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Welcome New Faculty and Staff!
Gonzaga is thrilled to welcome 11 new faculty and staff members to the community this year, as well as three Alumni Service Corps members.
Joining the Modern Language Department as a Spanish teacher, Ms. Leyla Cook earned her Bachelor's degree in French at Middle Tennessee State University and her Master's degree in education at Marymount University. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington, she grew up speaking Spanish at home and attended Bishop O'Connell High School.
Ms. Caitlin Farley joined Gonzaga as a science teacher in the middle of the last school year. She is a graduate of both Catholic University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in bio medical engineering, and Tulane University, where she earned a master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology.
A 2010 graduate of Gonzaga, Mr. Samuel Gerdano joins Gonzaga’s Computer Science Department. After Gonzaga, Mr. Gerdano went on to Syracuse University, where he majored in Information Management and Technology. In addition to his work in the classroom, he will be the head coach of the Varsity Ice Hockey team.
Mr. Cris Hairston joins Gonzaga’s college counseling department after spending the past 14 years working in admissions at the University of Mary Washington. He attended Bassett High School in rural Virginia and graduated from University of Mary Washington with a degree in English.
Our former receptionist, Ms. Shelly Hoard, is now Gonzaga’s Data Systems Administrator, working closely with our operations and advancement teams. Originally from California, Ms. Hoard lives in Upper Marlboro with her family.
Mr. Tony Jackson joins Gonzaga’s Social Studies Department, where he will teach U.S. History and AP Government and Politics. Originally from Bethlehem, Pa., he attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in African-American studies, as well as a master’s degree in journalism. He went on to Boston College Law School and received a Juris Doctor.
Ms. Colleen McGrath joins the English department this year. A graduate of Marquette University, she taught English for eight years at Loyola Academy, a co-ed Jesuit high school in the north suburbs of Chicago, and spent the last year teaching for KIPP D.C.
Ms. Gael Miller joins Gonzaga’s Business Office as Budget Manager & Financial Analyst. A graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, she earned her B.B.A. from the George Washington University. She spent many years working in finance in the mining industry, but came to Gonzaga most recently from St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School in D.C.
Ms. Brittany Smith joined the Gonzaga staff over the summer as our new receptionist. A native of Las Vegas, Nev., she lives in the District with her family. She looks forward to meeting all of you as the new school year gets into full swing!
A member of Gonzaga’s Class of 1997, Mr. Marcus Taylor is our new Strength and Conditioning Coach. A graduate of Hampton University, he worked as a federal employee for several years before making a career change into physical performance training more than a decade ago.
Joining our counseling department for the Class of 2021 is Ms. Meaghan Tracey. A graduate of Georgetown Visitation, she received her B.A. in English Literature from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. After college, she worked as a campus minister and service coordinator at Calvert Hall College High School before earning her M.Ed in School Counseling from Loyola. She has spent the last five years developing and implementing school counseling programs for 9-12th grade students.
Finally, we are also excited to welcome this year’s Alumni Service Corps, which includes three recent Gonzaga graduates. Michel Russo ’14 graduated from the University of Georgia in May with a degree in Finance and International Business. Marshall Marks ’14graduated from Xavier University, where he studied sports management and earned a minor in Business. Paris Person ’13 studied Exercise Science at Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia. ASC members work on campus in a variety of roles—as substitute teachers, retreat and service project leaders, coaches, club moderators, and more—and live together in nearby housing that’s provided by the school.
Welcome to all! If you see these new faces around Eye Street, be sure to say hello!
Celebrating 200 Years of Jesuit Education in the Nation's Capital
