Cohort 3 Doctoral Bios

Dr. Yolanda Allen received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. She relocated to the Montgomery County area and became a high school teacher, then a Math Content Specialist for the district. After training and supporting individual teachers and school teams, she chose to return to the school building as an assistant principal at the elementary level.  Dr. Allen completed her two-year assistant principal training then was selected to co-lead the opening of a new elementary school. After three years, she furthered her training to become a principal. She is entering her sixth year as a principal and absolutely loves the work that she does and the difference that her staff makes in students’ lives. 

Education: 

Educational Leadership Certification, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2005 
Master of Science, Human Resource Management, Troy State University, Dothan, Alabama 2002 
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Management Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 1998 

Dr. Allen’s dissertation was on Federal Funding as a Driver of School Reform through Budgetary Decision Making Among Transformational Leaders in Title I Schools 

Dr. Joel Beidleman received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. He was also the winner of the Hood College 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2021 and was a distinguished speaker at the 1st Annual Hood Ted Talk in 2022.  

After attending Virginia Union University and beginning a career in computer science, Dr. Beidleman quickly decided that the technology career path didn’t provide the intrinsic feeling of achievement he needed.  As a result, he joined the staff at Benjamin Stoddert Middle school in Prince George’s County. There he learned he possessed the talent to educate children and developed the desire to lead others in the field of education. In order to further his teaching experiences, he decided to turn to Fairfax County Public Schools and took employment at a Title 1 middle school.  He accredits Fairfax County Public Schools for developing his pedagogical talents and inspiring him toward his core belief that all students can achieve academic excellence.  After several years in Fairfax, he accepted a new endeavor with Montgomery County Public Schools and has been in administration ever since. 

Dr. Beidleman believes that his varied experiences over the past 20 years as an educator provide value to the community he serves. He is focused on ensuring that his administrative team has a clear understanding of the organizational vision and the alignment of his core beliefs. He worked diligently to create high functioning teams, systems for observing, analyzing, and reflecting on instruction, and stressed the importance of continuous innovation. Though his school demographics have changed over the last five years, he has maintained high expectations for student grades and adolescent peer to peer behavior.  Outside of work, Joel enjoys watching his two boys play sports, traveling with family, golfing with friends, and learning new hobbies. 

Education:  

Administration & Supervision Certification, University of Maryland at College Park, MD     | 
Master of Science in Information Systems, Strayer University, Camp Springs, MD 
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA 

Dr. Beidleman’s dissertation was on School Psychological Safety: A Quantitative Analysis of Maryland Middle Schools 

Dr. Troy Boddy received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. He recently retired as the director of equity for Montgomery County Public Schools after 21 years in the county. Currently, Dr. Boddy is the Co-director of the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery. He also started the East Coast Racial Equity Group, a consulting business where he is the president.  

Dr. Boddy presented at the Bowie State University's second annual Institute for Restorative Justice on using student voice to improve conditions for learning. Co-facilitated a professional learning session on Ancient Africa to the present for the Hogan s law firm. Participated as a panelist for the Preserving Legacies: Resources for Reconciliation hosted by the Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation on the Sandy Spring Slave Museum successfully fundraises. 

Education: 

Master of Science, Elementary Education, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, 1992 
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, 1989 

Dr. Boddy’s dissertation is on Culturally Responsive Leadership: Fostering the Environment for Inclusion and Equity 

Dr. Amy Castle-Rogers received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. She is currently working as an Impact Consultant for Franklin IQ to develop and facilitate executive leadership development programs for federal government contracts, including consultation on a Women in Leadership program, and her previous leadership positions in for-profit and non-profit organizations include: 

• Owner, Consultant & Trainer, Rogers Consulting LLC, Frederick, MD - consult and customize leadership training 

• Chief Operations Officer, Reach Digital Group, LLC, Frederick, MD - responsible for leading the team in business development for online marketing and branding services 

• Community Donations Manager, Goodwill of Monocacy Valley, Frederick, MD - developing business and community partnerships to increase material donations; achieving the Frederick County Leadership in Sustainability Award in June 2015 

• Team Leader & Associate Broker for the Castle Team at Real Estate Teams for over a decade - managing a team of sales and marketing professionals to produce record sales and exceptional customer satisfaction 

• Various Marketing & Administrative Management and Analyst positions in the paper and software industries, as well as educational non-profits 

Dr. Castle-Rogers enjoys traveling, bicycling, cooking, and wine-tasting at vineyards and food-pairing events. 

