The Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
MEET OUR 2025 INDUCTEES
Marguerite Chinn Co-owner, Negril Restaurants
Craig A. Ruppert Founder & Executive Chairman, Ruppert Landscape
George R. Snowden, Jr. Owner, Snowden Funeral Home
Seth Goldman Co-founder, Just Ice Tea
Brett Schulman* Co-founder & CEO, CAVA
* Also honoring Cava co-founders Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Dimitri Moshovitis
Jack Fitzgerald, Jr. Founder, Fitzgerald Auto Malls Special Posthumous Award
Read more about the inductees at mcbushalloffame.com/honorees.
Why support the Montgomery Business Hall of Fame?
All net proceeds benefit student scholarships at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), the University System of Maryland’s regional higher education center in Montgomery County. With nearly 80 degree programs from nine Maryland public universities, USG is creating our future workforce and the next generation of business leaders.
Presented By
Sponsorships to honor these great business leaders are available
For more information, or to register, visit MCBusHallofFame.com or contact Tom Clifford at tcliff1@umd.edu .
Make Your Next Move
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Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller with her dogs in Darnestown
PHOTO BY LISA HELFERT
MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor
FEATURES
68 Silver Diner’s Shining Star
Chef Ype Von Hengst serves success with flair for the Rockville-based chain BY DAVID HAGEDORN
74 The ‘Privilege’ of Running 100 Miles
Ultramarathons are a physical challenge and an opportunity for healing for this Bethesda woman BY STEVE HULL
80 Going the Distance
MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor on his first year in the role BY
ASHLYN CAMPBELL
86 College Bound
Where MCPS graduates were accepted COMPILED BY DANA GERBER
112 It Takes a Village
These five support staffers are at the heart of local schools BY CARALEE ADAMS
PHOTO BY JOSH TAFF; ICON BY GETTY IMAGES
DEPARTMENTS
167 Dining
168 TABLE TALK
Prepared dishes at the new Wegmans in Rockville; Honeys & Friends ice cream and wines
174 REVIEW
25 5 QUESTIONS FOR Neil Ghosh on meeting the pope, Dalai Lama and three U.S. presidents
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a history lovers’ hub
194 A MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING
A Chevy Chase couple reflects on their wedding
How a speech-language pathologist works with young people to communicate better 200 WHAT I KNOW
Rachel Lubin, CEO of Roda, a
174 DINING REVIEW
A tarte tatin at Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda
34 KID MUSEUM
A team of students at Kid Museum’s Invent the Future Expo
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCABE; COURTESY PHOTOS
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Be Inspired
“AS AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, A LOT OF TIMES I’M DOING STORIES WHERE I’M TOUCHING UPON THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG. Women Who Inspire is exactly the opposite,” says Amy Halpern, a Bethesda Magazine contributing writer who profiles our six Women Who Inspire recipients in this issue (page 54). This year’s Women Who Inspire group includes a chef, an author of books about Muslim American children, and a nonprofit leader. Halpern describes the recipients as “not just good at their job, but they bring something that they do to a higher level.” Halpern, who’s written this annual feature since its inception in 2021, has profiled a total of 31 women. “None of them know who else is an honoree until the magazine comes out,” Halpern says. Some of them end up knowing each other, but often they first meet at Bethesda Magazine’s luncheon to celebrate them in September, she says. “Because so many of them are out-of-the-box thinkers, they meet each other and they think out of the box together of things that will better the county or better part of the world.” You’re invited to this year’s luncheon on Sept. 19; tickets can be purchased at BethesdaMagazine.com/inspire.
I was eating at Silver Diner in Rockville a few months ago with my teenage son when he spotted a blurb on the menu: “500: The number of diners visited to make a great shake.” I texted David Hagedorn, our restaurant critic, who was reporting on Silver Diner’s chef and co-founder Ype Von Hengst for “Silver Diner’s Shining Star,” page 68, to see if he could confirm the tidbit. It turns out that Von Hengst and co-founder Robert Giaimo did road trip it to hundreds of diners as they were planning their new restaurant decades ago. Their research paid off: Silver Diner has been going strong since 1989—and my son confirms the milkshakes are top-notch.
This issue includes a focus on education with a look at how it’s been going for the head of Montgomery County Public Schools, Thomas Taylor, a little more than a year since he took the helm (“Going the Distance,” page 80), a breakdown of teacher pay in the county (“Figuratively Speaking,” page 36), a spotlight on five school support staffers (“It Takes a Village,” page 112) and our annual data showing where recent high school grads applied to college, were accepted and enrolled (“College Bound,” page 86).
I hope you enjoy this issue of Bethesda Magazine. Please reach out to me at Kathleen.Neary@BethesdaMagazine.com with any feedback.
KATHLEEN NEARY EDITOR
CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT
JOSH TAFF
PARKVILLE, MARYLAND
BACKGROUND: “I grew up in the sticks out in Baltimore County. Glen Arm to be exact. I am a photographer specializing in portraits and editorial work.”
IN THIS ISSUE: Taff photographed Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Thomas Taylor for “Going the Distance” (page 80).
WHAT HE DOES FOR FUN: “I play in a competitive bocce league. I run. I love movies, and I’m kind of a foodie.”
FUN FACT: “My little neighborhood [in Parkville] is nicknamed ‘The Oaks’ because most of the streets are named after different kinds of oak trees.”
CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT
ASHLYN CAMPBELL
SILVER SPRING
BACKGROUND: “I say I’m from Virginia Beach, but I’m a military kid so I’ve lived all over. I cover Montgomery County education at Bethesda Today, focusing on [MCPS].”
IN THIS ISSUE: Campbell looks at Thomas Taylor’s first year as MCPS superintendent in “Going the Distance” (page 80).
FAVORITE MOCO SPOT: “Zinnia and Sweeteria in Silver Spring are both great restaurants/coffee shops that I love to hang out at.”
WHAT SHE DOES FOR FUN: “I love arts and crafts like crocheting, watching movies and reading.”
FROM LEFT:
PHOTO BY JIMELL
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Coming up at
An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert Sun, Sept 21
Black Violin –Full Circle Tour With Amythyst Kiah Thu, Sept 25
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder Fri, Sept 26
Lizz Wright Sun, Oct 5
Joss Stone Less Is More
Thu, Oct 9
Soweto Gospel Choir Peace Fri, Oct 10
Disney’s MOANA
Live-To-Film Concert
The North American Tour Sun, Oct 12
Ben Folds & A Piano Tour With Lindsey Kraft Wed, Oct 15
Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicolas Reyes
Thu, Oct 16
Chris Thile Fri, Oct 17
Patty Griffin & Rickie Lee Jones
Fri, Oct 24
An Afternoon with David Sedaris Sun, Oct 26
Compagnie Hervé KOUBI Sol Invictus
Thu, Oct 30
From top: Compagnie Hervé KOUBI by Mélanie Lhôte, Chris Thile, Lizz Wright by Hollis King, Hiromi by Mitsuru Nishimura, Black Violin by Rachel Bennett, Gipsy Kings
24
Watch dressed-up dogs put the “howl” in Halloween.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT
26
A MoCo bookshop powered by bike
Find out about the Takoma Park Street Festival, returning for its 44th year, and other local events in Best Bets. PAGE 30
THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW 3
HAPPY HANDWRITING
2
1
Get a hand with fancy handwriting and make it social. That’s what you’ll find at a workshop on modern calligraphy by Sip & Script, a national female-founded business based in Boston. For $65, participants can enjoy 90 minutes of guided instruction and demonstrations, along with a beginner’s calligraphy kit to use in the class and take home— including a black ink pot, two pen tips, two letter guides, tracing paper and a straight pen holder. Workshops take place at various small businesses and venues, each offering drinks for purchase, with some locations also providing food for purchase. The workshops are open to all ages, provided the venue is not restricted to age 21 and older. We attended a class at Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co. in Gaithersburg hosted by Montgomery County resident Kimberly Levy, who gave the group instructions, then floated around the room to provide one-onone guidance. Levy will host a “Hocus Pocus” themed class for beginners at Elder Pine on Oct. 15, and other local sessions are also on the calendar. sipandscript.com
BARKS AND TREATS
A Chihuahua in a cheerleading costume. A Doberman dressed as a pumpkin. Who knows what pet owners will come up with for their furry pals at the pet parade at Silver Spring’s Fall-O-Ween event—but we can’t wait to see. The family-friendly event at Veterans Plaza on Oct. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. celebrates Halloween with food, local artisans and entertainment. The event, rife with candy for kids and pet-friendly treats, will feature a children’s costume parade with prizes starting at 1:30 p.m. The tail-wagging pets costume parade steps off at 3 p.m. for leashed animals and their owners. Judges will award multiple prizes for their favorite costumes in each parade. Admission is free, and free parking is available.
After several years working for the federal government and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Kevin Gash, 50, of Rockville was laid off within two months after the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. With job prospects in his industry scarce, Gash decided to pivot to his passion: sausages. Guided by his experiences abroad working for USAID and growing up in Germany, Gash created his food truck, Plan B Sausages. Gash makes his sausages by hand in his rented commercial kitchen in Rockville, drawing inspiration from different cultures and their takes on the meat. Staples of his menu include a D.C. half smoke (half beef, half pork), German bratwurst and Thai chicken currywurst. He also rotates specials such as banger sausages and smoked chorizo. The meat is served with Old Bay potato salad and a pickle. You can find Gash’s truck at neighborhood spots listed on its social media. planbsausages.com
5 QUESTIONS for Neil Ghosh
BY CARALEE ADAMS
During his childhood in India and his years working as an executive in the private, public and nonprofit sectors around the world, Neil Ghosh, 62, has crossed paths with an incredible array of people. The North Potomac resident jotted down notes of his encounters and—with additional research—turned his experiences into his first book, Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons From Extraordinary People (Post Hill Press, June 2025).
The 29 chapters include insights from iconic celebrities, Nobel Peace Prize winners, three U.S. presidents and some of Ghosh’s family and friends in hopes of inspiring readers to do good things.
“I believe empathy still thrives in everyday American life—in blue, red and purple states,” Ghosh says. “With this book, I’m trying to amplify that spirit—especially when the division feels more visible than the unity.” Ghosh moved to the U.S. when he was 22 to study business, eventually earning his MBA. As an entrepreneur with experience in nonprofit leadership and international development, Ghosh describes himself as a bridge builder. “I always try to find a way to bring people together. That’s my life’s journey.”
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
1 Why did you want to write this book?
I saw how the power of good can transform another person’s life. You don’t have to be rich, a particular nationality, at any stage of life—it doesn’t matter how young you are—you can still do good. I honestly believe we all want to do something, but we don’t know how. The problems are overwhelming. In the book, at the end of every chapter, there are resources to give people a tool to act
2 What chapters are your favorite?
One is the chapter about my parents because that’s my grounding. Because of current conditions, I’d pick José Andrés. I’m supercharged—maybe because I’ve seen hunger up close in many places in the world—when I see someone putting so much energy into feeding people. Third, the Dalai Lama and his whole message of the simplicity of peace. He was kind enough to write the foreword for this book and I’m very honored.
3 Are there any locals featured?
[Potomac entrepreneur] Asok Motayed. He is one of the smartest guys I know doing amazing things every day, and he is still
my mentor. Mohamed Ousri, a real estate businessperson in Tysons Corner, Virginia. We have worked together to help orphanages in Morocco and India. Tessie San Martin is one of the Washington area’s most respected voices in global development—an advocate for equity and accountability. And José Andrés, in Bethesda.
4 Who inspires you today?
A few weeks ago, I visited Amartya Sen, a professor at Harvard, who is in my book. He has a Nobel Prize in economics. He is 91 years old. He is still teaching, traveling and writing. He’s convinced there is no such thing as retirement. When you don’t see what you are doing as work, then you can keep doing it for eternity.
5 Do you have a motto?
Live and let live. The idea that I’m going to impose my beliefs or way of life on you—it just doesn’t work. On a macro level, I’ve seen that in the development sector, where you go to a country and try to tell people how to live. It doesn’t work. You need to understand their life, their context, their journey. Then you can make a difference. On a micro level, it makes life easier and much happier. I always see life as a work in progress. ‘Live and let live’ helps me to be a little saner, happier and more hopeful.
Neil Ghosh at home in North Potomac
People Watching
BY CARALEE ADAMS
Jeanette Thompson says there’s enough variety in romance novels that people with all different tastes can find something to read. “There’s heartbreak, drama, and even in some cases fantasy or vampires,” says the 57-year-old Germantown resident and owner of Romantique Books, an online bookstore. She opened the business in February, she says, partly as an “act of rebellion” against recent efforts to ban books, and to promote independent and underserved voices, such as authors of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community. In July, Thompson expanded her business with a book bike—a mobile store on wheels, of sorts—to bring to farmers markets in Shady Grove and Clarksburg. She stocks the bike’s wooden side boxes primarily with her popular “blind date” books, which are wrapped in paper with a blurb giving a hint of the storyline, such as “secretive and stolen forbidden romance,” written on the paper. “People really love the mystery,” Thompson says. “It’s almost like a present to yourself when you buy it because you’re opening it up and seeing what’s inside.” Thompson has plans to bring her book bike to other locations in the future.
News of frequent cyberattacks often makes people feel like there’s nothing they can do, and they get desensitized to the threat, says Kensington’s Eric O’Neill. In Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime: Cybersecurity Tactics to Outsmart Hackers and Disarm Scammers (William Morrow, October 2025), the former FBI operative encourages readers to be vigilant and minimize the risk with a method he’s dubbed PAID. “Prepare, assess, investigate, decide—that’s basic counterintelligence,” says the 53-year-old founder of The Georgetown Group, a security services firm. “If you deploy that every time you’re online, every time you have an interaction, then you can protect yourself.” More people are working from home and in public spaces, O’Neill says, and at the same time cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated and emboldened because of the anonymity of operating online. “Cybersecurity still hasn’t caught up, so we’re more vulnerable than we’ve ever been,” says O’Neill, who also wrote Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy (Crown, 2019).
North Bethesda’s Pamela Nadell says that antisemitism in the United States has been minimized for too long. Antisemitism, An American Tradition (W.W. Norton & Co., October 2025) chronicles more than 350 years of antisemitism from the early Colonial settlements through the 2018 shooting at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue. The American University professor says she felt compelled to write the book after hearing so many people recount the lasting impact that antisemitic incidents have had on their lives. “As historians, we understand that the past reverberates through the present. The present does not have to repeat the past,” says Nadell, 73. “I am hopeful that seeing the breadth and depth of this form of hate in American life will help others to realize the necessity of doing what they can to step up to stop it.”
Joel Greenzaid, president and CEO of G Street Fabrics, the company his grandfather founded in 1942, describes himself as an “old-school merchant” who likes to be on the sales floor greeting customers. It was at his Rockville store that he met Potomac’s Traci Mitchell, a journalist. They teamed up to co-host a podcast, The Fabric of Our Community. “I wanted to recognize people in the community who have made a difference and had an impact,” says Greenzaid, 64, a Potomac resident. “Most have been through things in life and rose above it. Once you get these people talking, their stories are incredible.” Greenzaid and Mitchell have released nine episodes since starting in March, interviewing guests such as Mimi Kress, co-owner of Sandy Spring Builders in Bethesda, and Thu Tran, an OB-GYN, and Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist, both of whom live in Potomac.
Bethesda’s Ellie RosenthalStrisik says being diagnosed as autistic in ninth grade had a big impact on her life, both academically and socially. So when she started her college search process, she had questions about accommodations and services—but says it was hard to find answers. Ellie spent two years doing research and in April unveiled College For All (collegeforall.co), a website she created to help students with learning differences like her find the right college. It includes interviews with college experts, an overview of the support programs at more than 40 universities, and a neurodiversity support scorecard to evaluate a school’s academic coaching, support and flexibility, as well as special ways to connect socially. “A lot of this information out there is not curated into one place, and there isn’t anything designed by and for neurodivergent high school students,” says the 17-yearold senior at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville. “I think having it all on this website is very helpful and empowering. ... I hope that it makes other kids feel less alone and reduces the stigma [about being neurodivergent] as I share things that I have struggled with myself.”
After Eman Quotah wrote her debut novel, Bride of the Sea (Tin House, 2021), about an immigrant family’s saga, the Rockville author switched to a different genre: horror. The Night Is Not for You (Run for It, October 2025) is a dark coming-of-age story that takes place in a small town beset by a series of gruesome murders over decades. “What makes it different from a thriller is that the story isn’t driven by trying to solve a mystery. It’s more about surviving the horror and getting out alive,” says Quotah, 53, who also is a communications consultant. When she heard a voice actor audition for the audio version of the book, Quotah admits she felt scared—something that many readers enjoy. “There’s something about getting your heart racing—even if you’re using it as a way to turn away from the horrible things we’re witnessing in the world—because when you read about it, it can’t hurt you,” she says.
READING LIST
These were the top circulating books in the Montgomery County Public Library system from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.
Fiction
1 The Women
Kristin Hannah
2 Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry
3 The Tenant
Freida McFadden
4 Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros
5 Caught Up
Navessa Allen
6 Atmosphere
Taylor Jenkins Reid
7 Demon Copperhead
Barbara Kingsolver
8 The God of the Woods
Liz Moore
9 The Wedding People
Alison Espach
10 Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
Nonfiction
Ever since Rob Keller, 42, started playing pickleball in the spring of 2024, he’s been eager to connect with others who share his enthusiasm for the sport.
In May, the Bethesda resident and Sam Morris, 37, a pickleball coach from Olney, launched Link & Dink, a free app to help people find players, locate tournaments and improve their game. “There are people who focus on the facilities and ratings, but not as many who focus on the communitybuilding aspect,” says Keller, who is also a wealth adviser in Bethesda. Users can build a profile based on their skill level and availability to match with other players in the D.C. area. There are also video tutorials, tips on finding a coach, event announcements and results. New players “need to connect with somewhere to learn the game—and people who are available on your schedule,” Morris says. “And there’s the more competitive, active groups.” In July, Link & Dink secured Joola, the pickleball and table tennis company based in North Bethesda, as a sponsor.
1 Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again
Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
2 Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
Sarah Wynn-Williams
3 Educated: A Memoir
Tara Westover
4 The Let Them Theory
Mel Robbins
5 Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
John Green
6 The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Jonathan Haidt
7 Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir
Ina Garten
8 The Message
Ta-Nehisi Coates
9 Abundance
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
10 War
Bob Woodward
Dr. Porter is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 27 years of experience creating beautiful, natural results. Her focus is on helping her patients look—and feel—like their best selves. Renowned in the DMV, Dr. Porter has repeatedly been named the “Best of Bethesda.”
“It’s important that my patients still look like themselves,” Dr. Porter says of the tailored changes that make a big impact. Services include:
• Blepharoplasty
• Facelift
• Nonsurgical rejuvenation
• Rhinoplasty
Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS Owner & Medical Director
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
MUSIC
Sept.
6
Silver Spring Jazz Fest
This annual music festival at Veterans Plaza will feature New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band as its headliner, slated to perform at 8:30 p.m. Expect artist demonstrations, a beer garden and two stages of music with lots
of local talent. silverspringdowntown.com/ events/jazz-festival
Sept. 6-7
Chanté Moore
Fans of the R&B singer known for her fiveoctave vocal range have two chances to see her perform at Bethesda Theater. In the 1990s, Moore had several R&B hits, including “Love’s Taken Over,” “It’s Alright” and “Chanté’s Got a Man.” In June, “So Distracted,” her duet with soul singer Eric Benét, topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. bethesdatheater.com
Sept. 25
Black Violin
Violinist Kev Marcus (left) and viola player Wil Baptiste (right) will use their instruments to meld genres, mixing classical music with hip-hop beats, jazz, funk and pop along the way during their show at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. strathmore.org
Oct. 9
Joss Stone
The Grammy Award-winning soul singer comes to The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda for a stripped-down performance with a small ensemble featuring guitar, cello
THE FACE OF FRIGHT
Markoff’s Haunted Forest opens for its 34th season on Oct. 3. The attraction has grown into a multielement fright fest featuring a milelong trail, a haunted town and a creepy carnival midway. It takes place at Calleva Farm in Dickerson and benefits that organization, which also runs a summer camp. The Markoff brothers—Nick, Alex and Matt—started the attraction as a fundraiser for Calleva. Tickets are available at markoffshauntedforest.com
We chatted with the haunted for-
est’s makeup manager, Chris Knowles, 50, of Dickerson, who has been creating ghoulish looks for the event for 16 years. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Is your background in art? How did you learn to do makeup?
