Leadership, Administration & Staff | BASIS Independent McLean

Service-oriented and eager to help, our leadership, administration, and staff are champions of the school community. While their key focus is supporting the teachers in the classroom, they work hard to ensure every student and family has a positive experience. Whether they are the front-and-center, visible faces of our school or the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes, leadership, administration, and staff are invaluable in upholding our culture and values.

Looking to get to know our unmatched, expert teaching faculty? Explore our teaching philosophy and meet the educators that bring it to life every day.

Ms. Aust

Head of Operations

Ms. Aust

Head of Operations

University of Connecticut, Bachelor of General Studies in Human Services

Ms. Aust is originally from Hawaii and has lived in various parts of the United States as well as Japan, England, and Germany. She has been involved in education in many ways, including as a parent, PTA President, and teacher, and she is delighted to continue that commitment to education at BASIS Independent McLean.

“I love that BASIS Independent McLean allows students to take responsibility for their education and offers them an environment where learning is exciting and expectations are high. Kids are so capable, and when they believe that, they can achieve amazing things.”

Ms. Aust has three teenagers and likes to quilt in her spare time.

Ms. Becker

Registrar

Ms. Becker

Registrar

Ms. Becker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She began her career working with children at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. After college she briefly worked at Nebraska State Education Association before accepting an Assistant Director role at a preschool in Maryland. Ms. Becker grew up in Falls Church, Virginia before moving to Nebraska in high school. She is an avid college football fan and an active tennis player. She is excited to join BASIS Independent McLean and believes that its mission is unique and challenges students to excel. She looks forward to meeting all families.

Mr. Biemesderfer

Subject Expert Teacher & Curriculum Coordinator

Mr. Biemesderfer

Subject Expert Teacher & Curriculum Coordinator

Georgetown University, B.A. in Economics, minors in Government and Psychology

Prior to joining BASIS Independent McLean, Mr. Biemesderfer was part of the founding faculty at BASIS DC, where he taught economics (including an AP pass rate above the national average) and served as a coach to nationally qualifying middle and high school speech and debate teams. Prior to joining BASIS Curriculum Schools, Mr. Biemesderfer worked as a teaching assistant in the economics department at Georgetown University where he first caught a passion for showing students the power of economic reasoning. As curriculum coordinator, Mr. Biemesderfer handles assessment, schedule, and aligning our work here with the expectations of the worldwide BASIS Curriculum Schools network.

“BASIS Independent McLean is well-positioned to be the best school in the world, and I cannot wait to come alongside students as we work toward our shared goals,” says Mr. Biemesderfer.

When not coaching the debate team to victory, you can often find Mr. Biembesderfer spending his weekends biking along the Washington & Old Dominion and Capital Crescent recreational trails.

Ms. Brown

Admissions Manager

Ms. Brown

Admissions Manager

James Madison University, B.S. in Special Education

One of her first jobs out of college included working with Fairfax County’s recreation program for adults with special needs. As her children started preschool, Ms. Brown joined the staff at Good Shepherd Preschool where she would stay for 14 years as the secretary/financial manager and substitute teacher.

Her career took a shift when she became a loan processor, supporting a team of loan officers for over eight years. While raising her children, Ms. Brown was active in the PTA, serving as the PTA president at her children’s elementary school and later became the volunteer coordinator for 10 years at Robinson Secondary School. Her most recent job was as executive manager at the Tysons Chamber of Commerce. It was here that she learned about BASIS Independent McLean, who is a member of the Chamber. She went home to her husband and said “I want to go work with them.” The rest is history.

Ms. Brown was intrigued by the mission of BASIS Curriculum Schools and the opportunity to get back to her passion – working with children and families. As Admissions Manager, her goal is to fill the school with great students and families who love to learn. She loves helping families go through the admission process – giving tours, conducting family meetings, playdates, and administering the assessment. A great day is a phone call from a prospective parent who says, “I am thinking of sending my child to BASIS Independent McLean.”

