ACDS Podcast
K-8, Co-educational Independent School
ACDS Podcast
Our Mission: Challenge students intellectually; inspire their confidence, curiosity, and creativity; and prepare them to thrive in a diverse and complex world by ensuring that they are independent learners, effective communicators, community minded citizens, and balanced individuals.
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Aviva Walls (2024)
Aviva Walls serves as Head of School of Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax, VA. Since her arrival in 2020, Aviva has overseen a revitalization of school culture and embraces feedback and a growth mindset at every level. Previously, Aviva held the role as Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of College Counseling at Shalhevet High School. In that position, she helped the school transition toward faculty-driven independent advanced curricula and away from an AP-based curriculum all while maintaining a reputation for student agency and academic excellence. As a life-longer herself, she earned a BA from Barnard College, an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and has received certificates from YULEAD and the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI). She is currently a Wexner Field Fellow and working on an EdD in Educational Leadership from GW. In her spare time, Aviva loves to travel, cook and listen to podcasts. She is the proud aunt to seven nieces and nephews.
Ashlee Rich Stephenson, Annual Fund Chair, Advancement Committee
Ashlee Rich Stephenson is a nationally respected and highly experienced strategist, pollster, and public speaker with nearly 20 years of experience working on high-level campaigns, independent expenditures, and on behalf of public affairs and corporate interests across the United States.
Stephenson is president of AxAdvocacy, a public affairs and government relations consulting firm that represents clients from business and industry in policy battles across the nation and on Capitol Hill.
She is also the senior political strategist and a consultant to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization.
She was the president of Just Win Strategies, a national political strategy firm, and principal and chief strategy officer at the polling and analytics company WPA Intelligence. She started her career in the Strategy Department at the Republican National Committee.
Named a Rising Star in 2014 by Campaigns & Elections magazine and inducted into the inaugural American Association of Political Consultants 40 under 40 class of 2015, Stephenson is a regularly requested panelist and commentator to discuss evolving trends in politics and public policy.
She currently serves on the boards of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.
A graduate of Allegheny College and native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Stephenson resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband and their two children.
Shane Mulhern (2024)
Shane Santo Mulhern is the Executive Director of Thrive DC, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and food-insecurity in Washington D.C. ‘s wards 1 & 4. Through relationships and building trust with clients, Thrive DC ensures individuals can rely on the consistency of a hot meal for breakfast, the fresh food distributed at its food pantry, and support services to address the root causes of poverty.
Previously, Shane’s career focused on education with senior management roles in the Washington, DC charter sector, the U.S. Department of Education, and the NYC Department of Education, where he opened six alternative high schools for students with adult responsibilities.
Shane’s educational journey includes a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University.
Adam Comfort (2024)
Adam Comfort is a Visiting Research Scientist at the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security. In that role, he serves as a special advisor for cyber operations to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He has spent twenty years in the national security space, supporting various defense and intelligence agencies. Prior to joining ARLIS, he was Vice President of DoD Cyber Solutions at Parsons, and has held various leadership and growth roles at Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and several smaller firms.
He earned an MA in International Relations from the American University School of International Service and a BA double major in History and Music from Bowdoin College.
Adam lives in Alexandria with his wife and three ACDS Bobcats.
Emily Michel (2024)
Emily Michel is a communications consultant who provides authors with research, editing, writing, and fact checking for high-level book projects and other publications, several of which have become national best-sellers. She has also conducted congressional oral history legacy projects, helped plan largely attended conferences, and provides communications consulting to a Fortune 500 company. Emily holds a BA and MPS from George Washington University, and earlier in her career worked in the Speechwriting and Chief of Staff’s offices at the White House and in public affairs at the Commerce Department. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two daughters, both current ACDS students. Emily also volunteers with the Association of Parents and Families at ACDS.
“Sending our two daughters to ACDS was one of the best decisions our family has made. Both girls have thrived academically thanks to the top-notch faculty, grown in confidence, and have thoroughly enjoyed their years as part of the welcoming school community.”
Matt McGrew is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Danaher Corporation, a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator. Matt directs and oversees all financial activities including financial strategy, planning, and management of Danaher’s portfolio of businesses. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from DePaul University.
He lives in Alexandria with his wife and daughter, a 2024 ACDS graduate.
