our leadership

Our PRESIDENT
Marcus Washington had been WJA's principal for nearly 10 years before taking on the role of Head of School and now, President. His longstanding commitment to the Academy has given him a deep understanding of the needs of our individual students and of the school as a whole. Over the years, Mr. Washington has helped shape WJA into a stronger, more resilient community, guided by a clear vision for what young men can achieve when given the right support and opportunities. As President, he oversees all of WJA's departments and delegates responsibilities to ensure shared ownership of the Academy's success, empowering his team to lead with the same passion and purpose that first drew him to the work. His steady leadership and enduring belief in our students continue to guide WJA into its next chapter.
Our HEADMASTER
Kevin Winston was the Dean of Students at WJA for four years before assuming the role of Vice Principal and now, Headmaster. He supports our mission every day by approaching students as individuals and forging meaningful relationships with them and their families. Mr. Winston believes that consistency and trust are the foundation of a strong school community, and he works closely with faculty and staff to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to grow. He takes great pride in witnessing students' growth from 4th to 8th grade at the Academy, watching them develop not only as scholars but as young men of character. His guidance and mentorship make him a pillar of our community, and his steady leadership continues to shape the culture and future of WJA.
Our VICE PRINCIPAL
LaShanda Lawrence brings more than 25 years of teaching and leadership experience across independent, faith-based, and public school settings to her role as Vice Principal. Prior to joining WJA, she served as English Department Chair for Grades 5–8 at St. Paul's School for Boys, where she led curriculum mapping, mentored faculty, and contributed to hiring, admissions, and instructional technology decisions. She also directed the Summer Scholars Program at the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, supporting students as they transition into independent schools. Rooted in a deep commitment to equity, LaShanda is excited to bring her passion for student growth to WJA's mission and community.
Our CHIEF ADVANCEMENT
OFFICER
Lisa Paro leads WJA's Advancement operation, overseeing the fundraising team and directing the Academy's strategy for philanthropy, donor relations, and communications...
Our CHIEF FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS
OFFICER
Karen Gilroy brings 25 years of professional leadership experience to her role as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, including 15 years in finance and operations ...
Our CHIEF OF STAFF
Jessica Vartughian has served as Chief of Staff at Washington Jesuit Academy, for nearly 20 years, providing strategic counsel to the Academy's President and Board of Directors...
Our VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMICS
& GRADUATE SUPPORT
Brian Farmer was drawn to WJA because of the small class size, strong community and the resiliency and determination of the students. While working as a lawyer in a public defender’s office...
Our WJA Teachers and Team
The dedicated faculty and staff of WJA serve as the backbone of the Academy. Our teachers and administrators maintain an unparalleled commitment to our educational model; passion for the success of our students; and purpose in their work to support our students, alumni, and greater WJA community.
Annalee Abell, Faculty
B.A., Georgetown University;
M.A., Georgetown University
Adrienne Biel, LICSW, School Counselor
B.S., Union College;
MSW, University of Maryland
Terrance Bridgers, LGSW (Class of 2015), Wellness Associate
B.S., Delaware State University;
MSW, Louisiana State University
Chris Boland, Faculty; 8th Grade Dean
B.S., Fordham University;
M.Ed., Arizona State University
Robin Coffer, LPN, School Nurse
Alpha Diallo, Faculty
B.A., Howard University
Brian Farmer, Vice President of Academics & Graduate Support
B.B.A., University of Notre Dame;
MSEd, Northwestern University;
J.D., University of Michigan
Karen Gilroy, CNAP, CFOO
B.A., Gettysburg College
Deanne M. Giarraputo, Student Sponsorship Manager
B.A., Catholic University of America
Dominic Haire, (Class of 2012), Director of Alumni Support; Co-Director of Ignatian Spirituality
B.A., St. John's University;
M.A., St. John's University
Joey Helliwell, Development Office and Event Assistant
B.S., University of South Carolina
Robin Hoeymans, Learning Specialist
B.A., The College of William & Mary;
M.Ed., American University
Katie Jack, Philanthropy Officer
B.A. University of Southern Mississippi
Sean Johnson, Dean of Student Life
B.S., North Carolina A&T State University
Kyven Jones, (Class of 2010), Faculty
B.S., Albright College
Justin Karriem, Faculty
B.S. Towson University;
MBA UMUC
Cullen Kuhn, Faculty
B.A., The College of Wooster;
M.A., Loyola University Maryland
LaShanda Lawrence, Vice Principal
B.A., Morgan State University;
M.A. Loyola University Maryland
Rickey Lewis, Faculty
B.S., Virginia State University;
M.A., University of Phoenix
Abraham McKennon, (Class of 2014), Front Desk Coordinator
B.A., LeMoyne College
Denise McGloon, Donor Relations Manager
B.A., University of Maryland
Marissa Mullen, Faculty
B.A., University of Virginia
Collins Munene, Staff Accountant
B.S., Albright College
David Nesbitt, Faculty; 7th Grade Dean
B.A., Bates College;
MLS, Loyola University Maryland;
M.A., University of Maryland
Shonda Northam, Advancement Services Director
Brendan O'Brien, Director, Career Pathways & Partnerships
B.A., Bowdoin College
MBA, Georgetown University
Gabrielle Otto, Faculty; 5th Grade Dean
B.S., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities;
M.Ed., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Lisa Paro, Chief Advancement Officer
B.S., Ohio University;
MSA, Ohio University
Jordan Penn, Faculty
B.S., University of Maryland
Aaron Perry, Director of Admissions; Faculty; 4th Grade Dean
B.A., Eastern Connecticut State University;
MAT, Clark University
Kevin Rivera, (Class of 2016), High School Placement Coordinator
B.A., Mount St. Mary's University
MBA, Mount St. Mary's University
Briana Richardson, LICSW, Director of Community Wellness
B.S., Howard University;
MSW, University of Pittsburgh
Rebekah Rowe, Faculty
B.A. Catholic University
M.A. Catholic University
Corey Richardson, Faculty
B.S., SUNY Oneanta
M.Ed., New York University;
M.A., The George Washington University
Maxwell Sessions, Fundraising & Communications Associate
B.A., Allegheny College
Bill Stevens, Faculty
B.A., Messiah College;
M.A., Catholic University of America
Malik Thorne, (Class of 2013) Program & Administrative Assistant
B.A., Bowie State University
Jody Tuohey, Director of Learning Support
B.A., University of Virginia;
M.T., University of Virginia
Jessica Vartughian, Chief of Staff
B.A., St. Bonaventure University
Kyle Wade, (Class of 2005), Facilities Director
B.S., Bowie State University
Marcus Washington, President
B.A., The College of William & Mary;
M.Ed., Marymount University;
M.A., The George Washington University
Kevin Winston, Headmaster
B.A., James Madison University;
M.S., Grand Canyon University
Catherine M. Zerda, Foundation and Corporate Relations Director
B.A., Xavier University;
MPA, George Mason University






