K-8, Co-educational Independent School
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.
Nondiscrimination Policy: Alexandria Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, or any other school-administered programs.
2400 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
T: 703.548.4804
F: 703.549.9022
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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 having served as the founding Board
President of the Local Motion Project, an Alexandria-based nonprofit, as well as currently
serving as President of the Board of The Little Sisters Fund, an international nonprofit that
provides education to underprivileged girls in Nepal.
At ACDS, Kelly has served on the Association of Parents, as the Chair of the Annual Fund,
as a member of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of 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 began at ACDS in 2nd grade and she has flourished. Our now
6th graders 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.”
Kristopher Jones (2022)
Kristopher Jones is Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Fox Corporation, having served in similar capacities for predecessors News Corporation and 21st Century Fox for more than a decade.
In his current role, Mr. Jones advocates on behalf of Fox Corporation in Washington, D.C., executing a legislative strategy that advances the interests of FOX Entertainment, FOX Sports, FOX News, 28 local television stations owned by FOX, and a growing portfolio of online properties including streaming service Tubi, among other business units. He also oversees the Company’s bipartisan political action committee, FOXPAC.
Prior to joining the FOX family, Mr. Jones was Vice President of Communications at the National Association of Broadcasters, serving as the deputy communications officer for the broadcast industry’s chief advocacy association. At NAB, Mr. Jones spoke on behalf of America’s local radio and television stations and major TV networks. He also oversaw the operation of the trade group’s newsroom during the annual NAB convention, attended by more than 100,000 people, including more than 1,000 reporters.
Mr. Jones serves on the Corporate Leadership Council of College to Congress, a non-profit that works to increase socio-economic diversity among Congressional internship applicants through scholarship opportunities. He is a graduate of Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Law.
Sam Gitlitz (2022)
Sam Gitlitz is a U.S. Naval Officer who most served recently as a Deputy Program Manager for Naval Intelligence Activity. A native of Boston, MA, Sam graduated from Boston University with a degree in Classical History. He is currently a M.A. candidate in International Relations at American University.
Sam lives in Alexandria with his wife, Kristin, children, Madeline ’29 and William ’31, and their dog, Persephone. He enjoys the outdoors, cooking, reading, gardening, and travel.
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 the past 5 years, serving as President for two of those. She grew up in Pittsburgh but currently resides Alexandria with her husband Mark, daughter Payton who is in the 5th grade at ACDS, and their dogs Hudson and Luigi. She loves interior design and animals of all shapes and sizes.
“My daughter has been a student at ACDS since kindergarten and is currently a 6th grader – a member of the class of 2025. We have been so pleased with the school and teacher’s ability to merge academics and play, allowing the kids to be kids. The public speaking and communications programs are outstanding and we already see how those skills are helping her gain confidence. We are grateful we found ACDS and look forward to the last few years of middle school.”
Emily Bryan (2022)
Jennifer Morgan An is a Government Operations, Manager for The Boeing Company. Jennifer leads Boeing’s Supplier Engagement and Advocacy for over 12,000 Boeing domestic suppliers. As a leader in Strategy & Advocacy, Jennifer is responsible for developing strategies to implement constituent engagement in support of campaigns critical to the enterprise. Jennifer is 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 led a team in External Relations and was 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 traveling the world, instilling a love of travel, culture, customs and diplomacy.
She resides in Alexandria with her husband, two children (rising third grader and first grader at ACDS) and their dog, Tux. The Ans love to travel, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Scott is in his 15th 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.
Mr. Kuntz lives in Old Town Alexandria with his wife and their son, a member of ACDS’s Class of 2024.
“Our family has been at ACDS since 2015 and we could not be more pleased about our decision. At this young age, kids have a chance to develop a lifetime love of learning and this environment is developing that for our son. When you walk around the classrooms and hallways, the kids are happy, smiling and kind while being taught by excellent teachers and challenged by an interactive curriculum.”
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.”
Lawrence Nunn is a Lieutenant Colonel currently serving as a Cyber Operations Lead with the Cyber National Mission Force, United States Cyber Command. Lawrence has spent his career as a member of the United States Army serving in numerous capacities including as Director of Special Projects for U.S. Army Cyber Command; Cyber Operations Lead for The Joint Staff; and Company Commander / Director of C Company, 2nd Battalion 5th Calvary Regiment, 1CD, Iraq & Ft. Hood. Lawrence is also the owner of Digital 6 Solutions LLC.
A graduate of The United States Military Academy, West Point with a BS in Information Systems Engineering, Lawrence also has an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri and an MScEng in Operations Research from the University of Texas.
Prior to joining the ACDS Board of Trustees, Lawrence was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and served as an Admissions Volunteer and an Annual Fund Ambassador.
In his spare time, Lawrence enjoys cycling and martial arts. He lives in Alexandria with his wife, daughter, son, and nephew. His daughter is a member of ACDS’s class of 2026.
