BULLIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief of the NIH Clinical Center 's Department of Perioperative Medicine
- Member of the American Medical Association
Professional Background: Drew is chief of the NIH Clinical Center's Department of Perioperative Medicine. His current interests include developing pain therapies using gene therapy; targeting pain pathways with selective agonists, toxins, or fusion proteins; and improving the diagnosis of disease states using proteomic and genomic techniques.
Drew is a member of the American Medical Association and is on the editorial advisory board of Open Pain Journal.
Job Titles:
- Upper School Dean of Academic Advising
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head of Upper School, Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Coach
Job Titles:
- Advancement Chair
- CEO and Co - Founder of XML Financial Group
Professional Background: Brett Bernstein is the CEO and Co-founder of XML Financial Group. He manages the operations of the firm, including the firm's M&A strategy. Brett is an active financial advisor assisting clients with his holistic approach to goal-setting and problem-solving. Prior to co-founding XML, he was a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he was designated Producing Sales Manager for a complex that managed over $5 billion in assets. XML has been a Focus Financial partner firm since 2016.
Brett is a serial entrepreneur actively investing in many start-up companies and has led his firm in acquiring three wealth management firms. This entrepreneurial spirit has led Brett to be active at the Bullis School as an Entrepreneur in Resident as well as volunteering at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business as an Advisor and Subject Matter Expert. Additionally, Brett volunteers his time to the Bullis School's entrepreneurial program, sponsoring the Capstone Entrepreneurial Shark Tank competition.
Brett received a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. He continued his education at Georgetown University and Harvard Business School's Executive Leadership Program. He earned his CFP® certification in 2003.
Brett has served on various non-profit organization boards in numerous leadership positions. Over the past nine years has served as the Board Chair of So What Else, a local, grassroots charity helping at-risk youth with after-school and summer programs. In Brett's free time, he enjoys spending time at Bethany Beach, Delaware, with his wife, two teenage daughters, and two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Learning Specialist - Upper School
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of College Counseling
Cheryl Terwilliger has been a member of the Bullis faculty since 1998 and is currently the Director of Arts. She has performed many roles during her tenure, most notably as an instrumental music teacher in all three divisions, Upper School Visual and Performing Arts Chair, and Director of the Visual & Performing Arts Signature Program. Cheryl has a B.A. in Music from Princeton University and an M.M. in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), with a focus on trumpet performance and jazz studies. Her students have appeared in local, state, national, and international competitions and venues, including shows at Blues Alley, Disney World, the Smithsonian Big Band Jam, and tours of Cuba and China. Cheryl has been a presenter at Maryland Music Educators Association state conferences and the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Conference.
A freelance trumpeter outside of school, she can be heard performing on various stages around town, most often with Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band. In addition to her musical pursuits, Cheryl is a former college athlete, coach, and sports enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, biking, and following women's soccer. Her daughter Rosie is a member of the Bullis Class of 2025.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Head
- Head of School
- Ex Officio / Head of School
Christian Sullivan began his tenure as head of Bullis School on July 1, 2020. A native of England, Mr. Sullivan holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Durham, a master's degree in educational management from the University of Bath, and a master's degree in independent school leadership from Columbia University.
During his career, Mr. Sullivan has served as an administrator and teacher at independent schools in England, Kenya, Virginia, Connecticut, and Washington State. Bullis is his third headship, following ten years as head of Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, WA. An active community leader, Mr. Sullivan has served on the boards of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, the Washington Federation of Independent Schools, St. Paul's School, WA, and Tacoma's Museum of Glass. → Learn more about Mr. Sullivan
Professional Background: Cyndi holds a B.S. in nursing from the University of Vermont, an M.S. in nursing from the University of Massachusetts and a graduate certificate in business of medicine from Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business. Has worked at the Washington Hospital Center as a nurse practitioner in cardiac surgery and interventional radiology since 1999.
Job Titles:
- Director of Auxiliary Programs
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- Adjunct Professor for Bowie State University
- Head of Middle School
Dr. Marilyn Moreno has been a member of the Bullis faculty since 2012. Having worked as an executive leader in education for many years, she brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise to her position as Head of Middle School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio University, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Ohio University. Former leadership roles include serving as a principal, curriculum supervisor, regional director, and assistant superintendent.
Marilyn has served as an adjunct professor for Bowie State University and a traveling professor in Athens, Greece. Committed to mentoring and developing teachers as instructional leaders, she currently works as a college supervisor for interns seeking Master's degrees in Educational Administration from McDaniel College. She is certified by the National Institute of School Leadership and by the Framework for Teaching organization.