Those who know Ms. Brown know the most important thing to her and her husband of more than 35 years, is their family, which now includes seven grandchildren. She is also active in her church, loves to Jazzercise, and loves a good home improvement project – which usually involves a paint brush.

Ms. Conroy 

Head of School

Ms. Conroy 

Head of School

Syracuse University, M.S. Elementary Education
SUNY College at Cortland, B.S. Physical Education

Ms. Conroy served for a year as our Upper School Director of Student Affairs, then assumed the position of Interim Head of School prior to becoming Head of School.

She came to BASIS Independent McLean with more than a dozen years of experience as an educator and school leader. Most recently, she was the director of student life at St. Anne’s School in Annapolis, Maryland. She has also served as the director of middle school, as a technology resource leader, and as a teacher in numerous classroom settings. In these various positions she managed and mentored staff, developed and implemented curriculum, fostered professional development initiatives that model and promote lifelong learning for staff, and created programs that recognize academic excellence and social-emotional growth in students.

In addition to her degrees, Ms. Conroy is certified in elementary education and mindfulness education; was the National Association of Independent Schools Teacher of the Future (2011–2012); presenter (2007) and planning committee member (2013–present) for the Association of Independent Maryland Schools annual conference; and a Responsive Classroom Leadership Conference presenter (2015), among many additional presentations, national recognitions, and committee memberships.

Ms. Conyers 

Director of Student Affairs Grades 8-12

Ms. Conyers 

Director of Student Affairs Grades 8-12

Trinity University (Texas), B.A. in International Studies and Anthropology
Trinity University (Texas), M.A. in Education

Throughout her career in education, Ms. Conyers has connected with Elementary, Middle, and High School students through teaching, curriculum writing, and administration. Some of her various experiences include teaching bilingual elementary math, high school senior AP government and economics, and middle school history. She was also an administrator for a middle school gifted and talented program, and, most recently, a lead teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Ms. Conyers is proud to be a part of BASIS Independent McLean staff and of her role in supporting both teachers and students. She enjoys the strong sense of community between students, parents, and staff in working together to ensure all students meet their academic potential.

When not at work, Ms. Conyers is active tending her garden, attending the numerous activities of her two teenage children, or walking with her high-energy dogs.  As a college student, she had the opportunity to work and travel throughout Central America, an experience that contributes to her continual interest in global studies.

Ms. Crable

Dean of PreK-4

Ms. Crable

Dean of PreK-4

James Madison University, BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in painting and drawing and Art Education
Boston University, M.A. in Art Education with an Arts Leadership concentration

Prior to joining BASIS Independent McLean, Ms. Crable was the founding kindergarten through eighth grade Visual Arts teacher at a high-achieving public charter school in Massachusetts. She has also taught art and privately tutored in Rockingham County and Page County, VA. In 2015, Ms. Crable received the Game-Changer Award from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for outstanding service and innovative contributions to student achievement.

In her own words, Ms. Crable is “so pumped” to “encourage students to believe in themselves.”

Ms. Crable was a Girl Scout for over 15 years; she gets excited about trains and loves to hike!

Ms. Crespo

Auxiliary Events Manager

Ms. Crespo

Auxiliary Events Manager

Ms. Michelle Crespo joins BASIS Independent McLean with eight years of experience as an event coordinator in higher education. She received a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Events Management from George Mason University. Previously, she served as a Career Services Specialist for NOVA Workforce. Ms. Crespo assisted students at Northern Virginia Community College to accomplish great things through career and personal development, and served as an Event Coordinator for the Workforce Regional Center. Her passion for planning events led her to BASIS Independent McLean, and she looks forward to planning some fun community-building events here. During her free time, she enjoys sewing, crafting, and spending time with her husband and two fur babies.

Ms. Cruz

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Ms. Cruz

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Boston University, B.A. in Math Education

A New York native, Ms. Cruz moved to Northern Virginia after college graduation. Her passion for programming developed when she took on the assistant director of summer programs role in addition to her previous teaching position at another local institution. Ms. Cruz taught middle school mathematics for three years, and she is thrilled to be fostering her passion for programming and working with the Basis Independent McLean faculty and staff.

