Commitment • Passion • Purpose
WJA is proud to be guided by three unique leaders
in three unique roles
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 allowed him to understand the needs of our individual students and school as a whole. Mr. Washington oversees all of WJA’s different departments and delegates responsibilities to ensure shared ownership of the Academy’s success.
Our PRINCIPAL
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, Mr. Farmer saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the young men he defended if he could connect with them at an earlier age and provide the education and support they deserved. He returned to school and earned his M.Ed, to begin his career as an educator.
our vice principal
Kevin Winston was the Dean of Students at WJA for four years before assuming the role of Vice Principal. He supports our mission every day by approaching students as individuals and forging meaningful relationships with them and their families. Mr. Winston takes great pride in witnessing students' growth from 4th to 8th graders at the Academy, including his own son. His guidance and mentorship make him a pillar of our community.
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.
Marcus Washington, President
B.A., The College of William & Mary;
M.Ed., Marymount University;
M.A., The George Washington University
Brian Farmer, Principal
B.B.A., University of Notre Dame;
MSEd, Northwestern University;
J.D., University of Michigan
Kevin Winston, Vice Principal
B.A., James Madison University;
M.S., Grand Canyon University
Annalee Abell, Faculty
B.A., Georgetown University;
M.A., Georgetown University
Father Taroh Amede, S.J.,
Chaplain
Briana Barnes, LICSW, Director of Community Wellness
B.S., Howard University;
M.S.W., University of Pittsburgh
Adrienne Biel
LICSW, School Counselor
B.S., Union College;
M.S.W., University of Maryland
Terrance Bridgers (Class of 2015), Wellness Associate
B.S., Delaware State University
Chris Boland, Faculty
B.S., Fordham University;
M.Ed., Arizona State University
Analise Brower,
Director of Mission and Spirituality; Learning Specialist
B.A., University of Notre Dame;
M.Ed., University of Notre Dame
Shanna
Connors, Controller
B.S., Longwood University
Uyo Ekandem, High School Placement Coordinator
B.A., University of District of Columbia
Rachel Figueroa, Faculty
B.S., Catholic University of America
M.Ed., University of Notre Dame
Chelsea Gerald, Faculty; 6th Grade Dean
B.A., Elon University;
M.A., The George Washington University
J.B. Gerald, Director, Office of Student and Alumni Success
B.A., Colgate University;
M.Ed., Penn State University
Deanne M. Giarraputo, Student Sponsorship Manager
B.A., Catholic University of America
Danny Haley, Faculty
B.A., Florida State University;
M.P.S., Georgetown University
Dominic Haire (Class of 2012), Faculty
B.A., St. John's University
M.A., St. John's University
Anthony Haynie (Class of 2010), 11th-12th Grade Engagement Coordinator
B.A., Syracuse University
Joey Helliwell, Event Manager
B.S., University of South Carolina
Sean Johnson, Dean of Student Life
B.S., North Carolina A&T State University
Kyven Jones (Class of 2010), Faculty
B.S., Albright University
Suzy Kickham,
Faculty
B.A., St. Louis University;
M.Ed., University of Notre Dame
Cullen Kuhn,
Faculty
B.A., The College of Wooster
M.A., Loyola University Maryland
Rosalie MacInnes, Director of Alumni Relations & 9th-10th Grade Engagement Coordinator
B.B.A., University of Mississippi
Denise McGloon, Donor Relations Manager
B.A., University of Maryland
Catherine McCafferty, Foundation and Corporate Relations Director
B.A., Xavier University
M.P.A., George Mason University
Marissa Mullen, Director of Communications
B.A., University of Virginia
Collins Munene, Faculty
B.S., Albright College
David Nesbitt, Faculty; 8th Grade Dean
B.A., Bates College;
M.L.S., Loyola University Maryland;
M.A., University of Maryland
Shonda Northam,
Advancement Services Director
Gabrielle Otto, Faculty
B.S., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities;
M.Ed., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Lisa Paro, Chief Advancement Officer
B.S., Ohio University;
M.S.A., Ohio University
Jordan Penn, Faculty
B.S., University of Maryland
Aaron Perry, Director of Admissions
B.A., Eastern Connecticut State University;
M.A.T., Clark University
Jody Tuohey, Learning Specialist
B.A., University of Virginia
M.T., University of Virginia
Jessica Vartughian, Chief of Staff
B.A., St. Bonaventure University
Jassar Vasquez (Class of 2011), Faculty
B.S., University of the District of Columbia
Kyle Wade (Class of 2005), Facilities Director
B.S., Bowie State University
Non-Discrimination Policy: The Washington Jesuit Academy admits students of any race, color, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