Dedicated to providing a rigorous student-centered instructional program to the Middle School division, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and traveling. One of her daughters, Ariana, is a proud Bullis Alumni (Class of 2015) and an Admissions Associate for the school.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admission, Co - Director of Financial Aid
Dr. Matt Trammell has been a member of the Bullis faculty since 2014. He currently serves as Director of Admission, having previously served a Middle School teacher and Assistant Head of Middle School. He earned degrees in communications, education, and educational leadership, including his Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University. Matt is the co-author of the book School Culture Fit: How to Align Students, Parents, and Faculty Under One Common Purpose and co-hosts the Elevate School Leadership Podcast. He is also an avid reader and an aspiring foodie. Most of all, he enjoys finding new weekend adventures with his family.
Job Titles:
- Global Visionary Leader, Strategic
Professional Background: Emine is a transformative global visionary leader, strategic and futuristic planner, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, education advocate, and advisor on women's leadership and mental health. She is an international executive with comprehensive experience in international business. Her expertise includes building corporate value, managing projects, and identifying and implementing strategies to sustain global growth for international companies in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East and Europe. She enjoys working with multi-billion-dollar companies in the private sector, U.S. Government Departments of State and Justice, Fema, and others.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Faculty, K - 12, Math Teacher - Upper School
Faith Darling joined the Bullis faculty in 2006 as an Upper School math teacher. During her time at Bullis, she has served as Chair of the Math Department and helped to launch the STEM Signature Program in 2013 in the role of STEM Director. In 2019, Faith moved to her current position as Dean of Faculty, which supports the growth and development of her outstanding Bullis colleagues, and she continues to find joy in the math classroom. Faith earned her BA in Mathematics and Economics from Kenyon College and an MEd. in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt University. She is a proud wife and mother to three daughters and is a Bullis parent. She and her family enjoy camping, being outdoors, or embarking on new crafting and home projects.
Job Titles:
- Spanish Teacher - Lower School
Genta Branstetter joined Bullis in 2022 from The Hong Kong International School where she was an Associate Principal. She has served as a mathematics instructional coach at the Washington International School and was an elementary school classroom teacher for 18 years at schools in China, New Zealand, India, Tunisia, and Yemen. Genta earned her BS and MA in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and received her second MA in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Beyond her work as an educator, she enjoys outdoor endeavors that include swimming, running, and finding a long hiking trail with her husband.
Job Titles:
- Member of the State University System ( SUS ) Undergraduate Dean 's Council
Helen is a fierce champion for women around the world. In 2007 and 2008, she was awarded "Board Member of the Year" for her involvement with Rachael's Women's Center, helping local women in DC step up and out of homelessness. She was also a member of the Zonta Club, empowering women across the nation through service and advocacy. In addition, she serves as Vice Chair of the Studio Samuel Foundation, ensuring vulnerable girls in Ethiopia overcome endless obstacles to complete their education. Helen's involvement guarantees each girl will receive healthcare in addition to the life skills she learns while attending Studio Samuel.
Professional Background: Hillary currently volunteers with and supports a variety of organizations that are focused on providing support and opportunities to underserved segments of the population. She has served on several independent school boards and held leadership positions at several not-for-profit organizations. Her primary work has revolved around fundraising, outreach and marketing, and program development. Hillary recently served as Vice Chair of the Wolf Trap Foundation of the Performing Arts and continues to serve as an active member of the board. She also serves on the board of N Street Village, an organization serving and supporting the needs of homeless women in the District of Columbia.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Technology, Teacher - Upper School
Jamie Dickie joined the Bullis faculty in 1998 teaching math in Upper and Middle School. He currently serves as the Director of Technology, overseeing the integration of educational technology into the curriculum as well as the technology infrastructure of the school. During his tenure, Jamie has served as Upper School Mathematics department chair, Technology and Engineering department chair, Co-Chair for the Bullis Accreditation Steering committee, and is a member of various AIMS accreditation visiting teams. He has been a speaker at the Future for Educational Technology Conference and the iNACOL online and blended learning conference. Jamie earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Michigan State University.
Job Titles:
- Math Teacher - Upper School, Middle School Boys Lacrosse Coach, Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach
Jenna Borrelli has been at Bullis since 2021. Prior to Bullis, she was the Director of Counseling and Wellness Department Head at Castilleja School. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and before working in schools, Jenna worked as a therapist at Children's Health Council, where she helped launch the Teen Mental Health Initiative. Jenna has also worked in the foster care system as a Youth Development Clinician, Clinical Supervisor, and Director of LGBTQ services at the non-profit Side by Side. She holds degrees in Social Work from Central Michigan University and San Jose State University. Jenna is a parent to three young boys and likes being outdoors in her free time.