A: I’ve been a graphic designer for like 33 years. Most of my career was in England, and then I worked for a big events company and then came here about 16 years ago. For makeup, I had to learn a bit more
and two additional singers for harmonies. The British singer, who released her debut album in 2003 when she was 16, was inspired by great soul divas such as Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin. strathmore.org
Oct. 11
Noah Cyrus
Taking a turn away from the pop music of her debut album, Miley Cyrus’ younger sister
about contouring and stuff like that and just being safe with people’s skin. But it was using the skills of an airbrush that I’d learned back when I was 16.
Q: Do you mostly use airbrush makeup for the haunted forest?
A: Yeah, just because it’s super fast. We do some prosthetics. Some of the actors who are a bit more out front and lit up, they’ll have fancier makeup and everything, but we find there’s stuff you can do with an airbrush that is really realistic.
leaned into country, Americana and indiefolk influences for her second album, I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me, released this summer. She will stop by The Fillmore Silver Spring on her North American tour. fillmoresilverspring.com
Oct. 15
Ben Folds
Equally talented leading a symphony orchestra as he is fronting an indie rock band, the singer-songwriter rose to fame in the late 1990s with the Ben Folds Five trio. He went on to release several solo albums and collaborations with artists including musician Regina Spektor, actor William Shatner and author Nick Hornby. Expect a pared-down set during his performance at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. strathmore.org
Oct. 24
Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band
While Azaria is perhaps best known for voice-acting work, especially for his roles as several characters on Simpsons, his latest project has him portraying a famous voice in American music: Bruce Springsteen. Azaria will take the stage at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville as the front man for Springsteen tribute group the EZ Street Band. montgomerycollege.edu/ events/robert-e-parillaperforming-arts-center/ index.html
FESTIVALS
Sept. 6-7
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Art of all kinds, including paintings, photography, sculpture and furniture, is on display—and for sale—at this annual street festival. More than 150 artists will showcase their work at the free event in downtown Bethesda bethesdarowarts.org
event is free to attend, with food and drinks available for purchase. montgomeryparks.org/ event-team/montgomery-parks-ale-trail
Sept. 27
Rocktobierfest
Beer, bratwurst and live music are some of the highlights of this annual celebration of German culture at Rockville Town Center. The free festival includes two stages of music, food and beverages for sale and an artisan market. rockvillemd.gov/1952/rocktobierfest
Sept. 20
Q: How long does it take to get everyone’s makeup done on a typical night?
A: It’s about an hour and a half, two hours max. There are about 120 people [who need makeup] and there’ll be myself and about six to seven other artists working. Some people that work in concessions and work with food, they have very simple makeup because we can’t put any blood effects in there,
Parks Ale Trail
Enjoy beer, food and the great outdoors at this annual event sponsored by Montgomery Parks. It features a 2.5-mile hike along Lake Needwood in Rockville, a main festival area with live music, local craft beer and regional food trucks, and a mid-hike beer garden with acoustic music. Kids can practice tree climbing with a rope and harness, and participate in hands-on archaeology activities. The
because no one wants the blood effects dropping off into their food or anything.
Q: Do you have any tips for people who might want to do their own at-home scary makeup application?
A: Practice, practice, practice. Practice on someone else if you’re going to do a look on yourself. If you want a look that’s going to last the night, get some-
Sept. 28
Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival
This funky neighborhood event celebrates the idea that everyone can be an artist. Bands, dance groups, artists and large floats parade around the Wheaton triangle. Everyone is invited to create art and join the procession or to watch as a spectator. The festival at Marian Fryer Town Plaza features art exhibitions and sales, representatives from county agencies and community groups, face painting and three stages of entertainment, including musical and dance groups. wheatonartsparade.org
thing that’s isopropyl alcoholbased. Get yourself some decent brushes, some little makeup sponges. Partnering up with someone else is good because it’s really hard trying to do it in the mirror. Work with someone else and get them to do it on you, and you do it on them, and it’s going to be a good fun experience.
—Stephanie Siegel Burke
Ceramic by Katie Maciocha
Oct. 4
Taste of Bethesda
Sample everything from spring rolls and shawarma to croissants and cupcakes at this annual food festival in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. The festival features bites from around 40 neighborhood restaurants and live entertainment on five stages. The event is free to attend; taste tickets are available for purchase on-site. bethesda.org/taste-of-bethesda
Oct. 5
Takoma Park Street Festival
The free festival, now in its 44th year, draws crowds to Takoma Park, the unique community that bridges Montgomery County and Washington, D.C. Check out art and handmade crafts, meet representatives from local businesses and community groups, and hear music from 18 local bands. While you’re there, grab a bite from a food truck or a neighborhood eatery. mainstreettakoma.org
Oct. 12
Oktoberfest
It’s a mash-up of American and German autumnal traditions at this annual event in Kentlands in Gaithersburg. Festivalgoers can enjoy pretzels and beer, and traditional Bavarian music and dancing as part of this free festival that also features fall-themed activities for families. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/ special-events/oktoberfest
Oct. 18
Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show
Take a ride through automotive history at this free event where you can see more than 500 vintage cars from Packards and Porsches to Fords and Ferraris. The event
follows a group of young gay men in New York City living in the aftermath of the AIDS crisis. Round House Theatre in Bethesda stages parts one and two as separate plays in repertory in this regional premiere. roundhousetheatre.org
Sept. 17-Oct. 15
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
at Rockville Civic Center Park features car exhibitions and sales, a flea market and live music. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. rockvillemd.gov/667/ rockville-antique-and-classic-car-show
Oct. 25
Acoustics & Ales: Witchy Waters Edition Watch witches and ghouls take to the water at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, or bring your own pointy hat and paddleboard to participate in a Witchy Paddle at this special Halloween happy hour. Spectators can enjoy food, drinks and live music as they watch the spooky scene on the lake. Those who wish to participate in the costumed paddle should register online and bring their own paddleboard, kayak or canoe. The event is free to attend; food and drinks are available for purchase. montgomeryparks.org/events/ acoustics-ales-october-25
THEATER
Through Oct. 19
The Inheritance, Parts One and Two Inspired by E.M. Forster’s novel Howards End, playwright Matthew López’s two-play drama
See the iconic caterpillar, animals from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and other beloved characters from favorite children’s books by Eric Carle come to life in this production at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The show features more than 70 large and colorful puppets and original music. imaginationstage.org
Sept. 17-Oct. 19
Red Pitch
Olney Theatre Center stages the U.S. premiere of this West End, London, hit about three friends growing up together playing soccer at a field in their South London neighborhood. As gentrification brings change to their community, their soccer pitch and their friendship are threatened. If the play were a movie, it would be rated PG-13, according to the theater company. olneytheatre.org
VARIETY
Sept. 9
In Conversation With Marlee Matlin
The Academy Award-winning actress speaks about her life and career in a conversation moderated by Olney Theatre Center Artistic Director Jason Loewith at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville. montgomerycollege.edu/events/robert-eparilla-performing-arts-center/index.html
Sept.
21
An Evening With Elizabeth Gilbert
The Eat Pray Love author comes to The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda to speak about love, loss and her newly published memoir, All the Way to the River, an account of her relationship with her late partner Rayya Elias. strathmore.org
FILM
Sept. 18-Oct. 9
Latin American Film Festival
One of the largest showcases of Latin American cinema in North America, this event at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring includes screenings of awardwinning films, in-person conversations with filmmakers and embassy-hosted parties. silver. afi.com/afi-latin-american-film-festival
Oct. 4
John Cleese
It’s been 50 years since Monty Python and the Holy Grail hit U.S. theaters, inspiring generations of comedians and fans with its absurdist humor. Cleese, one of the men who started it all as a Monty Python co-founder and Holy Grail star, comes to The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda for a 50th anniversary screening, followed by a Q&A with the audience. strathmore.org
Oct. 12
Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert
Relive Moana’s voyage at this screening of the animated Disney film while a musical ensemble and vocalists perform the songs from the movie live onstage at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. strathmore.org —Stephanie Siegel Burke
Direct:
The Inventors
A Kid Museum challenge gives middle schoolers the chance to showcase their problem-solving skills
For a warmup brainstorming exercise, Jo Belyea-Doerrman asks students in her engineering class at Shady Grove Middle School in Gaithersburg to think of as many uses for a toothpick as they can in two minutes.
“Quantity over quality. Do not stop yourself. Crazy is fine,” she explains to the seventh graders on a Tuesday morning in early April. “Ready, set, go!”
It’s quiet as the students make lists on their own. After they share their ideas with classmates, Belyea-Doerrman challenges them to add to their lists. “Hopefully it’s a springboard for more ideas,” she says. After two more minutes, she asks: “Thumbs-up if round two was a
BY CARALEE ADAMS
little bit easier?” Most agree the discussion helped.
Belyea-Doerrman, 62, a software engineer-turned-middle school teacher, emphasizes the value of collaboration and imagination with students, especially those who are part of Kid Museum’s Invent the Future Challenge. The handson program promotes science, technology, engineering, creativity and design skills for students in classes and after-school clubs. It includes field trips to Kid Museum in Bethesda and the option of competing in a spring expo where their inventions are judged. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 121 students at Shady Grove were among about 650 from 13 middle schools
in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C., who participated in the program. Their assignment: What will you make to improve life on this planet?
Students spend several weeks developing their prototypes. Belyea-Doerrman encourages students to focus on something they care about, and forms teams of three to five students based on common interests. The toothpick warmup gets students ready to brainstorm potential solutions to problems they’ve listed on their worksheets with the title: “WHO needs WHAT because WHY.”
“It has to be something that can be built,” Belyea-Doerrman reminds the students. “This is an engineering class.”
Shady Grove Middle School students Roseeta Shrestha, left, and Alana Simkanich work on their prototype for a safer school bus during a field trip to Kid Museum.
At Table 9, Samia Guled, Saanvi Lanke and Leah Wang are concerned about marine life in the Chesapeake Bay being hurt by pollution. They are thinking of how to prevent salt that’s used to treat icy roads from getting into the water. Among their ideas: Design a compact filtration system to consume excess salt from water runoff like a vacuum—maybe a sort of floating pod—before it enters the ocean.
Nearby, Juliet Luetkemeier and Alana Simkanich at Table 7 are discussing ways to keep students safer in school buses by adding cameras, alarm systems or airbags. Their interest stems from having been jolted in a minor bus accident earlier in the year. (Their third teammate, Roseeta Shrestha, was absent that day.) Other students are exploring ways to detect expired food in school lunches (later named the Moldy Food Detection in MCPS team) and to reduce the harmful effects of noise pollution on dolphins (the Sonar and Dolphins team).
To begin designing their prototypes, students in the Invent the Future program visit Kid Museum throughout the spring semester. During their first two field trips, they are free to experiment in studios with tools and materials such as electronics, textiles, cardboard and wood.
“It’s all about the process—iterating and trying,” says Lucia Belivakici-Clever, Kid Museum’s senior education program manager. “If you’re not failing, you’re not learning.”
Leah uses a grommet press to make holes in an adjustable cardboard crown. “I never thought you could make accessories with cardboard. It’s really interesting that you can customize it,” she says, considering how cardboard might be used in her team’s filtration prototype.
Belyea-Doerrman says she likes that students can explore and test which of the recyclable materials they will use back in her classroom to create their inventions. “I feel like a lot of times, we don’t let them play,” she says. “I have Legos and Play-Doh in my classroom for that very reason— so that they bring that creativity to their problem-solving.”
During the last week in May, the Shady Grove students return to the museum for an “open build” session. There are stations with hot-glue guns, computers, materials
”IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS—ITERATING AND TRYING. IF YOU’RE NOT FAILING, YOU’RE NOT LEARNING.”
LUCIA BELIVAKICI-CLEVER, SENIOR EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER AT KID MUSEUM
to build small battery-powered lights, and scroll saws.
Although some students are scrambling to finish their projects, Belyea-Doerrman tells them things don’t have to be perfect.
“Prototypes are supposed to be representing their ideas, so it doesn’t matter if it’s working or it’s done because it’s about conveying their idea,” she says.
Samia, Saanvi and Leah have named their project “SaltSmart: A solar-powered salt runoff filter for sidewalks, ditches or parking lots.” They used a cardboard box for their prototype, lining the interior with layers of fabric to represent eco-friendly filters of hemp fiber, biochar and crushed limestone. Pipe cleaners crisscross the top where solar panels would be placed. They cut out a hole in one side to show where water would enter the chamber and built a sensor to activate the device. During their last museum visit, the team wired in a small light and glued blue construction paper onto the exterior of the box.
The girls, all 13 years old, had gone to the Rockville Memorial Library the previous weekend to get printouts to make a brochure and trifold display, and created a website they linked to with a QR code. Later they gathered for nearly six hours at Leah’s house to polish their project and run through their presentation. “It was a really fun process—especially practicing the pitch with my friends,” Samia says.
Belyea-Doerrman says the SaltSmart team went “above and beyond” putting in time outside of class—demonstrating that it takes persistence to be successful. When they were done rehearsing at her house, Leah and her team members were excited and nervous about the event.
“We literally hugged each other and we’re like, ‘No matter the outcome of the competition, we had an amazing experience,’ ” learning new skills and deepening their friendship, Leah says.
For this year’s competition, Saanvi, Leah and Samia were among 222 middle school students (76 from Shady Grove) who competed in the expo at Kid Museum on June 1. In all, 105 teams set up displays and presented to judges who were entrepreneurs, inventors, corporate leaders and educators. (Since Invent the Future began in 2017, nearly 7,500 middle school students have taken part in the program, which is funded by Kid Museum corporate partners and individual donors.)
The girls delivered their pitch several times throughout the expo—initially to a few parents who offered feedback, which Saanvi says was helpful. “It definitely opened our minds to things we hadn’t thought of,” she says. “The judges actually asked similar questions: ‘Do you have a backup generator?’ or ‘What do you think the cost will be?’ So we were definitely prepared.”
Leah adds: “A lot of people came up to us and they’re like, ‘Wow, you guys have QR codes and a website.’ I don’t think many [others] had websites.”
At the conclusion of the expo, 13 awards were presented in five categories. Shady Grove students won three. The SaltSmart team and the Sonar and Dolphins team (Kellan Erdheim, Brian Healy, Abdul Noori and Marty Sukol) both won digital design awards. Students on the Moldy Food Detection team (Camila Battistel, Isabelle Liu, Stella Rankin and Honda Zaky) earned a community engagement award.
SaltSmart team members say they aren’t sure if the experience makes them want to be engineers—but they all plan to take the class again and are already thinking about how to improve their filter for next year’s challenge.
It’s a win, Belyea-Doerrman says, when students are hooked and looking ahead to improving their idea. While she hopes some students will be able to see themselves in an engineering field, she says the skills they learn—creativity and problemsolving with limited resources—can be applied to any career path. “I want them to know that anybody is a maker.”
What Teachers Earn in Montgomery County
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY EARNED THE HIGHEST AVERAGE SALARIES IN THE STATE LAST YEAR, and the pay was competitive with nearby jurisdictions outside of Maryland, as well as with private schools in the county. Here’s a look at teacher pay, by the numbers. All figures are for the 2025-2026 school year unless otherwise noted.
$3.6 billion OPERATING BUDGET FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS $1.3 billion TOTAL FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SALARIES
13,985
Number of teachers in county public schools
$5,814
Stipend for high school girls varsity basketball coach, the highest-paid girls coach, identical to the pay for high school boys varsity basketball coach, 2024-2025
$6,066 STIPEND FOR HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA DIRECTOR—THE BEST-PAID NON-SPORTS EXTRACURRICULAR POSITION, 2024-2025
$64,591 MINIMUM 10-MONTH PAY FOR A TEACHER AT ANY GRADE LEVEL
—David Montgomery
$20.29 MINIMUM HOURLY PAY FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY,
$72,030 NATIONAL AVERAGE TEACHER
$53,674$118,380
SALARY RANGE FOR A RECENT OPENING FOR A HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER AT GEORGETOWN PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN NORTH BETHESDA
$65,000$95,000
SALARY RANGE FOR A RECENT OPENING FOR AN UPPER SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AT BULLIS IN POTOMAC
Women in Business
FROM LEFT:
Nicole Gilkeson Stuntz, Of Counsel
Natalia C. Armstrong (Wilson), Principal
Sarah E. Mancinelli, Principal
Amy W. Spain, Partner
SEE PROFILE PAGE 51
L-R FRONT: KRISTIE
BRITTANY ORAVEC, CHRISTINE SORGE, LAUREN LAMB, NATASHA JAMES
L-R BACK: LONDON SNEDEN, ROBIN GASKINS, AMANDA GILBERT, TRACY PHILLIPS, AMANDA FREEMAN, ELIZABETH MCINTURFF, JESSICA LIEBERMAN
NOT PICTURED: KIANA TAYLOR
HALL,
Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer & Polott, P.C.
Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer & Polott, P.C. blends trusted relationships with modern legal insight. Based in Bethesda for over 40 years, the firm offers sophisticated counsel in business, real estate, estate planning, litigation and family law. Serving entrepreneurs, developers, institutions, and families, their collaborative team — many holding CPA licenses or advanced tax degrees — delivers solutions-focused guidance.
4416 East West Highway, Suite 400 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-986-9600
SelzerGurvitch.com
Q What does this photo represent for your firm?
A It reflects how far we have come and where we're going. Just five years ago, our firm had only two female attorneys. Today, 13 women comprise nearly half of our legal team. That growth isn't just about numbers. It's the result of an intentional culture that values leadership in all its forms.
These women are more than just exceptional attorneys; they're trusted advisors, strategic thinkers and mentors. They're shaping client relationships, driving business development and helping to define what comes next. This photo captures a moment in time, but it also tells a bigger story: one of momentum, inclusion and the kind of future that we're building together.
Q How has the firm grown overall?
A We’ve grown steadily and strategically, guided by a long-term vision rather than short-term trends. In recent years, we’ve expanded our team, added depth to our bench and broadened our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
One of our most exciting milestones this year is the launch of our Family Law Practice Group. This expansion reflects both client demand and our commitment to serving the full scope of their legal needs. It’s a natural extension of our collaborative, client-centered approach and enables us to support clients through both business and personal transitions with the same level of care, clarity and sophistication.
Q What is your approach to cultivating talent?
A We strive to be more than just a place to work. We want to be a place where people grow. That means creating an environment where team members feel supported, challenged and empowered to take the next
step in their careers.
We've put real thought into how that growth happens, building intentional structures around mentorship, leadership development and opportunities aligned with individual goals for attorneys and staff alike.
When people feel valued, they bring their best to the table. That's what sets us apart: a team that's not only highly skilled but deeply engaged and committed to delivering the best — both for each other and for our clients.
Q What do clients gain by working with your firm?
A Clients come to us for the legal insight and sophistication they might expect from a much larger firm, but they stay because of the experience they have with us. We offer a right-sized approach: toptier counsel, delivered with the responsiveness, accessibility and value of a mid-sized practice.
That means fewer layers, direct access to senior attorneys and a team that's deeply invested in each client's success. We're not just solving legal problems; we're building relationships and helping clients move forward with assurance. It's a model that works for entrepreneurs, families and businesses alike because it's built around what matters most to them.
Whether clients are launching a business, navigating a family transition or planning for the future, they know they're not doing it alone. We're here with the experience, perspective and steady guidance to help them take their next step confidently and with purpose.
A big thank you to Corella Café & Lounge at AC Hotel Bethesda, which provided the setting for our photo. The Corella terrace is one example of the many beautiful spaces available to the citizens in downtown Bethesda.
Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry
AZIN GHESMATI, DDS
Dr. Azin Ghesmati combines her advanced training in restorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry with an engineering background to offer exceptional, comprehensive care. A graduate of NYU’s College of Dentistry, she employs cutting-edge technologies, including microscopes and 3D imaging, for a modern approach to dental health.
