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Jenny Engel, M.S., Ed., BCBA, LBA, Director
Ms. Engel is excited to lead another inspiring year as Director of The Maddux School. Prior to her arrival at The Maddux School, Ms. Engel helped found Ivymount’s Early Childhood Clinic for young children recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while concurrently serving as Division Director of the Elementary Autism Program. She has been an administrator, supervisor and teacher in general and special education for nearly twenty-five years.
When Ms. Engel arrived at Ivymount’s Model Asperger’s Program in 2014, she worked collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team there to ensure all students received a welcoming and supportive but challenging environment through which they would reach their highest potential.
At the highly-regarded New England Center for Children in Southborough, Massachusetts, Ms. Engel held a variety of positions, including consultant to local public school systems/programs to ensure students received the support they needed to succeed within their home schools. She particularly enjoys working as part of a team providing all students the opportunity to shine.
Ms. Engel is a Board Certified & Licensed Behavior Analyst. She earned her Master of Science in Special Education degree from Simmons College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Art from Colby College.
Andrea Mullins, M.Ed., Director Emeritus
Ms. Mullins is the founding Director of The Maddux School and has over thirty years of professional experience working with students with learning and reading disabilities, ADHD, social challenges, autism spectrum disorders and a range of mild to moderate special needs of all kinds. Ms. Mullins served as a classroom teacher for seven years before advancing to increasingly-involved administrative roles.
She served as Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs at The Ivymount School and Director of the Lower School at The Ivymount School for ten years and consulted to area preschools on building inclusive classrooms. In 2004, she developed a unique MSDE-approved curriculum and founded The Maddux School to fill a niche for students who need specialized instruction but do not necessarily require or qualify for special education.
In her current capacity, Ms. Mullins serves as Director Emeritus, consulting at all levels of The Maddux School. In the coming year, she will continue supporting the vision for the school’s progression and growth by providing guidance on topics of early childhood education and school leadership and administration.
Ms. Mullins earned a Master of Education in Special Education from Lesley College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clark University. She continues to maintain Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Professional Certification in Elementary Education and Middle School and Special Education in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
Lynn Cannon, M.Ed., Social Learning Coordinator
Ms. Cannon leads The Maddux School’s social learning arm through the development and implementation of a unique curriculum across all classes, Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade.
As a special educator and administrator, Ms. Cannon has over fifteen years of teaching experience in settings including The Lab School of Washington, The Model Asperger Program at Ivymount School and Take 2, a specialized summer camp for highly verbal and intelligent children with social learning disorders.
Ms. Cannon is a nationally-recognized author with the publication of The Conversation Club, a curriculum designed to teach children how to engage in successful conversation with peers by teaching the “how” and “why” of conversation. In addition, she is a co-author of Unstuck and On Target!: An Executive Function Curriculum to Improve Flexibility for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Solving Executive Function Challenges: Simple Ways to Get Kids with Autism Unstuck and on Target, curricula designed to promote cognitive flexibility and goal-directed behavior in children.
Ms. Cannon earned a Master of Education degree in Special Education from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology from the College of William and Mary.
Lynn Danzi, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Education Coordinator
Ms. Danzi is excited to join The Maddux School as Educational Coordinator, with responsibility for curriculum; supervision of instruction; and behavior management across all four classrooms.
With over fifteen years of educational experience in and out of the classroom at Ivymount School, District of Columbia Public Schools and as an independent contractor, Ms. Danzi has served as a teacher, supervisor, parent educator, curriculum creator, and program coordinator. She brings an extraordinary range of experiences and expertise to her new role and is well-versed in the supports needed by Maddux School students as they navigate the academic and social domains central to our school’s focus.
Marissa Kuhn, M.S., Learning Resource Specialist
Ms. Kuhn is delighted to return to The Maddux School in a new role of Learning Resource Specialist, focusing on assessment, intervention, and extension across all the grades, as well as on assisting with day-to-day classroom instruction.
Ms. Kuhn brings a breadth of experience teaching and inspiring young children with a variety of learning differences. Prior to her three years teaching at The Maddux School, Ms. Kuhn served classes and individual children for six years in Baltimore, New York, Omaha and other areas throughout the country.
Ms. Kuhn holds a Maryland Professional License as a Special Education Teacher, certified in Grades 1 through 8. She completed the IDA-Accredited 60-hour Orton Gillingham “Plus” Phonological Awareness and Reading Fluency Strategies Course. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Creighton University and a Master of Science in Special Education from McDaniel College.