Steven is president of Endgame Strategies, a public policy consulting firm in Washington, D.C., where he advises corporations, non-profits, law firms, trade associations, and private individuals. Steven previously worked with a national law firm, the U.S. Senate, and a national political party committee. He has spent several years as a recreational soccer and flag football coach in Alexandria, and has served on the board of directors for the Alexandria Masters Soccer League and the Fairlington Arbor homeowners association. Steven went to Georgetown for college and the University of Chicago for law school and lived in Alaska and Houston before moving to the D.C. area for good in 2001. He and Cara have two children — Laura, who graduated in 2020 after a full nine years at the school, and Christopher, who is in 6th grade.
“ACDS has given each of our children the individual, personalized attention they have needed to mature into the best versions of themselves and has always been attentive to our family through the years. It’s also been personally rewarding to work to strengthen the school’s tradition and culture of mutual respect.”
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.
Michael O’Leary is an alumni parent that joined the ACDS Board of Trustees in the summer of 2018. He currently sits on the Finance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. Michael and his family live in Alexandria and have been involved with ACDS since 2005. Michael’s two sons graduated from ACDS in 2014 and 2016 and now attend the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg Va., and Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.
During his professional career, Michael has held leadership positions with the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, the United States Department of Justice (Criminal Division) and the Motion Picture Association of America. He is currently a Sr. Vice President for Policy at 21st Century Fox. Michael grew up in Montana and is a graduate of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona College of Law.
“ACDS provided our family not just with the academic foundation our boys needed for success, but a true sense of community as well. ACDS is an environment that not only challenges and encourages students academically, but in all aspects of life. During their time at the school, both of our boys grew as students and as individuals. The skills they learned at ACDS continue to serve them well today.”
Dwight is CEO of Bonaventure which includes a real estate investment firm, a multifamily property management company, a Class A construction company, and a portfolio of apartment homes in 2 states and 22 communities. Dwight has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.
A graduate of TC Williams, he calls Alexandria, VA home where he was born and raised. Currently three of his four daughters attend ACDS; his 2019 ACDS graduate starts St. Stephen’s St. Agnes in the fall.
“I am grateful to ACDS for the community it creates for my family, the foundation as life-long learners it builds for my children, and the independence, strength, and generosity of spirit it teaches my daughters.”
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!”
Steve is a First Vice President-Investments at Wells Fargo where he helps a select group of individuals, families and business owners build, manage, protect and transition wealth. Steve’s passion for the financial markets began with an internship prior to his graduation from Providence College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Immediately after graduation he began his wealth management career and discovered that this was his true calling and he had a sincere passion for helping clients meet their financial goals.
Steve believes strongly in giving back to the community and is actively involved in the Fort Hunt Little League serving on the board as well as coaching his two boys’ baseball teams. He is the proud father of Matthew ’22 and Charlie ’24.
Edith Webster Naegele has a background in fundraising, development and government relations. Born and raised in Maine, she arrived in Washington D.C. to earn her M.A. from George Washington University. Prior to that, she attended the University of Oregon Clark Honors College where she earned her B.A. in History and Asian Studies.
She served on ACDS’s Association of Parents and as a room parent before she joined the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2017. Currently she serves on the Advancement Committee.
Edith enjoys cooking, travel, and reading. She lives in Arlington with her husband and two children who are members of ACDS’s Classes of 2022 and 2024.
“Alexandria Country Day School is the best fit for both of our children because every day the teachers, staff, administration, and other families all work to make sure my kids are independent learners. ACDS truly lives to its mission to challenge students intellectually; inspire their confidence, curiosity, and creativity; and prepare them to thrive in a diverse and complex world. I see it daily in my two children who have very different personalities and learning styles. What my kids have learned academically, socially, civically, and emotionally they will carry them through their school years and well beyond.”
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.
Allen Lyubinsky takes a vision and makes it reality through sound strategy development. He intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, helps others extend their thinking, and drives material business advantage. He inspires action while at the same time is grounded in financial information that levers the business. Respected as a credible voice in decision making, finding strategic partners, and establishing governance boundaries, Allen earns a seat at the table wherever he serves.
Currently, as a CFO of Gold Crust Baking Company Inc. a bread manufacturer, BakeMax an East Coast logistics company and Capital Bakers a National frozen food supplier, Allen oversees the finances and operations of these multimillion dollar organization. Since joining 9 years ago, these organizations have recorded unprecedented growth, delivering stellar financial results and capturing large market share, all while improving quality, consistency and service.
Previously, Allen worked with AOL and other Telco and Internet Technologies start-ups where Allen was an accomplished operating and finance executive with an extensive track record of driving strategy, execution, and business results.
Allen holds an MBA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS from Syracuse University with a major in Accounting.
Allen has three children, with the two youngest attending ACDS, Ari ’22 and Ava ’24.