Professional Background: After graduating Bullis in 1988, Jon attended Tulane University School of Architecture and obtained a Masters in Architecture. He then continued his education while working for various Architectural firms around the DC Metro area at John Hopkins University and achieved a Masters in Real Estate.
Justin Leith joins Bullis from Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, NJ where he has been Director of Athletics and chair of the Physical Education & Health department since 2014. He has worked with girls and boys at all levels, from student athletes striving to make the team, to high school All-Americans preparing for Division I, II and III athletics. Justin began his career as a basketball player and played professionally in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America from 2008-2011. In 2009, he was invited to summer workouts with the NBA's New Jersey Nets. Justin is a proud father of two daughters (ages 18 and 6) and a young son (age 3) and enjoys fitness, travel, and exploring new delicacies.
Job Titles:
- Auxiliary Programs Manager
Job Titles:
- Movement Teacher & Teaching Assistant - Lower School
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- Visual & Performing Arts Chair - Upper School
Job Titles:
- Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dr. Kenneth Waters joined Bullis in 2022. Kenneth's professional and leadership career extends throughout K-12 (urban, charter, private), non-profit, and postsecondary professions. He joins us most recently from St. Andrew's Episcopal School where he served as Director of Diverse Recruiting and Retention. He earned his Bachelor's in Mass Communications from Temple University, and at Neumann University, he earned his Master's in Organizational Leadership and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy. His research and expertise revolves around cultural diversity; family, school, and community engagement; restorative practices; workforce development and training; education in the 21st century; education law; systems thinking; and organizational leadership.
Kenneth has been featured as an expert consultant for NBC News and has presented and published internationally, nationally, and regionally on topics related to implicit bias, social justice advocacy, culturally relevant instruction, diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic environments and the workforce, educating students from marginalized backgrounds, and creating safe learning and working communities where all feel a sense a belonging.
Kenneth is an advocate for implementing equitable policies, curricula, and programming to meet the diverse needs of professionals and students. He believes the true essence of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment is a place where each person, despite his or her background or status, has the same access as his or her peers.
Hobbies: Cycling, traveling internationally to learn about different cultures, reading, cooking, golfing, and spending time with my teenage son.
Job Titles:
- Learning Specialist - Middle School, Middle School Field Hockey, Middle School Girls Lacross
Professional Background: Lisa is a writer and editor in the Office of the Founder at the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), where she writes on a wide variety of policies, programs, and social and historical issues affecting America's children.
Job Titles:
- Buildings and Grounds Chair
Professional Background: Born and raised in Germany, Livia holds a German law degree from the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich. Prior to having a family, she worked in the cross-border leasing division of Siemens Financial Services in Munich and the Automotive Mergers and Acquisitions division of Citibank in London.
Livia has volunteered in schools ever since her son started at the Manor Montessori School where she helped with various school events. At Bullis, she has served as Parents Association (PA) Lower School coordinator, the PA vice president, the Bullis Gala database coordinator, the PA president, a member of the Head Search Committee, and co-chair of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She now serves on the Board as the Buildings & Grounds chair.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Entrepreneurship Signature Program
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
Meredith Wade joined the Bullis community in 2021. Before Bullis, she was a consultant with the Hope For Henry Foundation, a non-profit focused on improving the hospital experience for seriously ill children and their families. Formerly, she was an adjunct professor at George Washington University and an attorney in private practice. Meredith has degrees from Colgate University and Harvard Law School. In her role at Bullis, Meredith leads various special projects, provides operational support, and works closely with the Board and Head of School.
Job Titles:
- Founder of DeSantis Trusted Advisors
Professional Background: Michael is the Founder of DeSantis Trusted Advisors, LLC. Michael is a senior-level business advisor and executive business coach, having coached and advised board chairs, entrepreneurs, CEOs, C-level executives, and managing directors on achieving high-level strategic and professional impact. Michael spent 30+ years as a lawyer, public company executive, and member of the board of many corporate and non-profit Boards.
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of Badlands
- Trustee for the Primary Day School
Professional Background: Mikel is the founder and President of Badlands in Rockville, MD, a nature-inspired, interactive environment for children's learning through risk, play, and conscious living. In addition, Mikel volunteers and supports numerous organizations rooted in improving the quality of life for individuals. From literacy and equity in education to at-risk youth programs and mental health access, Mikel believes and sees value in every individual and their impact on the world when given access to opportunity.
