Staff Directory

Administration

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 the field of special education for

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 to 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 with the new administration’s transition to leadership 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.

Amanda Dennison, M.Ed., Curriculm & Instruction Coordinator

Ms. Dennison is excited to continue in her position as Curriculum & Learning Coordinator for all classes at The Maddux School.  She joined the program eight years ago with extensive teaching, leadership and curriculum development experience in the United States and abroad. She is passionate about nurturing students’ cognitive, social-emotional and physical development as part of a whole-child education.

Ms. Dennison recently earned a Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) from Harvard Graduate School of Education.  She earned a Master of Arts in Education with a double concentration in Literacy and Special Education from Michigan State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Literacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, completed the Summer Institute at Columbia Teachers College, and holds teaching certification in Elementary K-6 and ESOL K-12.

Lisa Shaw, M.S.W., LCSW-C, Administrative Coordinator

Ms. Shaw is responsible for a variety of functions at The Maddux School including parent communication, licensing and compliance, health services, knowledge management, event planning and supporting the functions of the Director.  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.

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.

Pre-Kindergarten Class

William Astrove, B.A., Teacher

Mr. Astrove is a dedicated Pre-Kindergarten teacher with our youngest learners.  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 pre-academic lessons, friendship-building and in managing big emotions.  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.

Sarah Shachar, B.A., Teacher

Ms. Shachar is excited to join The Maddux School as a teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom.  With several years of teaching experience, she looks forward to bringing 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 those 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., Associate Teacher

Ms. Sankar is excited to support the Pre-Kindergarten class as an Associate Teacher following three years instructing students of various ages and learning profiles, including one year as a 1:1 ABA Instructor at Ivymount School.  Ms. Sankar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The George Washington University.

Kindergarten Class

Hannah Shipley, B.A., Teacher

Ms. Shipley is excited to co-lead the Kindergarten team at The Maddux School following nearly three years of teaching very young children prior to and throughout the pandemic.  With experience in various teaching approaches and valuing strong interpersonal relationships, she is eager to implement the unique curriculum of The Maddux School with its focus on academics and social learning.  Ms. Shipley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University.

Cherelle Waters, B.A., Teacher

Ms. Waters joins The Maddux School Kindergarten class with over 10 years of experience teaching, supervising, guiding and supporting the development of young children in the fast-paced environment of Capitol Hill.  As a result, 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 is certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reaching instruction.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Child & Adolescent Studies from Bowie State University and a certificate in Mental Health from the University of Minnesota.

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 is excited to join The Maddux School team as a 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 tenth 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

Marissa Kuhn, M.S., Teacher

Ms. Kuhn is delighted to return again to the Second Grade class with a breadth of experience teaching and inspiring young children with a variety of learning differences.

Prior to her relocation to the metro DC area, Ms. Kuhn served classes and individual children for six years in Baltimore, New York, Omaha and other areas throughout the country. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education from McDaniel College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Creighton University.

Tarrah Crooks, B.S., Teacher

Ms. Crooks returns to the Second Grade team along with the responsibilities of teaching STEAM and art throughout all of the Maddux School classes.  

With a range of experiences promoting academic success through special education, behavioral intervention, residential counseling and therapeutic recreation with children and adults, she particularly enjoys creating innovative strategies to support student learning and is excited to share her love of science with her young students. Prior to her employment at The Maddux School & Ivymount School, Ms. Crooks served as a paraeducator for Montgomery County Public Schools and an ABA Therapist with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders.   She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University.

Skylar Paulik, B.S., Teacher

Ms. Paulik joins 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.

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.

Brittany Davis, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist

Ms. Davis begins her third 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. Davis 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. 

Amy Greenberg, M.S., OT/L, Occupational Therapist

Ms. Greenberg, now in her fifteenth 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.

Jennifer Hull, M.S., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Ms. Hull joins The Maddux School Pre-K and Kindergarten teams with a range of therapeutic experiences in private practice, inpatient and outpatient settings.  Trained in the Handwriting without Tears, How Does Your Engine Run and more, Ms. Hull utilizes a variety of techniques aimed at improving the social skills, attention, body-awareness, sensory integration, handwriting and fine motor skills of her students.  She earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Human Development with a concentration in Childhood Development from Virginia Tech.

Special Subjects

Lyssa Fukuhara, B.A., Teacher

Ms. Fukuhara joins The Maddux School as a Teacher in all classrooms, providing academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support wherever and whenever needed.  She is well-versed 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 settingsMs. 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.

Nick Pinto, B.S., Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Pinto is a graduate from Seton Hill University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on exercise science and psychology. As a certified Physical Education teacher in Maryland, Mr. Pinto returns to both The Maddux School and Ivymount School teaching students of all ages. He enjoys creating fun and interactive material for classes to help every student stay engaged, moving, and having fun, as well as highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Anna Piper, M.A., Music Therapist

Ms. Piper is a music therapist and early childhood specialist who strongly believes in the unlimited potential of every individual when provided with the right tools and support. She has been working in her field for over a decade, helping children and adults from diverse backgrounds grow and connect 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 joins The Maddux School & Ivymount School with a desire to share 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.