Education:  

Master of Business Administration in International Business, American University, Washington, D.C, 1994 
Bachelor of Science, International Business, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania, 1991 

Dr. Castle- Rogers' dissertation was on Social Capital Implications for the Gender Gap in Organizational Leadership: A Case Study of Executive Women Leaders Through a Lens of Intersectionality 

Dr. Michael Wayne Dillman received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. After completing his initial coursework at Hood College, Michael Dillman began his career in education as a teacher at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. During this time he developed his skills as a classroom teacher and began taking on roles that fostered an interest in leadership. He began working with student leaders, supervising clubs and activities, and also began developing future teachers through his work as the professional development school coordinator. During that time he returned to Hood College, pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership, ultimately assuming his first administrative assignment as an assistant principal at Linganore High School. Michael later served as assistant principal at Tuscarora High School. It is during that placement where he was given the opportunity to supervise specialized programs. This experience allowed him to expand his leadership skills to cultivate a focused learning community based on leadership, professional development and personal growth. In 2016, Michael was promoted to principal at Brunswick High School in Frederick County, Maryland. 

Michael, along with his wife and three children, resides in Frederick, Maryland. In his spare time, he enjoys his backyard garden, often watching over his collection of fig trees, taking family vacations to his favorite destination, Walt Disney World, and watching his sons and daughter participate in their many activities. 

Education: 
Master of Science, Educational Leadership, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2006 
Bachelor of Arts, English, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2002 

Dr. Dillman’s dissertation was on A Case Study of Specialized Social-Emotional Support Program Design for Promoting Staff Retention 

Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. Dr. Dyson was also the recipient of The Kathleen Bands Outstanding Doctoral Student Award in 2022.  

Dr. Dyson currently serves as the proud superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools.  Previously, she served as the area associate superintendent in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) supervising 70 schools ranging from elementary to high school. 

Her mantra is, “Every child. Every day,” which elevates our collective responsibility in honoring the uniqueness in every student and aligning the resources necessary to support their needs. She believes it is through strategic and consistent supervisory and coaching visits focused on data monitoring and analysis, culturally proficient instruction, professional learning, and organizational excellence that schools are able to achieve results for all students.  

Dr. Dyson has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal intern, principal, director of family and community engagement and director of school support and improvement of elementary schools. She began her teaching career in 1999.  

After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Dr. Dyson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Towson University, Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Hood College.  

Her passion for learning is evident in her coaching, supervision, and support of staff members to create favorable outcomes for all students. 

Education:  

Certificate in Administration and Supervision, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2005 
M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, 1999 
Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 1994 

Dr. Dyson’s dissertation was on Leader Efficacy and Work Engagement: Implications for School Leaders

Dr. Katherine Alene Gull received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Spanish. While at UMCP she joined Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education; worked with Mary PIRG, a student led, student funded, non-partisan advocacy group; and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Washington D.C.  Katherine also taught English in an orphanage in Catacamas, Honduras. She assisted in building a Red Cross Center in Comayagua, Honduras. Upon graduation Katherine worked for Charles County Public Schools as a Foreign Language teacher. Katherine was also an Odyssey of the Mind Coach and a sponsor of the International Club. 