Cheryl Miller, Administrative & Community Engagement Coordinator
Ms. Miller is thrilled to formally join The Maddux School team, assuming full responsibility for a variety of functions at The Maddux School including parent communication, licensing and compliance, organizational management, event planning and supporting the functions of the Director. In addition, she works with the Ivymount Organization where she supports the Development team by engaging with families, planning, and executing fundraising events.
As a key player in the Ivymount School administration for over 12 years, Ms. Miller has served as a teacher, student services specialist, development associate, communications liaison, event planner and community engagement coordinator and brings to her new role extraordinary enthusiasm, patience and delight in working with young children.
Ms. Miller earned a Child Psychology degree from the University of Minnesota.
Lisa Shaw, M.S.W., LCSW-C, Administrative Coordinator
Ms. Shaw greatly enjoys educating prospective parents about The Maddux School and guiding them through the admissions process.
She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical in the State of Maryland. Prior to her arrival at The Maddux School in 2011, she served as Director of Treatment Foster Care for a private social service agency in Maryland and provided therapy and case management services as a Social Worker in the District of Columbia child welfare system.
Ms. Shaw earned a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Delaware.
Pre-Kindergarten Class
Sarah Shachar, B.A., Teacher
Ms. Shachar proudly returns to The Maddux School as a teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom. With several years of teaching experience, she brings her expertise in working with young children, as well as a passion for gardening, the earth and our environment to the fore. She particularly enjoys finding different ways to bring the classroom outside or to bring the outdoors in, and creating special aha moments through project-based learning.
Ms. Shachar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington University.
Diana Sankar, B.A., Teacher
With a promotion to Teacher following two years as an Assistant Teacher, Ms. Sankar is excited to return to the Pre-Kindergarten class to meet the newest additions to The Maddux School! With solid experience instructing students of various ages and learning profiles, including one year as a 1:1 ABA Instructor at The Ivymount School, Ms. Sankar brings extraordinary patience, playfulness and creativity to this unique role.
Ms. Sankar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The George Washington University.
Anna Romine, B.A., Associate Teacher
Ms. Romine eagerly brings her experience working with children of all ages to The Maddux School Pre-Kindergarten. As a behavior technician, child care provider and gymnastics coach, she has supported students in the development of play, safety, communication, social and academic skills.
Ms. Romine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological & Brain Sciences from The George Washington University.
Kindergarten Class
Autumn Epps, B.S., Teacher
Ms. Epps is thrilled to join The Maddux School team and lead Kindergarten students toward mastery of their academic and social emotional goals. With over ten years of classroom experience including implementing behavior plans, Ms. Epps is eager to execute our multisensory, multidisciplinary program, encouraging and enabling students to reach their highest levels of learning.
Ms. Epps earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Morgan State University.
Rebecca Brennan, B.A., Teacher
Ms. Brennan brings great enthusiasm and a passion for learners of all kinds to her first year at The Maddux School. She brings a variety of experiences in teaching, program leadership and play therapy.
Ms. Brennan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Women’s Studies from the University of Florida. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
Christina Gallagher, A.E., Associate Teacher
Ms. Gallagher is a valued member of the Kindergarten team, supporting the co-teachers in planning, implementing and assessing lessons with our young learners. Experienced in providing childcare as well as teaching young children pre-academic skills for reading, writing, math & science, Ms. Gallagher demonstrates creativity, patience and commitment to early childhood learning. She holds an Associate degree in Education from Camden County College and has nearly completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and a minor in Women’s Studies from Richard Stockton College in New Jersey.
First Grade Class
Alyson Stagnitto, M.A., Teacher
Ms. Stagnitto continues to lead the First Grade class at The Maddux School. She holds Standard Professional I certification in Elementary Education 1 – 6 and Generic Special Education Infant to adult. Ms. Stagnitto earned a Master of Arts in Education from the College of Saint Elizabeth and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tampa.
Ms. Stagnitto has been teaching for over fifteen years, including eight at The Maddux School and three as Head Teacher in Ivymount School’s multiple learning needs program. She is certified in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading, writing and spelling and is routinely recognized for her work ethic and exceptional understanding of children’s needs.