Outside of education, Ms. Cruz enjoys travel and outdoor adventures like kayaking or hiking.

Ms. Cunningham

Communications Manager

Ms. Cunningham

Communications Manager

Elon University, B.A. in Journalism, minor in English Literature
Georgetown University, MPS in Public Relations & Corporate Communications

Ms. Cunningham joins BASIS Independent McLean with 10 years of experience in school communications, driven by her love of journalism and yearbook. Prior to joining the BASIS team, Ms. Cunningham served as assistant director of communications at two different DC-area independent schools. She has experience in strategic communications, photography, design, social media, and various types of writing.

After having worked at very old schools, Ms. Cunningham is thrilled to help form this new school community. She is excited by the fresh energy of BASIS Independent McLean.

Away from school, Ms. Cunningham is actively trying to visit all 50 states and is well over half-way to her goal. She also enjoys barre, loves Harry Potter, and participates in weekly team trivia.

Mr. Ferguson

Director of Student Affairs Grades 4-7

Mr. Ferguson

Director of Student Affairs Grades 4-7

Prescott College, B.A. in Education

Mr. Ferguson brings 15 years of experience in education to BASIS Independent McLean. He was a founding math teacher at BASIS Prescott, and has been the Director of Academic Programs there for the last three years. Serving students in Grades K-12 at BASIS Prescott, Mr. Ferguson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with BASIS Curriculum schools and strategies for students of all age levels. Now in his fifth year working in the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, Mr. Ferguson truly believes in their mission and academic program.

He is highly qualified in elementary education, middle and high school mathematics, and general science. Mr. Ferguson taught grades 6-8 math and science in Prescott Unified School District prior to joining BASIS Prescott. While at Prescott Unified, he served as a team leader and department chair, as well as doing data analysis on state and local testing for the District.

He is thrilled to a part of the BASIS Independent McLean community. Students experiencing a safe, exciting, and rigorous BASIS Curriculum education is his first priority.

Mr. Ferguson enjoys coaching students in basketball and football, which he has done for the past 15 years. In his spare time, he can be found out on the golf course, backpacking, or enjoying a good book at home. Originally from Rochester, NY, he also enjoys watching the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees games.

Ms. Fleury

Operations Coordinator

Ms. Fleury

Operations Coordinator

Northern Virginia Community College, A.A.S in Information Technology Systems
Strayer University, Certificate in Database Information Systems

Joining BASIS Independent McLean marked a career shift for Ms. Fleury. She has an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Information Technology Systems and a certificate in database information systems. Previously, she worked as a systems analyst. She consulted for or was employed at companies such as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Sprint, AT&T, and SAIC. She consulted on projects such as the Arthur Andersen/Enron case, the Twin Towers/Port Authority case, and the TriCare HeathCare Database System.

Mr. Fleury

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Fleury

Facilities Coordinator

Ms. Hedge

Senior Director of Admissions

Ms. Hedge

Senior Director of Admissions

University of Southern Mississippi, B.A. in Paralegal Studies
Georgetown University, M.L.A. in International Affairs

At BASIS Independent McLean, Ms. Hedge combines her background in directing admissions and student services in higher education, and her recent work as a regional talent manager for K–12 charter schools as she leads the student and family recruitment process and directs the creation of new partnerships within Northern Virginia. With more than 15 years of experience in admissions, advising, and student services, Ms. Hedge has advised and supported thousands of university applicants and students, as well as launched and recruited for several new degree programs. 

Prior to working at BASIS Independent McLean, she was the director of executive education and strategic initiatives at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She also held positions with KIPP New Orleans Schools, Georgetown Law Center and McDonough School of Business, Louisiana State University Flores MBA Program and KAUST US. She is originally from Houma, LA.