Katherine Gull was awarded the Sharon Christa McAuliffe Scholarship from the state of Maryland to return to school at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned her Master of Education in Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). During her program, Katherine presented her action research on the effectiveness of teacher feedback in the adult English learner at Washington Area TESOL conference (WATESOL) and New York State TESOL conference (NYSTESOL). Upon graduation, Katherine worked in Montgomery County Public Schools. 

Education: 

ESOL Teacher and Curriculum Writer, Montgomery County Public Schools Adult Education program 
ESOL Teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools 
Children’s Ministry Director, FaithPoint United Methodist Church 
EL Teacher, Frederick County Public Schools 
EL Teacher Specialist, Frederick County Public Schools 
In 2017 Katherine was promoted to Achievement Specialist in the Accelerating Achievement and Equity department in Frederick County Public Schools. 

Dr. Gull’s dissertation was on Mainstream Teachers' Perspectives on Secondary English Learner Engagement in Inclusive Classrooms: Communities of Practice 

Dr. Kelly Ann Harrington received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021.  Taking care of others was something near and dear to her heart and an area that she wanted to get back to. After obtaining her Certificate in Thanatology Dr. Harrington worked for Eldercare of Damascus as their Center Manager - an adult daycare that cared for low-income elderly in Montgomery County that suffered from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, various mental disorders and other issues associated with aging. This is where Dr. Harrington felt at home and knew she was truly making a difference in people’s lives. Shortly thereafter, she received the opportunity to transfer to Brookdale Olney as their Resident Program Coordinator in January 2015. In this role she was able to form one-on-one relationships with residents and families and work hands-on with them daily. While at Brookdale Olney, along with leading daily programs for the residents, Dr. Harrington took on the role as the Head of Transportation and became a transportation and programming trainer for the new hires in the district. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to learn lead her to become a Certified Assisted Living Manager in the State of Maryland in 2016. With this certification, Dr. Harrington is able to lead the community as an Executive Director when she receives the proper training. Moving to the operations side of Assisted Living is the next step for her career, and she is working towards obtaining a position as the Business Office Manager in another community which hopefully will lead to becoming the Executive Director in the future. 

Kelly enjoys a variety of activities outside of her career and pursuing her education. Kelly loves spending time with her boyfriend Pat and their dog Kona. Along with Pat, she spends as much time with her family as she can. One of her hobbies is collecting pigs, something she has been doing since she was a child. Working out on a daily basis is another hobby; she also plays on a kickball team and in a bowling league during the year. 

Education: 

Certificate in Gerontology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2016 

Master of Arts, Human Sciences, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2013 

Certificate in Thanatology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2013 

Bachelor of Arts, Law & Society, Minor in Sociology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2008 

Dr. Harrington’s dissertation was on Impact of Employee Recognition Programs on Motivation and Job Satisfaction of Employees in Assisted Living Communities 

Chief of the Lifecycle Support Section, Acquisition and Life Cycle Support, For the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

Tomás Holloway has served with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) since 2005.  DISA is the premier Information Technology provider for the Department of Defense (DoD). The agency employs over 10,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. DISA provides a globally accessible enterprise information infrastructure in direct support to joint warfighters, national level leaders, and other mission and coalition partners across the full spectrum of military operations.

Since November 2017, Tomás has served as the Chief of the Lifecycle Support Section, Acquisition and Life Cycle Support, for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). His branch delivers centralized, day-to-day acquisition management and process improvement of acquisition contracts through Clean Sheet. Clean Sheet is a fact-based methodology used to identify potential cost avoidance through the optimization of contract requirements, which equips the Contracting Officer with increased negotiation influence. Defense Information System Agency has employed him since October 2005.

From 2015 until 2017, he served with the Mission Partner Engagement Office (MPEO) (or DISA Directorate level customer service offices, later renamed the MPEO) and one of the pinnacles of Tomás’ career was in the Service Level Management Section. The team spearheaded the creation, implementation and continual process improvement of the DISA Requirement Management Process (DRMP). The DRMP provided an agency workflow for the coordination, processing, and potential fulfillment of all Mission Partner-requested services. It combined over six different implementation processes into a single standardized governing process for the entire agency to follow. The design of the DRMP included flexibility to accommodate all services provided by DISA and any partner initiated changes to existing workload.

