Primary School Teachers

Primary students benefit from the expertise of multiple full-time teachers, a Learning Expert Teacher who follows the students as they move between classrooms throughout the day and one responsible for delivering content, called a Subject Expert Teacher. Students thus have two full-time, qualified teachers in each class, resulting in a uniquely pedagogically-robust classroom environment.* Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) have degrees or years of experience in the subjects they teach. Learning Expert Teachers (LETs), experts in pedagogy, shepherd the learning environment, supporting the SETs in making complex material accessible to young learners, and supporting the social-emotional growth of our students. Get to know them below.

*Note, students in fourth grade do not have an LET present in each class. The LET acts as a bridge between guided learning and the self-direction needed in middle school by supporting students outside of the classroom.

Meet The
Teachers

Mr. Ahmad

Subject Expert Teacher

Mr. Ahmad received his B.A. in Chemistry & Psychology from the University of Virginia. He holds an M.S. in Commerce & Financial Services from UVA’s McIntire School and an M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, & Genetics from VCU’s School of Medicine. Mr. Ahmad is an undergraduate chemistry professor and a professional math and science tutor.

He has wide-ranging subject-matter expertise and employs a holistic approach to STEM education. He believes that introductory science coursework should focus not only on mastery of core, subject-specific knowledge, but also on development of general skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, and quantitative analysis. Mr. Ahmad is excited to start the next chapter of his teaching career at BASIS Independent McLean.

He is looking forward to the challenge of a new student audience, as well as the prospect of learning from expert faculty at one of the best schools in the DC-Metro area. Prior to teaching, Mr. Ahmad served as a research assistant in biochemistry, molecular biology, and radiation oncology. His work focused on DNA damage signaling and repair systems in glioblastoma multiforme, the most common form of primary brain tumor.

When he is not working, Mr. Ahmad enjoys biking, sports, music, reading, spending time with loved ones, and learning new skills. He taught himself how to play piano a few years ago and is currently studying upper-level mathematics to supplement his instructional skill set. He also enjoys traveling, a hobby he hopes to resume once quarantine restrictions are lifted. His favorite destinations include Thailand, Masai Mara, Valencia, Granada, Lucerne, Castello Gandolfo, and Nice. His travel bucket-list includes Mecca & Medina, Jerusalem, Kashmir, Australia, New Zealand, India, Kuala Lumpur, and Machu Pichu.

Ms. Alexander

Math & Science

Ms. Alexander

Subject Expert Teacher Math & Science

Ms. Alexander began her BASIS Curriculum experience serving at BASIS Chandler South Primary as an LET. She graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Biology, and then joined AmeriCorps. During two terms, she committed herself to conservation fieldwork on public lands with multiple government agencies, and transitioned to NAU’s STEM Education Project in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she assisted with community outreach regarding community access to STEM resources.

During these projects, she learned about the BASIS Curriculum and decided early that she want to work for a school that shares her same values of bringing out the best in her students. Outside of school, her hobbies include cooking, reading, gaming, camping, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two cats (Levi and Tia).

Ms. Baljee

Math

Ms. Baljee

Subject Expert Teacher Math

LSR College, Delhi University, India, B.S. in Mathematical Statistics
BSP Lucknow University, India, B.Ed. in Mathematics

Ms Baljee hails from a small town in the Himalayas in India. She moved to the U.S. almost four years ago. She sees math as a way to explore nature, logic, and the world. Her goal is “to inspire, motivate and challenge her students to realize their full potential.”

Ms. Baljee believes that mathematics is a field that is really about ideas. Ideas that inform our existence, that permeate our universe and beyond, that can surprise and enthrall. She is intrigued by the way infinity is harnessed to deal with the finite; the way nature expresses the Fibonacci series. She says that the subject never ceases to amaze her. Math, she feels, deserves to be enjoyed for its own sake.