Mikel currently serves as a trustee for the Primary Day School in Bethesda, MD, where she serves on the Audit and Development committees. More recently, Mikel joined the Board of Conservation Nation, an organization committed to sustainable environmental solutions. Previously, Mikel has served on many non-profit boards, including the Peer Health Exchange, where Mikel took a leadership role in expanding their footprint to build healthier communities for young people in the greater DC area.
Professional Background: Muriel earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Frostburg State University. Over the past 30 years, she has worked in the Healthcare Industry as a pharmaceutical sales representative for various Fortune 500 companies. Muriel's active volunteerism began in 1982, when she joined the Illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, whose Motto is "Service To All Mankind." She has been a power source for organizations she believes in ever since. She has added her enthusiasm, energy, drive, and can-do spirit as a Member of the Bullis Parents Association (PA) Board for the past six years, currently Co-Chairperson for New Families and Committee Member of Advancement for Bullis. She also served as the 6th - 8th grade Bullis Fund Ambassador.
Job Titles:
- Chairman / Executive Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Services at the Bush School of Government
- Ex Officio / Alumni Chair
Professional Background: Paul is the Director of Business Services at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington, D.C. Under the banner of Texas A&M University, the Bush School's new D.C. Center opened in the summer of 2020. In his current role, Paul oversees all aspects of the Bush School D.C.'s business operations, managing the Information Technology, Human Resources, Facilities, Operations and Administrative Service Departments, as well as the Business Office. A member of the Bush School D.C. Senior Leadership Team, Paul works with the executive leadership in both Washington, DC and College Station, Texas to craft the long-term strategic goals of the institution. Previously, Paul served as the Director of Governance, Facilities and Operations at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security in Washington, D.C.
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Certified Leadership Coach
- President & CEO, Widerlite Coaching
Professional Background: Paula, President & CEO, Widerlite Coaching and Consulting, is the former Chief Strategy Officer of Luminis Health, a $1.2 B not-for-profit integrated health system. Prior to that, she was the Vice President of System Strategy for 22 years at Adventist HealthCare headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paula has led countless strategic planning processes throughout her 40-year career in non-profit health care in the Washington, DC region. In addition to additional clients in other industries, she assists Luminis Health with its strategic planning and business development efforts.
Paula has been an active community member serving on multiple boards, including Leadership Montgomery, the Lourie Center for Children, the Jewish Social Services Agency, and the Ginger Cover Continuing Care Retirement Community. Currently, she is leading the Lourie Center Champions for Children women's leadership circle. Paula understands the challenges facing non-profit and membership-based organizations. Some of her recognitions include community service and women in industry.
Professional Background: Pinkie serves as a key member of the executive team responsible for corporate affairs, public relations, communications, strategic initiatives and advising the Chairman on matters of special interest. A seasoned finance executive, Pinkie previously served as the Vice President of Corporate Solutions. Prior to joining the Washington Post Company in 1998, Pinkie was a Vice President and Trust Officer at NationsBank (now Bank of America) in the Investment Services Division. She began her career with Prudential-Bache Securities.
With a strong commitment to community service focused on the advancement of women and children through education, Pinkie currently serves on the board of directors of the District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP), the Washington Area Women's Foundation and is a trustee of the Philip L. Graham Fund.
Pinkie graduated magna cum laude with a BA in business administration from Trinity Washington University, and earned an MBA from the University of Maryland University College. She and her husband, Carl, live in Washington, DC with their two children.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations, Co - Director of Financial Aid
Rachel Venezian has enjoyed working in educational nonprofits for over twenty years. Prior to arriving at Bullis in 2020, Rachel worked for 11 years as the Director of Finance for the College of Professional Studies and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus at George Washington University (GW) and three years as a Senior Budget Analyst in GW's University Budget Office. She also served as Director of Budgeting and Auxiliary Services at the Corcoran Gallery of Art where she oversaw the museum cafe and admissions desk in addition to being responsible for budget preparation and forecasting.
Rachel is a former Peace Corps Volunteer, having served as a math and science teacher in a public high school in Tougan, Burkina Faso. During her Peace Corps service, she participated in the WHO campaign to eradicate polio from Burkina Faso.
Bobby Pollicino has been a member of the Bullis faculty since 2003. He currently serves as the Head of Upper School and is a Bullis parent. He earned his Master of Education from William & Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Washington College. Bobby is a speaker and presenter for the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Building Learning Communities (BLC) and is a contributor to National Association for Independent Schools (NAIS) Publications. He also enjoys reading, writing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professional Background: With more than 20 years of active development, construction, and financing experience, Robert oversees all aspects of the firm, from investment opportunities and development concepts to long-term planning and company mission.