4400 Jenifer St. NW, Suite 340 Washington, D.C. 20015 info@chevychasedigitaldentistry.com ChevyChaseDigitalDentistry.com
Q What made you decide to become a dentist?
A My path has been anything but conventional, filled with both triumphs and challenges that have taught me invaluable lessons. Before pursuing a career in dentistry, I earned a degree in Software Computer Engineering and spent 10 years as a project manager. That background provides me with a unique perspective, particularly in digital dentistry, where I combine engineering precision with top-tier clinical care. I have received extensive education, enabling me to practice interdisciplinary dentistry from general care and complex treatment planning to surgical, implant and endodontic procedures. Today, I utilize advanced tools like 3D imaging, microscopes, state-of-the-art laser technology and in-house digital printing to create customized, high-quality outcomes for every patient.
Q How do your global roots inform the way you lead your practice?
A Born in Germany to Iranian parents and having lived in Canada before settling in the United States, I’ve embraced the rich
cultural tapestry that has shaped me. My global experience has taught me adaptability, empathy and a deep respect for diverse perspectives—qualities that guide how I lead my practice and connect with my patients.
Q What woman inspires you and why?
A I'm inspired by women who push boundaries with resilience and compassion—those who lead with strength but never lose their humanity.
Q If you could go back and offer advice to your younger self, what would you say?
A I'd tell her to take the same path. Every challenge and pivot has led me to where I am today, and I wouldn't change a thing. As someone once said, "Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward." That resonates deeply as I reflect on my unique and fulfilling journey.
Q What are your interests outside of work?
A I'm a foodie at heart and love exploring new flavors. Lately, I've been diving into pastry-making—it's become a fun, creative outlet that adds a literal and figurative touch of sweetness to my life outside the office.
Potomac Audiology
DR. GAIL LINN, AUD, CCC-A
DR. TRICIA TERLEP, AUD
"I opened Potomac Audiology in Rockville in 1998. It was slow going at first, with only one fitting room and one audiologist, which was me! Today, the practice occupies 3,000 square feet of office space with seven fitting rooms and five audiologists."
Potomac Audiology
11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20852
240-477-1010
PotomacAudiology.com
Q What has been a recent technological development in your field?
A Something near and dear to our practice is called “Real Ear” or “Probe Microphone” measures. This procedure allows us to put a tiny tube that is attached to a tiny microphone in a patient’s ear during the hearing aid fitting. We can measure exactly what the hearing aid is delivering to the eardrum. This procedure is not widely done but we consider it a vital component of a good hearing aid fitting. Without performing this measurement, there’s no way to know whether a patient is receiving the correct amplification on the correct frequencies.
Q What is one of your top priorities in your work?
A Providing each person with the best hearing healthcare possible. This includes using the best testing equipment, Real Ear equipment and hearing aids from all the major manufacturers.
Q How are you helping others follow in your career path?
A My daughter, Dr. Tricia Terlep, is our pediatric audiologist. Together, we have mentored, trained and hired many talented young audiologists from the University of Maryland and Gallaudet University.
Chevy Chase Trust
Chevy Chase Trust is an independent, privately owned investment management firm specializing in global thematic research, portfolio management, financial and estate planning and fiduciary services.
7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1500W Bethesda, MD 20814 240-497-5000 ChevyChaseTrust.com
Q Why is female leadership important in financial management?
A Representation matters—especially in the financial sector, where women remain underrepresented. At Chevy Chase Trust, we believe our leadership should reflect the clients we serve. Women are increasingly taking the lead in household finances, wealth creation and multigenerational planning. When they see themselves reflected across the table at our firm, it builds trust, comfort and stronger relationships.
Q How does Chevy Chase Trust elevate women throughout the firm?
A Supporting women is part of our DNA. From the beginning, we have cultivated a team-driven environment where women play a leading role. Today, women comprise more than half of our staff and
two-thirds of our senior management. Women have always made up a significant share of our leadership team, senior client advisory group and expert ranks, helping to shape a collaborative culture that benefits our clients. This same thoughtful approach extends to how we manage our clients’ investments.
Q What sets Chevy Chase Trust’s investment approach apart?
A Our global thematic approach to investing is a great differentiator. Thematic investing capitalizes on the powerful secular trends, disruptive ideas and economic forces constantly reshaping our world. We build portfolios positioned to exploit these transformational changes and, just as importantly, avoid companies that will be disrupted by them.
McCabe Russell
HEATHER MCCABE, ESQ., CO-MANAGING PARTNER
EMILY RUSSELL, ESQ., CO-MANAGING PARTNER
Our award-winning attorneys are committed to legal excellence and exceptional client service. We have established our reputation through our expertise in negotiation and litigation, providing counsel tailored to clarify and address our clients’ concerns. We work collaboratively to develop strategies that best support our clients, their families and their future.
Offices in Bethesda, Rockville and Maple Lawn 443-812-1435 McCabeRussell.com
Q What advice would you offer to women just starting out?
A As a working mother, I often felt like I had to choose between a career and motherhood—but you don't. It's possible to succeed in both. The key is finding an employer who shares your values and supports your priorities. With the right environment, you don't have to compromise either part of yourself. And be kind. You may work with clients for a moment, but you'll work with your colleagues for years. Your reputation as an attorney matters; be someone who's honest, collaborative and focused on solving problems.
Q What do you enjoy most about your work?
A Every day, I look forward to my colleagues and the clients I serve. As a family law attorney, no two days—or
agreements—are the same. I enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions, especially when there is no clear path forward. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and it's incredibly rewarding to craft agreements that reflect their unique needs. I also love helping families in transition see that this isn't an ending, but the beginning of something new. There's something truly inspiring about helping turn a complex, emotionally charged situation into a fresh start—and a new way to define family.
Q What's the most important lesson you've learned during your career?
A It may sound cliché, but everyone is going through something. Sometimes you can see it, but often you can't. That perspective has taught me to lead with empathy and treat people with genuine respect. A little kindness goes a long way.
Kathy O’Connor, CPA, CGMA
NONPROFIT CONSULTING LEADER & PARTNER
Kathy O'Connor brings more than 30 years of nonprofit expertise and strategic guidance to organizations with revenues ranging from $1 million to $1.2 billion. As founder of O'Connor Consulting Services in 1999—now part of Aprio—she has built a flexible, mission-driven practice that empowers professionals, especially women, to do highimpact work without compromising personal priorities.
Aprio
301-263-9550
kathy.oconnor@aprio.com
Aprio.com/People/Kathy-OConnor
Q What advice would you offer women just starting out?
A Take chances and be bold—even if you don't feel fully ready. Studies show that men often pursue opportunities with only a few qualifications, while women typically wait until they've checked every box. Don't wait! Taking a leap doesn't have to mean starting a business, like I did with O'Connor Consulting Services (OCS), a Bethesda-based firm I founded in 1999. It's about embracing growth, even when it feels risky. And you don't have to do it alone. My business partner, Trina Gallaher, joined me 18 years ago and has helped shape OCS into something far beyond what I could've imagined. Having someone who complements your strengths and shares your vision can change everything. Most importantly, don't let anyone else define what success should look like for you. It isn't always about revenue growth or climbing the next rung of the corporate ladder.
Q What are your top priorities?
A Guiding OCS's exciting transition to Aprio. After 26 years of running a mission-driven, women-led firm, this next chapter expands our capabilities while preserving the culture that defines us. I'm focused on ensuring our nonprofit clients and dedicated team feel supported throughout this change.
Q What has been an unexpected source of strength in your work?
A The power of women supporting women. Many of the incredible nonprofit CFOs and leaders I've been honored to work with started as clients but became close friends. That bond inspired this year's inaugural Women's Power Network event. Continuing this tradition is a necessity and a privilege.
It’s all about the satisfaction of helping people and the strong relationships we have with our clients and colleagues. We are inspired and motivated every day by the opportunity to work side by side with each other, talented and motivated colleagues who strive to make a difference for our clients and our community.
12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 500 Potomac, MD 20854 301-564-9500 Wealthspire.com
Q What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned during your career?
A Presenting financial plans and introducing new investment ideas are serious business, but we're not always going to have all of the answers and of course, we can't predict the future. It's important to come to the table with solutions or options that are outside the box. There is a lot to be said about taking the time to educate yourself and your clients on possibilities that may not be in your wheelhouse.
—Robin Dobbs
Q How do you measure success?
A There is nothing more rewarding than when a client refers you to a friend, colleague, or family member. There is no greater validation and proof of the trust placed in us than a client sharing
their personal relationship. To me, that means everything. The same is true for our employees. We have a number of our advisors that have come to us as referrals from existing advisors. To know they love our team enough to bring in a friend is absolutely success!
—Ashley E. Iddings
Q If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself as a young professional, what would you say?
A Guard against making assumptions about people. This is true whether we’re talking about clients, colleagues, friends, or strangers. The most successful advisors are empathetic and have the natural curiosity that results in asking lots of questions. A strong interest in helping others makes us go the extra mile to fully understand our clients’ situations.
—Michèle Walthert
Grover & Badalian
ANNE GROVER, ESQUIRE
KRISTINA BADALIAN, ESQUIRE
MORGAN APPEL, ESQUIRE
CAROLINE PALMER, ESQUIRE
At Grover & Badalian, LLC, we are strong advocates, trusted by our clients and experienced in complex financial and highly charged custody cases.
11 N Washington St., Suite 630 Rockville, MD 20850
301-358-1813
GBFamilyLawyers.com
Q What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
A Balancing a demanding legal career with personal and family responsibilities will always be a challenge. Family law issues don’t run during ordinary business hours; the law is constantly changing, and each attorney has demands placed on them from various areas of life. At Grover and Badalian, the importance of supporting each other, both in our cases and outside lives is critical. We work as a team of attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants in order to provide excellent service and seamless coverage. Creating a collegial environment that helps an individual find balance, whether at a private firm, public agency and a group of friends or mentors is invaluable.
Q What changes or innovations are on the horizon in your industry?
A Family law intersects with almost every legal discipline, from tax to business valuation to attachment theory. At Grover and Badalian, keeping current on the law, including outside areas that impact our cases, is essential. For example, a change in the tax code has implications for how property is best distributed between spouses; tariff costs can impact a business’s value; changes in how mental health professionals assess the most developmentally appropriate schedules for a child’s stability. Keeping current not only in changes to family law, but also in other areas of law, evidence and subject matter, is required. That commitment to insightful, comprehensive counsel is why our attorneys are regularly recognized by Bethesda Magazine, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and other top publications.
Q What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
A Christy Oliff-Ellis: Balancing empowerment with expectation overload. This generation is being raised to believe they can "do it all,” which is powerful, but it also creates immense pressure to do everything perfectly: career success, leadership, family, mental wellness and social advocacy. The real challenge will be learning to define success on their own terms, not society's.
Q What woman inspires you and why?
A Linda Oliff-Rohleder: Cathy Purple Cherry, founding principal of Purple Cherry Architects. The way she invests in her people, fosters a strong team culture and gives back to her community is something I admire and strive toward. Her design talent, paired with sharp business acumen, has driven incredible growth—yet she's never lost that grounded, localbusiness feel.
Wink Eyecare Boutique
RACHEL COHN, OPTOMETRIST
1095 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854
301-545-1111 Wink.net
Q What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?
A I have always been interested in eyes, which provide a window into our overall health. I feel fortunate that I not only get to help people see better and achieve optimal ocular health but can significantly impact their overall wellbeing by detecting potential underlying health issues. I also love interacting with people all day. I enjoy getting to know each of my patients/customers so I can offer the highest quality of individualized, comprehensive eye care and help them find stylish frames that best suit their faces and personalities.
Q How do you measure success?
A To me, being successful means appreciating what you have in life, gleaning satisfaction from achievements within your control, and showing perseverance when facing adversity.
Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC
NATASHA M. NAZARETH, ESQ., CO-FOUNDER
GINNY CASCIO BONIFACINO, ESQ., CO-FOUNDER
Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC counsels companies, schools and nonprofits by providing integrative legal advice to protect businesses, create opportunities and deepen the relationships that matter. Co-founders Natasha M. Nazareth and Ginny C. Bonifacino are award-winning attorneys who empower entrepreneurs and business owners with practical advice at the intersection of law and business.
Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC 401 N. Washington St., Suite 470 Rockville, MD 20850 240-202-4302
DMVBusinessLawyers.com
Q Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?
A We believe that lawyering is a force for good. Serving as outside general counsel for small business owners, nonprofits and independent schools and colleges, we help clients optimize their businesses, minimize risk and reduce friction, ensuring they can stay focused on their work and thrive. As a purpose-driven organization, we pushed ourselves to become a certified B Corporation and are proud to be the first law firm in Maryland—and one of only 25 nationwide—to earn the distinction as a leader in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
Q What changes or innovations are on the horizon in your industry? How are you preparing for them?
A Technology is rapidly changing the legal industry to reduce administrative waste and allow law firms that provide clientfocused service to shine. We actively cultivate rapport with prospective clients and have built tech-enabled business processes to seamlessly onboard clients, process invoices and manage all legal documents, greatly improving the overall client experience. We are constantly refining our processes and keeping up with the latest technological developments to increase efficiency for ourselves and our clients.
Q What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?
A Working in a supportive, collaborative environment that allows us to achieve optimal results for our clients. Our consistently high performance stems from the trusting relationships we build with clients, partnering with each to home in on their unique vision and create innovative, practical strategies to help them prosper and flourish.
The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group
LAUREN SIEGEL, PSY.D., CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF TESTING AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Q What was a major turning point in your life and/or career?
A My major turning point came in 2019, when I took the leap of faith to launch a nonprofit with my two founding partners. I had recently come into a leadership role at a school that, sadly, had to close. I didn't want to walk away from the challenging and important work I was doing; providing psychological services to children and families in need. I trusted myself to take that risk, and my professional identity blossomed. I was able to harness my clinical and collaborative skills to do this job that I love. The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group continues to grow, and every day is full of interesting and meaningful projects.
Maryland Oral Surgery Associates (MOSA) Bethesda
MALINI IYER, DMD, MD
10401 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 206 | Bethesda, MD 20814 Plus, locations in Annapolis, College Park, Crofton, Frederick, Laurel, Rockville and Silver Spring 301-984-9111 | bethesda@mosa4os.com | MOSA4OS.com
Q What woman inspires you and why?
A Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician who exposed the Flint water crisis. She risked her career to stand by science when officials denied her findings. Her courage went beyond medicine—she became a voice for justice, advocacy and systemic change. That's real leadership.
Q What advice would you offer for women just starting out?
A You're more capable than you think. Confidence often follows action, so raise your hand, speak up and apply anyway. Know your worth and don't apologize for it. Saying "no" doesn't make you difficult; it makes you powerful. Protect your time, trust your instincts and surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you flourish. Find those who challenge you as well—and be that person for someone else. Give yourself grace. Reinvention isn't failure; it's growth.
Ain & Bank, P.C.
FROM LEFT: NATALIA C. ARMSTRONG (WILSON), PRINCIPAL; NICOLE GILKESON STUNTZ, OF COUNSEL; SARAH E. MANCINELLI, PRINCIPAL; AMY W. SPAIN, PARTNER
Ain & Bank, P.C. is a premier boutique family law firm serving the Washington metropolitan region. Known for its compassionate counsel and sophisticated litigation, its award-winning team brings extensive experience to resolving complex family law matters with discretion, integrity and a steadfast commitment to their clients' best interests.
1300 19th St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20036
202-530-3300
AinBankLaw.com
Q What qualities do you think a successful family law attorney should have?
A Empathy, integrity, resilience and exceptional communication are paramount. Family law touches the most personal aspects of people's lives—their children, their homes and their financial security. A successful attorney listens with genuine compassion while maintaining the emotional strength to think strategically and guide clients through some of their darkest moments.
At Ain & Bank, we believe that every client deserves dignity and respect, regardless of circumstance. Technical legal expertise is essential—but without the ability to connect on a human level and effectively communicate complex issues in ways that ease, rather than amplify, anxiety, even the most brilliant attorneys will fall short.
Q How do you measure success?
At Ain & Bank, true success means our clients walk away with peace of mind, feeling supported, respected and ready to begin a new chapter.
Q What motivates and inspires you in your work?
A The human element—helping people rebuild and move forward toward a hopeful future. Clients often come to us at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do can truly change the trajectory of a family's future.
A Success isn't just about winning cases or securing financial outcomes—it's about helping families move forward with grace and protecting the best interests of children. When we can resolve complex disputes through skilled negotiation, that's a victory for everyone involved. That said, we're also seasoned litigators with significant trial and appellate experience, prepared to advocate with purpose when necessary.
A Throughout my 20-plus years in marketing for global brands, I kept seeing the same thing: small businesses were being overlooked or priced out of full-scale marketing support. I launched BoBella Brands to change that, to give small businesses access to the same high-level branding strategy, delivered with a hands-on, collaborative approach. Seeing great ideas come to life and watching our clients grow through impactful web design, digital marketing, and brand promotion— that’s what inspires me.
Q What is most meaningful about being a woman in business?
A BoBella is a woman-led team, and we love partnering with other women who are building something of their own. There’s a shared drive, a mutual respect and a more meaningful success that’s achieved when we work in support of each other.
The NOW Massage Bethesda
SHARI EXUM, AS WELLNESS, LLC, FRANCHISE OWNER
6917 Arlington Road, Suite G2 | Bethesda, MD 20814
A It was actually born out of selfish need! During our travels, my husband and I discovered firsthand how transformative massage can be. My body really responded to the healing touch of skillful massage therapists over time, and we were excited to share that experience with our community. Wellness is the real wealth, and there's nothing more rewarding than helping others invest in their well-being and witnessing the incredible mental and physical impact of mindful, skilled wellness practices.
Q What is most meaningful about being a woman in business?
A Know what you don't know—and don't be afraid to ask. Success doesn't come from having all the answers; it's about having the humility to learn from those who do.
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WHO INSPIRE WOMEN
BY AMY HALPERN
PHOTOS BY LISA HELFERT ILLUSTRATION BY FRANZISKA BARCZYK
These six pioneering women in fields from food to sports to government showcase the hotbed of talent that lives right here in Montgomery County
Aruna Miller
MORE THAN FIVE DECADES before Aruna Miller became Maryland’s lieutenant governor, she was a 7-year-old from Hyderabad, India, navigating a new life in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Despite not speaking a word of English, she was determined to blend in and make friends from the start. At lunchtime on the first day of school, the second grader loaded her tray with unfamiliar American food and grabbed a pint of cold milk, just like her classmates. Before that day, the only milk she’d ever had was warm, from the cow to her glass, she says. About 30 minutes after returning from the cafeteria, she vomited all over her desk. She cried in embarrassment as her teacher called her mother to come pick her up.
That afternoon, while sitting at home feeling humiliated, a classmate came by to drop off a stack of paintings the students had made for her— many featuring smiley faces, and a few with sad tears trickling down. Miller surmised even at that young age that the teacher had likely explained to the students that she was from another country and still getting used to the customs—and the food—of other cultures, and that her classmates’ job was to make her feel welcome.
That was the day Miller learned about empathy, she says—something that has guided her personal and professional life ever since. “You may not walk in the same shoes as someone else [or] understand the struggles that they’re going through,” says the 60-yearold married mother of three daughters, but you can “be there for them to make sure that they feel included and that you care about them.”
These days, as one of only a few Indian American lieutenant governors in the nation’s history and the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in Mary-
“One of the things I respect most about Aruna is that she could have chosen to do anything with her time and talents, and she chose a life of service.”
—GOV. WES MOORE
land, the Darnestown resident is using the lessons she learned as a new arrival to this country to help improve the lives of all Marylanders.
Among her priorities: tackling the stigma surrounding mental health, recruiting life-science and tech companies to the state, and chairing the Governor’s Council on Interfaith Outreach, which brings together religious leaders to address faith-based intolerance and violence.
“When you come to this country as an immigrant,” Miller says, “you are so grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded to you … [that you] want to give back.”
Miller spent eight years in the Maryland House of Delegates before then-gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore (D) asked her to be his running mate. That was in 2021, a year before the statewide election and two years after she’d made an unsuccessful run for U.S. Congress.