Ms. Baljee prides herself in being able to use all the eight Multiple Intelligences while teaching in class. She firmly believes that not all students learn in the same way and hence it is only appropriate to teach them in a way the individual students find benefiting. She loves presenting lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips and other ways which are harmonious with each child’s unique mindset. She believes in the extensive use of manipulatives, jigsaw puzzles, mazes, board games etc. which enable the students to develop their logical skills. In her 17 years of experience, she believes that knowledge gained via kinesthetic means is the best because it allows the students to comprehend their experience and learn better.

Ms. Baljee is a professionally trained Bharatanatyam dancer—an ancient Indian dance form and she continues to share her passion for dance with the enthusiasts at BASIS Independent McLean.

Mr. Bernal

Engineering

Mr. Bernal

Subject Expert Teacher Engineering

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Mr. Bernal earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano. After graduation, he won a liquid container design competition for a nationally recognized food and drinks company.

He says he is fortunate that creativity sits well in every field and everywhere, and that is why he decided to come to the United States to become a teacher more than 15 years ago. Mr. Bernal completed his teacher preparation in Dallas, Texas, and taught mathematics and science in grades 2-4. During that time, he often traveled to various places and moved to Washington, DC in 2019.

“The innovative primary program at BASIS Independent McLean with its two-teacher model is something I sometimes had imagined and now I look forward to being part of,” he says. “I anticipate that this model will allow me to radiate my creativity to my young engineering practitioners.”

Ms. Butchy

Performing Arts

Ms. Butchy

Subject Expert Teacher Performing Arts

Ms. Butchy has more than 10 years of experience teaching acting, playwriting, musical theatre, and other classes to students of all ages. She studied theatre, English, and music at Westminster College in her native Western Pennsylvania, and she earned her M.F.A. in theatre from Columbia University School of the Arts. While living in New York, she taught drama and directed student productions for grades K-12 at independent, charter, and public schools.

Prior to joining BASIS Independent McLean, she was a theatre professor and director of student productions for six years in Queens. She also pursues her passion for theatre working on professional performances, including serving as a dramaturg for 16 New York Musical Festival productions, and she has written for American Theatre, Incite/Insight, and other publications. When not teaching, she can be found attending theatre, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Mr. Coquelin

Physical Education

Mr. Coquelin

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

Before joining the BASIS Independent family, Mr. Coquelin served as a professional bike fitter and swim coach for the 8 and Under group at York Swimming. He was attracted to BASIS Independent McLean because he wanted to be a part of an emerging school and help influence the way students look at moving. One of Mr. Coquelin’s primary objectives is that students will want to continue to enjoy being active on a daily basis once they have left BASIS Independent McLean. While at Old Dominion University Mr. Coquelin played ice hockey, Swam on the club Swim team, and started the Triathlon Club. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Physical Education

Ms. Desai

Math & Science

Ms. Desai

Subject Expert Teacher Math & Science

Ms. Desai emanates from India and has earned B.S. and B.Ed. degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Pune, India. Previously, she taught math in elementary and middle schools for seven years. She is a lifelong learner who believes that anything is achievable with a positive attitude, passion, and perseverance.

A Northern Virginia resident for the past seven years, Ms. Desai has worked in private Montessori-based preschool, as a substitute teacher, and as a special education teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools. She firmly believes that the key skills required for every student’s success in the modern world are the 5 C’s: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and citizenship skills.

She takes pride in making math simple and fun for students by using scaffolding technique, encouraging questioning, and reasoning skills. Concept formations play a vital role in primary grades’ math, and they can be made comprehensible and simpler by modeling, using manipulatives, participating in hands-on activities, and brainstorming. She is excited to share her experience and skills with BASIS Independent McLean.

In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, dancing, spending time with her family, and playing soccer with them.

Ms. Gatewood

Humanities

Ms. Gatewood

Subject Expert Teacher Humanities

Ms. Gatewood holds a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s in English, and has over 20 years of experience in teaching. She moved to Northern Virginia from Florida several years ago and is happy to enjoy all four seasons again. Ms. Gatewood joined BASIS Independent McLean in 2019.