Robert earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Architectural Engineering at Penn State University, followed by his MBA from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed real estate broker in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
He has served in various board capacities, including the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, where he currently serves on its board and executive committee.
Job Titles:
- English Teacher - Upper School
Professional Background: Samier is a social impact entrepreneur, writer, and Leadership Coach who has been recognized as one of the "top innovators of Washington DC." He is the founder and CEO of No Limit Generation - a global children's mental health and well-being platform that connects children and their caregivers to the world's leading child well-being professionals. Samier is also the co-founder of LiveSafe, a mobile safety app that provides safety coverage to over 10 million people. Has over 40 national and international publications on topics ranging from self-development, to global affairs, and pressing social issues.
Job Titles:
- Ex Officio / Parents Association President
Professional Background: Sarah Novak Nesbitt, Managing Attorney of the Family Law Division of FLAG, has focused her professional life on working with children and families. After growing up in Montgomery County, Sarah graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in psychology and sociology at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She obtained her Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Law. A Leadership Scholar in law school, she completed an internship with Project HEAL, where she provided assistance to families with their domestic relations issues, particularly those with children with special needs.
Honored for her selfless service to others, she received the Maryland Public Interest Law Project Pro Bono Student of the Year Award. Sarah was admitted to the United States Supreme Court and frequently volunteers in the Family Law Assistance Program in the Circuit Court for Howard County. Over the course of her academic and professional careers, she has volunteered with a number of nonprofits, including the House of Ruth, and she has received several awards and honors of her outstanding professionalism and service.
Sarah serves on the Board of the Collaborative Project of Maryland, a non-profit organization that provides low-cost Collaborative Divorce services to families, and is the Bullis Parents Association President.
Sarah lives in Montgomery County with her husband, three young children, and energetic Labrador. When Sarah is not busy with her law practice and family, she enjoys spending time at the beach, cheering for the Fighting Irish football team, and cooking.
Sharon Kessler has been in the office of Advancement at Bullis School since 2017. She has been a Fundraiser for over 18 years, beginning her career in NYC as the Chief Development Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. Ten years ago, Sharon and her husband and two daughters moved to the Maryland/DC area where she served as a fundraising consultant for Children's National Health Systems. Sharon earned her B.A. in Sociology from The University of Massachusetts. She has been a speaker at Fundraising Day in New York City and at the Bridge Conference for the Association for Not for Profit Professionals. Sharon is also married to a Bullis Alum, Leigh Kessler '93, and a Bullis parent.
Professional Background: As a psychotherapist, Susan has worked with adults and adolescents in her private practice for over 14 years. She specializes in relationship counseling, parenting, and anxiety management. She has also provided counseling services at the Montgomery County Commission for Women and in private and public school settings.
Susan has been an active member of the Bullis community since 2001. From 2003-2006 she served as a Classroom Parent Representative, and from 2006-2008 she was the Bullis Representative to the Parents Council of Washington, as well as a member of the Parents Association Board. She currently chairs the Bullis Parent Connections committee, which hosts multiple parent networking events by grade throughout the school year.
Job Titles:
- Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning
- Head of School Role at St. Luke 's School
Tanya Salewski joins Bullis most recently from a Head of School role at St. Luke's School in McLean. Dr. Salewski has taught or had responsibility for students throughout the kindergarten through 12th grade range adding to most recent K-8 experience having served as Middle School Head at The Philadelphia School and teaching in both middle and upper school. Tanya holds degrees from George Mason, the University of Virginia, and Marymount. While Dr. Salewski holds deep curricula expertise and is student-centered, she understands the importance of supporting teachers too. Her recent Ph.D. thesis-A qualitative phenomenological exploration of impacts of COVID-19 on face-to-face teachers. Beyond the pandemic, how are the teachers?-is a testament to this. Dr. Salewski describes this new position as her "dream job."
Tim Simpson has been a member of the Bullis faculty since 1997 and is currently the Associate Head of School. He has also served as Middle School and Upper School Science teacher, Admission Associate, 9th/10th grade Principal, Upper School Assistant Principal, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Assistant Head of School, Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse Coach, and Advisor. Tim has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. His three children Meghan '21, Will '24, and Tommy '29 are all proud Bullis students. His wife, Laura, is a former Bullis teacher and coach and is involved with the Parents Association.