“My daughter’s journey at ACDS, starting in the fourth grade, was an incredible experience. Witnessing her growth academically and personally, led by the dedicated teachers and staff, was the inspiration to serve on the board.”
Leigh Rizzieri (2022)
Leigh Rizzieri has over 15 years of professional consulting and project management experience on large-scale Federal and Statewide human services projects, including Program Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V). She has a documented record of strong and decisive executive leadership in both the public and private sectors, including the management of IV&V of California’s $1 billion Child Support Automation effort.
Deciding that it was time for a change, Leigh moved back to her hometown and opened a dog boutique and bakery. Recognized as the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh region, WAG grew into two retail locations as well as an on-line store.
By building and managing a successful business enterprise and leading million-dollar contracts as a consultant, she added value through her ability to manage multiple stakeholder expectations, building and leading teams, and using sound and strong interpersonal skills.
Leigh earned her BS at the College of Wooster and her Masters of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, where she graduated with highest honors. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Pittsburgh Food Bank and has held her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification for over 15 years.
At ACDS, Leigh has served on the Association of Parents for 5 years, serving as President for two of those. She grew up in Pittsburgh and now resides in Alexandria with her family and two dogs, Hudson and Luigi. She and her husband Mark enrolled their daughter Payton in kindergarten at ACDS and never looked back. In 2025, Payton will graduate after having spent nine years at the school. Leigh loves the Steelers, the world of design and animals of all shapes and sizes.
Kristopher Jones (2022)
Kristopher Jones is Executive Vice President and Head of Government Relations at Fox Corporation. In this role he leads all legislative, regulatory and policy matters for the Company.
Jones joined FOX in 2011 and has two decades of experience in Washington D.C. and media policy, having spent the last dozen years at Fox Corporation and its predecessors 21st Century Fox and News Corporation. As a long-serving member of the FOX Government Relations team, Jones has helped shape the Company’s political and policy advocacy in Washington on matters related to the First Amendment, retransmission consent, intellectual property protection, M&A activity, and corporate tax, among a myriad of other issues.
Beyond his GR role, Jones worked alongside executives at FOX Sports and U.S. Air Force leadership in 2022 as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of the FOX Sports Skybox and Plaza, a sports bar and leisure complex dedicated to American servicemembers stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar.
Prior to joining the FOX family, Jones was vice president of communications for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) where he served as the deputy spokesperson for the chief advocacy organization representing television and radio broadcasters. In 2023, Jones was appointed to the NAB Board of Directors.
Jones also serves on the board of directors for The Ripon Society, a Washington-based think tank that fosters civil discourse on the policies and politics before Congress and U.S. government officials. He is a graduate of Washington State University.
Jennifer Morgan An is the Chief of Staff and Director of Operations for the Vice President of State & Local Government Operations. In this position, she assists the Vice President by leading the enterprise- wide State & Local Operations across the United States. The State & Local team manages relationships with elected officials and business leaders, advocate for key issues that advance Boeing’s business objectives and philanthropic opportunities to give back to the communities where Boeing employees live and work.
Prior to this position, Jennifer was a Government Operations Manager responsible for leading Boeing’s Supplier Engagement and Advocacy for over 12,000 Boeing domestic suppliers. As a leader in Strategy & Advocacy, Jennifer was responsible for developing strategies to implement constituent engagement in support of campaigns critical to the enterprise. Jennifer was the liaison between Government Operations, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Defense Space & Security, Boeing Global Services and Boeing Supplier Management and an adviser to Boeing Federal, State & Local Government Operations, Boeing Global Engagement, and Political Mobilization for supplier related issues.
Previously, Jennifer was a senior specialist in External Relations and a recognized Protocol expert in the international and government relations arenas. She provided strategic direction, cultivated corporate relationships, and provided overall leadership and management of Boeing’s executive-level and Board participation.
Prior to The Boeing Company, Jennifer worked for The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International Corporation and US Airways in Corporate Affairs and Government Relations. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.
Jennifer is a proud military ‘brat’ who grew up all over the world, instilling a love of travel and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. committed to public service. In her free time, Jennifer can be found chasing her kids, doing something active outside in the sun, with her head in a good book and enjoying precious moments with family and friends.