Marisa Welsh, M.Ed., Teacher
Ms. Welsh welcomes her return to The Maddux School team as a First Grade co-teacher. With extensive teaching experiences in general education preschools, programs for children with severe disabilities, and The Maddux School itself, she brings a fresh perspective and energy to the children and her teaching.
Ms. Welsh earned a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Health & Society from Vanderbilt University.
Carla Kasun, B.A., Associate Teacher
Ms. Kasun has over thirty-five years of experience in special education, behavioral intervention, residential counseling and therapeutic recreation with children and adults. As a certified yoga instructor, she has been instrumental in developing the yoga program at The Maddux School, and provides direct yoga instruction to young children.
Now in her fifteenth year at The Maddux School, she is excited to serve in the First Grade classroom as an associate teacher, and teaches yoga weekly to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade & second grade students. Prior to her employment of over twenty years in The Ivymount Upper and Lower Schools, Ms. Kasun earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland and further studied biology at St. Mary’s College.
Second Grade Class
Skylar Paulik, B.S., Teacher
Ms. Paulik returns to The Maddux School team with over six years of experience working with children from infants to third graders of varying abilities in both public and private settings. Having previously resided in Vermont, Connecticut and Texas, she is excited to establish roots in Maryland and contribute her love of whole-child teaching to the second grade class.
Ms. Paulik earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood & Elementary Education from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.
Cherelle Waters, B.A., Teacher
Ms. Waters returns to The Maddux School following two years inspiring Kindergarten students and over 10 years teaching, supervising, guiding and supporting the development of young children in the fast-paced environment of Capitol Hill. She is a highly motivated leader and prides herself on her dependability and sense of responsibility in fostering the academic, emotional and social growth of her students.
Ms. Waters earned a Bachelor of Science in Child & Adolescent Studies from Bowie State University and a certificate in Mental Health from the University of Minnesota.
Alexandra Davis, B.A., STEAM Teacher
Ms. Davis is excited to join The Maddux School as STEAM Teacher across all four classrooms with emphasis on second grade. With over ten years of experience, Ms. Davis is passionate about bringing science, technology, engineering, arts and math instruction to young children through hands-on learning and participation, and she is adept at adapting curricula to engage and excite all types of learners. She has particular interests in farm-to-table education and sustainability and looks forward to sharing those with her students.
Ms. Davis earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology & Health Studies with a Minor in Comparative Religion from Dickinson College.
Related Service Providers
Lisa Boxbaum, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist
Lisa Boxbaum serves as Speech Therapist in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. She comes with a wide range of experiences providing individual and group speech-language treatment for children with neurodevelopmental delays, pragmatic difficulties, voice disorders, and clinical assessment and intervention for oral-motor and sensory challenges related to feeding and swallowing. Ms. Boxbaum is a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in both Maryland and New York. She earned a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science with a Concentration in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Judaic Studies from The George Washington University.
Jessica Golding, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Ms. Golding is an Occupational Therapist serving both in the Pre-Kindergarten class at The Maddux School and in the Aspire Academic and Applied Learning Model at Ivymount School. Ms. Golding earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Towson University and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland College Park. She has a variety of experience supporting children and adults with challenges in gross and fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, and daily living skills.
Amy Greenberg, M.S., OT/L, Occupational Therapist
Ms. Greenberg, now in her seventeenth year at The Maddux School, leads small and large occupational therapy groups in the First and Second Grade classes. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is licensed by the State of Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
Ms. Greenberg is trained in implementing the Handwriting without Tears and Keyboarding Without Tears programs and has special interest in supporting student playground success through a combination of sensory-motor and social-learning skill development. Ms. Greenberg earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland. In 2018, she obtained additional certification in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics through the Tourette’s Association of America.
Andrea Hester, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist
Ms. Hester proudly enters her thirteenth year at The Maddux School, supporting the development of young children’s speech and language skills, social and play-skill development. With over 25 years of experience, Ms. Hester is well-versed in the provision of multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary speech services aimed at improving pragmatic, receptive and expressive language skills in our classroom-based, group model and particularly loves helping children find their voices to advocate for themselves.
Ms. Hester earned a Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Washington & Lee University.
Brittany Davis Martin, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist
Ms. Martin happily begins her fourth year at The Maddux School and Ivymount School with a variety of clinical, administrative and research experiences supporting children and adults with speech, social communication and literacy disorders. Both in groups and in individual therapy, she has provided treatments addressing expressive, receptive, pragmatic language challenges, motor skills weaknesses, fluency and articulation obstacles, and social skills deficits in schools and clinical settings.