Ms. Hedge is thrilled to be back in Northern Virginia and to help more families understand how BASIS Independent McLean is redefining education.  

Ms. Irving

College Counselor

Ms. Irving

College Counselor

Saint Mary’s College of California, B.A. in English
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A. in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University
Hunter College, M.S. in Education in School Counseling

Ms. Irving spent her first seven years of teaching in New York City as a high school English teacher and then her next seven running the college counseling office at the Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters. Two years prior to working at BASIS Independent McLean, she also worked as an adjunct professor and associate director of programming and Student Activities at American University’s Kogod School of Business.

As an English teacher, she believes the skills learned in the ELA classroom are transferable to all disciplines and careers. If you can speak, write, and read well, you will be competitive in college and your future career.

Ms. Irving enjoys reading Haruki Murakami novels and strives to inspire her two young boys to love and respect literature as much as she does.

Ms. Knapp

Associate Director of Admissions

Ms. Knapp

Associate Director of Admissions

Elon University, B.A. in Corporate Communications
Elon University, M.B.A.

In this role, Ms. Knapp combines her passion for education and working with families daily. Both of her degrees are from Elon University – a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications & Spanish and a Master of Business Administration.

Ms. Knapp worked in the college admissions office at her alma mater in a variety of roles from traveling and recruiting students across many states to managing the campus visit program that greeted 13,000 families annually. Prior to working at BASIS Independent McLean, Ms. Knapp worked at an educational technology company, WebAssign (later acquired by Cengage Learning), managing technical content developers – individuals responsible for converting textbooks in the STEM areas into an online instructional system.

Ms. Knapp is excited about her role in helping connect families to the BASIS Independent community. The curriculum here excites her the most. She believes in the liberal arts foundation with a strong focus in STEM is best to prepare students for life after BASIS Independent, no matter the career path.

When Ms. Knapp is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her Goldendoodle, Canton, or planning her next trip with her husband.

Ms. Korik

Director of Student Affairs for Early Learning-grade 3

Ms. Korik

Director of Student Affairs for Early Learning-grade 3

James Madison University, M.S. in Journalism
George Mason University, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction

She began her career as a Washington, D.C., Teach for America corps member, where she taught kindergarten. Ms. Korik was then part of the inaugural staff at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School, launching the first public charter school on a United States military base. She then served as an assistant director at Little Beginnings, an infant through pre-K child development center in Arlington, Virginia. After graduate school, Ms. Korik completed the New and Aspiring School Leaders program at The Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate Center of Education.

Most recently, Ms. Korik supported instructional leadership efforts at School Readiness Consulting, where she helped to coordinate, develop and facilitate professional learning and leadership development opportunities for early childhood and elementary school professionals across the country.

Ms. Korik has presented on topics of inquiry at conferences for the National Association of the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

Ms. Korik believes that high quality early childhood and elementary programs positively influence children’s development and learning, providing a solid foundation for school success and improved outcomes later in life.

In her free time, Ms. Korik does freelance photography and enjoys rooting for the Baltimore Ravens, reading Wikipedia pages, and trying new restaurants with her husband, Boris.

Ms. Kucuk

Monitor

Ms. Kucuk

Monitor

Previously, Ms. Selvia Soylu Kucuk was a Leopard Cubs Instructor at The Langley School, where she planned prepared, and delivered age-appropriate activities to children from infant to age 3. As a Turkish foreign language teacher for elementary school children, she taught students to not only learn the language, but promoted cross-cultural understanding. Ms. Kucuk holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Baltimore. As a Monitor, Ms. Kucuk will supervise students in Late Bird.

Ms. Lincoln

Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Ms. Lincoln

Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Prior to joining BIM, Ms. Mary Lincoln was a Program Coordinator at Georgetown University’s Summer Discovery where she supported staff and students’ needs for the summer program. Additionally, she was a Site Leader at Before and After School Program and a Teaching Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. Ms. Lincoln believes the classroom is not only where formal education begins, but the love of learning is formed. She will work with Auxiliary Programs Manager Michelle Cruz and is excited to support BIM’s students and teachers through all of the Auxiliary Department’s programs.

