An auction to benefit faculty professional development. Please check back soon for more details and list of items up for auction.
K-8, Co-educational Independent School
An auction to benefit faculty professional development. Please check back soon for more details and list of items up for auction.
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.
2400 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
T: 703.548.4804
F: 703.549.9022
Bio to Come
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.”
Juan Zarate is chairman and co-founder of the Financial Integrity Network, a visiting lecturer in law at the Harvard Law School, and senior national security analyst for NBC News/MSNBC. He serves as chairman of the Center on Sanctions and Illicit Finance, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and as a senior fellow at West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center.
Mr. Zarate is a published author, including his books “Treasury’s War” (2013) and “Forging Democracy” (1994).
He sits on the boards of various organizations, including the Vatican’s Financial Information Authority, Northwestern Mutual, Boston Dynamics, HSBC’s Financial System Vulnerabilities Committee, and the Director’s Advisory Board for the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
Mr. Zarate served as the deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for combating terrorism from 2005 to 2009, where he was responsible for developing and implementing the U.S. government’s counterterrorism strategy and policies related to transnational security threats. He was the first ever assistant secretary of the treasury for terrorist financing and financial crimes, where he led the innovative use of the Treasury Department’s national security–related powers.
Mr. Zarate is a former federal prosecutor who served on terrorism prosecution teams prior to 9/11.
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 Lyubinsky who is in 5th grade and Ava Lyubinsky in 3rd.
Allison A. Erdle runs her own management consulting firm, Erdle Consulting Group, focused on non-profit organizations, small businesses and foundations. She has worked in fundraising and development for over 25 years and holds an international MBA and speaks Spanish fluently.
She joined the ACDS Board in 2015, has served as Co-Chair of the Always ACDS Capital Campaign and serves as Chair of the Advancement Committee. She served on the ACDS’ AP for 4 years and as a tennis coach for the school, in addition to other capacities, since 2007.
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 in sixth grade at ACDS, 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.
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 currently in 5th and 2nd grades at ACDS.
“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.”
Anita Sheth Donaldson has a background in economics and public affairs, with experience working for non-profits and on Capitol Hill. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she moved east to Washington, D.C. after earning a B.A. in economics from the University of California, Irvine, and an M.P.A. in public administration from the University of Southern California.
She served on ACDS’s AP for six years prior to joining the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2013. Currently she chairs the Trustees Committee and sits on the Head Support & Evaluation Committee.
Anita loves baseball, movies, historical fiction, and 80s music. She lives in Arlington with her husband, two children, and two cats. Both of her children graduated from ACDS and currently attend Washington-Lee High School.
“My family and I have been a part of the wonderful ACDS community since 2006. It has been an amazing experience to watch our children grow up here, surrounded by the best teachers and administrators who have inspired them to be curious, confident, and independent learners with a conscience and commitment to their community. I know that the relationships they’ve built here will be a lifelong source of friendship and inspiration for them.”
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.
In her spare time, 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.”
Ryan S. Smethurst is co-chair of McDermott Will & Emery LLP’s Insurance Litigation & Counseling Team. For nearly two decades, he has represented insurers, captives and risk retention groups with respect to their most difficult exposures throughout the United States, including in more than 11,000 personal injury actions against the City of New York in In re World Trade Center Disaster Site Litigation; approximately 750 childhood sexual abuse cases against Roman Catholic, Episcopal and youth organizations; nine-figure environmental and asbestos liabilities; and academic medical center and manufacturing exposures. Ryan is recognized by Chambers USA as a leading insurance litigator in Washington, DC, and won a Financial Times Innovative Lawyers award for his work for the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company, a captive liability insurer of the City of New York formed by Congress after 9/11.
Ryan joined the ACDS Board of Trustees in 2015 and serves on its Facilities Committee. His children, Vaughn (ACDS Class of 2016) and Alexandra (ACDS Class of 2019), have flourished throughout their K-8 experience at ACDS.
Ryan loves traveling with his family, as well as his regular weekend treks to the Delaware beaches each summer.
“This is my family’s 11th year as members of our wonderful ACDS community. ACDS has been a terrific place for our children to grow and develop, to learn from outstanding, motivating faculty, to gain confidence and perspective, and to establish life-long friendships.”
Keith Larson joined the Board of Trustees in 2014 and serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer.
He is currently General Counsel of Venture Global LNG, Inc., an energy development company based in Arlington, VA. Prior to that he spent a decade as a partner at Hogan Lovells, an international law firm, where he headed the firm’s project finance practice for the Americas. His professional experience also includes roles at Royal Dutch Shell and ABN AMRO Bank, both while based in The Netherlands. He received his B.A. in Government and Law from Lafayette College, his M.A. in International Relations from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and his J.D. from Syracuse University.
Keith lives in Alexandria with his wife Pamela, two children and two dogs. His daughter graduated from ACDS in 2017 and now attends the Maret School. His son is currently in the eighth grade at ACDS.
Keith is an avid sports fan and enjoys music and travel.
“My only regret about ACDS is not having enrolled my children there earlier. Both joined ACDS in the 4th grade, and since then I have been so impressed by their growth and development as students, individuals and members of the ACDS community. This school knows its mission and delivers.”