Ms. Martin earned a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from George Washington University, a Certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Hearing and Speech Services from the University of Maryland.
Special Subjects
Sandra Amorim, M.A., Teacher
Ms. Amorim joins The Maddux School team as a teacher floating throughout the four classrooms, enhancing our programming in multiculturalism and international education for our young learners. As a dedicated early childhood educator, Ms. Amorim brings us a variety of teaching, public policy, and organizational experiences, as well as the gift of multilingualism with fluency in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Ms. Amorim earned a Master of Arts in Innovative Childhood Education from Colorado University; a Master’s degree in General Law from the University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal; and completed substantial coursework in Early Childhood Education & Special Education from Montgomery College.
William Astrove, B.A., Teacher
Mr. Astrove is delighted to begin another year with The Maddux School, supporting all classrooms and helping to launch our pilot Club Maddux after-care program. With over 12 years of teaching and child care experience, he enjoys fostering the curiosity and energy of young children and excels in guiding them in friendship-building, managing big emotions and practicing academic skills.
Mr. Astrove earned a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies & Sociology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and maintains Level 6 Child Care Certification through the Maryland State Department of Education.
Lyssa Fukuhara, B.A., Teacher
Ms. Fukuhara returns to The Maddux School as a Teacher in all classrooms, providing academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support wherever and whenever needed. She is accomplished in the flexibility and pace that such a position requires, having previously led and co-led classrooms of young children in a variety of general education & inclusive early childhood settings. Ms. Fukuhara is especially interested in building problem-solving and emotional regulation skills, along with the relationships and environments that help foster them.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood & Family Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington.
Eric Ginsburg, M.A., Art Teacher
Mr. Ginsburg is a seasoned educator with extensive experience in teaching, administration, and curriculum design within the visual arts. Having served in Washington DC and Miami, FL prior to his start at Ivymount School in 2022, he is excited to harness the skills and excitement of the young children at The Maddux School. He is especially passionate about fostering creativity and self-expression, particularly in our digital era where visual literacy is paramount. Mr. Ginsburg earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Arts & Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in History, Education & Fine Arts from New York University.
Anna Piper, M.A., Music Specialist
Ms. Piper is thrilled to return to The Maddux School for her seventh year as Music Specialist. As a music therapist and early childhood specialist, she strongly believes in the unlimited potential of every individual when provided with the right tools and support. Her work spans over a decade, during which she has helped children and adults from diverse backgrounds, understanding and embracing their unique needs, and connecting with them through the transformative power of music.
Ms. Piper’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood/Special Education from Catholic University. She is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and a licensed practitioner of music therapy (LPMT) in Maryland.
Ms. Piper offers private music therapy, classes, and more. Visit her website www.annapipermtbc.com.
Carley Sturges, M.S., Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Sturges attended graduate school at the University of Virginia where she earned her Master’s degree in Adapted Kinesiology. As a certified Health and Physical Education teacher in both Maryland and Virginia, Ms. Sturges started working at The Maddux School & Ivymount School in August of 2018.
She enjoys being creative in the gym to help every student stay engaged, moving and having fun while developing the skills needed to live healthy, physically-active lifestyles.
Ed Tamulevich, M.A., M.S.L.S., Library & Media Specialist
Mr. Tamulevich currently serves as the Library & Media Specialist at The Maddux and Ivymount Schools, providing library and media education along with management of a very diverse 24,000 item library collection.
He holds a Master of Science in Library Sciences and a Master of Arts from Catholic and Georgetown Universities, along with a Special Education Certification earned at George Washington University. He has current teaching certificates in Special Education (K-12), Library Media Specialist (K-12), Secondary Social Studies and English in the State of Maryland and has over forty years of experience in special education, librarianship, various academic disciplines and theater.
Jada Welbon, B.S., Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Welbon returns to The Maddux School & Ivymount School sharing her deep love of sports, fitness and healthy living with her students. In addition to experience as a physical education teacher of students with learning differences, she has served as Athletic Assistant Director; Tutor in Anatomy, Physiology & Biology; Coach; Physical Therapy Intern and college-level varsity athlete. Ms. Welbon believes sports & fitness can and should be available to all and enjoys modifying lessons or plans to meet individual student needs.
Ms. Welbon earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and is currently working toward a Master of Arts in Sports Leadership.