Ms. McKnight

Facilities Manager

Ms. McKnight

Facilities Manager

Alabama Aviation and Technical College, Avionics Degree
Clarion State, Avionics Degree

Ms. McKnight has done a little bit of everything. She spent 10 years in the U.S. Coast Guard reserves and 10 years in working in the aviation industry. She’s also worked in the airline industry, as a LANK teacher, an electrician, and as a PE teacher. At BASIS Independent McLean, she’s glad she can combine her technical skills and passion for education.

When she’s not working, she’s a full time mom of three. She loves going to sports games and museums, especially with her kids, and gardening.

Ms. Monzon

Admissions Coordinator

Ms. Monzon

Admissions Coordinator

Virginia Tech, B.S. in Sociology

A recent college graduate, Ms. Monzon is thrilled to be a founding staff member. Having started at the front desk, Ms. Monzon can name just about every BASIS Independent McLean student.

Ms. Monzon has lived in seven U.S. states and half of her family is from Peru, where she spent her toddlerhood. She is delighted to be working with the Admissions team to let families know about the extraordinary curriculum, faculty, and community at BASIS Independent McLean. In addition, she advises the school’s Harry Potter club.

She is a mom to a cat, a corn snake, and an Argentine horned frog.

Ms. Okereke

Health Coordinator

Ms. Okereke

Health Coordinator

University of Baltimore, B.S. in Health Systems Management
Prince George’s Community College, A.A.S. in Medical Records

Prior to coming to BASIS Independent, Ms. Okereke worked as a Health and Nutrition Manager for a non-profit head start organization in Maryland. During her tenure, she was the lead health and safety personnel to ensure the wellness and safety of children in the school setting. She held several health promotion events focusing on wellness, medication safety, handwashing, vaccinations, and dental hygiene.

Ms. Okereke believes children cannot succeed in school without good health. She likes to say “a healthy body is a healthy mind’ because a child’s success begins with good health.

Away from work, Ms. Okereke enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys food preparation and tries her best to try new recipes.

Ms. Reynolds

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Reynolds

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Reynolds brings 10 years of experience in education to BASIS Independent McLean. She was a founding math teacher at BASIS D.C., and later became the director of academic programs there. With more than five years experiences in the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, Ms. Reynolds truly believes in its mission and academic program. She says, there is an incessant pulse of creativity, humor, intellect, kindness, and talent that beats through a BASIS Curriculum School, and whether observing a chemistry class or sitting at a lunch table, the students never cease to amaze and inspire her.

Previously, she taught high school math in Atlanta Public Schools, where she was also hired by the district to develop curriculum and programming for schools across the district. She has also served as the high school mathematics specialist for D.C. Public Schools.

In her spare time Ms. Reynolds enjoys playing ball hockey in local co-ed and men’s leagues, and often travels to play in national and international tournaments. She also enjoys watching the Buffalo Bills and Sabres games, visiting the almost 300 vineyards across the state of Virginia, attending concerts, hiking, and nearly anything else outdoors and recreational. Originally from Rochester, NY, she never tires of conversations about Wegmans!

Mr. Smith

Dean of Upper School (Gr. 8-12)

Mr. Smith

Dean of Upper School (Gr. 8-12)

George Mason University, B.A. in Psychology
Regent University, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Supervision

Mr. Smith brings 12 years of experience in classroom teaching and leadership roles in the northern Virginia area. For the last 10 years he has been teaching physics and chemistry at a middle school level for Fairfax County Public Schools. He was a collaborative team leader, administrative intern, curriculum developer, and department chair at various schools and levels across the county. Science has always been a passion of his as well as becoming an administrator and advocate for students.