Kristin Whitman is a government relations professional in the energy industry. Kristin has a background in corporate and commercial leadership as it relates to policy, regulation and stakeholder issues. Raised in Virginia, she came back to the Washington, D.C. area to work on Capitol Hill after receiving her degree in government from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
She served on ACDS’s Association of Parents for two years prior to joining the Board of Trustees in the spring of 2019 and currently serves as the President of the Board of Trustees.
Kristin enjoys all sports, especially paddle boarding, playing golf and coaching children’s soccer. She lives in Alexandria with her husband and two daughters.
“Our family joined the ACDS community when my daughters were entering 4th and 2nd grades. After joining this nurturing environment, they gained a renewed love of learning and confidence. The activities they participate in and friendships they formed will be a source of inspiration for years to come.”
Lawrence Nunn is the Co-founder and CEO of Cyberspatial, as well as a distinguished retired Army Officer. His extensive career in the United States Army saw him in a variety of pivotal roles, including Cyber Operations Lead with the Cyber National Mission Force, Director of Special Projects for U.S. Army Cyber Command, and Cyber Operations Lead for The Joint Staff. Beyond his service, Lawrence is the enterprising owner of Digital 6 Solutions LLC.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Engineering from The United States Military Academy at West Point, Lawrence furthered his education with a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Engineering in Operations Research from the University of Texas.
Before his tenure on the ACDS Board of Trustees, he was actively involved in the Strategic Planning Committee, contributed as an Admissions Volunteer, and championed as an Annual Fund Ambassador. Outside of his professional achievements, Lawrence is passionate about cycling and martial arts. He resides in Arlington with his family. He is a proud parent of a daughter in ACDS’s class of 2026 and a son in the class of 2031.
Kelly Beeland (2021)
Kelly Beeland has expertise in strategic planning, governance, organizational change management, communications strategy and delivery, and human capital management. She founded her own company in 2023 to work directly with clients in the nonprofit and government sectors.
As a management consultant who worked at Accenture and then Eagle Hill Consulting, Kelly served a diverse set of Federal Government clients such as the Department of Homeland Security, TSA, the US Postal Service, and NASA. She’s authored studies on topics such as Leadership Training and Development Best Practices and multiple case studies that demonstrate qualitative results of management consulting projects.
Kelly’s volunteer leadership experience includes serving as President of the Board of The Little Sisters Fund, an international nonprofit that provides education to underprivileged girls in Nepal, and serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies.
At ACDS, Kelly has served on the Association of Parents, as the Chair of the Annual Fund, and on the Return to Onsite Operations Task Force. Kelly loves cooking, reading, hiking, and yoga. She lives in Del Ray with her husband, Brad, and her two children, Sam, and Brynn.
Kelly received her BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond.
“Our family was drawn to ACDS because of the child-centered learning environment and supportive culture. Our daughter (ACDS ’25) began at ACDS in 2nd grade and she has flourished. She glows with confidence and capability. The outstanding, dedicated teachers, the engaging curriculum, the focus on public speaking, and the social-emotional learning and support have provided her with an outstanding foundation for her future years of school and life.”
Scott is in his 18th year at Episcopal High School, a grade 9-12 boarding school in Alexandria, VA, where he has served as director of admissions since 2012 and as head lacrosse coach since 2007. In addition to his experience at Episcopal, he brings a wide range of independent school experience also having worked at all three divisions at St. Paul’s School, a k-12 independent school outside of Baltimore.
Scott graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and also has a master’s degree in school psychology from Towson University.
Scott lives on the campus of Episcopal High School with his wife, Michele, and children, Tyler, Logan and Cameron.
Robert Sanchious (2023)
As owner and founder of SHR Consulting Group, a defense contractor in the DC metropolitan area, Robert has led the growth of a small business through multiple contract and industry changes. Through his understanding of contractual nuances and business ownership, he is able to utilize a breadth of knowledge across multiple disciplines. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. The first of his family to attend and graduate college, he values the power of education.
Robert has lived In Alexandria with his wife and four children since 2011. His two children (‘29 and ‘32) are current ACDS students. In his spare time, he enjoys working out and is an avid runner.
“ACDS is a wonderful school with a strong community. My wife and I met with multiple schools all across the area when we researched independent schools for our children. With so many options to choose from, ACDS stood out as having the most comprehensive curriculum that will prepare our children for the future.”
Aaron Ringel (2023)
Aaron Ringel is Vice President of Government Relations for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association (AFPM) where he leads the day-to-day operation of AFPM’s federal government relations team.