During her time as a delegate, Miller sponsored and co-sponsored nearly 100 bills, many of which became law. Eighty percent of those bills, she says, were driven by Maryland families who reached out to her for help. Among them: the parents of a young woman murdered by an ex-boyfriend who had violated his restraining order. The grieving parents wanted to protect domestic
violence victims by requiring their alleged attackers to wear GPS tracking systems until trial, if the accusers requested it. The bill became law and took effect in 2017. It’s now known as Amber’s Law, named in memory of the couple’s murdered daughter.
“One of the things I respect most about Aruna is that she could have chosen to do anything with her time and talents, and she chose a life of service,” Moore says via email. “In every chapter of her journey, you can see the fingerprints of those she has helped to uplift.”
Before holding public office, Miller worked for 25 years as a civil and transportation engineer with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, focusing on easing traffic congestion and expanding access to public transit for the disabled and the underprivileged.
Miller became a U.S. citizen in 2000 and says she remembers crying tears of joy her first time in a voting booth, when she cast her ballot for presidential candidate Al Gore. “I was like, this is what it means to be an American,” she says.
After the U.S. Supreme Court halted the vote recount in Florida that Miller believes might have given Gore the victory over George W. Bush in that close race, she says she discovered her interest in politics. She called the local Democratic Party, became a precinct volunteer and eventually a member of Montgomery County’s Democratic Central Committee. When the District 15 seat in the House of Delegates opened up, her colleagues encouraged her to run.
“Coming here as an immigrant, you’re not thinking about running for public office,” she says. “You work hard. You study hard … and do what you need to do. Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d be in public office.”
Dana Marlowe A
SHOWER OF PANTIES RAINED down on British pop sensation Charli XCX as she belted out two of her hits during the finale of the Grammy Awards in February. As the singer crooned and gyrated before a television audience of more than 15 million—and the pile of unmentionables grew to more than 10,000 items—a caption popped up on viewers’ television screens:
“All unworn undergarments will be donated to survivors of domestic violence through I Support the Girls.”
“I was freaking out. The name of this organization is on-screen [at] the Grammys! Are you kidding? I was freaking out,” recalls I Support the Girls’ founder and executive director Dana Marlowe, 49, who was watching the show at a friend’s house and trying not to scream so she could record the television screen on her phone.
For Marlowe, who lives in Silver Spring with her husband and two teenage sons, the Rockville-based nonprofit started slowly, then all at once. Ten years ago, after shedding 35 pounds, she was looking for a place to donate her like-new bras that had become too large. A salesperson at Soma, a lingerie shop in Westfield Montgomery mall that has since closed, recommended she bring the undergarments to a women’s shelter.
“Homeless women need bras,” Marlowe recalls the salesperson saying.
After donating her items to a Washington, D.C., shelter, Marlowe asked in an online post whether anyone had gently worn bras or individually wrapped menstrual products they’d like to donate. Before long, she was inundated with bras from Facebook friends she barely knew, and offers
of financial donations from local businesses and philanthropic foundations around the country. Even Hollywood studios and Broadway costume designers started reaching out.
“They have to buy so many different bras and camisoles that … don’t even get used because they’re not the right size or look for the outfit,” says Marlowe, who chose the charity’s name because she liked the double meaning of the word “girls.”
Today, the organization that started with Marlowe’s 16 bras is making a global impact.
As of June, I Support the Girls and its 51 affiliates across the world, including branches as far away as the Philippines and Pakistan, have gathered and distributed more than 40 million bras, panties and menstrual products to organizations serving women living in shelters and on the streets, according to I Support the Girls.
Rachael Heger, 43, who opened I
“As long as we use different languageencoded euphemisms, it’s harder to raise awareness.”
—DANA MARLOWE
Support the Girls’ first affiliate office more than nine years ago in Indianapolis, says Marlowe’s brilliance lies in taking an easy ask—Do you have any individually wrapped tampons to spare?—and explaining how these simple donations offer dignity to women in poverty. “Can you imagine having your period and not just being able to go to your car, to CVS, to your co-worker, whatever, and be able to get a pad or a tampon?” Heger asks.
As for the Grammys, Marlowe’s team was told in advance of the donation—just as it was notified about a similar donation of bras and panties last year after Charli XCX recorded a music video with pop
superstar Billie Eilish.
What thrilled Marlowe the most was the Grammys shoutout. Public mentions raise awareness of the ongoing need for bras, panties and menstrual products, she says, and they help shed the taboo surrounding the topic.
“Girls still stick tampons up their sleeves when, you know, passing them to each other [in] math class. … People still use coded terms instead of periods and menstruation,” Marlowe says. “As long as we use different language-encoded euphemisms, it’s harder to raise awareness.”
Since founding I Support the Girls in 2015, Marlowe says she has taken her cause to more than 3,000 media
outlets—television, radio, newspapers, magazines and podcasts—to raise awareness of the need and her organization’s efforts to ameliorate it. In December, The Kelly Clarkson Show crowned the organization “Good Neighbor of the Year.”
Marlowe also runs a for-profit business she started 16 years ago called Accessibility Partners, which advises companies and federal agencies about how to make their workplace technology more disability-friendly. Both organizations have a common mission: bringing dignity to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
Marlowe says it’s the stories of the people she serves that propel her for-
ward. Like the woman she met at a bra distribution event in Washington, D.C., several years ago. The woman had two requests: a comfortable sports bra that could double as a purse for storing personal items in her cleavage when she’s sleeping on the streets, and a red lacy bra, like those worn by smiling women in ads she sees on the Metro. Why the red bra? Marlowe recalls asking her.
“You know, I never get to feel beautiful … and these women in these red lacy bras just always look so happy,” Marlowe recalls the woman saying. Then the woman added, “Nobody has to know that I’m wearing it, and it’s close to my heart.”
Danielle Cantor Jeweler
WHILE DANIELLE CANTOR
JEWELER has spent more than 25 years in the sports industry—nearly half of that as the only female certified sports agent representing NBA players in high-stakes marketing and salary negotiations—her policy has been to stay out of the spotlight.
“I always believed that my role as an agent is to be behind the scenes and to uplift my clients and put them in the best light,” she says.
It was only about five years ago when the Potomac resident’s focus shifted toward mentoring the next generation of women in sports that she became willing to talk—at least a bit—about herself. “I realized I had this platform to really make an impact on the future of the industry,” she says.
“She’s driven to be successful. … She’s got [what they call in] sports, a good motor.”
—DAVID FALK, SPORTS AGENT
The married mother of two daughters is executive vice president of F.A.M.E., or Falk Associates Management Enterprises, the boutique sports representation firm founded by sports agent David Falk—best known for representing NBA legend Michael Jordan. Falk met Jeweler in 2000, shortly after she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she played Division I soccer. She had landed a job in the marketing department of SFX Sports Group, then a sports agency Falk says had more than 10,000 clients. Falk was chairman; he’d sold his first iteration of F.A.M.E. to SFX in 1998.
A few years into Jeweler’s tenure there, Falk began seeing some of the projects that Jeweler did for his clients and was impressed. When he relaunched F.A.M.E. in 2007, he asked her to be his partner.
“She’s driven to be successful. … She’s got [what they call in] sports, a good motor,” Falk says.
“She is representing very competitive, very egotistical guys who [have] people … [telling] them how great they are,” and she’s stood her ground and garnered their respect, he adds.
Falk says he’ll never forget when, in 2019, she persuaded NBA guard Malcolm Brogdon, a client at the time, not to accept the Indiana Pacers’ initial offer of $40 million. She’d determined he was worth twice that. Brogdon was eager to sign, but he heeded her advice and soon signed a deal with the Pacers that earned him $85 million, according to ESPN.
These days, the woman who negotiated former NBA superstar Patrick Ewing’s marketing contracts and managed the late Kobe Bryant’s brand portfolio teaches a class with Falk on negotiations and conflict management at George Washington University Law School. She also runs a sports industry mentorship program that grows larger every year despite operating completely by word of mouth.
Jeweler says she has realized over the years that motivating others to unlock their potential gives her the greatest satisfaction. As an adviser to the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association, she successfully pushed the players’ union to demand their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which was ratified in 2022.
Jeweler says many of the lessons she learned about hard work and perseverance came from her experience as the goalkeeper for an elite travel soccer team competing in a national championship game when she was about 13. With less than a minute left, the opposing team scored two goals on shots that were too high for her to defend. Her team lost 2-1.
She says her coach was so angry that he benched her for the entire next season and even recruited a taller girl from another team to replace her.
Jeweler didn’t quit the team. Instead, she asked her parents to hire a goalkeeper trainer to teach her how to jump higher and block shots.
“I worked all winter inside a gym, putting mats on the floor, diving on the mats … trying to get better,” she says. During games, she still sat on the bench, she says, but “all the while I was putting in the work that no one could see.”
The extra training left her so confident that when tryouts came for Walt Whitman’s girls varsity soccer team, she knew she could land the goalie position at the Bethesda school, even as a rising freshman who hadn’t played goalkeeper the entire year before. She made the team and started as goalie all four years, graduating in 1997.
It taught her that when you prepare enough for something, you’ll go into it with the mindset of success. “That’s my superpower, that’s my secret sauce,” she says. “I can outwork anyone.”
Editor’s note: Danielle Cantor Jeweler’s sister-in-law Stacy Cantor works at Bethesda Magazine. That connection did not influence the editors’ selection process.
Hena Khan
TWO DECADES AGO, Hena Khan stopped by her older son’s Montessori preschool class in Bethesda during Ramadan with traditional holiday treats. When she arrived, she saw the teaching assistant reading to the children about the Muslim holy month from a printout downloaded from the internet, she says. Informative? Yes. Engaging? No.
A Pakistani American born in the Washington, D.C., area and raised in Potomac, Khan, now 52, couldn’t find any storybooks written for Muslim American children about Ramadan, she says, and found few children’s books written from the perspective of Muslim American kids at all.
A voracious reader growing up, she hadn’t seen a Muslim American represented in any of her favorite books, but she assumed that had changed by the new millennium. Realizing it hadn’t, Khan, a freelance writer who had just given birth to her second son, decided to do better for her sons’ generation.
She wrote Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holy Story, a picture book about Ramadan as seen through the eyes of a young Pakistani American girl. It was published in 2008 and was so well received that Khan started writing more stories featuring Muslim American children as main characters. Some of her stories focused on Muslim holidays or customs; others were about sports or friends—relatable topics for any American kid.
In 2016, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, then the publishing home of the Curious George series, asked Khan to write It’s Ramadan, Curious George—and her career as a
leading Muslim American children’s book author was launched.
Today, Khan, who lives in Rockville with her husband and sons, is the author or co-author of more than 35 books, nearly all written from the perspective of Muslim American young people—from brightly illustrated rhyming tales for toddlers and preschoolers to chapter books for middle schoolers that tackle everything from teenage anxiety and social media stress to having a name that teachers nearly always mispronounce. Khan’s sto-
“I hope readers of all backgrounds can root for these characters and see themselves in them, but then also get to learn about a family that may be different from their own.”
—HENA KHAN
ries have received dozens of awards and accolades, including best book awards from NPR, Kirkus Reviews, The Washington Post and the New York Public Library.
Her latest book, a picture book for young children titled Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites, was released in July.
What nearly all her books share is a tale told in a way that is inclusive to those outside the faith. In her Zara trilogy, inspired by Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series (one of Khan’s favorites growing up), Pakistani American Zara pals around with her best
friend, a Jewish girl who lives across the street. It’s an autobiographical reference to Khan’s childhood friend Naomi, whose family moved to Potomac from Israel when Khan was in second grade.
“I hope readers of all backgrounds can root for these characters and see themselves in them, but then also get to learn about a family that may be different from their own,” says Khan, who graduated from Rockville’s Thomas S. Wootton High School in 1991. “Hopefully there’s always something there for a reader to be like, ‘Oh, I get her. … I felt that way myself.’ ”
Khan’s writing has always been inclusive, according to longtime friend Andrea Menotti, who was an editor at Scholastic when she encouraged Khan to write the books she thought were missing from library shelves. “She wants to welcome people in and help them, you know, just experience those cultural things that she loves.”
Khan says she’ll never forget the high school-aged student at a book signing who approached her in tears to let her know how impactful her books were to her while growing up. Or the many times children tell her that her books make them feel proud to be a Muslim American. Or the numerous school librarians who share that after they read her stories to a class, students from diverse backgrounds share parts of their lives that they’d previously kept to themselves.
“They felt emboldened to do it [because] their experience was being celebrated and shared,” Khan says. “That’s [what] means the most to me.”
LaTisha GasawayPaul
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE 2025 Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, an annual event she helped transform into the largest such celebration in the Washington, D.C., region, LaTisha Gasaway-Paul is standing in the lobby of the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center in Potomac’s historically Black community of Scotland. She’s naming those she considers the neighborhood’s heroes.
Among them, one of Gasaway-Paul’s elder cousins, for whom the rec center was named when it was completed in 2014. Gasaway-Paul will never forget accompanying Thompson to an Action in Montgomery meeting in the early 2000s to discuss replacing the dilapidated center there at the time.
Gasaway-Paul says Thompson looked her in the
eye after the meeting and said, “One day, you will be walking in my footsteps.”
Today, as the unofficial matriarch of Scotland, Gasaway-Paul, 46, is making her elders proud. She led the charge to raise more than $10 million to rebuild the Scotland A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) Zion Church following a 2019 flood. She also advocates on behalf of Scotland and other historically Black communities.
“She’ll just see everything around her, like how people do things here and how people do things there,” says Jay Martin, 61, one of Gasaway-Paul’s many Scotland cousins. “She’ll say, ‘I’m going to do it, but I’m
going to put my own spin on it, and my spin is I’m going to help everyone.’ ”
The neighborhood was founded in 1880 by her great-great-grandfather, William Dove, a freed slave who had purchased 36 acres at auction for $210. The county had only agreed to sell to him—and then to his family members—because it deemed the land too swampy to farm, Gasaway-Paul says.
As a child, Gasaway-Paul lived in the community with her mother and two younger sisters. Just before she started third grade, her grandmother—then a reverend at the church, which remains the emotional heart of the community—persuaded GasawayPaul’s mother to move with her daughters to Germantown. For years, her grandmother drove every Sunday morning to pick up young LaTisha and bring her to the Scotland church, Gasaway-Paul recalls. Other family members came regularly to bring her to county meetings when Scotland was being discussed.
“We just want to make sure that our stories continue to be told, our history and our legacy remains, and educating each other is the No. 1 thing.”
—LATISHA GASAWAY-PAUL
attempts to get the last of Scotland’s original families to sell their properties to developers who wanted to build luxury homes on the site, which by then was valued at $10,000 an acre, according to news reports.
“The difference between the ’60s versus 2025 is we’re not just surviving, I want us to thrive,” says Gasaway-Paul, who moved back to Scotland about 10 years ago with her husband and five children.
It wasn’t until years later that Gasaway-Paul understood her grandmother’s motive in insisting upon the move: “The reason we had to move out of Scotland was to learn how other things worked in other communities … what the county [did] for others, things that didn’t happen in Scotland,” she says.
Among the many indignities the neighborhood suffered over the decades: In the 1960s, when the county paved Seven Locks Road to facilitate development of new upscale white communities the county did nothing to improve the rocky dirt road leading into Scotland. Not long after, when the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission expanded the county’s sewer system to include the Seven Locks Road area, it skipped Scotland. The omissions had been thinly veiled
Since returning, Gasaway-Paul has been pushing the county to renovate the 25 townhouses in the community still owned by original descendants (the other 75 are rental units, according to Gasaway-Paul). She is also advocating for the addition of sidewalks so Scotland families can walk to church safely, and she is leading efforts to support the county’s other historically Black neighborhoods— especially those that don’t have someone like her to represent them.
Gasaway-Paul says there once were 80 historically Black communities in the county; now, she says, fewer than 10 still have their original descendants and their church or community center. But, she says, “we still want to recognize that they were once there.”
Of the nearly $100,000 raised from Scotland’s multiday Juneteenth festival in 2024, about a third was dedicated to supporting these “kinship communities,” she says.
“We just want to make sure that our stories continue to be told, our history and our legacy remains, and educating each other is the No. 1 thing,” GasawayPaul says, “because if we don’t educate ourselves, then our stories get untold.”
Pati Jinich
IT’S A JUNE AFTERNOON and James Beard Award-winning television host, cookbook author and chef Pati Jinich is preparing ceviche at Marriott International’s new test kitchen in Bethesda. The hotel giant is sponsoring the event to promote its new partnership with Jinich, who has begun offering cooking and travel “experiences” (as Marriott marketing materials call them) at several of its resorts in Mexico.
As Jinich, 53, chops the ingredients— and points out the differences between Mexican and Peruvian ceviche—she looks out the two-story windows that face the kitchen, sees the storm brewing outside, and says in her lilting Mexican accent, “The rain looks so beautiful!”
It’s classic Jinich: using her growing platform to expose her audience to new perspectives—on everything from the weather to the foods we eat. It’s this desire to challenge people’s preconceived notions that led her to quit her job as a political analyst nearly two decades ago to focus on what she calls “serious storytelling” about food—and then to expand the boundaries of what that can mean.
Jinich, who is Jewish, was born and raised in Mexico City. All of her grandparents came to Mexico as children or teens from Eastern Europe and met there. Jinich earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in Mexico. She came to the U.S. with her husband, who is also from Mexico City. She earned her master’s degree in Latin American studies from Georgetown University in 2005 and landed what she considered her dream job: political analyst for a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. The couple settled in Chevy Chase in 2010 with their three sons.
“She was a brilliant student and, you know, exceptionally energetic [with] intense curiosity,” says Michael Shifter, one of her professors at Georgetown. He was also vice president of the think tank at the time and encouraged her to apply for a position there.
But Jinich’s enthusiasm for policy analysis didn’t last long. “I was working very hard … and I wasn’t touching anyone’s life,” she says. “I felt like I wasn’t making a difference.”
Soon Jinich, who became a dual Mexican and American citizen in 2006, decided that a better way to build bridges among cultures is through food: sharing stories about where dishes come from and how they came to be. “I realized that I had more fun researching about food” than public policy, she says.
Among the stories she wrote after leaving her job was a piece for The New York Times about the origins of Caesar salad. (It was the brainchild of an Italian immigrant and restaurateur in Tijuana, Mexico.)
“She was hardworking and determined, and we knew that we could … have a hit on our hands.”
—KAREN FRITZ, FORMER WETA VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND SYNDICATION
She also enrolled at the now-shuttered L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg to hone her technical skills and began teaching a series of cooking classes at the Mexican Cultural Institute in D.C. To attract sponsors to subsidize the cost of food and supplies for the classes, she’d make guest appearances on morning television shows and prepare dishes that she taught her students to make. Her vivacious personality led to proposals from media outlets for her own cooking show. The Food Network offered her a show, but not one focused on Mexican food and insisted that she work with a voice coach to lose her Mexican accent, she says. She declined the offer and instead partnered with local PBS affiliate WETA-TV, which let her create the cooking and travel
show she envisioned. “She had wonderful ideas, and she was hardworking and determined, and we knew that we could … have a hit on our hands,” says Karen Fritz, who was WETA’s vice president of program development and syndication at the time.
Today, four-time Emmy-nominated Pati’s Mexican Table—now in its 14th season on PBS—airs on nearly every PBS station around the country, and internationally, according to Fritz. The show introduces viewers to native peoples of different Mexican regions and those whose ancestors came there bearing recipes from their homelands that they adapted to their new environment. Each episode ends with Jinich in her home kitchen in Chevy Chase preparing her version of one or two of the dishes featured in the show.
More recently, Jinich has also been producing and hosting two primetime docuseries for PBS: the James Beard Award-winning La Frontera with Pati Jinich, which premiered in 2021 and focuses on life along the U.S.-Mexican border; and Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana, which premiered in April. Over several seasons, Panamericana will follow Jinich as she travels the Pan-American Highway—a network of roads that connect northernmost Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina.
She hopes her work inspires viewers to reevaluate the preconceived notions they may have about the U.S.-Mexico border. Burritos, nachos and the margarita were created in Mexico’s northern border towns, she says.