Ms. Gillis

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Gillis

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Pensacola Christian College, B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in English

As far back as she can remember, Ms. Gillis always loved being around kids and connecting with them. Her primary goal as an LET is to make learning a joyful experience for children. “I want them to look forward to coming to school each day knowing that I will greet them happily and am here to help them achieve the greatness I know they have inside them,” she says.

Previously, Ms. Gillis taught grade 3, and spent 10 years tutoring and substitute teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools at all grade levels, including AP classes. She has three sons and one daughter.

Ms. Harshbarger

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Harshbarger

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Having lived her entire life in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Harshbarger moved to Northern Virginia just one year ago. Prior to joining the BIM family, she worked at Somerset Christian School in an administrative capacity. She holds a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Outside of education, she loves Pittsburgh sports, historical fiction, bargain hunting, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their dog, Charlotte. For a second year, Mrs. Harshbarger will be the Grade 4 LET and is excited to be part of the educational journey at BASIS Independent McLean.

Ms. Hopchas

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Hopchas

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Hopchas has previously taught grades PreK-Grade 2 in both public and private schools. Ms. Hopchas began her teacher career at BASIS Independent McLean two years ago when she was an Early Learning Teaching Fellow and is excited to continue being a Learning Expert Teacher this year. Her teaching philosophy embodies viewing all students as a whole, especially considering their social-emotional needs. She holds a B.S. in Theraputic Recreation from George Mason University and is studying to receive her M.A. in Teaching Elementary Education from Liberty University. During her free time, Ms. Hopchas enjoys hiking, cooking/baking, and spending time with her partner and Siberian Husky.

Mr. Junsay

Music

Mr. Junsay

Subject Expert Teacher Music

Monterey Peninsula College, Music Degree
Strayer University, Business Administration with a Focus in Finance

Mr. Junsay has taught for more than 10 years in public and private schools, assisted in directing and teaching two high school bands, and was recently the head of the music department at Edlin School in Reston, VA.

Mr. Junsay grew up in Monterey, California where he first experienced music in fourth grade. His first instrument that he learned to play was the clarinet. In middle school, Mr. Junsay moved to the bass clarinet, and it became his main instrument. In high school, Mr. Junsay became the drum major in his sophomore year. He remained drum major for the marching band and pep bands for three years. Mr. Junsay was also fortunate to get to have the experience of student teaching and conducting. Mr. Junsay also ran and managed his own Christmas chamber band in which he toured all over the Monterey Peninsula with in high school.

He has worked with students from preschool through eighth grade. He has created an advanced music curriculum through which students learned to use the tools and elements of music theory and music appreciation (many of which are often not typically introduced until college) and apply them to their everyday lives.

Mr. Junsay’s interests and experience extend well beyond the classroom. In addition to directing bands at a variety of levels, he has also directed a capella ensembles and numerous children’s theatre performances. Whether as a director, choreographer, set-, light-, or costume-designer, he enjoys creating opportunities for children to use their talents and imaginations.

What particularly excites Mr. Junsay about teaching at BASIS Independent McLean is the school’s commitment to allowing students to choose the path where they are comfortable and confident. Giving children the right tools and encouraging them to use them in concert with their own imagination, opens up a world of possibilities. Mr. Junsay also appreciates that BASIS Independent McLean focuses on the whole child; the curriculum allows students to make connections and experiment with ideas that might not have otherwise been sparked. He believes this is the foundation a child needs to gain self-confidence and a desire to learn more.

Mr. Junsay moved to Virginia in 2012. Now with two step children, a black Labrador/English setter named Maya, and his partner. Mr. Junsay is very happy living on the East Coast. He loves to decorate for any event or holiday, especially Halloween!

Ms. Lee

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Lee

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Lee earned a Master’s degree in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University and has taught in private schools in Manhattan for five years prior to joining the BASIS Independent McLean team. She is passionate about multicultural education and conflict resolution and has been focusing on supporting young students through a humanistic approach and intervention that is both developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging. Ms. Lee is committed to supporting each of her students so they feel safe in the classroom and more than anything helping them have fun learning at school! She enjoys hiking with her family and jogging when she has free time.