Prior to AFPM Aaron served in both the U.S. Department of State and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the State Department, he was Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, a leadership role that included setting international public affairs strategy, overseeing operations and policy communications. Prior to that he was Senior Advisor at the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources. At EPA, Aaron worked as Deputy Associate Administrator for Congressional Affairs.
Before his work in the Executive Branch, Aaron worked for several Members of Congress including Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and former Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS). He served more than eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas (BA), American University School of International Service (MA), and New Mexico Military Institute.
“Our family values ACDS not only for the quality education it provides to our children but for the sense of community all of our fellow parents and the faculty have created. It is a rare thing indeed to find a place of learning that fosters growth in not only the children, whose education is paramount, but also in the parents and educators involved in the school community. Truly, ACDS brings out the best in our kids and families as we grow together.”
Nicole McGrew (2023)
Nicole McGrew has a background in law, entrepreneurship and community engagement. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Nicole practiced law in the area of criminal law and policy for 12 years prior to opening her own business. An active member of the Alexandria community, Nicole serves on the boards of the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Move2Learn and the Visit Alexandria Board of Governors, and is the 2023 Chair of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Board. Nicole is also a Certified Master Gardener and a member of Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.
Prior to joining the ACDS Board of Trustees, Nicole served as a room parent and is a track coach for the ACDS track team. She and her husband are the proud parents of a Class of 2024 Bobcat.
“Our son entered ACDS in the 5th grade. The friendships he’s made, his development as a cheerful and confident student, and his intellectual growth are all reasons we’re so happy to be part of the ACDS community.”
Karen Christian (2023)
Karen Christian is a partner at the firm Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP and co-leader of the firm’s Congressional investigations practice. Previously, she served as general counsel and investigations counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is a graduate of Ohio University and The Ohio State University College of Law. She and her husband are proud parents to two sons (both ACDS graduates) and one daughter (a current student) and reside in Alexandria, Virginia.
“All three of our children flourished at ACDS. I wanted to give back to a school that has given our children so much and am honored to serve on the board.”
Kate Comfort, APF Co-President 2023-2024, Advancement Committee
Kate Comfort is the Executive Director of a private Alexandria-based philanthropic foundation and has nearly 15 years of experience working in support of the federal government both as a civil servant and consultant in the areas of defense and security.
After completing her Masters in Business Administration, Kate established her own small business offering strategy and management consulting services for federal government clients in the Department of Justice and Intelligence Community where she evaluated policy as well as organizational and operational risk. Her professional experiences have a commonality of working to analyze mission effectiveness and developing risk mitigations which she currently applies toward community-based philanthropic efforts.
Kate is the mother of three ACDS students in the graduating classes of ’30, ’31, ’32. She has been active in the Association of Parents and Families (APF) and is currently the Co-Chair of the organization.
“ACDS is an amazing environment to foster the individuality and growth of each of my children. It has been a joy to watch each of their unique interests and personalities thrive in the supportive learning environments we have experienced thus far in the lower school classrooms.”
Lindsay Garcia, APF Co-President 2023-2024, Advancement Committee
Lindsay Garcia is the clerk and staff director for the Senate Appropriations Committee Energy and Water Development Subcommittee. The Energy and Water Development Subcommittee is responsible for funding the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and related agencies.
Previously, Lindsay served as the policy director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under Chairman Roy Blunt. Before that, she served as Senator Lamar Alexander’s legislative director, energy policy director, and chief counsel. Prior to coming to the Senate in 2015, she served as a director at McBee Strategic Consulting. She earned a J.D. from William and Mary Law School and a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.
Lindsay and her husband, Sean, live in Alexandria, Va., and have a son, Tucker (ACDS class of 2030), and a daughter, Kennedy (future Bobcat).
Emily Bryan (2022)
Cindy Zarate is a seasoned contract attorney, and former Executive Officer to the Under Secretary for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer (USFA/CFO) at the Smithsonian Institution where she served for 20 years. From 2012 to February 2020, she advised the USFA/CFO on the administration and management of the Institution’s 14 mission-enabling offices, and their respective initiatives and policies. She worked closely with the Smithsonian Access office on various Institution-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring equal access for its visitors and employees. Cindy served on the Smithsonian’s Project SEARCH program’s Steering Committee, which established and continues to oversee the annual 10-month unpaid internship program helping young adults with cognitive disabilities gain workplace knowledge and skills that can lead to paid employment. From 2012 to 2014, she also served as the Institution’s Acting Privacy Officer and created the first iteration of the Institution’s comprehensive Privacy Program and Privacy Program policy directives.