“Nobody talks about the 31 million people that are there just living their lives and enriching not one but two countries at the same time.”
Amy Halpern is the recipient of the American Society of Journalists and Authors’ 2025 Arlene Award. She is also the associate producer of an Emmy Award-winning documentary. She lives in Potomac.
Shining Star SILVER DINER’S
Ype Von Hengst is the culinary powerhouse behind the chain’s longevity
BY DAVID HAGEDORN
PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY
Co-founder and executive chef Ype Von Hengst at the Rockville Silver Diner
h, I never eat here,” says Ype Von Hengst, Silver Diner’s executive chef and co-founder, and anyone observing him when he tries can understand why—he’s constantly besieged by fans. As he wends his way to the booth to join me for lunch in Rockville on a Monday in late April, it’s as if Bruce Springsteen is making an appearance. No fewer than six people stop to exchange niceties, shake his hand or take selfies with him. “The remodel looks good,” says one, referring to the interior zhuzhing of the Federal Plaza space— a red tile, glass brick, and chrome-outfitted ode to art deco dining car-style diners of yore. The refresh concluded in January, 15 years after the flagship property, which opened in 1989, moved there from its original location at Mid-Pike Plaza (where part of Pike & Rose is today).
Rockville-based Silver Brands—with 23 outlets of Silver Diner in the Washington, D.C., area and one in Cherry Hill, New Jer-
sey, plus two locations of Silver New American Brasserie—averages 100,000 guests a week, per Von Hengst, whose job is a big one, overseeing everything food and beverage-related for the company. He says the company employs about 2,500 people and projects $150 million in sales for 2025.
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall with wavy blond hair, a goatee and a tan complexion, Von Hengst looks fit, confident and much younger than his 75 years. He wears two mismatched gold earrings and fashionable rainbow-colored eyeglasses, and has a tattoo on each arm representing his embrace of Nordic culture: one a Viking compass, the other of Hugin and Munin, two ravens that helped Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology. Von Hengst is from Friesland, a northern Dutch province. “We have a lot of Scandinavian blood, and our own language, which is related to German, Celtic and Danish,” he says.
Von Hengst’s name is embroidered in
purple on his tailored, mocha-colored chef coat, which is part of the company’s recent refresh. “I wanted to get away from white chef coats. You have to change with the times,” he says. A photo of him in the new outfit, smiling, hands folded, fills the cover of Silver Diner’s 12-page menu.
Interruptions abound during a meal that includes shrimp bibimbap with brown rice, Buffalo wings, hummus with cauliflower pita triangles, a newly introduced smashburger, and the company’s bestseller: a lumberjack breakfast with silver dollar pancakes, Amish eggs any style, two breakfast meats and home fries for $17.49. The dishes reflect the diversity of Silver Diner’s menu, which has continually evolved. At its inception, some healthconscious items were included among the familiar diner offerings, but in 2010 the company updated the format from greasy spoon-type fare to a “fresh and local” concept, listing purveyors (such as farms and
Von Hengst, right, with co-founder and chairman Robert Giaimo at the original Silver Diner in Rockville in 1989
breweries) on the menu and using symbols to indicate which dishes offer the “healthier flexitarian options” of being gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or lower in fat and cholesterol. (A flexitarian is, the menu notes, “a person who has a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish.”) “Farm-to-table was in. We were losing guests to Chipotle and retaining only older diners,” says Von Hengst, who speaks excitedly about the provenance of various ingredients on the table, such as sustainable shrimp sourced from Ecuador, sausages from Encore Sausage Co. in Maryland, and the burger’s 100% Black Angus beef from Creekstone Farms in Kansas.
Our conversation is cut short when a woman in the booth behind me waves her hand at Von Hengst to get his attention. “I’ve been here a thousand times! You’re a great person!”
Ype remarks on her glittered rainbowcolored highlights, “I love your hair. So colorful. Just like me,” gesturing to his eyeglasses. Minutes later, another patron stops by to say goodbye. “Good luck with your surgery,” says Von Hengst, sending her on her way and relaying that she had
stopped him earlier to take a picture and had mentioned that she was having knee surgery. “I have this tremendous ability to remember what people tell me because I really care about them. That’s what makes our business work, because we care about the people who eat here and work here.”
The chef rushes away to Silver Brand’s headquarters offices above the Rockville location for a management phone conference that includes company chairman and co-founder Robert Giaimo, now 73, who first talked Von Hengst into working with him in 1983, and Glenn D’Amore, who rose through the ranks—as, Hengst says, 90% of Silver Brands’ managers have done—and is now the company’s president and CEO.
VON HENGST LIVES IN THE COLESVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD of Silver Spring with his wife, Denise Hengst—no Von. Ype, which is pronounced Ee-pah, added the Von when he became an American citizen in 1998 and was asked if he wanted to change his name. He had been told as a child that his family used Von in its name, so he took that on, he says. They have two sons, Stephan, 47, and Pierce, 34.
Von Hengst’s interest in food started when he was 6 years old, standing on a stool next to his mother while she cooked at the stove and let him take the lead. He makes life in Bolsward, the Netherlands, a small town surrounded by farms, sound beatific. “We were the last house on the street by a meadow. You smelled manure and heard goats and horses. The butcher would walk by with a cow on a rope and my mother would say, ‘We’ll go get meat tomorrow.’ She taught me the value of hospitality and paying it forward, to see the smile on everyone’s faces eating meatball soup or roast beef with boiled potatoes and carrots with lots of dill.”
Von Hengst went to culinary school in Groningen, the Netherlands, followed by a three-year apprenticeship in the Westphalia region of Germany, and then a job in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Mövenpick Hotel, where he met Denise, an American who worked there, too. She was 17; he was 21. Denise’s father, who was Swiss and worked for W.R. Grace & Co. (now known as Grace), met her mother in New York City. “My parents were horrified,” Denise says. “He was nothing more than a cook and wouldn’t amount to anything, but I
PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY
Von Hengst greets customers at Silver Diner in Rockville. When he stops in, he’s often besieged by fans.
knew he had potential. They said he just wanted a green card.” They married two years later, in 1973, and went to the Netherlands where Ype soon got wanderlust. The couple was on the verge of moving to South Africa when Denise’s parents were transferred back to the United States. The couple followed, with Ype sponsored for a visa by Denise’s uncle.
They arrived in Tarrytown, New York, in 1976 with 15-day-old Stephan. Ype got a job as a breakfast cook at a local Hilton. “I cried every day. I didn’t want to be here, but Ype loved it because he could make anything of himself he wanted,” Denise says. He climbed the corporate ladder from sous-chef to executive chef over the next five years in hotels in Cleveland; Houston; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Buffalo, New York. In 1981, he took a job at New York City’s Rockefeller Center as executive and corporate chef for Restaurant Associates, a dining management company. “It was a grueling job, but it gave me a solid foundation for what was to come,” Von Hengst says.
IN 1977, GIAIMO, A GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY GRADUATE, capitalized on the nascent New American cuisine movement and transformed a Georgetown outlet of a sub shop into the American Café, a yuppified eatery where chicken salad or roast beef was stuffed into croissants instead of sub rolls. By the early 1980s, he was on the lookout for a chef who could turn his local chainlet into a national operation. Meeting Von Hengst while touring the Restaurant Associates’ Rockefeller Center facility, he knew he found his man. “I was immediately impressed with his knowledge, commanding presence and his humility and likability,” Giaimo says.
The relationship got off to a rocky start when Von Hengst agreed to come to D.C. and do a tasting, only to find Giaimo out of town. Annoyed, Von Hengst flew back to New York. Giaimo had to woo Von Hengst for another chance; the chef relented, returned for a tasting and moved to Washington in 1983 to modernize and expand the American Café concept.
“That was the beginning of Bob and Ype,” Denise says. “It was a roller coaster. Bob was so unpredictable. We never knew if the commissary kitchen Ype worked out of would be padlocked because they were
so much in debt.” Coincidentally, Giaimo partnered with W.R. Grace, which was adding restaurants to its portfolio. He sold the lion’s share of the business to them with the understanding they’d take the chain national, but the business foundered. Von Hengst found himself unemployed for a year before partnering with D.C. restaurateur Dominique D’Ermo, who owned Dominique’s, the famed (and now long closed) Pennsylvania Avenue restaurant.
But then Giaimo reentered the picture, calling out of the blue late one night in the late 1980s. “What do you think of diners?” he asked Denise, who had picked up the phone.
“I think of gum-smacking waitresses and greasy food and Mel’s Diner on TV,” she responded.
“I’m in California at the most amazing
diner,” he gushed. “Let me talk to Ype.” Von Hengst and Giaimo embarked on a road trip, hitting more than 500 restaurants (mostly diners) all over the country, formulating a plan to start a chain of diners that catered to modern times. “We picked out all the elements we needed to have to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and needs: older people coming for breakfast, businesspeople, families coming for lunch and dinner,” Von Hengst says. Consistency, quality and value would be paramount. “We saw menus that were pages long and realized we needed to pare down. You can’t execute 250 items consistently,” the chef says. He developed a 100-item menu, using many of the same ingredients in various dishes to streamline the inventory but create the impression of a larger menu.
Von Hengst spends most of his time
Manager trainee Mirna Cedillo at Silver Diner in Rockville with, clockwise from left, Just Egg breakfast tacos, French toast and organic bison huevos rancheros
developing recipes and going to the various locations to check in with managers, inquire about operations and find out what the guests are asking for. “A good part of my time is talking to vendors, checking prices of products. Looking for ways to maintain quality and keep costs down.” The price of eggs, for example, has doubled and tripled overnight, he says. “Last year we went through 2.2 million free-range eggs and spent $440,000 on them with normal price fluctuations, but a 15-dozen case that was in the $30 range in September [2024], I now pay close to $100 for. That’s tremendous,” Von Hengst says. It will cost more than $1 million to pay for those eggs over a full year. He doesn’t plan to put a surcharge on the menu, but that could change if they get too deep into trouble. “So I look to find better prices on other products, pick up $15,000 here, $30,000 there and try to mitigate the cost a little bit. We’re in the same boat that every family is in, and I still want them to come to Silver Diner as much as they do now.”
WHEN THE FIRST SILVER DINER OPENED IN
1989, Von Hengst and Giaimo agreed they would never grow at the expense of the associates who worked for them. “Ype’s people skills were as important as his creative skills,” Giaimo says, recalling that Von Hengst mentioned in his first interview that he had been a light heavyweight boxer and a painter in the Netherlands “So, a left/right brain, which is so unusual in a leader. A Renaissance [person] approach. That’s what makes Ype Ype.” Since the business was a startup, Giaimo couldn’t afford to pay Von Hengst a big-time salary, so he made him a partner. (“Enough of a percentage that keeps me very comfortable,” Von Hengst says.)
The positive work culture the partners have created is evident at their proper-
ties. It’s the kind of energy that restaurants can’t fake. In 2011, An Phan, after having been passed over for management positions for three years as a server at Ruby Tuesday in Rockville (now closed), interviewed at nearby Silver Diner. He was hired on the spot. Six months later he was promoted to store trainer. Then he worked the line in the kitchen. “It shows managers what it’s like there and enables us to jump in and help the cooks if necessary,” Phan says. He rose to floor manager, hospitality manager, kitchen manager, general manager and, currently, an operating partner who runs the Rockville restaurant and is responsible for its financial success. (His name and position are prominently
Stone classes for managers, supervisors, line cooks and key associates who’ve been employed for a year to learn English or for managers to learn Spanish.
The pandemic proved a testament to management loyalty. “We cut management’s salaries and our own,” Von Hengst says, “but then made it up afterwards and reinstated them, plus bonuses. We did not lose any of our management team during COVID.”
Our associate at lunch, Iris Cedillo, has worked for Silver Diner for 21 years; her sister, Marta, who’s also working the shift, for 22. Marta’s son Anthony has worked there for five years, and the sisters’ father also worked for the company. “It’s a family diner,” Iris says. Marta says that on an average shift from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., she can make about $200 in tips, plus a $4 per hour wage. Tips go up to $600 on a weekend shift from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. “That’s why we don’t leave,” she says.
IN MAY, AN INCIDENT OCCURRED AT SILVER DINER’S ROCKVILLE LOCATION in which 49-year-old Gaithersburg resident Fredi Torres, a customer, died. He allegedly as-
“Feeding people is Ype’s greatest joy. He was born to feed the world.”
—Denise Hengst, Ype’s wife
displayed on the front door.) He shares in the store’s profits: 5% of bottom-line profits every four months, plus another 1% if quarterly numbers are met.
Phan is enthusiastic about benefits the company provides for managers. “The company contributes more than 50% to medical insurance and fully pays the managers’ deductible for both single and family coverage,” says Christopher Shand, Silver Brands’ chief people officer. “All employees have access to medical, dental and vision benefits. Mental health benefits are offered to all team members and their families at no charge. As hourly associates grow and develop in their career development, they receive additional compensation and increased benefits, like $100 monthly for meals at Silver Brands.” The company also offers Rosetta
saulted a manager at the diner and had been asked to leave. According to reporting at the time by Bethesda Magazine’s news site, Bethesda Today, Silver Diner spokesperson Vicki Bendure said, “We were very saddened to learn of an incident at our Rockville location that resulted in a fatality following the restraint of a customer who appeared to be intoxicated. We are working closely with the police.” When asked in July to comment for this story, Von Hengst declined, citing the ongoing investigation.
IN 2017, VON HENGST WON A CONTEST on the television show Chopped, competing against three other diner chefs from around the country. They prepared three courses under time constraints using quirky mystery ingredients. Von
Silver Diner opened in 1989 at its original Mid-Pike Plaza location in Rockville. Right: A 2009 photo of, from left, Patrick Meskell, vice president of operations, and co-founders Robert Giaimo and Von Hengst
Hengst’s dessert, made with figs, a cup of coffee, cheesecake and coconut arancini, earned the $10,000 prize, which he and Denise matched and donated to Doctors Without Borders.
The chef is a mentor for Real Food for Kids, a Virginia-based nonprofit that works with chefs and local farms to advocate for healthful school food, and often serves as a judge for the organization’s Culinary Challenge, when local middle and high school teams create nutritious, inventive menus and compete against each other. “I give them tips on removing ingredients, using new ones, getting new textures in the food,” he says. “When it started several years ago [in 2012], they didn’t know what quinoa was.” That was also the year that Silver Diner took sodas, home fries and French fries off their kids menu. “They can still have them [because they are available on the regular menu], but we had been selling many fewer of those items. More strawberries, fewer French fries. More milk, less soda.”
Von Hengst keeps himself fit. He gets up at 6:30 a.m. and works out five days a week in his basement gym. He has coffee, takes out the couple’s 14-year-old shih tzu, Bebe, and fills the bird feeders. “I love watching the robins and other birds,” he says, including, according to Denise, a favorite sparrow he calls Cornelius. He is convinced the bird follows the couple when they go to Pancake Hollow, their vacation house in upstate New York.
The couple likes to dine at Il Pizzico, Cava Mezze and Mykonos Grill in Rockville, “but where I really like to go out to is to my house,” Von Hengst says. “A roasted piece of beautiful salmon, glazed with a little maple [syrup], some zucchini. And the advantage is you can take an extra cocktail because you don’t have to drive.”
Denise says, “Feeding people is Ype’s greatest joy. He was born to feed the world.” That passion is what keeps people streaming through Silver Diner’s doors. Except Denise. “I don’t go to the diner because I never get to eat. People come over; baby pictures come out. I haven’t been there in years,” she says with a chuckle.
David Hagedorn is the restaurant critic for Bethesda Magazine.
FAMLI Delay: What Employers Need to Know
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program, which was established by the Time to Care Act and scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025, has been delayed yet again. Due to Maryland’s budget deficit and new federal policies, Maryland officials have pushed the start date of the FAMLI to January 1, 2027.
Payroll deductions that would have begun on July 1 (with benefits becoming available in 2026) will now start on Jan. 1, 2027, with benefits becoming available on Jan. 1, 2028.
While the start date has changed, the law has not. Under the new law, eligible employees will receive 12 weeks of job protected leave with wage replacement benefits of up to $1,000 per week. The payroll tax will be used to fund the FAMLI. For businesses with 15 or more employees, the cost is shared between both employer and employee. Those with less than 15 employees, the tax is paid by the employee.
If you have any questions about the law or wish to discuss how best to proceed because of this delay, please contact a Stein Sperling employment law attorney.
DARLA MCCLURE Principal Business & Employment Law
Darla J. McClure was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) in Washington, D.C.
Darla is a business and employment law attorney, with an emphasis on helping management navigate the employment law landscape. She assists businesses on a wide range of legal issues faced in day-to-day operations, including compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and drafting employment policies, handbooks, and contracts. Darla also advises clients on general corporate matters such as contract review, preparation, and business transitions.
S TEIN SPERLING
One day in March, Renee Butler ran 50 miles in her neighborhood as a fundraiser by running a 2-mile lap 25 times. The month before, she had accomplished the same feat.
BY
PHOTO
SKIP BROWN
The ‘Privilege’ 100 MILES OF RUNNING
A 64-year-old Bethesda woman with multiple health challenges runs ultramarathons to escape a painful past and embrace the future
BY STEVE HULL
IT’S
31
DEGREES
AT 4 A.M. ON VALENTINE’S DAY, and Renee Butler is ready to run. She steps out of her Bethesda home in a fluorescent yellow beanie and white running shoes that stand out against her black top and leggings and the pitch dark. Renee helps her husband, John, stock a folding table he’s placed at the bottom of their driveway with energy bars, bags of chips, drinks and a bowl of cut up bananas. John finds room for a picture of Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump with the words, “Run Forrest Run,” and Renee places a three-ring binder in the middle of the table. It holds about a half inch of pink laminated pages; on the first page, in large type: “Lap 1.”
“I’m going to go, I love you,” Renee tells John. She turns on a hand-held flashing safety light and starts running a hilly 2-mile course she’s plotted in her Mohican Hills neighborhood. A little more than 20 minutes later she emerges from the dark, takes off her hat because she’s getting too warm and heads out again. John flips the page in the binder to “Lap 2.”
When the sun rises at 7 a.m., Renee is running her eighth lap; at noon she’s on lap 20. Between laps she grabs a snack and sips on water or Coke and chats briefly with John and friends who have come to cheer her on. Finally, just before 2 p.m.—almost 10 hours after she started—Renee finishes.
The page in the binder reads “Lap 25.”
She has gone 50 miles.
Renee ran to raise awareness and money for research to help combat a rare bone cancer that their son was diagnosed with in seventh grade. Today, Seth, 31, is an emergency room doctor in Buffalo.
Six weeks after her Valentine’s Day run, Renee did another 50-mile fundraising ultramarathon in her neighborhood, this time for research into a rare disease affecting a friend.
Over the last 42 years, Renee has run more than 75 marathons and more than 20 races of 50 miles or longer. Three of those races covered 100 miles. She’s also done five solo ultraruns in her neighborhood to raise money for causes that are important to her.
“In high school and college, people would ask what your mother does, and I would say she runs insane distances,” Seth says.
trained much, and her time of 4 hours, 33 minutes wasn’t fast, but she was hooked. More marathons followed and her times kept getting faster. Eventually she ran a personal best of 3 hours, 11 minutes. That time would thrill most runners, but after the race she wrote in her journal, “I’ll never be a fast runner.”
After repeatedly failing to break the three-hour mark
“She has an iron will when it comes to that kind of running. There was no stopping her.”
—PHIL FENTY, THEN CO-OWNER OF FLEET FEET SPORTS
At 64, Renee is anything but a typical ultrarunner. The average age of female ultramarathoners is 41 and only 16% of participants in races of 50 miles or longer are female, according to a 2020 study by the website RunRepeat and the International Association of Ultrarunners.
Health challenges Renee has faced over the last 18 years would have sidelined most runners, but they’ve motivated her to keep going. “When you’ve had as many hospitalizations as I have, running a hundred miles seems like a privilege,” she says.
WHEN SHE WAS A TEENAGER, RENEE’S OLDER BROTHER, ERAN,
ASKED HER
TO GO FOR A RUN.
