrone.johnson@springdaleprep.org
Tyrone Johnson is an experienced independent school dean who has served upper and middle independent schools for many years. For 17 years, he served in a variety of positions at Whitefield Academy in Georgia, including dean of students; he also managed disciplinary programs, monitored academic enhancement programs, mentored students, trained new teachers in classroom leadership, and served as head coach of boys’ basketball. He also is an experienced teacher in algebra, government and economics, P.E. and health. As Springdale’s Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, he acts as lead administrator for athletics, supervises coaches, schedules games, and coordinates logistics. As Deputy Head of School, he governs the school’s disciplinary program, and works with students, teachers, and parents to maintain a positive school culture among many other supervisory duties. Mr. Johnson holds an A.A. degree in criminology, a B.S. in business administration and management, a M.Ed. in educational leadership, and is working toward a Ph.D. in educational leadership. He thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to work closely with students in curricular, extracurricular, and mentoring capacity. He also enjoys helping students develop critical thinking and learning skills and supporting them as they discover areas of interest and giftedness. He felt drawn to Springdale due to its incredible potential as an educational institution and appreciates the commitment of the school’s leaders in nurturing the academic and athletic talents of Springdale students.
Mr. Killebrew teaches 5th – 10th grade students a range of language skills including grammar, writing, and reading. After school, he helps introduce the sport of rugby as a club advisor/coach. In his free time, he does his best to help make the SPS dorms a healthy, happy place as residential faculty. He earned a B.A. in political science from Hawaii Loa College and an M.Ed. in ESL from Temple University, and has taught at the university level as well as teaching K-12 classes. Previous teaching experience includes serving as an EAP instructor at Temple University Japan, Cal State Long Beach, and Hawaii Pacific University; at the middle school and high school level, he taught ESL for 10 years at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, and was also a tenured professor at The University of Aizu in northern Japan. At Springdale, he is excited to be on the ground floor of something that could become huge, and looks forward to a chance to leave a legacy as a teacher helping to develop the leading MS/HS EAP program globally and a top high school rugby team nationally.
Michaela King
Director of Student Services, Psychology and Health Teacher & CAS Coordinator
michaela.king@springdaleprep.org
For more than 15 years, Michaela King has advocated for children and adults in a variety of situations of need. As a social worker for Fresno County Child Welfare, she advocated for abused and neglected children and served as a rehabilitation counselor for an adult facility in Novato, California, and a youth counselor in Floral City, Florida. Ms. King earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling. She is also an experienced teacher of creative writing, financial aid, psychology, and health classes. At Springdale, she provides counseling services, develops policies and practices in student support, oversees the advisory program, and assists with registrar duties and college guidance. She is dedicated to helping individuals better themselves through reflective insight and confidence in personal strengths and abilities.
Thomas Knox III serves as Soccer Coach at Springdale Preparatory School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Education: Excellence in Teaching. Prior to joining Springdale, he played collegiate soccer at Elizabethtown College and gained coaching experience as an Assistant Coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at King’s College.
At Springdale, he is excited to build the soccer program in its inaugural season and looks forward to developing it for years to come, while mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field.
Alison Kraeck
Humanities Teacher/ (AP) Social Studies Teacher/ Upper School History Teacher
Alison Kraeck teaches AP History and Government at Springdale Preparatory School. She earned a B.A. in History from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A.T. in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Prior to joining Springdale, Ms. Kraeck taught Global Studies at Pennsbury High School and Ancient World History at William Penn Middle School.
At Springdale, Ms. Kraeck values the opportunity to teach in an international boarding school setting, where students and faculty bring together diverse cultural perspectives. She finds it especially rewarding to help students grow as global citizens who are prepared to contribute positively to an interconnected world.
A chef and manager with experience throughout the East Coast, David Luscher now serves as Springdale’s lead chef. His culinary program centers on fresh ingredients and offers creative and healthy menu options to interest students and staff. His award-winning food service career spans school culinary management at preparatory school and college campuses, and includes restaurant executive chef experience. Prior to joining Springdale Prep, he worked for over seven years with Metz Culinary Management, where he assisted in developing the company’s food standards and received multiple awards. He was chef and manager at a college preparatory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he implemented many new programs, including a food composting program and a salsa garden where students were able to grow, cook, and eat their own produce. He is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York.
Wei Mao
IT Administrator, Upper School and IB Math Teacher & Department Chair, Math and Science
wei.mao@springdaleprep.org
Wei Mao leads Springdale’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Department. He has a B.S. degree in mathematics from Peking University and earned an M.S. in mathematics and an M.S. in computer sciences from Purdue University. He is an experienced college and high school math educator and also has more than 20 years’ experience in the IT industry. As head of STEM at Springdale, he recruits and manages STEM teachers, builds curricula, and works with other administrators to define and implement academic policies and procedures. As a math teacher in the upper school and the IB program, he emphasizes the background and reasoning behind math and science theories and formulae, and encourages his students to explore and experiment in innovative ways to solve problems. He also teaches computer science and provides professional guidance to students interested in careers in the IT industry. In addition, as IT Administrator, Mr. Mao builds and maintains the school’s IT infrastructure on both campuses and manages equipment, technologies, and applications, In his college and high school days he was an active participant and award-winner in various math competitions and enjoys sharing his math knowledge and skills with students today.
