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. 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. Cancienne

Director of Admissions

Ms. Cancienne

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

Ms. Conyers 

Director of Grades 9-12

Ms. Conyers 

Director of Grades 9-12

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 Students, Grades 1-3

Ms. Crable

Dean of Students, Grades 1-3

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 two fur babies.

Ms. Cunningham

Director of Communications

Ms. Cunningham

Director of Communications

Elon University, B.A. in Journalism, minor in English Literature
Georgetown University, M.P.S. 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.

Ms. Enchandia

Ms. Echandia

Ms. Enchandia

Ms. Echandia

Ms. Echandia is excited to work with our students in the afternoon. She holds degrees from the Universidad del Rosario and Universidad Sergio Arboreta (Columbia), and previously worked at a law firm.

Mr. Ferguson

Director of School Services

Mr. Ferguson

Director of School Services

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.

Mr. Fleury

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Fleury

Facilities Coordinator

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.

Ms. Gaul

Dean of Students, Toddler-Kindergarten

Ms. Gaul

Dean of Students, Toddler-Kindergarten

James Madison University, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a concentration in Inclusive Early Childhood Education
James Madison University, M.A. in Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education

Previously, Ms. Gaul was a kindergarten teacher at BASIS Independent McLean. Prior to BIM, she worked at Westhampton Day School as a pre-kindergarten teacher. She was attracted to BASIS Independent McLean because of its wonderful reputation and its rigorous early education curriculum. Ms. Gaul enjoys teaching young students because of their innate curiosity and their hands-on approach to learning. She loves the “lightbulb moments” in the classroom where the students are able to feel confident and take control of their learning.

When Ms. Gaul is not in the classroom, she enjoys cooking and trying new recipes.

Mr. Geise

Head of School

Mr. Geise

Head of School

Mr. Geise has been involved with independent school education for over four decades. He began as a high school lab science instructor in New Jersey. Upon marriage, he relocated to Rumson, NJ, where for over a decade, he served as science teacher, department chair, founder and co-director of a summer science adventure camp, and director of admissions. Concurrently, he completed his Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State’s Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children and became a father of two girls. He also holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Chemistry from Colgate University.

Then, St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA sought out Mr. Geise to lead their Middle School as a new building and grade level/campus configuration were implemented. From here, he led the middle school division of TASIS, an American International School near London, England.

In 1999, Paul returned to the US to serve as Head of School at Pine Point in Stonington, CT. Over the next 12 years, he completed two self-study accreditations, a campus master plan, a strategic plan, an international studies program, and developed several nationally recognized signature programs. During this tenure, Mr. Geise was selected among 12 school heads worldwide as a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University, began his mid-career doctoral program Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, and later was chosen as an inaugural member of a Fulbright program between Japanese and American teaching scholars focused on Education for Sustainable Development.

In 2011, Mr. Geise succeeded the founder of a PreK-12 school in Greenwich, CT. Over his four-year term, he consolidated three leased properties into a single owned property, added a high school, and maintained a “CT top school” status from the Johns Hopkins CTY Program.

In 2015, Mr. Geise served as Interim Principal for Pius XI High School in Milwaukee, WI. This past year, he was Interim President of Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, CT, where he helped position the school for success as it celebrated its golden anniversary and began strategic efforts for its next 50 years.

Mr. Geise and his wife, Robin, are recent grandparents of a granddaughter who lives in Glen Burnie, MD with her nurse practitioner mom (their daughter Emily) and her engineer dad. Their other daughter, Katie, lives and teaches in Boston, while her husband is a computer scientist, and they are expecting in November! Robin studied piano at the conservatory at Oberlin, continues to teach piano, and uses her talents as part of Musicians on Call.

Mr. Geise is excited and humbled to join the Red-Tailed Hawk community and looks forward to getting to know families and staff.

Ms. Graves

Front Desk Assistant

Ms. Graves

Front Desk Assistant

For the past few years, Ms. Graves has worked in Fairfax and Arlington county schools, and she is excited to continue working in a school. She holds a M.S. from Johns Hopkins University and an B.S. from Virginia State University.

Mr. Gray-Mendes

Associate Director of Admissions

Mr. Gray-Mendes

Associate Director of Admissions

Mr. Gray-Mendes is thrilled to join the BASIS Independent McLean family as Associate Director of Admissions. He joins us from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, where he served as an Activities Assistant for six years. His passion is in helping students and families reach their desired educational outcomes and he looks forward to sharing the message of the BASIS Curriculum’s unique approach with the Northern Virginia area.

He is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia (holding a B.A. in Government/American Politics) and can frequently be found cheering on their football and basketball teams.

Mr. Groter

Subject Expert Teacher

Mr. Groter

Subject Expert Teacher

Ms. Groter is excited to greet students and families each morning. Before joining BASIS Independent McLean, she spent a year in Jacksonville, Florida, with City Year AmeriCorps. She holds a B.A. in Communications from James Madison University, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward to getting to know BIM students and families.

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. Korik

Director of Toddler-Grade 3

Ms. Korik

Director of Toddler-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. Lincoln

Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Ms. Lincoln

Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Prior to joining BASIS Independent McLean, 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 Director

Ms. McKnight

Facilities Director

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.

Mr. Park

Academic Programs Manager

Mr. Park

Academic Programs Manager

Ms. Pirhala

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Ms. Pirhala

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Liberty University, M.B.A.

Ms. Pirhala comes to BASIS Independent McLean from Charlottesville and has been a lifelong resident of Virginia, mostly in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. In her most recent position, she served as the Program Manager for the Virginia Discovery Museum and was tasked with revamping and directing the museum’s program and summer camp offerings. She has a background in both business and education environments. With her husband and daughter, she has a 1-year-old mini Goldendoodle named Augie and a 10-year-old Chihuahua named Lola. In her free time, she enjoys exploring, genealogy, and anything art/maker related.

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!

Ms. Robertson

Academic Programs Coordinator

Ms. Robertson

Academic Programs Coordinator

Ms. Robertson is a native Virginian and she and her husband are the proud parents of four children, two in college and two in high school. She has enjoyed being home taking care of her kids as they grew, and is also excited to get back to work and get to know all of our BASIS Independent McLean families. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, crafts, and sports.

Mr. Smith

Director of Grades 4-8

Mr. Smith

Director of Grades 4-8

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. Tamayo

Operations Manager

Ms. Tamayo

Operations Manager

Florida International University, B.A. in Business Administration
Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, A.S. in Multimedia and Web Design

Ms. Tamayo is originally from Puerto Rico and has lived in DC for 10 years. She joins BASIS Independent McLean with over 15 years of experience overseeing marketing and operations in various industries. Before joining our school, she worked as a Field Operations Manager for Special Counsel, where she managed a team responsible for providing operational support to 14 branches across the country. Ms. Tamayo is excited to bring her operations background to our school and support our students, parents, and teachers.

Outside of work, Ms. Tamayo enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, hiking, baking, and cake decorating.

Ms. Waite

Health Coordinator

Ms. Waite

Health Coordinator

Ms. Waite is excited to join our community as the Health Coordinator. Previously, she has been an instructor at the America School of Nursing and Allied Health, and been a nurse at a women’s center and for a school district. Ms. Waite is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lamar University.

Ms. Willett

Dean of Students, Grades 4-8

Ms. Willett

Dean of Students, Grades 4-8

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 D.C.