She didn’t have running shoes, so she wore her white Stan Smith tennis shoes. They ran a 2-mile course near their Chevy Chase home. Soon, Renee started running on her own and going longer distances.
She didn’t run cross-country at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School because that’s what the “in crowd” did, she says, and she felt like an outsider. As a freshman at Macalester College in Minnesota, Renee joined the cross-country team. She says she was overweight and the worst runner on the team. “I was more mascot than runner,” she says. “I was last always, but nobody made me feel like I was last.”
With the encouragement of her coach and teammates, Renee immersed herself in the running culture, even getting a job in a sporting goods store near campus. She realized that running provided refuge from a childhood trauma that has haunted her throughout her life. The trauma, which Renee didn’t want to discuss for this story, left her uncomfortable with her body image and unable to trust people. She became anorexic at age 12 and felt isolated and alone. “It was a big dark space in me that was a lot to carry,” she says. “But I didn’t feel it a lot when I was running. Running just made me feel good about my body.”
After graduating from Macalester in 1983, Renee decided to run in the Marine Corps Marathon. She hadn’t
in a marathon, Renee expressed her frustration to Phil Fenty, then co-owner of Fleet Feet Sports, a running shoe store in Washington, D.C., where Renee worked. Fenty, who was an ultramarathoner, offered straightforward advice: If you can’t run faster, run longer distances.
Renee, then 27, decided to try running an ultramarathon (a race that’s longer than the 26.2 miles of a marathon) and chose the 32-mile Del Passatore race, which was sponsored by the Italian Embassy and was modeled after a wellknown race by the same name in Italy. The race took place in 1987 on the National Mall in D.C., and Renee finished first among the female competitors. Runners in the Del Passatore race could choose a 32-, 50- or 62.1-mile course, and in subsequent years Renee ran 50 miles once and 62.1 miles twice, finishing first among the female runners each time. In 1990, she was invited, all expenses paid, to participate in the 62.1-mile race in Italy, where she finished fifth among female runners. Boisterous crowds lined the entire course. “It was like the Tour de France,” she says.
Two years later, Renee’s first 100-mile race ended in disappointment when she was disqualified at the 92-mile mark, after running for 19 hours, because she had exceeded the cutoff time to complete the race. She searched for another 100-mile race and found one with a twist: It would be run on a track.
When Renee told Fenty that she was going to run a 100-mile race on a track, his initial reaction was disbelief. But then he said he realized that if anyone could run 400 laps on a track, Renee could. “She could go out there and put her head down and run all day on a track,” he says. “She has an iron will when it comes to that kind of running. There was no stopping her.”
On a sweltering July day, just a month after her first attempt at a century, Renee and 11 other runners set off
on a high school track in Prince George’s County. As the race wore on, all but Renee and a male runner succumbed to the heat and humidity. At 7 a.m. the next morning Renee crossed the finish line, just over 19 hours after she started.
More than 30 years later, in 2020, the pandemic forced the cancellation of another 100-mile race Renee was training for. Shortly after, she read about an organization that was raising money for small businesses that were struggling due to COVID-19 and she decided to run 100 miles as a fundraiser for Fleet Feet. Renee ran the 2-mile course in her neighborhood 50 times, finishing in less
than 20 hours. “One hundred miles is 100 miles to me,” she says. “I mean, I ran my first hundred miler on a track.”
RENEE AND JOHN STARTED DATING IN 1984, WHEN BOTH WORKED AT
RACQUET
N’
JOG, a sports retailer that is still in business in Bethesda and Rockville and now goes by RnJ Sports. “When I met John, there was something about him that just made my heart skip a beat,” she says. John proposed in 1985 during a
In the first 100 miler she successfully completed, Renee ran 400 laps on a track.
Renee at an awards ceremony for the Del Passatore at the Italian Embassy in D.C.
Renee competed four times in D.C.’s Del Passatore, which is modeled on a well-known race in Italy.
Soon after graduating college, Renee completed her first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon in 1984.
hike on the Billy Goat Trail in Potomac.
Their decision to get married involved some negotiating. “I said I will not complain about how many Grateful Dead concerts you go to if you don’t complain about how many road races I run,” Renee says.
John, 65, who was a teacher and administrator in Montgomery County Public Schools for 24 years, says he has attended more than 100 Dead shows and that he can’t even begin to guess how many of Renee’s races he’s been to. It takes Renee up to 10 hours to run 50 miles and about 20 hours to complete a 100 miler. John has found creative ways to occupy himself as she runs. At the 100mile race Renee ran on a track, John brought a grill and barbecued shrimp in the infield. In 1990, when Renee ran the Del Passatore race in Italy, John accompanied her on a bike over the second half of the race, which Renee points out was the downhill portion.
John also spends a lot of time at Renee’s runs watching and waiting. At her neighborhood fundraising runs, John sits at the table in the driveway and offers encouragement after she completes each lap. “My running is all about me really,” Renee says. “Supporting me is a total selfless, and many times very boring, act of kindness.”
Renee, who was a personal trainer for much of her career, credits John with taking her out of her “shell.” She says, “If it weren’t for him, I’d probably still be in my parents’ basement.”
LATE ONE NIGHT SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Renee was running on the treadmill in the basement of their home when John walked by and said he was going to bed. When he woke up in the morning, Renee was still going. She had run 50 miles. Renee frequently trains on the 15-year-old tread-
mill, often while watching episodes of Real Housewives. Hanging on a wall in front of the treadmill is a photo of African American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, both of whom raised black-gloved fists as they stood on the podium after receiving their gold and bronze medals, respectively, during the playing of the U.S. national anthem at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Both were expelled from the Games. Renee says Smith and Carlos are her “inspiration for persevering” as she runs.
The only time Renee has been injured while running occurred in 2024, when she tripped and fell on the treadmill, fracturing a rib. She didn’t take any time off from training. Twice she has fallen during 100-mile runs after nodding off in the wee hours of the morning. Both times she woke up startled but unscathed after tumbling to the ground.
Amazingly, given the mileage she’s covered, Renee has never suffered the kind of overuse injuries that plague even casual runners. She credits her diminutive size: At 4 feet, 9 inches tall and 90 pounds, she hits the ground with less force than bigger runners. “I have a low center of gravity and good genes,” she says.
Many ultramarathoners say it’s more difficult mentally than physically to run extreme distances, to keep going when you’ve already run far and still have a long way to go. Renee welcomes the mental part of ultramarathoning. She often gets so lost in thought that she forgets where she is. Multiple times she’s reached the finish line and been surprised she was there. “The rhythm of my steps is like meditation to me,” she says.
IN 2007, WHEN SETH WAS 13, he was knocked unconscious during an ice hockey game. A precautionary MRI of his head revealed a rare tumor called a chordoma. “It’s a
Renee, far left, gets a hug at her neighborhood 50 miler in March. Her husband, John, right, tracks her laps and keeps snacks and drinks at the ready.
one in 10 million thing,” John says. “This type of cancer is asymptomatic. We were completely lucky.”
Seth and John spent three months in Boston, where Seth underwent proton beam radiation therapy, returning in late October. A few days later, on Halloween, Renee was carving pumpkins with Seth and his younger brother, Zach, when she felt tightness in her jaw and left shoulder and was short of breath. There was no history of heart problems in her family, so she ignored the symptoms until the pain became unbearable. “I always have been told women don’t have classic heart attack symptoms, and I was having classic symptoms,” she says.
A friend rushed her to Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C., where she was told she was, indeed, having a heart attack. Tests revealed that she was suffering from vasospasms,
2022, Renee slipped on a patch of ice and fell. She asked a physical therapist in her office to check out her painful left shoulder. While examining her, the PT found a lump under her armpit. A few weeks later Renee was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a form of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, in her case the lymph nodes.
“The rhythm of my steps is like meditation to me.”
—RENEE BUTLER
lengthy constrictions of the arteries leading to her heart.
Two years later she had two more heart attacks, about 10 days apart.
Recovering mentally from the heart attacks was even more difficult for Renee than the physical recovery. “One thinks that the worst-case scenario is possibly losing a child to an illness,” she says. “But another worst-case scenario is being a parent and worrying about abandoning your children and that you won’t be there to see them grow up—that they won’t have a mother.”
Renee stopped running for about five years as she dealt with frequent bouts of chest pain that required her to take nitroglycerin. In 2012, she started running short distances. Eventually her cardiologist said she could resume running long distances, although no longer than a marathon. Renee ran 27 miles one day and felt great. “I just started thinking, you know, when does my heart know that it’s too much,” she says.
That’s when she decided she wanted to run her favorite race, the JFK 50 Mile, which takes place mostly on the C&O Canal towpath. In November 2015, she ran nearly four minutes faster than the last time she did the race in 2006. “That’s when I knew I had my mojo back,” she says.
AS SHE WAS WALKING TO HER JOB AS A FITNESS TRAINER AT
POINT
PERFORMANCE,
a medical and physical therapy practice not far from her home in Bethesda in January
Soon after the diagnosis Renee had surgery to remove 11 lymph nodes, followed by immunotherapy, which lasted a year and left her too tired to even consider running. In September 2023, two months after the treatment ended, she needed a second operation to relieve a bowel obstruction. (She underwent a third surgery six months later to repair another bowel obstruction.) After the first bowel operation, Renee decided to go ahead with a long planned 50-mile neighborhood fundraising run. When Renee told Seth that she was going to run 50 miles less than two months after surgery, he told her he was concerned that she was pushing herself too hard. “She made it clear that my role is the son, not the doctor,” he says. On Nov. 18, 2023, Renee finished the 50-mile neighborhood run and felt good doing it. “I pulled a rabbit out of a hat that day,” she says.
Renee has done five fundraising runs in her neighborhood, raising more than $80,000 from individuals and foundations. A 50-mile run this past March was the hardest, probably because it was only six weeks after the run of the same distance she did in February. “The hills just started to get the better of me,” she says. “Around miles 32 to 46 I felt like I had to grab a shovel and dig my soul out of where I was.”
Last Christmas, Renee’s niece gave her a necklace with a small charm of a runner. After the March run, Renee bought a charm of a shovel to go with it.
IN 2026, WHEN RENEE TURNS 65, SHE PLANS ON RUNNING A 100-MILE RACE.
While going that far at that age after the health challenges she’s faced seems Herculean, Renee has a different view. “I think of the billions of people in this world who are getting up a hill because they’re dodging a bullet or dodging somebody awful and maybe [they’re fleeing their country and] they’re carrying their life on them and maybe a child,” she says. “So, I don’t really have it that bad; I put everything in perspective.”
Renee’s cancer is in remission, but she knows there’s a good chance it will recur. She says she has two options: “I can sit with that, or I can run with it. I’ve decided to run with it.”
Steve Hull, who lives in Chevy Chase, co-founded Bethesda Magazine and was editor and publisher of the magazine for 18 years.
WITH PLAYFUL MUSIC VIDEOS, RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND A FOCUS ON TRUST, THOMAS TAYLOR AIMED FOR STABILITY IN HIS FIRST YEAR. HOW DID HE DO?
GOING the DISTANCE
BY ASHLYN CAMPBELL
SITTING IN THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY
PUBLIC SCHOOLS (MCPS) central office building in Rockville on a July afternoon, Superintendent Thomas Taylor seems almost reluctant to admit that he was in a “fledgling band” and sported long hair and flip-flops during his middle school years. He won’t claim any level of musical proficiency—arguing that it was a music teacher at the Bethesda school who wanted to turn his love of listening to music into playing music— although he will admit to being “a little more alternative” in middle school.
“I was definitely ... a little bit edgier in the middle years for sure,” says Taylor, 47. “I think I became a little bit more [in the] straight edge, athletic, football player, student space in high school.”
More than three decades later, that
long-haired, flip-flop wearing middle schooler-turned-high school football player is leading the district he graduated from. After stops at public school districts in Virginia’s Chesterfield and Stafford counties, Taylor moved back to Montgomery County. In July, he celebrated his first year at the helm of MCPS.
Taylor started as the district was reeling from a sexual harassment and bullying scandal concerning a former middle school principal and the subsequent departure of the previous superintendent. MCPS had also dealt with a difficult fiscal year 2025 budget season in which it had to make $30.5 million in cuts to its requested spending plan.
Taylor had lofty goals when he set out to improve transparency, stability and academic outcomes in the school district.
One year in, the consensus from Taylor and more than a dozen education leaders, teachers, parents and students is clear: He has made some progress, but there’s plenty of work to be done. Expectations will be higher for his second year in office.
“I am so proud of how the district is coming together,” Taylor says. “We have a long way to go.”
GROWING UP IN FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, Taylor attended Somerset Elementary School in Chevy Chase, Westland Intermediate School in Bethesda (now Westland Middle School) and then graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda in 1996.
John Zehner, an economics and law teacher at B-CC who taught Taylor and was one of his coaches on the football team, says Taylor was the “nicest guy” who always gave 100% effort as a student and football player. “I didn’t know if he had the greatest academic record ever at B-CC,” Zehner says, “but he was a kid you always wanted in your class because he always contributed.”
Taylor fondly remembers his time in the county school system. “[I] loved every minute of that experience,” he says. “I had great friends that I still keep in touch with today that definitely enriched that.”
Every Friday before football games, Zehner and Taylor recall, the team would have “lineman lunches” where players gathered at a cafeteria table. “He was a very regular participant; he always had a good time and told goofy stories,” Zehner says.
Taylor’s goofiness hasn’t vanished, and it is regularly on display in the way he leads the district. Videos featuring the superintendent acting out skits or singing have become commonplace throughout the school year. One video, posted in April in preparation for returning to school from spring break, features a parody of “The Distance” by Cake with MCPSinspired lyrics sung by Taylor as he runs on a track with students.
Taylor remains humble about his musical talent. “Thank God for auto-tune and the good people at MCPS-TV; otherwise I think we would be grossly disappointed at some of the musical products that I’ve produced of late,” Taylor says.
The playfulness isn’t reserved for videos. At a February school board meeting, when introducing a discussion on cellphone policies, Taylor was interrupted by his cellphone ringing. “As we’ve all seen in the news, cellphones and cellphone use are front and center in our schools. It’s been a big part of the national—Oh sorry, hang on a second,” Taylor said as his phone rang.
The call was a ruse. He placed his phone in a magnetic lock pouch for cellphones, giving everyone at the meeting an example of the challenges cellphones create in classrooms.
Those videos and skits, Taylor says, are an attempt to warm up a district that has developed a reputation of “being a hard, standoffish, cold place.”
“We want to make sure that our students have a great experience, and we want to bring the joy back to MCPS, and something that we think
that might help put a smile on a face is just being a little silly,” Taylor says. “School doesn’t always have to be hard-nosed seriousness all the time. It really can be fun and engaging, and that’s really what we’re trying to do.”
Some education leaders have gotten on board with his approach. “The school system can also be really serious, and it’s OK to take some levity occasionally,” says Brigid Howe, the president of the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. “Kids are funny and silly and joyful, and it’s OK for us as adults to be funny and joyful with the kids, and it helps them, I think, have a better experience.”
THE NICE GUY PERSONALITY Zehner describes has followed Taylor into the superintendent role. Howe notes that one of his strengths has been the relationships he’s built with activists, elected officials and unions.
Perhaps the best evidence of that relationship building was the June passage of the district’s $3.6 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2026—the school district’s largest budget to date. The spending plan includes $186 million to increase base wages for staff by 3.25%, $44 million to add 659 special education positions, $2.8 million to add 45 security positions and about $2.5 million to create an “equity add-on” to provide school materials for students who may need additional support.
“We would not have been successful in this budget process if we weren’t working well with other people,” says Taylor, noting he worked with the
Thomas Taylor has starred in playful videos, including one set to Cake’s song “The Distance” (left) and another about snow days (right).
school board, county government and unions to get the budget approved. “Did we fix anything? Not permanently, no. We addressed a number of really significant budget challenges.”
School board President Julie Yang says Taylor is a team player and has finished the year with “flying colors.”
“Working with him, I do see a purpose. I feel like we, together, are going somewhere,” Yang says.
Esther Wells, president of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League, says Taylor has built a strong foundation and invested money into issues the district has been facing, such as safety and special education. The taxpayers league, which has frequently critiqued MCPS, is a nonpartisan group focused on “accountable and costeffective government,” according to its website.
The erosion of trust in the school district was a particularly thorny issue Taylor faced when he came into the role last year. Several education leaders interviewed by Bethesda Magazine say he’s made progress on the trust and transparency front.
found that MCPS wasted millions by not enforcing its electric bus contract.
David Stein, president of the Montgomery County Education Association, the local teachers union, says Taylor shared more details, documents and information on the budget for fiscal year 2026 than MCPS had in the past. “He had to restore the trust deficit that we had with educators, with families, with students, and I think he’s done a pretty deCent job at trying to do that,” Stein says.
Taylor says every day is an “opportunity to build or to erode trust,” and the district has “come a long way” in a short period of time.
But Howe and others say they’ve started to see that commitment to transparency slip, especially when
parency has not been, a top priority.”
In a statement in June, MCPS spokesperson Liliana López said NDAs “are a natural action for any organization involved in complex and impactful decision-making” and that the district uses confidentiality agreements to “encourage open dialogue and feedback” while ensuring confidentiality during a deliberation process.
Taylor acknowledges that Howe had “great feedback” and that the district will be looking at implementing her suggestions, such as utilizing principals to communicate changes.
“Sometimes our execution hasn’t been perfect. So, every time that we find out that our execution hasn’t been great, I want to hear about it so that we can make it better the next time around.”
“He is a breath of fresh air just in terms of his style,” says Byron Johns, a co-founder of The Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence, a group focused on addressing systemic barriers for students of color. “He’s been very transparent at a time when there was extremely low trust with the county council and board, and all the scandals and the relationship with the unions.”
Especially at the beginning of his tenure, Howe says, Taylor admitted when the district made mistakes. Last October, Taylor acknowledged that a $39.3 million shortfall in funding for the ongoing construction of Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville was “entirely MCPS’ fault.” In December, Taylor told the county council that a contract for electric buses “wasn’t managed particularly well” after a report from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General
—THOMAS TAYLOR
it came to the district’s analysis to address the equity of programs as well as exploring changes in attendance areas for high schools in the district. Howe says the district hasn’t done enough to fully engage all parts of the MCPS community, despite suggestions from community members on how to do so. And community members who participated in committees for the program analysis and boundary studies had to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to participate, Howe says.
“The engagement around the program analysis and boundary [studies] are good examples of missed opportunities,” Howe says. “There were delays, which were understandable, that led to the shrinking of those outreach options, but it contributed to a feeling that engagement has not been, and trans-
Wells, the president of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League, says the district needs more oversight through audits and reviews, and wants the district to have its own inspector general separate from the county Office of the Inspector General, which handles audits for MCPS and the entire county government. In August, the inspector general criticized MCPS senior leadership for a lack of accountability and transparency in a report that found deficiencies in the district’s background check process. In response to that report, Taylor said in a letter to the inspector general that there were “unacceptable gaps” in the background screening process, but argued the report had inaccuracies and the report process prevented MCPS from acting “swiftly and transparently.”
Ricky Ribeiro, president of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, says he hasn’t seen as many shifts in the culture within MCPS as he would’ve liked, particularly when it comes to community engagement and transparency.
Ribeiro, who has been focused on school safety following several issues at Kennedy, says he began to engage with Taylor and other MCPS leaders about safety matters and was told that changes were coming, but the district didn’t provide meaningful follow-ups,
a concern echoed by other parents Bethesda Magazine spoke to.
When MCPS staff introduced changes to the district’s code of conduct in May, which included increasing punishments for infractions such as fights, some activists raised concerns about the implications the changes could have on Black, Latino and disabled students. Ribeiro says MCPS didn’t do enough to engage with the community on the code of conduct changes.
“I think MCPS continues to act in isolation without meaningful community engagement and input and public buy-in,” Ribeiro says. “That’s just not a sustainable path for the health and well-being of the school system, in my opinion.”
Taylor says he spent time at the beginning of his tenure listening to concerns about issues such as the code of conduct at town halls and similar events, and while it may be “hard for some folks to hear,” it’s not possible to share every detail of a decision before it’s made. “Sometimes we just have to make decisions.” Taylor says
he doesn’t think the district has hidden anything or cut people out of the process, but there have been mistakes that the district needs to learn from.
