The Howard Gardner School  |  4913 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  703.822.9300

contact Katherine Keith, Head of School, at: katherine@thehowardgardnerschool.org

Copyright © 2009 The Howard Gardner School. All rights reserved.

Faculty & Staff

Our faculty come to The Howard Gardner School from a variety of backgrounds, and most have been with the school since its inception. Their creativity, enthusiasm and genuine love of preparing students for life after graduation can be seen every day.

Katherine Keith

Co-founder and Head of School; MA in Counseling, George Washington University

Emily Pavot

Co-founder and Learning Specialist; Teacher of English,

M. Ed., Virginia Tech

Chad Thomas

Teacher of Math, Chemistry and Improv; MBA, Univ. of Arkansas, M. Ed. Psychology, University of Minnesota

Addie Helmke

Teacher of Environment-
al Science; BS in Environmental Studies, Dickinson College,

MA, Environmental Education, Antiach College

Alex Stevenson-Castle Teacher of History and Zoology; BA in History, St. Mary's College

Shelly Witiak

Teacher of Math and Art, Curriculum Specialist; BA in Education, Juniata College, graduate student in Art Therapy

Matt Hawley

Co-teacher of Middle School; BA in Outdoor Education Leadership, Sterling College

Erick Johnson

Teacher of English,

M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Marymount University

Lauren Dunn

Teacher of Latin; Bachelor of Journalism/Mass Communication,

St. Bonaventure University, M. in Ed, Mercy College

Wendy Curry

Middle School Teacher; BA in English, Virginia Wesleyan College, MA in Ed., Old Dominion University; parent of HGS alumni Colin, '10 and Skyler, '14  

Bryan Smith

Teacher of Business Math and Algebra; BS in Business Management, Guilford College 

hands on learning through environmental science and the arts

The Howard Gardner School

     Serving grades 6-12

Hope Peele
Internship & Community Service Coordinator; HGS class of 2007; B.A. in Human Services, Elon University

Mary Rodiham
Office Manager; came from Big Brothers/Big Sisters as Interim Director; B.A. in Social Work from James Madison University