Mr. Smith grew up in a military family, living all over the world including Germany and Saudi Arabia. He has been fortunate to have been able to visit many different countries and states and to have been exposed to a myriad of cultures. When not at work, Mr. Smith loves spending time with his family, following D.C. United and Manchester United, and finding new TV shows to share with his wife. He also loves cooking, reading, and talking about all types of music but most of all the early 90’s grunge era.

Mr. Smith looks forward to contributing to the BASIS Independent McLean team and building strong, positive relationships between students, staff, parents, and teachers. Education is a lifelong commitment for him. He strives to instill a love of learning in all students and create an environment of caring, responsibility, and respect.

Ms. Sprintson

Monitor

Ms. Sprintson

Monitor

Originally from Ukraine, her family moved to Northern Virginia two months ago. They lived in Israel for more than 10 years, and for a short time in Germany, New Jersey, California, and most recently Texas. She is a trained pediatric Occupational Therapist with a M.S. in medical science from Israel Institute of Technology and a B.S. in occupational therapy from Haifa University in Israel. Additionally, she has a B.S. in accounting from Sam Houston State University in Texas. She is an avid theatergoer with a special love for opera and ballet, loves hiking and is happy to be so close to so many wonderful parks and trails. She is excited to join an amazing team at BASIS Independent McLean. Say hello and welcome when you see her around campus.

Ms. Sullivan

Front Office Coordinator

Ms. Sullivan

Front Office Coordinator

North Carolina State University, B.A. in Communications

After college, she was employed by Sprint Corporation; first in customer service and later as a network analyst. She left Sprint to be home with her children for nine years and then returned to the workplace with Fairfax County Public Schools as a reading tutor and substitute teacher. Before joining BASIS Independent McLean, she was an Administrative Assistant at Pinecrest School in Annandale, Virginia.

Ms. Sullivan is excited to be developing relationships with BASIS Independent faculty in an atmosphere of professionalism and respect. She enjoys to getting to know the students and families so she may help their school days run as smoothly as possible.

Ms. Sullivan is a native Washingtonian, she has two teenage children, and she spends her free time running, reading, looking for new vegetarian recipes, and most recently, learning to scull.  

Mr. Tabatabai

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Tabatabai

Technology Coordinator

California State University, Chico, B.A.

Mr. Tabatabai has worked in IT support for almost two decades, including as a systems engineer and systems administrator.

Attending high school in Tehran, Iran, Mr. Tabatabai received his bachelor’s degree in the U.S. He owes his comfort with mathematics and technology to rigorous and disciplined learning in high school. He sees that BASIS Independent Mclean focuses on each student from a young age to help them build a foundation for their future.

Mr. Tabatabi has been practicing Shotokan Karate continuously for 20 years. Currently, he practices and teaches in Arlington twice a week.

Ms. Tamang

Monitor

Ms. Tamang

Monitor

Previously, Ms. Tamang was a caregiver for a family with three children for almost a decade. She is very passionate about working with children and holds a bachelor of arts degree specializing in childcare development and psychology from Loreto College in India. She is fluent in Nepali and Hindi and is active with the Tamang Society of Greater Washington. Her hobbies include cooking, dancing, and community service.

Ms. Willett

Dean of Middle School Grades 5-7

Ms. Willett

Dean of Middle School Grades 5-7

Virginia Tech, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating on Middle School English, Human Resources, and Sociology, with a minor in Dance.

Prior to BASIS Independent McLean, Ms. Willett worked at The Langley School, where she served as the resource teacher, providing specialized instruction for those middle school students needing additional academic and social-emotional support. There she also taught life skills classes to middle school students, acted as a multi- grade level advisor and served as seventh grade dean.

She is excited to use her experience to support students, parents, and faculty at BASIS Independent McLean, especially as the community continues to evolve: “My goal is to create an open and collaborative environment for students and parents alike. I believe it is important to have open lines of communication in order to create seamless transitions through academic and social challenges students may face.”

Ms. Willett lives with her husband and two children in Vienna, VA, where she was born and raised. She continues to find opportunities to thread dance into her life, including taking African dance at Dance Place in DC.