Kevin Kuntz is the CFO of Juggernaut Capital, a private equity firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Juggernaut was founded in 2009 and focuses on control equity investments in lower middle market companies in the consumer goods and business services industries. Prior to joining Juggernaut in 2010, Mr. Kuntz was a Vice President at Allied Capital Corporation in Washington, DC where he worked on the investment team. Mr. Kuntz began his career as an auditor in the high tech practice for Arthur Andersen, LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Kuntz graduated from Wake Forest University in 1998 with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Kuntz currently serves on the Board of Managers of BDS Solutions Group and is the Chairman of the Alumni Development Council at the Wake Forest University School of Business.
Mr. Kuntz lives in Old Town Alexandria with his wife and their son, a third grader at Alexandria Country Day School.
“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.”
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.”
Julie Kearney has been a practicing telecom and technology attorney in the DC area for more than 20 years. She currently serves as Head of Regulatory Affairs for Loon, a sister company of Google, that is delivering Internet service to underserved populations around the globe. She recently concluded her term as President of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA). A trained singer, Julie is a member of the “kindie” rock band, “Here Comes Trouble.” She also sang for many years with the Choral Arts Society of Washington.
Andy is in his 10th year as the Controller at Episcopal High School, a grade 9-12 boarding school in Alexandria, VA. He brings a broad knowledge of private school finances to the ACDS board. Prior to that, he worked as an audit manager at McGladrey & Pullen (now RSM), specializing in the not-for-profit practice. Andy also serves on the advisory board of the Butterfly House, a local preschool in Alexandria.
Andy graduated from James Madison University with a BA in accounting. He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Virginia.
Andy lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife, Elizabeth, and children, William and Emaline.
Susan Howells holds master’s degrees in public administration from The George Washington University and clinical social work from Smith College. She has over 15 years of experience in public policy and non-profit management.
She is in her first term as a board member, sitting on the Advancement Committee. Her son is in second grade at ACDS.
“My son is thriving in this creative and kind community. This is the kind of school where you can tell immediately that the teachers love their jobs! And their students….. it shows in every interaction. My second grader is growing more independent and confident every day — the teachers do an excellent job teaching the importance of both personal responsibility and critical thinking.”
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.”
Mo Fathelbab is founder and president of Forum Resource, LLC and co-founder of Harvard Business School Alumni Forums. He is author of two best-selling books, Forum: The Secret Advantage of Successful Leaders and The Friendship Advantage – 7 Keys to Building Relationships that Transform Culture and Drive Productivity.
Prior to that Mo served as executive director of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (1991-1997) where he created the peer to peer Forum program content initiated 100s of CEO Forums. Mo has worked with over 20,000 CEOs and Entrepreneurs over the course of nearly 3 decades in 33 countries.
Mo regularly speaks to groups of CEOs and their C suite as well as to chapters of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) as well as audiences of more than 500 attendees. He has a popular TEDx talk and has appeared on many TV shows and podcasts as well as in many newspapers.
Personally, Mo is dedicated to health and fitness. He loves skiing, sailing, Yoga and stand up paddle boarding. He has completed 3 marathons, an Ironman and in 2018 placed first in USA Yoga’s Midwest regional championships for men over 50 and is a member of the board of USA Yoga Federation. Mo lives in Alexandria VA with his much better half Sally and their son Eli.
“We loved ACDS from day one and we are loving it more as we have watched our son thrive in such an amazing school.”
Cara Tseng Duffield is a partner at the law firm Wiley Rein LLP in Washington, DC. She specializes in representing insurers in coverage disputes and settlement of claims arising under directors and officers, financial institution, and other professional liability coverages. After meeting at the University of Chicago Law School, Cara and her husband Steven moved to the D.C. area in 2001. Their daughter Laura (12) and son Christopher (10) have both attended ACDS since kindergarten.
“We feel blessed to be part of the ACDS community. We initially picked the school because of its cozy size and nurturing environment, but over the past eight years we have been continually amazed by the quality instruction and individualized attention our kids have received. And we love that the K-8 structure has allowed Laura and Christopher to be at the same school much longer than they otherwise would have been.”
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 5th grader Matthew and 3rd grader Charlie.
Keith Burner is a Senior Vice President/Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley where he has worked for the past 26 years. He lives in the Del Ray section of Alexandria with his wife Mary, son Kyle and two Labrador Retrievers Hank and Chase. He graduated from George Mason University.
Keith is very active in the community. In addition to the 7 years on the ACDS Board of Trustees (4 as the President of the Board), he serves on the Board of Directors of the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys and Girls Club. He is active in Boy Scouts with his son Kyle and has coached Little League baseball for the past 15 years. In addition to the current non-profit commitments, he has served on boards of the Alexandria United Way, Alexandria Little League and the Community Foundation of Alexandria.
Keith enjoys most outdoor sports and gets involved in many of them with Kyle. He also enjoys skiing, camping, fishing, hunting and getting outside as much as possible. Spends too much time concerned about his hometown sports teams but not yet willing to throw in the towel!
“ACDS has been an exceptional place for our son. Warm, inviting, safe. A comfortable, yet challenging place to to learn, develop public speaking skills and actively participate in community. It prepares an academic achiever in a well-rounded environment.”