“Sometimes our execution hasn’t been perfect,” Taylor says. “So, every time that we find out that our execution hasn’t been great, I want to hear about it so that we can make it better the next time around.”
TAYLOR
SAYS HE’S
PROUD
of many areas where the district has made progress during his first year, including the changes made to the student code of conduct. Above all, however, Taylor says he’s proud of the stability he’s seen return to MCPS.
In hindsight, Taylor says he wishes MCPS had moved faster in one change he made to the school system: reorganizing the central office. “It would have given us a jump-start on some of the really critical areas of vulnerability,” Taylor says, noting that the district still has vulnerabilities in areas such as special education, technology and human resources. “We actually have phenome-
nal people who are working very hard, but they need support and they need a direction to go in that’s in alignment with the rest of the school system.”
While Taylor has reorganized the central office, Ribeiro says he hasn’t seen as much “fresh blood” in the administration as he would have liked. “Several of the chiefs are new, but a lot of the people right below the chiefs are the same old folks,” Ribeiro says. “I really would like to see MCPS and Taylor embracing talent from outside Montgomery County.”
Still, Howe, Johns and other education leaders note that it takes more than one year to make meaningful changes. Yang says Taylor has brought many new ideas to MCPS, but the impact of those ideas hasn’t yet been seen.
“The devil is in implementation,” Yang says. “We have to give it some time.”
Stein says the district hasn’t touched on large class sizes or staffing ratios, and Johns says it may take longer than a year to see significant improvements in student outcomes.
During the 2023-2024 school year,
MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor discusses the school district at a District 18 Democratic Breakfast Club meeting in May.
PHOTO BY ASHLYN CAMPBELL
MCPS students showed marginal improvements in reading and math proficiencies, and decreases in science. Disparities in test scores among student demographics also continue to plague MCPS. Taylor says he believes the community will be “pleasantly surprised” by the 2024-2025 results in state testing, which are typically released in late August.
Taylor says the district has a long way to go. It is contending with major issues such as shifting attendance zones for schools, rearranging programs within schools, changing grading and behavior policies, and dealing with ongoing changes from the federal government amid President Donald Trump’s tenure.
MOVING FORWARD, TAYLOR SAYS he wants to work closer with community groups such as the Black and Brown Coalition, the NAACP Parents’ Council and PTSA leadership. “I just can’t get enough of it,” Taylor says. “Every time that I get to interact with some of those folks, I pick up these great nuggets that really help move us in a positive direction.”
The clearest road map for the district in the next year and beyond, Taylor says, is its strategic plan, which was adopted by the school board in June. It will include scorecards to track goals within the plan. Taylor says he wants to ensure that by 2035 all MCPS schools have four or more stars on the Maryland Schools Report Card, which grades schools on a number of academic and nonacademic measures. In the 20232024 school year, half of MCPS schools earned a four- or five-star rating.
After 12 months, many education leaders say they believe Taylor has built a strong foundation, but they expect more significant improvements in year two.
“I don’t think anybody in their right mind should think one year in that things are going to be dramatically improved,” Johns says. “At least, I think he has kind of stopped the bleeding. Now he’s really got to change the culture. ... You can say everything you want at the [school] board meeting. You can say everything at the cabinet meetings. It’s got to make it down into the classroom, or it doesn’t matter worth a damn for the kids.”
Ashlyn Campbell is the education reporter for Bethesda Today.
COLLEGE BOUND
THE FOLLOWING IS A CHART OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES where 2025 graduates from eight Montgomery County public high schools applied , were accepted , and have enrolled . This data was supplied by the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of Shared Accountability and high school counselors, based on self-reported information. Officials could not guarantee complete information. For brevity’s sake, we have only included colleges and universities with at least 10 applicants from the combined high schools. The schools are: Albert Einstein in Kensington; Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Walt Whitman and Walter Johnson in Bethesda; Montgomery Blair in Silver Spring; Richard Montgomery and Thomas S. Wootton in Rockville; and Winston Churchill in Potomac.
COMPILED BY DANA GERBER
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COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL Guide 2025
Finding Your Fit
So many choices, so little time.
Selecting a college isn’t easy. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming and allconsuming. And it involves far more than a good experience while visiting. In the end, the decision is deeply personal.
No school is perfect, but by narrowing your options, it’s possible to identify what’s likely to be the best fit. The best place to start is by asking (and answering) essential questions, including the ones outlined below.
Cost: High on the list is cost. What’s the tuition and what can you realistically afford? Are there financial programs or scholarships that might be helpful?
Location: Is distance a factor? Ideally, do you want the school to be in driving distance from home base? Or do you view the college years as a unique timeframe to explore other cites or even countries?
Size/setting: Do you prefer a city-centered campus with easy access to eateries, stores, transportation, etc.? Or are you envisioning an expansive, self-contained campus with lots of grass and trees and plenty of walkability without ever leaving campus. Is your ideal campus small and intimate, large and lively, or something in between?
Academics: Naturally, academic fit is crucial, along with related considerations, such as the competitive atmosphere, course flexibility, grading system, academic pressure, and courses that will best prepare you for a desired major and career.
Social life: For a well-rounded college experience, a social life outside the classroom adds balance and demands serious thought. But what does that look like? Joining organizations that reflect your passions? Sororities and fraternities? Opportunities for intramural sports?
Whether you’re a parent or student, hopefully, our guide will help clarify your priorities as well as provide insight into what schools have to offer as you navigate the path to the right college.
Discover programs at Columbia SPS
Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) is committed to providing diverse, innovative programs to enable students to succeed in their educational and professional development. Columbia SPS offers applied professional master’s degrees, certificates, and Certifications of Professional Achievement; courses for graduate school preparation, professional advancement, or personal enrichment; and structured programs for graduate school or college preparation. Classes are available on-campus and online. Learn more sps.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (SPS)
203 Lewisohn Hall 2970 Broadway, MC 4119 New York, NY 10027 212.854.9666, sps.columbia.edu
Master’s Degrees & Certificates
Undergraduate, Graduate, Visiting & Postbaccalaureate Study
Pre-College Summer & Academic Year
At DSU, it all matters
“It All Matters” is the current mantra at the 134-yearold Delaware State University, where the overarching priority is student success. Established as a state institution of higher education solely for African Americans, it is now one of the most diverse and contemporary among Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationally. Embracing today’s new technology and assuming its role as an institution of research, the University prepares its students to be competitive in the modern global marketplace. Students can choose from a wide variety of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Recently, a new Early Childhood Innovation Center building opened on campus.
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
1200 N DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
Undergraduate info: 302.857.6351
www.desu.edu
Graduate info: 302.857.8200
sgaes.desu.edu
•
• Degree programs that connect with high-demand career fields
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and major research centers on campus
Get the best of two worlds at Dominican University
At Dominican University New York, students get the best of two worlds: a small university experience in a beautiful, safe community and close proximity to New York City and all it has to offer. Students have access to outstanding internships, clinical opportunities, and the New York City job market. There are a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from with more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education liberal arts, nursing, occupational therapy, organizational leadership and communication, and physical therapy. A member of the NCAA Division II, the Athletic Department sponsors 18 competitive sports during fall and spring.
Elizabethtown College is a vibrant hub of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Etown combines the most soughtafter professional programs and guaranteed highimpact experiences like research, internships, and cross-cultural study with a 125-year tradition of learning to think critically, analyze deeply, and communicate effectively. At Etown, you’ll not only find your people. You’ll forge your path. Explore Elizabethtown College at an upcoming Open House or one of our many other visit opportunities. Register today at etown.edu/visit.
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE 1 Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Undergraduate info: 717.361.1400 www.etown.edu
Graduate info: 717.361.1411 www.etown.edu/sgps
StudyatManhattanUniversity. SucceedAnywhere.
Located just 200 blocks north of Times Square and deeply connected to the pulse of New York City, Manhattan University opens doors to endless opportunities. With more than 100 undergraduate programs across business, education, health, engineering, liberal arts, and science, students gain far more than knowledge—they gain momentum. Through exclusive partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, access to top-tier internships, and a distinguished and supportive alumni network, we connect classroom learning to real-world success.
It’s the best of both worlds—small class sizes with access to the nation’s largest city. Your education is both personal and practical with professors who serve as career mentors, bringing industry experience into every lecture. Whether you’re conducting groundbreaking research or engaging with thought leaders across industries, Manhattan University empowers you to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
Graduate programs—offered both online and in person—provide flexible paths to advancement in business, education, engineering, and science. Since 1853, our Lasallian Catholic mission has guided us in educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY
4513 Manhattan College Parkway • Riverdale, NY 10471
Manhattan University students have access to our vibrant mentorship program as early as their rst year of study, connecting them to the institution’s global network of highly regarded alumni.
Payscale ranks Manhattan University in the top 50 colleges with the highest-paid graduates. Make your investment worth it.
COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS
Columbia School of Professional Studies
Columbia School of Professional Studies 203 Lewisohn Hall 2970 2790 Broadway, MC 4119
203 Lewisohn Hall 2970 2790 Broadway, MC 4119 New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
Graduate info: 212.854.9666 sps.columbia.edu
Graduate info: 212.854.9666 sps.columbia.edu
AFFILIATED COLLEGE/ SATELLITE CAMPUS N/A
Delaware State University 1200 N DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901
Delaware State University 1200 N DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901
Undergraduate info: 302.857.6351 www.desu.edu
Undergraduate info: 302.857.6351 www.desu.edu
Graduate info: 302.857.8200 sgaes.desu.edu
Graduate info: 302.857.8200 sgaes.desu.edu
Dominican University New York 470 Western Highway Orangeburg, NY 10962
University New York 470 Western Highway Orangeburg, NY 10962
Ranked among the top 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation; $7 million grant to establish a Center for Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Biosensing; $5 million grant to support an education initiative to increase the expertise capability of geriatric healthcare workers in rural Kent and Sussex counties.
Ranked among the top 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation; $7 million grant to establish a Center for Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Biosensing; $5 million grant to support an education initiative to increase the expertise capability of geriatric healthcare workers in rural Kent and Sussex counties.
In addition to main campus, locations at DSU Downtown in Dover and in Wilmington, DE
Only Rockland County institution recognized as Opportunity College and University by Carnegie Classifications, 2025; Top National University for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, 2025; ranked #51 nationally for social mobility, among top three private NY universities recognized for enrolling and graduating high proportion of Pell Grant recipients.
Only Rockland County institution recognized as Opportunity College and University by Carnegie Classifications, 2025; Top National University for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, 2025; ranked #51 nationally for social mobility, among top three private NY universities recognized for enrolling and graduating high proportion of Pell Grant recipients.
Ranked #44 (tie) of Best Regional Universities (North) and #13 for Best Value Schools (Regional Universities-North) by US News & World Report, and is one of 97 colleges listed on The Princeton Review’s “Best Mid-Atlantic” section of the 2024 Best Colleges: Region by Region
Ranked #44 (tie) of Best Regional Universities (North) and #13 for Best Value Schools (Regional Universities-North) by US News & World Report, and is one of 97 colleges listed on The Princeton Review’s “Best Mid-Atlantic” section of the 2024 Best Colleges: Region by Region
COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS
Manhattan University 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471
Manhattan University 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471
Mount Saint Mary College 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550 888.YES.MSMC 888.937.6762 www.msmc.edu
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
Students Receiving Merit Aid: 64%
Ranked 16th in Regional Universities (North) by US News & World Report’s Best Colleges; 18 alumni are members of National Academy of Engineering; included in Washington Monthly’s list for colleges that add most value.
Ranked 16th in Regional Universities (North) by US News & World Report’s Best Colleges; 18 alumni are members of National Academy of Engineering; included in Washington Monthly’s list for colleges that add most value.
Ranked #1 Study Abroad, per The Open Doors Report; #8 in the nation for happiest students as reported by The Princeton Review; Top 10 Best University in the North Region by U.S.News&WorldReport
Ranked #1 Study Abroad, per The Open Doors Report; #8 in the nation for happiest students as reported by The Princeton Review; Top 10 Best University in the North Region by U.S.News&WorldReport
Accounting, Biology, Business, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Digital Media, Education, English, Exercise Science, Graphic Design, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Nursing, Pre-Health Professions, Psychology Business, Education, Health and Human Services, Liberal Arts, Sciences
Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, Best College 2024 for Nursing (BSN) programs; ranked #69 for social mobility in Regional Universities North. Named a top 10% Best Value College in the nation by Niche; and #1 in Best Colleges for Women in STEMUndergraduate Math by Washington Monthly.
The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges and Top 20 Best College Libraries, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges
Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, Best College 2024 for Nursing (BSN) programs; ranked #69 for social mobility in Regional Universities North. Named a top 10% Best Value College in the nation by Niche; and #1 in Best Colleges for Women in STEMUndergraduate Math by Washington Monthly. The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges and Top 20 Best College Libraries, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges
of the University System of Maryland
Part of the University System of Maryland
COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS
School of Visual Arts 209 E 23 Street, New York, NY 10010
Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Short-Term Workforce programs
TOP AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS
Ranked #1 Best 2D Animation School In the World by The Rookies 2024 Global School Rankings; Ranked #1 Best Illustration Schools in the U.S. by The Art Career Project; Designated Military-Friendly School
AFFILIATED COLLEGE/ SATELLITE CAMPUS N/A
Top 10 Public School, The Wall Street Journal; Best Colleges for Future Leaders, Time; America’s Best Colleges, Money Magazine; UD’s research classification ranks it among the top 3% of all universities and colleges in the U.S.
In addition to main campus in Newark, various campuses and facilities are located in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Lewes, DE
250+ SUNY Chancellor Award winners; Full Excelsior scholarships are available for qualified students; WCC Foundation awards more than $3 million in scholarships each year
Extension centers located in Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, Yonkers
Choose “and,” not “or”
Marist’s signature educational approach is grounded in the principle of “and” not “or.” We blend liberal arts with professional studies and integrate classroom instruction with hands-on training and real-world practice. Our students graduate with the combination of critical thinking and technical skills needed to create dynamic career paths and engage the world as leaders who are well-rounded and well-grounded. Red Foxes flourish with the personal attention common of a small college and benefit from the scope, power, and connections associated with a university.
MARIST UNIVERSITY
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845.575.3226
www.marist.edu
RED FOXES ARE INSPIRED TO DO MORE
At Marist, “more” is not a measure of quantity, but rather a pursuit of quality in how our students learn, the lifelong relationships they build, and the impact they have.
Wonder what a Marist education may inspire within you? Hear from current students who share their personal story of how Marist has given them the power to choose unique combinations of life-changing experiences and studies.
Spark success at the Mount
Mount Saint Mary College blends a friendly, familylike atmosphere with robust academic programs and a strong student support network, all on a scenic campus overlooking the Hudson River. With small class sizes (18 students on average) and opportunities for hands-on experience across all areas, Mount students get to know their faculty and their fields. They’re aided by state-of-the-art video production equipment, nursing simulation labs, an on-campus elementary school, connections with dozens of organizations, and countless internship opportunities from the Hudson Valley to New York City and beyond. With 95 percent of our graduates employed within six months, the Mount sparks success.
MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550 888.YES.MSMC 888.937.6762 www.msmc.edu
Making tomorrow yours
Salisbury University sets success in motion with a community and culture where students are seen, heard, celebrated, and challenged. In Salisbury’s warm and welcoming environment, professors mentor students in a way that sparks change by connecting ideas to real-world, handson experiences. Study where your opportunities are endless, your cost is affordable, and your return-on-investment will pay back a lifetime of possibilities. Choose from over 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 17 master’s and doctoral programs. Sea Gull athletics teams are NCAA Division III national champions. The beautiful 200-acre campus is located in Maryland, near Atlantic beaches. Learn more: www.salisbury.edu
Set Your Success in Motion at Salisbury University
Academic Excellence
Offering over 60 majors and graduate programs, SU is one of those rare universities that celebrates individual talents and encourages big ideas.
National Recognition
With professors who change lives, SU ranks among the nation’s top colleges and best values in U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review.
Beautiful Campus
Home to 8,000 students, state-of-the-art facilities and a national arboretum, SU is the perfect place to call home while charting your future.
Leading the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals
School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. SVA’s location in New York City and its extensive facilities, state-ofthe-art equipment, and unique program philosophies all offer students exceptional opportunities for advanced study in the arts. Prospective undergraduate students can sign up for a campus tour at sva.edu/visit or explore our pre-college program for high school students at sva.edu/pc.
At the University of Delaware, you won’t just earn a degree—you will unlock your potential. Situated on a campus so stunning The Princeton Review has called it “absolutely the most gorgeous anywhere,” UD is home to a thriving community of educators, artists, researchers, and explorers whose talent, vision, and commitment push new boundaries and shape the future. Here, you won’t just discover who you are—you will unlock who you can become. You will explore uncharted paths, discover your full potential and become the driving force behind tomorrow’s breakthroughs. If you are a Delaware resident, you can apply for a SEED Scholarship or UD’s First State Promise, making higher education more accessible than ever.
depends on students of all ages with drive and ambition taking on new challenges and seeing new opportunities—students like you. At the University of Delaware, we welcome visionaries, problem solvers, scientists, athletes, artists and dreamers. We welcome you.
Learn from award-winning faculty
SUNY WCC provides over 20,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers 65 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and real estate and insurance licensing. SUNY WCC’s Workforce Development and Community Education (WDCE) division supports the county’s current and future workforce by: preparing individuals for new careers; offering industry-recognized credentials and certifications in high-demand, sustainable-wage career areas; and enabling professionals to maintain and upgrade skills to meet and maintain licensure requirements. Our short-term workforce students often receive financial support from our many partners, including the PepsiCo Foundation, Gerstner Family Foundation, and Metallica’s All Within My Hands.
SUNY WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 75 Grasslands Road Valhalla, NY 10595 914.606.6600
www.sunywcc.edu
SUNY Westchester Community College can set students on a path to personal success. A SUNY WCC education prepares students for where they want to go, whether to continue their studies at a four-year school or enter the job market with the skills for a high-demand career. Discover how the most affordable college in Westchester can help students create their future now.
• Award-winning faculty
• $3+ million in scholarships
• 65 academic degrees and certificates
• Easily accessible
• Online & in-person learning
• Convenient locations throughout Westchester
• Day, night and weekend classes
• Largest ESL program in the County
BY CARALEE ADAMS
Holton-Arms School security guard Tonya Handy greets students.
PHOTOS BY SKIP BROWN
It Takes a Village
Shelton Neal BUILDING SERVICES MANAGER, WALTER JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL
SHELTON NEAL CAME TO WALTER Johnson High School in Bethesda in 2016 as building services manager, overseeing a staff of 21. He thought he’d just stay a few years, but almost a decade later the 70-year-old says it’s hard to imagine walking away.
Neal has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 52 years. He started on Aug. 27, 1973, after graduating from Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, where he completed a two-year program learning the ins and outs of building services.
“This job actually keeps you young. It really does. Working around kids for as long as I have in my career, it’s kind of hard to get old,” says Neal, who lives in Silver Spring. “The commitment to what I’m doing just grew and grew over the years. I didn’t get less enthusiastic. I got more.”
Since he’s the one making sure the building is heated, the water is running and the grounds are maintained, Neal’s work is noticed by everyone who uses the building, says Debbie Teicher, the school business administrator, but most don’t know the leader who makes it all happen.
“He cares so much about the school, the students and the parents,” Teicher says. When the school is used for Advanced Placement testing, it’s Neal who makes sure the desks are set up at 7:30 a.m. “He knows that if they come in and it’s not ready, you could just derail a whole exam. ... It’s not just about emptying trash cans. It’s seeing that full picture, that impact you make on learning.”
Neal started as a building services worker at Cold Spring Elementary School in Potomac and soon worked his way into management. When given a choice of schools, he says he often was drawn to buildings that needed the most attention— putting in his own time stripping and wax-
ing floors on weekends, and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing a building transformed.