Prior to these roles, Cindy worked as a Contract Negotiator/Attorney Advisor and then Supervisory Attorney in the Institution’s Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management. In that capacity, she counseled and negotiated agreements for revenue-generating activities such as for its retail stores, restaurants, theaters, and product licensing; building construction initiatives, and professional consulting. She negotiated agreements supporting the Institution’s intellectual property, copyright, and licensing needs, in book publishing, museum website creation, image licensing, product development, and museum exhibition creation. She also handled much of the Institution’s real estate portfolio; which included negotiating commercial leases for employee office space and museum collection storage; as well as unique needs such as the lease for the Institution’s cultural recovery activities in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
Since 2010, Cindy (and her husband, Juan) have been proud ACDS parents to Peyton (‘19), and Aiden (‘22). Cindy served as a member of the Head of School’s Cabinet (Spring, 2015), and Co-Chair to the Always ACDS Campaign (2015 to 2019). Cindy earned her BA degree from Wellesley College and JD from Boston College Law School. A fitness professional for over 28 years, she enjoys teaching barre, cycle, and step classes at Results Fitness in Alexandria, VA.
“We were first drawn to ACDS for its strong academics and individual attention to its students’ growth. As we witnessed our children matriculate through the years, we became especially appreciative of the quality and dedication of the teachers and faculty; emphasis on service-learning and community-mindfulness; and its incomparable public speaking and communications program. The ACDS community has been a welcoming one that we have cherished as family for over a decade.”
Blake joined ACDS as a seventh grader, after completing a Montessori program, and describes his time at ACDS as a match made in heaven. Making the most of his two years at ACDS, Blake joined the basketball team, as well as continued to hone his creative side in the drama program, and addressed his lifelong speech impediment in Speeches & Sweets. Blake went on to attend Bishop Ireton High School and Hampton University. He now resides in Alexandria and works as an Acquisition Analyst for an 8(a) company.
He is also a colorful independent filmmaker with success creating commercials, and short films leveraging imagination and corporate insight. Blake has previously had films shown at various film festivals all over the country including, Atlanta Underground, D.C Black Film Festival, and Burbank International Film Festival in Southern California. His most recent short film, the Zeke Sanders Story, a 35-minute comedy is debuting this fall at the Kennedy Center’s newly erected building, The REACH. Blake has also used his experience and relationships to direct a D.C. Filmmakers Spotlight which highlights a few local filmmakers who have garnered prominence on the local and national levels.
Star Harris-Lewis has a background in law enforcement and public administration. She works closely with federal and local agencies to develop innovative protocols related to judicial efficiency and execution. Star has built a career focused on coordinating legal, operational, and fiscal strategies that jointly benefit the law enforcement community and the civilian public sector. Star is a first-term Board member and her daughter, Amirah, is a proud member of ACDS Class of 2023.
“Amirah and I discovered ACDS during our journey for an educational environment that would challenge and nurture. We discovered ACDS to be a perfect balance of both. My daughter has grown in ways I could not have imagined leaving me with only one regret; that I did not enroll her sooner!”
Since joining ACDS as Head of School in 2012, Scott has overseen an overhaul of the school’s academic program to implement an innovative, rigorous, and student-centered curriculum, the renovation of interior classroom spaces, including the installation of sit/stand desks in middle school that were reported on CNN and The Today Show, the enhancement of the exterior campus that expanded play and learning spaces and garnered the school a Beautification Award from the City of Alexandria, and the implementation of a capital campaign that has created the school’s first substantial endowment. He is most proud, however, of the extraordinary team of professional educators that he and his colleagues have assembled. Prior to coming to ACDS, Scott was the Head of Buckingham Friends School, Director of Studies at Friends Academy, Dean of Students and Academic Dean at Alexander Dawson School, and Director of Technology at Sandy Spring Friends School. Scott, his wife, Katy, and their two children Zach and Seneca, live in Alexandria and love being in the DC area. Seneca is a member of ACDS’s Class of 2021, Zach attends Brown University, and Katy is an independent college advisor. Scott enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time at his family cottage in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Bio to Come