Tomás honored his country with 15 years of service as an active duty Air Force Airman and 5 years with the Air Guard. The culmination of his career were Action Officer for two International Logistics Conferences - the Pacific Area Senior Officer Logistics Seminars and the Security Assistance Training Program Management Review, under U.S. Pacific Command, Oahu Hawaii. Together, these conferences hosted over 30 Pacific-rim nations and U.S. Allied partners. Additionally while assigned to the 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron in Oklahoma, he mapped out, organized, trained, and directed a helpdesk staff of six airman, supporting over 150 personnel in the squadron.

Education

• Master of Science, Quality Systems Management, National Graduate School, Falmouth MS; 2009; Summa Cum Laude
• Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, minor in Management Information Systems, Wayland Baptist University; Aiea, HI, 2005; Cum Laude

Dr. Mamady Kamara received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. He is an accomplished Management Consultant, offering more than twenty years of experience partnering with cross functional Executives from both, private and public sectors, to develop and implement effective organizational development and change management solutions resulting in greater program effectiveness and growth.  

Mamady enjoys volunteering and spending time with his family and community.  As a community leader and organizer, a member of the African Affairs Advisory Group, and as an African immigrant appointed Advisor to the County Executive’s office in Montgomery County, Maryland, Mamady has worked passionately to ensure that ongoing dialog and partnership exists between the local government and various nonprofit service providers, community associations, diaspora and hometown groups, and that stakeholders’ voices were heard while focusing simultaneously on issues that could impede residents’ ability to understand and access County services. 

Education: 

World Executive MBA, George Washington University School of Business, Washington, DC – Cohort of 2016 

• Graduate program with themes focused on Leadership, Governance, Management, Cybersecurity, Business Analytics & International Markets 

• Residency #1: Global Economics, Business Communications, and Business Ethic, Washington, DC 

• Residency #2: Global Perspectives and Cybersecurity of Info. & Comm. Tech. (ICT), Tallinn, Estonia 

• Residency #3: International Finance and Cybersecurity of Financial Institutions, Istanbul, Turkey 

• Residency #4: Intersection of Cybersecurity and Business Analytics, Washington, DC 

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Finance & Accounting, University of Conakry, Rep. of Guinea – Cohort of 1994 

Dr. Kamara’s dissertation was on, Perceptions of Women’s Economic Progress and Empowerment in Guinea 

Dr. Vera Kurdian received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. As the CEO of Advanced Behavioral Health, Dr. Kurdian is responsible for running all aspects of the mental- health clinic to include clinical compliance, accreditation, business development, budgeting, and marketing. She is a licensed clinician with 22 years of clinical and supervisory experience. Vera has worked in various clinical settings to include direct care, supervision, training, management, and academia. In her research, she has explored the role of organizational socialization in increasing job satisfaction and retention. As a young Armenian Lebanese immigrant, she was not afforded the opportunity to receive a formal education. Still, her desire for learning and tenacity put her back in the classroom after she had children. Vera has a master’s from the University of Maryland and a Doctorate from Hood College. 

Education:  

Master of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, 2002 
Bachelors of Arts, Social Work, Hood College, 2001 

Dr. Kurdian’s dissertation is on The Role of Organizational Socialization on Job Satisfaction and Commitment of Fee-for-Service Mental Health Clinicians. 