Ms. Mauri

Art

Ms. Mauri

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Academy of Fine Arts of Brera, Milan, Italy in Fine Arts

Originally from Milan, Italy, Ms. Mauri has lived in Milan and Perugia, as well as London and New York. In addition to her degree, she studied illustration at Chelsea College of Art, London, and painting and drawing at the Art Students League of New York, NY. She has exhibited her artwork in group shows in England, Italy and New York, NY.

Committed to the arts and teaching, she most recently worked as a graphic illustrator, art teacher, and special education needs teacher at The International School of Europe of Monza, Italy. She has also worked in printmaking and as a textile designer for two New York–based companies.

Ms. Mauri is enthusiastic about BASIS Independent McLean because it offers students and teachers a wonderfully stimulating environment where all students can be challenged to express their full potential. Her goal as a BASIS Independent McLean teacher is to embrace this challenge and offer her students an opportunity to develop their creativity, to express themselves, and become confident and balanced individuals able to tackle and solve a range of tasks from different perspectives.

She loves travelling and experiencing new cultures and lifestyles, as well as art, design, architecture, outdoors activities, yoga and, last but not least, spending time with her family. Among the most unusual thing Ms. Mauri has ever done was to be the bass player of a band, which she enjoyed enormously except for experiencing stage fright before each single concert.

Ms. McCall

Humanities

Ms. McCall

Subject Expert Teacher Humanities

Ms. McCall has 12 years of teaching experience teaching. She finds working with children very rewarding because it is a joy to experience young minds grow and loves supporting her students’ knowledge, questions, and understandings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature and Language and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Milhorn

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Milhorn

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Milhorn joins BASIS Independent McLean with nearly seven years of teaching experience particularly in the PreK, Kindergarten and grade 1. Most recently, she was a PreK teacher at Nysmith School where she focused on creative activities teaching students at various learning levels. At Nysmith, Ms. Milhorn pioneered an outdoor learning experience teaching STEAM to young learners. Prior to that role, she taught at the Gardner School teaching children in PreK. She has also taught in substitute roles in Falls Church City Public Schools and other local private schools. She and her husband have two teenage boys and two dogs.

Ms. Russell

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Russell

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Russell holds a B.S. in Psychology with a focus on Child Development from George Mason University. She has worked in childcare for four years in various positions, including as a research assistant in multiple Developmental Psychology labs.

While working on a research project with Alexandria County Public Schools, Ms. Russell realized her passion for teaching and decided to pursue a career in education. Ms. Russell started at BASIS Independent McLean as a Primary Teaching Fellow and is excited to return as a Learning Expert Teacher.

When she is not working or reading books, she can be found exploring the parks, shops, and restaurants around her D.C. neighborhood.

Mr. Sample

Physical Education

Mr. Sample

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

Previously, Mr. Sample worked as a detention specialist at Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center, where he ran a recreation program for at-risk youth. Mr. Sample worked for Fairfax County Public Schools as an instructional assistant at an alternative education program. He has also coached scholastic athletes, been a summer recreation supervisor, and is former Arena Football League player. He holds a M.S. in Sport Management and a B.A. in Physical Education and Exercise Science, both from West Virginia University.

“I look forward to applying exciting and innovative ways to teach physical education. My ultimate goal is to inspire students to be the best version of themselves from a health and wellness standpoint,” says Mr. Sample. He chose to work at BASIS Independent McLean because it offers him the opportunity to be creative in his teaching style, which is the key to finding what best fits the needs of all learners.

Mr. Sample is an avid sports enthusiast and CrossFitter. He plays in recreational sport leagues and likes being outdoors.

Ms. Setty

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Setty

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Setty’s first taste of teaching was as part of the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, where she spent two years in rural Japan teaching English to elementary and middle school students. After returning to the U.S., Ms. Setty taught in a grades 3 and 4 classroom in a private school in Annandale, VA. After the birth of her first daughter, Ms. Setty made the switch to preschool. She taught in a private preschool in Ann Arbor, MI for four years before taking a couple years off to complete the adoption process and bring her second daughter home from India.