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. She sits on the Finance Committee.
Kristin enjoys all sports, especially paddle boarding, playing golf and coaching children’s soccer. She lives in Alexandria with her husband and two daughters. Both girls attend ACDS are in the 6th and 4th grades.
“Our family joined the ACDS community when my daughters were entering 4th and 2nd grades. ACDS has allowed for tremendous growth for them academically. Since joining this nurturing environment, they have gained a renewed love of learning and confidence. The activities they participate in and friendships they have formed will be a source of inspiration for years to come.”
Gabrielle V. Campbell is Chief Services Officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), where she oversees standardized admissions and selection testing and centralized application services for the nation’s aspiring physician workforce, medical schools, and residency training programs. She also leads the strategic innovation of these AAMC programs, including fostering holistic review of applicants as part of the medical school and residency admissions and selection processes and in support of the diversification of the physician workforce.
Ms. Campbell holds a BA in biology from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business, and an LLM from the University of Edinburgh Law School. She was a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow in Germany, where she worked with the Bavarian Ministry of Economics, Transport and Technology.
In her personal time, Ms. Campbell explores her children’s Korean heritage with them, going as far as joining their study of TaeKwonDo. Her two children (Sean, class of 2024 and Madeleine, class of 2023) absolutely love school.
“It has been wonderful to watch our children blossom at ACDS, becoming confident, positive, resilient learners. The school creates events that help children find their voice from kindergarten on, weaving speaking and presenting experiences throughout the curriculum. The intentional effort on social-emotional learning is evidenced by the positive vibe in the school, present from the first moment you walk in the front door. And teachers partner with parents to help their children thrive academically and socially. We couldn’t be happier with our school choice!”
Amanda Joyner is the Director of Government Affairs for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). In this capacity, she represents a diverse group of general aviation aircraft, component, maintenance, and repair providers and engages with Members of Congress, federal agencies, and respective staff on their behalf. Amanda also frequently interacts with the GAMA’s Board of Directors which includes the leadership of over 100 companies in the general aviation sector.
Amanda joined the ACDS Board of Trustees in 2017 and serves on the Advancement Committee. The Joyner kids, Liz (ACDS Class of 2023) and Andrew (ACDS Class of 2026), eagerly run into school every day with enthusiasm and often have to be coaxed into leaving.
The Joyner family loves to travel, spend time on the North Carolina Outer Banks, watch the Washington Nationals play, or attend one of the many sporting events their kids are involved in.
“Our family is so fortunate to be a part of the ACDS community. One of the things that truly stands out to us is the thoughtful manner that play and academics are incorporated to teach our children concepts in a multi-dimensional way. Moreover, the curriculum is challenging and compelling, and taught by faculty who are invested and passionate which in turn motivates students individually and collectively. The result is children who are confident, articulate, and thoughtful in their academics, identity, and community.”
Bio to Come
Mimi Glaize has a background in education and has taught at several schools over the past 10 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston and her Masters in Reading from the University of Virginia.
Mimi worked at Alexandria Country Day School for 6 years as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and interim head of lower school. During her time at ACDS, Mimi was an advocate for the school and a true believer in its mission and philosophy. Mimi currently lives Winchester, Virginia with her husband and daughter.
Mimi joined the Board of Trustees this year and hopes that her history with the school and experience in the field of education will bring a unique perspective to the board. She currently serves on the Advancement committee.
“Having worked at many schools, including three in the northern Virginia area, I truly believe that ACDS offers the best learning environment and curricular programs of any school I have been a part of. The teachers are outstanding, the curriculum is engaging and the administration is incredibly supportive. When my family moved out of the area, I knew I wanted to find a way to continue to be a part of the ACDS community. It is an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees and support a school that I care so much about.”
Atilla Kocsis is seasoned entrepreneur who has launched several internet and software development start-ups over the last 22 years. Skilled at technology innovation and e-commerce, he is a problem solver who has partnered with countless clients — large and small — to create customized digital platforms to optimize their business objectives. While his primary focus has been with the Internet, technology, and software, he also enjoys real estate investment and the financial markets.
Atilla currently serves on several board of directors, including American Hungarian Federation, and the Kossuth Foundation to name a few. Bilingual in Hungarian, he started his career at the US Chamber of Commerce working on International Trade Policy. He has a degree from Clark University in economics and was recently appointed to serve on Clark’s DC Leadership Council.
Atilla has served been a room parent for six years, JV soccer coach for two years, and a member of the ACDS board for three years. He serves on the Finance and Advancement committees. He loves, soccer, tennis, and cycling. He lives in DelRay with his wife Sarah and children Vivian and Alexander.
“ACDS is all that a parent can want in a school. A place that nurtures and develops young minds and encourages them to be curious, ask questions and reach with the confidence in knowing that they are supported.”