Dr. Lakeisha Maddrey-Lashley received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. Dr. Maddrey-Lashley has been in education for 24 years. She is the proud principal of Fairland Elementary School, in Montgomery County Public Schools. Dr. Maddrey-Lashley started her doctoral journey to fulfill a life-long dream. The doctoral experience at Hood College created life-long friendships, re-ignited her passion for leadership and service to her community.  In 2018, she was leading an organization facing challenges with staff morale. She was determined to find ways to make a difference. The coursework and research associated with her dissertation, titled, "The Perceptions of Elementary Principals on Promoting Positive Staff Morale" helped turn her school's staff morale around within the first year. By May of 2019, the school's climate survey indicated over a 70% increase. Dr. Maddrey-Lashley believes that school leaders have a tremendous amount of influence. She is an example that when leaders are authentic, are caring, are accessible, give staff a voice, and build strong relationships, the staff's perception of their work environment improves. She hopes her study will equip leaders with tools to promote positive staff morale in their organizations. 

Education: 

Master of Science, Educational Leadership, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2008 

Bachelor of Science, Education, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, 1998 

Dr. Maddrey- Lashley's dissertation was on The Perceptions of Elementary Principals on Promoting Positive Staff Morale 

Dr. Michael Lucido received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. Dr. Lucido is a division-wide secondary instructional coach for Loudoun County Public Schools. For the 2021-22 school year, Dr. Lucido was nominated for the LCPS teacher of the year. Before becoming an instructional coach, Dr. Lucido taught middle and high school Latin for 11 years while also taking responsibility as a lead teacher and lead teaching mentor. Dr. Lucido joined Hood College's curriculum and instruction program as an adjunct professor for the 2022 Fall semester. He completed his doctoral dissertation in the summer of 2021 titled Novice Teacher Self-Efficacy in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Examination of Variance between First-Career and Career-Switcher Teachers. The dissertation focused on the challenges of beginning teachers hired during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lucido's research can be found in the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Research Database. This passion and scholarship for novice teachers, especially career switchers, led him to pursue instructional coaching, cognitive coaching, and teaching graduate students. 

Education:  
Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Concordia University-Portland, Portland, Oregon, 2015 
Bachelor of Arts, History, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2010 
 

Dr. Lucido’s dissertation was on Novice Teacher Self-Efficacy in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Examination of Variance Between First-Career and Career-Switcher Teachers. 

Dr Joshua Harold Munsey received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. He currently works as a paraeducator with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), at both Wheaton High School, and the John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA). Subsequently, he entered the Special Education Teacher Immersion Training (SET IT) program with Johns Hopkins University.  He earned his Master of Science degree in Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities, in 2004.  He earned a position as a Special Education Teacher at Wheaton High School, where he also coached football, wrestling, volleyball and softball, before transitioning to Clarksburg High School.  

While serving as a Special Education Teacher at Clarksburg High School, Joshua coached football and wrestling, while also earning his Administrator I certification from McDaniel College.  He then became the Resource Teacher for Special Education at Clarksburg High School.  After leading the Learning for Academic Disabilities (LAD) program at Clarksburg for 3 years, Joshua returned to RICA as the Assistant Principal.  After 3 years as the Assistant Principal, Mr. Munsey transitioned to Wheaton High School for a brief period, before he returned to RICA as the principal. 

Joshua loves spending time with his family, which includes his wife of 18 years, Jennifer, as well as his children, Gabriella, 16, Joshua Jr., 14, and Kelsi, 12.  Additionally, he enjoys exercising, watching and playing sports, and watching his children participate in softball, wrestling, basketball, and lacrosse.  

 
Education: 

Administrator I Certification, McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland, 2011 

Master of Science, Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Baltimore, Maryland, 2004 

Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, University of Maryland at College Park, Maryland, 2001 
 

Dr. Munsey’s dissertation was on ,Principals' Perceptions of School Climate Surveys and How They Influence Their Practice 

Dr. Bridget Plitt received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. She is a training and development professional with 30 years of experience designing, developing, and implementing training solutions and systems. Currently, she serves as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC’s) Chief Learning Officer (CLO). As CLO, Bridget is responsible for all agency technical, leadership, and mandatory training, resources, and technologies. Before joining the OCC, Dr. Plitt worked for a number of strong Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hood College. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Instructional Systems Development and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Imaging and Digital Arts from the University of Maryland. 