As Springdale’s robotics and programming teacher and director of technology and innovation, Andrew Malcolm teaches classes, sponsors technology-oriented clubs, works with faculty to integrate technology into their classes, oversees campus technology assets, and is developing the Springdale Prep Innovation Center into a model of educational technology. Holding a B.S. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction/digital learning and teaching from American College of Education, Mr. Malcolm is also certified as a Microsoft Innovative Educator and a CSTA Cyber Teacher. Previously he taught STEM courses for 16 years at Miami Country Day School in Miami, FL, where over the years he sponsored esports and robotics teams, served as webmaster and assistant registrar, and founded Top Flight, a drone-piloting and flight science summer camp. Mr. Malcolm enjoys Springdale Prep and loves being part of a team helping to build a healthy community from the ground up. His personal mission is to help students and faculty members incorporate recent and emerging technologies into their lessons and lives.
Ms. Norman manages the Springdale Main Office and communicates with SPS families. She has an A.A. in Health Science and an A.A in Business/Marketing. She enjoys the family-oriented atmosphere here at SPS.
Andrew Pursel is the athletic trainer for the SPS athletic program. He earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training from King’s College. Passionate about student health and wellness, Mr. Pursel enjoys the opportunity to work closely with student-athletes each day, providing personalized care and helping them perform at their best both on and off the field.
Kathleen Price has a degree from St. Lawrence University, with an M.A. in Spanish from New York University. She taught Spanish and French for three years at Sacred Heart Schools in California, and taught ESL for seven years at Esade Business School in Spain. Ms. Price currently teaches Spanish and French for 9th-11th grade; middle school English conversation; and helps Chinese students learn English. She enjoys meeting students from all over the world, so the international focus of SPS brought her back to the East Coast.
Maria Ramirez
Kitchen Staff
In the Springdale kitchen and dining hall, Ms. Ramirez helps with meal prep and cleaning. She is a welcome support for Chef Dave and the entire school community!
Linnea Randolph-Lopez
Director of Curriculum, AP Coordinator, Upper School Biology Teacher
linnea.randolph-lopez@springdaleprep.org
As Springdale’s Director of Curriculum, Ms. Randolph-Lopez is responsible for the instructional leadership of the SPS school program. This includes providing oversight for curriculum and instruction, coaching the teachers, leading professional development, leading data-driven decision-making, and managing all academic assessments. Ms. Randolph-Lopez holds a B. A. in biology from Towson University, an M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, and gained certification in educational administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Her extensive experience in education includes teaching biology, physical science, anatomy, physics, chemistry and technology; she taught science at Edmonson-Westside High School for 16 years and also served as science department chair for 11 years. At Springdale Prep, Ms. Randolph-Lopez enjoys working with the staff and students as administrator, teacher, and sponsor of the Cheerleaders Club and Bible Club. Local to Carroll County, she is a wife and mother of two, and feels honored to be at Springdale and is bursting with excitement for the opportunity to serve the Springdale Prep community.
David Reed
Public Speaking Teacher, Residential Life Dorm Supervisor & Substitute Teacher
david.reed@springdaleprep.org
In addition to being Springdale’s Public Speaking teacher, Residential Life Dorm Supervisor, and in-house substitute teacher, David Reed also describes his duties as “basketball shot clock, driver for horseback riding students, chess club advisor, and mentor.” His extensive background in education includes a B. A. from the University of Maryland and over thirty years as a Lower and Middle School math and STEM teacher, PE teacher, advisor, and curricular advisor at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. At Springdale, he is impressed by the amazing family atmosphere, the incredible faculty, staff, and students, and the small class sizes that allow students to grow to their full potential.
Sihao Shen teaches Physics, Honors Physics, and AP Physics at Springdale Preparatory School. He holds both a B.S. and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, bringing a strong foundation in applied science and problem-solving to his teaching. Passionate about making physics engaging and accessible, he encourages students to connect theory with real-world applications and to develop the critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Jessica Taylor oversees all Springdale Prep marketing and assists with admissions. Originally from Florida, she has a B.S. in journalism from the University of Florida. She taught middle and high school journalism, graphic design, yearbook and magazine for Brevard Public Schools. Jessica then became the Undergraduate Marketing Manager for the Florida Institute of Technology, before becoming a freelance video and copy editor. In addition to over 20 years of communications experience, she also ran her own improv theatre company and took part in numerous community theatre productions. In fact, that’s how she met her husband. She, her husband and youngest son moved to Maryland in 2021, where they are enjoying the seasons and the topography. They now have chickens, and she’s working on talking him into some goats. You can’t beat the rolling hills of northern Maryland here at Springdale.