Ms. Setty taught PreK at BASIS Independent McLean for five years before returning to primary grades. She holds an M.A. in Primary Education from Christchurch College of Education (New Zealand) and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of South Carolina.

Ms. Tozzi

Mandarin

Ms. Tozzi

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

No stranger to the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, Ms. Tozzi joins BASIS Independent McLean from BASIS Scottsdale, one of the top-ranked high schools in the country, where she taught Mandarin to high school students. Ms. Tozzi holds a M.A. in Education, specializing in Elementary Education from New York University and a B.A. in English and Literature from National Taiwan University.

A native of Taiwan, Ms. Tozzi believes that language is the key that unlocks a culture, and is passionate about sharing the richness of Chinese language and culture with her students. One of the highlights of the year, which she and the students look forward to, is celebrating Chinese New Year – from sharing the traditional Lion Dance to eating Chinese dumplings, a special treat that also tastes great any time of the year!

Ms. Wang

Mandarin

Ms. Wang

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

Ms. Wang came from Shenyang, China, and began to teach Chinese Mandarin after she came to the U.S. in 2013. During her time in Michigan, she achieved the Michigan Teaching Certificate and taught Chinese to different grade levels and different types of programs, such as the Chinese Immersion Program, Chinese as Foreign Language, and Online Chinese Program. The Chinese Immersion Program which Ms. Wang participated in won the 2015 Education Excellence Award at Michigan.

Ms. Wang joined BASIS Washington, DC in 2017 and then transferred to BASIS Independent McLean in 2018. She holds a M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Liaoning Normal University.

She really enjoys the time here with the students and has a deep passion to open the window of a different language and different culture to the students.

Ms. Wright

English

Ms. Wright

Subject Expert Teacher English

Ms. Wright has worked with countless students from grades 7-12, helping them discover new authors and uncover their own unique voices as young writers. She began working as a substitute teacher while she was just a sophomore in college and has since worked with public school systems in Virginia and Florida, as well as summer programs for gifted students; she is always looking to help others foster a love for reading, writing, and creating.

She has coached other teachers in creativity and research methods at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education and holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing. Outside of school, Ms. Wright can be found walking the dogs, doing yoga, or working on a new piece of art.

Ms. Zarour

Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Zarour

Learning Expert Teacher Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Zarour loves the excitement and energy that kids bring to any environment. She is a Northern Virginia native who started off by teaching preschool. She has previously taught several elementary grades, as well as coached high school girls’ lacrosse, in Fairfax County Public Schools. Ms. Zarour earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on Elementary Education and a B.S in Community Health focusing on Health Education, both from George Mason University. In her free time, you can find Ms. Z looking for an adventure, socializing with friends and drinking decaf coffee.

Meet TheTeachers

Mr. Ahmad

Mr. Ahmad

Ms. Alexander

Ms. Alexander

Ms. Baljee

Ms. Baljee

Mr. Bernal

Mr. Bernal

Ms. Butchy

Ms. Butchy

Mr. Coquelin

Mr. Coquelin

Ms. Desai

Ms. Desai

Ms. Gatewood

Ms. Gatewood

Ms. Gillis

Ms. Gillis

Ms. Harshbarger

Ms. Harshbarger

Ms. Hopchas

Ms. Hopchas

Mr. Junsay

Mr. Junsay

Ms. Lee

Ms. Lee

Ms. Mauri

Ms. Mauri

Ms. McCall

Ms. McCall

Ms. Milhorn

Ms. Milhorn

Ms. Russell

Ms. Russell

Mr. Sample

Mr. Sample

Ms. Setty

Ms. Setty

Ms. Tozzi

Ms. Tozzi

Ms. Wang

Ms. Wang

Ms. Wright

Ms. Wright

Ms. Zarour

Ms. Zarour

Meet The
Teachers