Education: 

Master of Arts, Instructional Systems Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, 2004 
Master of Fine Arts, Imaging & Digital Arts, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, 2003 
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 1997 

Dr. Plitt’s dissertation was on The Relationship Between Leadership Style and Employee Perceptions of Organizational Appreciation of Creativity and Innovation 

Dr. Shelia Shipmon-Friedli received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. Her passion for science led her down a path of biomedical research.  She graduated from University of North Carolina at Pembroke with honors.  As a MARC and Chancellor Scholar, she participated in ongoing research. She presented research projects at Regional and National conferences.  As a Biology major /Chemistry minor, she continued her education at University of Maryland at College Park in Animal Science.  She worked at several research facilities such as National Institutes of Health, NIADDK and NIMH.  She also researched a possible treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at the Renal Pathology Lab at the UNC-Chapel Hill.  

Shelia also works with her family business, Friedli Enterprises.  She serves as a project manager.  As an international/national company, it is critical to understand the language and culture of the business world.  Thus, she earned a Master of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in Management at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  Friedli Enterprises participates in health seminars and health fairs, host charity events, etc.  As project manager, she has learned to treat every obstacle as an opportunity. 

Shelia’s favorite pastime is spending time with her family, pets and church. She enjoys interior decorating, gardening and writing. She is determined to one day become a prolific author. 

Education: 

Master of Business Administration, Management, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2017                                                               
Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, North Carolina, 1986 

Dr. Shipmon-Friedli's dissertation was on An Empirical Investigation Into the Antecedents of the Perceptions of Work-Life Balance of Professional Women 

Dr. Mary Carol Hastings Weller received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022 and received the of The Outstanding Dissertation Award in 2022.  Prior to entering education, Mary served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.  

Mary serves as the Coordinator for Secondary Science in the Howard County Public School System in Maryland, where she has led efforts to transform the district’s science classrooms into inquiry-rich, student-centered environments where all students develop scientific literacy so they can be active and contributing citizens and pursue further study in science if they desire.  Prior to assuming her responsibilities in Howard County, Mary served as Science Resource Teacher in the Carroll County (Maryland) Public School System.  Mary earned her National Board Certification in Science/Adolescents and Young Adults in 2007 while a teacher and Science Department Chairperson at Westminster High School in Westminster, Maryland.  She has also taught students in Swoope, Virginia and Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Mary has been active in leading science education efforts in Maryland since 2003 through her involvement with the Maryland Association of Science Teachers (MAST) and the Maryland Science Supervisors Association (MSSA).  She served as president of both organizations.  Nationally, she is active in the National Science Teachers Association and serves on the NSTA Council as District III Director.  She has and continues to serve on several NSTA committees.  

Mary’s hobbies include swimming, running, reading, and exploring the world of kale salads.  She has completed the annual 4.4 mile Great Chesapeake Bay Swim twice and has dabbled in triathlons.  

Education: 

Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 2009 
Master of Teaching, Science Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1995 
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry and Religious Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1989   

Dr. Weller’s dissertation was on, A Community’s Response to an Equity-Centered, Comprehensive, School Redistricting Proposal 

Dr. Michael Gerard Weyand received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. He has spent the last six years implementing water quality programs with soil conservation districts across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Michael is now the watershed restoration specialist for the City of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland. He strives to promote the City's water quality and environmental programs and initiatives; organizes and conducts public education programs, outreach events, workshops, and volunteer-based environmental programs, often in conjunction with other local jurisdictions. Reestablishing and maintaining ecological functions in streams, as well as fostering watershed health, is a lifetime passion of his. 

Education: 

Master of Science, Environmental Biology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2018 
Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness Management & Rural Development, West Virginia 

Dr. Weyand’s dissertation was on Influences of Vegetative Best Management Practices on Macroinvertebrate Populations in Agricultural Streams of Montgomery County, Maryland