Daniele Tellish
Director of Admissions and Auxiliary Programs & IB Administrator
daniele.tellish@springdaleprep.org
Daniele Tellish oversees the management and day-to-day operations of the Springdale Admission Office and is responsible for the successful management of the admission process to achieve admission goals set by the Board of Trustees. She holds a B.S. in management from Towson University, a master’s degree in public administration, and a graduate certificate in Leadership for Organizational Change from American University. Previously, she served as director of human resources at an independent K-12 school in Potomac, MD for three years, and worked for nine years in human resources at a private university in Washington, DC. She enjoys the small-school atmosphere at Springdale that allows students and staff to support and encourage one another, and she is excited by the challenges and rewards of helping a small school grow to meet its potential.
Ms. Vallejo has BA in Spanish and French Philology and Languages. She previously taught Spanish for 12 years at Prince George’s Community College. She currently teaches Spanish 1, 2, 3, French 1 at SPS. She enjoys teaching world languages to international students at SPS.
Lisa Winebrenner teaches English 8, Honors World Literature, Honors American Literature, and Creative Writing at Springdale Preparatory School, where she also coaches cross country. She holds a B.A. in English Literature with Secondary English Education Certification and has completed post-graduate coursework in Art History.
Lisa brings a wealth of experience from independent schools, having taught at St. Paul’s School for Girls, Garrison Forest, Jemicy, and Gerstell Academy. Over the years, she has served as Director of College Counseling, Senior Dean, faculty advisor to the English Honor Society, and an English teacher for grades 8–12.
She enjoys being part of a boarding school community once again, inspired by her own positive high school experience where faculty played a formative role in her life.
Ashley Yuan has served as Chief Financial Officer since the 2018-19 school year. In this role, she oversees all operations and programs for the school, including curriculum, pedagogy, marketing, development, and business operations, working with a senior leadership team of experienced educators. Ms. Yuan’s deep and wide-ranging experience in businesses and schools in different cultures makes her especially well-suited to oversee the Springdale experience for students and faculty alike. Ms. Yuan has a diverse and impressive professional background. Since 2016, she has been the CEO of Yulun Education and Technology Development, the majority owner of Springdale Prep, and from there came to serve Springdale. She has also been the managing partner and founder of the first Chinese American owned real estate development company in Washington, DC, and developed many residential and commercial properties. Ms. Yuan has additional experience in financial management consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world’s largest accounting and consulting firms. While at PWC, she assisted organizations and corporations with business issues. A graduate of the prestigious and highly selective Peking University in Beijing, Ms. Yuan received her B.S. in chemistry followed by an M.S. in chemistry from the University of Maryland. She then earned her MBA from Cornell University where she was awarded a Merit Fellowship. Ms. Yuan lives near the Springdale campus and is the mother of three school-age children.
Shuying Zhang(Arianna )
Middle School WFL Teacher, Chinese and Mandarin
Ms. Zhang teaches WFL classes in Chinese and Mandarin for Middle School students. She is also a homeroom teacher for 7th grade and an advisor for 5th grade students. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature, a teaching certificate from Moreland University in DC, and a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages. Previously she taught Chinese and Mandarin at Shanghai international schools and taught Mandarin in Michigan and New Zealand. At Springdale, she enjoys working with SPS students because they are very interested in the subject and try hard to learn and practice in class. She is proud that they can already greet her and other Chinese teachers in Mandarin.
Mr. Zhou teaches upper school mathematics and is the SPS Mathematics Competitions Coordinator. He has a Master’s degree in math education and previously taught AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB/BC, Algebra I and II, and Geometry at Shanghai Jinshan World Foreign Language School. At Springdale, he very much enjoys the cultural exchange that exists among students and faculty.
Ting Zhu (Macauley) teaches geography at Springdale as part of our Chinese educational program, working with students in 5th through 9th grades. She has a bachelor’s degree in geographical science and previously taught geography for 14 years at Shanghai World Foreign Language Academy. As a teacher coming from China to Springdale, she enjoys the cultural exchange and the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with students from different backgrounds. Ms. Zhu also finds joy in building connections with her students and witnessing their growth and development. Additionally, she appreciates the supportive and diverse community at Springdale, where she can collaborate with fellow educators and learn from different teaching approaches. “Every day, I find fulfillment in inspiring and shaping the future through education.”
Sobia Zia brings an interdisciplinary approach to mathematics at Springdale Preparatory School. She collaborates with learning facilitators in other areas to create cross-curricular projects for our students. She is experienced in working with students who have learning differences, scaffolding their learning so that they can make step-by-step progress toward learning goals. Ms. Zia earned her master’s degree in statistics at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