As busy as Neal is with his work, Teicher says he always has a kind word and warm smile for everybody he encounters. When Neal sees a student sitting alone in the cafeteria, he’ll sometimes sweep nearby and ask how the student is doing. Kids will open up to him about not fitting in or being stressed about grades at times, and he says they often just need someone to listen and offer encouragement.
Neal has mentored several colleagues who have become managers, and looks for people he says fit his program. “Attitude, kindness, commitment to students. That is what I preach as a manager,” he says. “It’s a job, but we’re here for the kids.”
Esther Avalos
FACILITIES TEAM MEMBER, CONNELLY SCHOOL OF THE HOLY CHILD
ESTHER AVALOS OFFERS A HUG TO EACH GIRL as they board the bus she drives on weekdays from the Spring Valley neighborhood in Upper Northwest D.C. to Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac. Sometimes she greets the girls with doughnuts or chocolates, and, on their birthdays offers a treat of their choice from Starbucks, 7-Eleven or McDonald’s.
“It’s the best feeling ever when you see Esther. She always has a smile on her face,” says Charlotte Ward, an eighth grader at the independent all-girls Catholic school who passes up the chance to sleep in and get a ride from her parents so she can get that hug. Sometimes her younger sister, Elizabeth, 10, tags along at 7 a.m. to meet the bus in Spring Valley just to say hello to Esther, says the girls’ father, Caleb Ward.
“You start off the day with the most loving, warm person you can imagine,” says Caleb, who bought an oversize Mother’s Day card in May that the 17 girls on the bus signed for Avalos. “They see her as their other mother.”
With three children of her own, including twin daughters who graduated from Holy Child last spring, Avalos says she understands that the teen years can be hard. “It’s
stressful. They have a lot of homework and activities. They are always running,” says the 49-year-old Germantown resident. “I try to make their life a little easier. I’m so happy when I see the girls smiling and feel comfortable coming to school.”
Shuttling students to and from school is among Avalos’ many duties on the facilities team. She assists with classroom projects, sets up for special events and helps conduct large-scale mailings. One Saturday a month she takes girls to tutor at the Washington School for Girls in D.C. to earn service hours. Avalos, who moved from Mexico to Maryland 23 years ago, often speaks Spanish with students who are learning that language and quizzes them before tests. She began working at Holy Child several years ago through a cleaning company before being hired for her current part-time position in 2018.
“Rarely have I ever asked her to help me with something and been turned down. She always makes herself available,” says Suzi Montes de Oca, director of development, noting Avalos’ help with the annual Christmas bazaar and organizing the school’s archive. At the school’s May Crowning ceremony, Avalos was honored with the Believe Award for being an inspirational and generous member of the community. “She always sees the bright side and is so complimentary of everyone,” Montes de Oca says.
Avalos says her Catholic faith gives her a sense of purpose in her work. “I think I am here because God is wonderful with me and my family,” she says. “This job gives me the opportunity to express to the girls that God always is with you ... and in hard moments, don’t worry about it.”
Tonya Handy
SECURITY GUARD, HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL
TONYA HANDY ARRIVES AT Holton-Arms School by 6 a.m. to unlock the front gates. As a security guard, she keeps a close eye on who comes and goes from the independent girls school in Bethesda. For Handy, her work is about more than keeping the campus safe, says Head of School Penny Evins, it’s also about connecting with students.
“She does her job with grace and love and happiness so that she makes security truly about feeling secure,” Evins says. “She creates a positive environment no matter what’s happening.”
Directing traffic in the carpool line, Handy, 38, dances to upbeat music playing on an outdoor speaker—often getting others to join in. “It’s really a vibe and it gets everybody in a good spirit,” says Handy, who offers high-fives and fist bumps, and comes up with a different catchphrase every day (“Power through Tuesday!” or “Teamwork makes the dream work!”) to share at drop off and in the hallways. “I’m just that motivator person. If I see a down face, I’m going to turn that frown upside down.”
Handy says it was tough growing
up in a military family that moved every few years, so she understands the importance of helping students feel a sense of belonging. The 2005 graduate of Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville relates her work to her position as a forward on the school’s basketball team.
“My role was to protect the paint, protect the house. And this is my house and I’m going to protect it. That’s how I feel when I get on this campus,” says Handy, who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and lives in Silver Spring. “I take pride in doing my job and making sure when these kids get here, they are feeling safe, comfortable to learn and enjoy their time here. I want parents to know when they drop their kids off that they’re in good hands.”
When Vin Harkins, the school’s director of facilities, first visited Holton to see a friend, Handy didn’t recognize his car pulling into the parking lot. Before the ignition was off, Harkins says she was banging on his window, asking for identification. As he left at the end of the day, Harkins says he was impressed by Handy’s energy and ability to greet every parent and student by name at pick up. “She might be the friendliest person, but she takes her job probably more serious than I’ve seen anybody take their job,” he says.
Handy’s more than 10 years at Holton (full time since 2018) have not gone unnoticed by the community. In 2023, the school surprised Handy by renaming one of the streets on campus “Ms. Handy Way.” In May, the seniors honored Handy with the Class of 2003 Award given to a faculty or staff member who has impacted their class the most.
Molly Ruskin
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR, SILVER CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
WORKING WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION students, Molly Ruskin says she’s adopted a mindset that has served her students well: presume competence.
“Everything flows from that—trust, confidence and friendship. ... We all want to be seen,” says the 50-year-old who has worked at Silver Creek Middle School in Kensington for seven years. She started at Montgomery County Public Schools in 2012 and has been at Beverly Farms Elemen-
tary, Wood Acres Elementary, Sligo Creek Elementary and Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. Ruskin grew up in Montgomery County, graduated from Rockville High School and lives with her family in Kensington.
Ruskin is part of Silver Creek’s Learning and Academic Disabilities program, helping students with a variety of learning differences. As a paraeducator, she assists teachers in the classroom by providing extra support to students.
Principal Tiffany Awkard says Ruskin’s positive attitude sets an example that rubs off on others in the building. No matter how challenging the situation, Awkard says, Ruskin’s goal is to ensure that students with special needs are successful. That means she is persistent—sometimes tracking down students to get them to finish an assignment.
Students respond to Ruskin because she truly cares and approaches them with compassion, Awkard says. “There’s a sense of genuineness to her that students can see in middle school,” she says.
In the 2024-2025 academic year Ruskin primarily worked with students in world studies and English classes. She plays a quiet role, she says, encouraging independence but being there to assist—answering questions and explaining instructions.
“It usually comes down to helping kids complete tasks, especially writing. To me, writing is so vital,” says Ruskin, who earned a double major in English and religion in college, and has a professional background in project management and writing. “Kids have to believe they can do it. I love supporting that and helping them find their strengths.”
Renee Hill-Gilliard, who taught sixth grade English last year and is the coordinator for the IB Middle Years Programme/Student Service Learning, says she welcomes Ruskin’s ideas on tailoring work for students, such as color-coding graphic organizers or breaking information into chunks for visual learners. “She has been an asset being that advocate for students,” she says. “Sometimes it’s something as simple as let’s change the format and make this section in bold caps and larger so kids know exactly what they’re focusing on.”
Ruskin pitches in where needed—serving breakfast to students in the autism program or filling in for a teacher who is absent when a substitute can’t be found. “She always shows up,” Hill-Gilliard says.
Mary Foringer
ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, RACHEL CARSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WHEN SOMEONE WALKS into Rachel Carson Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Mary Foringer is often the first person they meet. The administrative secretary works in the front office, which she helped redesign when she started in the position in 2015 using expertise from her first career as an architect.
Foringer drew up plans to make the space more inviting—removing counters and old carpet, rearranging the furniture and sprucing up the adjacent health room with framed posters of cute animals. On her desk sits a bowl of Lindor truffles, a small Hungry Hungry Hippos game and a handful of rubber ducks in various costumes that students have given to her over the years.
Foringer is responsible for the business of the school—and more. “It’s ordering, receiving, payroll—all those things that make the school function,” says Foringer, 62, who lives in Gaithersburg. “It’s the parents, the kids, the teachers and making sure they’re all having a good experience and feel welcome. ... It’s a lot, but that’s why I like it.”
Foringer left her architecture job at Marriott International in 1990 to stay home with her two young children. When they were school age, she went to work at Montgomery County Public Schools to be on the same schedule as the kids and her husband, Paul, who was a math teacher for years at Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg. For seven years she was a special education paraeducator at Darnestown Elementary School. She moved to Rachel Carson as a data analyst for seven years before taking her current position.
Known as the go-to person to get things done, Foringer hands out old-school foil stars to anyone for a job well done and manages everything from field trip arrangements to sitting with students
being picked up late. “We stay until the last friend leaves for the day,” says Foringer, who stocks the office with baskets of coloring books and toys—even sharing her beloved collection of 50-plus rubber ducks for kids to enjoy.
“My philosophy has always been, regardless of what mood or what you’re dealing with—with a child, I just want them to be treated the same way that someone would have treated my child,” she says.
Assistant Principal Christine Tilkens says she relies on Foringer to help manage her schedule, and Foringer has perfected the art of knowing when a call from a parent can wait to be returned or if a panicked voice requires an interruption. “Without Mary, the school wouldn’t run,” Tilkens says.
“Mary goes above and beyond for everyone who crosses her path,” Principal Mindy Reeves says via email. “Whether she’s designing an attendance certificate on the fly or helping assemble thoughtful gifts for staff, she does it all with heart and excellence.”
Caralee Adams is a freelance writer based in Bethesda who contributes frequently to Bethesda Magazine.
Accreditations/Affiliations: American Montessori Society, Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools
Founded: 1932
Bethesda Country Day School 5615 Beech Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 (877) 959-3747
BethesdaCountryDaySchool.com
Grades: 2 years - Kindergarten
Gender: Co-ed
Uniform: No
Bus transportation: Yes (for Before and After Care) Founded: 1995
The Bethesda Montessori School 7611 Clarendon Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-986-1260
bethesdamontessori.com
Grades: 3-6 year-olds, Pre-K & Accredited K, NEW 2 year-olds
Gender: Coed
Total number of students: 86
Average class size: Offering four, multi-age Montessori classrooms
Religious affiliation: None
Grade foreign language first offered: Pre-K
Languages offered: French Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $15,000
Annual tuition for grade 12: N/A
Uniform: No
Bus transportation: No
Number of art studios: 1
Theater productions per year: 2
Music ensembles: 5
Accreditations/Affiliations: Montessori Schools of Maryland, Accredited Kindergarten. Licensed by State of MD, Association Montessori Internationale, American Montessori Society
Religious affiliation: Non-denominational Grade foreign language first offered: 3 years old
Languages offered: Spanish
Lowest tuition for 5-day half-day students: $11,050
Students receiving financial aid: 20%
Uniform: No
Bus transportation: No
Teacher retention rate: 98%
Accreditations/Affiliations: Maryland State Department of Education Office of Childcare, National Childcare Association, Maryland State Department of Education Office of Nonpublic Schools, Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Certified Green School, Maryland State Childcare Association, National Association of Education for Young Children
Accreditations/Affiliations: Accredited by the Federal Republic of Germany’s Central Office for Schools Abroad and approved by Maryland State Department of Education, Member of AISGW, Part of Network of over 130 German Schools around the globe
Founded: 1961
Enrollment: 1,300
Average class size: 20
Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Annual Tuition: Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $27,500
St. John’s College High School is an independent, Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school in the Lasallian tradition. Committed to academic excellence, St. John’s prepares students for lives of leadership, achievement, and service to the community. Our graduates have a 100 percent college acceptance rate, and the class of 2025 collectively earned more than $38,000,000 in scholarships. Over the last decade, St. John’s has made capital improvements to our 30-acre campus including the Center for Performance and Leadership, the Cap Mona Family Student Center, and the Donatelli Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Unique to the St. John’s experience are the Cadet Corps Leadership Program, the Entrepreneurial Center for Innovation and Social Impact, and state-of-the-art athletic training facilities.
Throughout the years, St. John’s has become synonymous with excellence, diversity, leadership, and service. Our mission and vision emphasize holistic personal growth and innovative thinking, which strengthens and continually transforms our school and alumni communities.
Green Acres School
11701 Danville Drive
North Bethesda, MD 20852
301-881-4100
greenacres.org
Grades: Age 3–Grade 8
Gender: Gender Inclusive
Total number of students: 115
Average class size: 12
Student/teacher ratio: 7:1
Religious affiliation: None
Grade foreign language first offered: Pre-K
Languages offered: Spanish
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $30,500 (Pre-K, full day)
Specials and electives: Lower School: Science, photography (4th), studio art, Spanish, music, physical education, creative movement (Pre-K–2nd), swim, library. Middle School: Techxplorations, engineering, studio art, ceramics, photography, Spanish, music, digital songwriting, drama, physical education, swim, library
Founded: 1934
Mercersburg Academy
100 Academy Drive, Mercersburg, PA 17236
717-328-6173
mercersburg.edu
Grades: 9-12
Gender: Coed
Total number of students: 445
Average class size: 12
Student/teacher ratio: 4:1
Religious affiliation: None
Programs: College preparatory, advanced studies
Grade foreign language first offered: 9th
Languages offered: Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $50,800
($78,900 for 7-day boarding)
Uniform: No
Teacher retention rate: 91 percent
Varsity sports: Baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, indoor track and field, lacrosse, outdoor track and field, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, wrestling
Number of art studios: 4 (ceramics, digital art, drawing, painting)
Theater/music productions per year: Fall play, winter musical, spring play
Music ensembles: Chapel choir, chorale, concert band, jazz band, men's a cappella, string ensemble, women's a cappella
Accreditations/Affiliations: Global Education Benchmark Group, Mid-Atlantic Boarding School Group, Mid-Atlantic Prep League, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools
Founded: 1893
The Ivymount/Maddux School
11614 Seven Locks Road
Rockville, MD 20854
301-469-0223
madduxschool.org
Grades: PK-2
Gender: Co-ed
Total number of students: 42
Average class size: 8-10 in PK; 10-12 in K-2nd
Student/teacher ratio: 4:1
Religious affiliation: None
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $42, 436
Uniform: No
Bus transportation: No
Specials: Art, library and technology, music, physical education, yoga, plus integrated speech/OT Accreditations/Affiliations: State approved curriculum
Annual Applications per opening: Please inquire Founded: 2004
St. Jane de Chantal
9525 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-530-1221
dechantal.org
Grades: PK-8
Gender: Co-ed
Total number of students: 275
Average class size (Pre-K): 16
Average class size (K-8): 15-18
Student/teacher ratio: 16:1
Teacher retention rate: 90% for three consecutive years
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grade foreign language first offered: Kindergarten
- 8th grade
Grade foreign language first offered: Grade 6
Languages offered: Spanish
STEM Lab offers weekly interactive science and engineering lessons for all students Pre-K to Grade 8
Annual tuition (Pre-K): $13,500
Annual tuition (K-8): $11,925
Students receiving financial aid: 12%
Uniform: Yes
Bus transportation: No
On-site after school care available until 6 P.M. daily Interscholastic Sports: Interscholastic CYO sports begin in Kindergarten and continue to grade 8, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, cross country and track & field
Founded in 1934, Green Acres School is among the nation’s foremost progressive schools. Firmly rooted in the belief that education is the engine for social change, founder Alice Mendham Powell envisioned and built a school that would give children a voice, empower them to think critically and inventively about realworld problems, and equip them with the skills they need to participate fully in a democracy.
This legacy of engaged citizenship and academic excellence continues today at Green Acres and is bolstered by the school’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, social justice, service learning and environmental stewardship. Green Acres graduates find success in high school, college, and beyond, using their solid intellectual foundation, creativity and strong ethical framework to emerge as leaders in a wide variety of disciplines. Located on 15 wooded acres in North Bethesda, Green Acres is a MAEOE Maryland Green School. Learning extends into an oasis of pristine forest, outdoor pathways, gardens, and streams—particularly advantageous for STEAM learning—as well as playgrounds, athletic fields, a greenhouse and an on-site pool. To learn more, go to greenacres.org.
Gender: Coed
Total number of students: 1,300
Average class size: 20
Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
Religious affiliation: Catholic/Lasallian Tradition
Seniors with National Merit recognition: 10
Grade foreign language first offered: 9
Languages offered: Spanish, French, Latin Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $27,500
Annual tuition for grade 12: $27,500
Students receiving financial aid: 39%
Uniform: Yes
Bus transportation: Yes
Number of AP courses offered: 25
Students scoring 3+ on AP exams: 77%
Varsity sports: baseball, basketball (boys and girls), crew, cross country/track, equestrian team, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey (boys and girls), lacrosse (boys and girls), rugby (boys JV and varsity and girls club), soccer (boys and girls), softball, swim and dive, tennis (boys and girls), volleyball, wrestling
Number of art studios: 2
Theater productions per year: 2-3
Music ensembles: 20
Accreditations/Affiliations: Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, DENA Brothers of the Christian Schools, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, National Catholic Education Association
Annual applications per opening: 4:1
Founded: 1851
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart 9101 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814
Middle School Interscholastic Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Swimming, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & field, Volleyball
Number of art studios: 9
Theater productions per year: 2 in Upper School, 2 in Middle School
Music ensembles: Upper school Heartfelt (a cappella), chorus, handbells, instrumental ensemble, band, orchestra, and strings
Accreditations/Affiliations: AIMS, Middle States Associations Of Colleges And Schools, Network Of Sacred Heart Schools, National Catholic Education Association, National Association Of Independent Schools, International Coalition of Girls' Schools, National Association Of Principals Of Schools For Girls, Association For Supervision And Curriculum Development, Independent Education, National Association For The Education Of Young Children Founded: 1923
The Academy of the Holy Cross 4920 Strathmore Ave. Kensington, MD 20895
301-942-2100 ahctartans.org
Grades: 9-12
Gender: Girls
Total number of students: 355
Average class size: 17
Student/teacher ratio: 9:1
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grade foreign language first offered: 9
Languages offered: Spanish, French, Latin Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $34,040
Annual tuition for grade 12: $34,040
Uniform: Yes
Bus transportation: Ride-on Bus stop at school entrance; Metro 5-minute walk
Number of AP courses offered: 20, Additionally we have a dual credit/dual enrollment program with Marymount University
Theater productions per year: 8 (musical, dance, vocal, instrumental, dramatic)
Music ensembles: 1 instrumental, 4 vocal
Accreditations/Affiliations: National Catholic Education Association, Middle States, Independent Education, International Baccalaureate Organization, Maryland State Department of Education
Founded: 1868
The Siena School 1300 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-244-3600
The Siena School-Satellite Campus (serving grades 3-4) 9545 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910 thesienaschool.org
Grades: 3-12
Gender: Co-ed
Total number of students: 150
Average class size: 10
Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
Religious affiliation: None
Grade foreign language first offered: 9
Languages offered: Spanish
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $52,805
Annual tuition for grade 12: $53,479
Georgetown Hill Early School
Love Where They Learn! With over 40 years of experience and 40,000 little footsteps walking through their doors, Georgetown Hill Early School is leading the childcare industry with its playbased, joyful approach to learning. Using its research-based P.L.A.N. (Play, Learning, Arts, and Nurturing) curriculum, Georgetown Hill Early School provides a child-and family-first environment in which happy teachers create happy children, and in return happy parents. Their whole-child approach to learning is rooted in early childhood best practice and is adapted to meet the changing needs of families and to support the growth and development of each child. Georgetown Hill Early School is a nonprofit organization and believes in giving back to the families and communities it serves. Georgetown Hill opened in Bethesda-Chevy Chase in 2021 and is now enrolling Infants – Transitional Kindergarten with enhanced health and safety protocols and a growing school family that can’t wait to meet you!
SCHOOL PROFILE
Enrollment: 180
Average Class Size: Smallest: 14
Largest: 18
Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1 - varies by age
Annual Tuition: Lowest tuition for 5-day half-day students: $11,050
Geneva Day School encourages a lifelong love of learning through excellent classes and extraordinary programs for children aged 2 through kindergarten. Its spiraling curriculum is powered by STEAM and includes specialized art, environmental education, music, mindfulness and physical education. Staff are passionate and highly trained, including in the Geneva Method, which promotes student-led discovery of pre-academics.
In the words of an appreciative parent, "I never want our time at Geneva to end. I have built friendships with the staff and parents. . . My children have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime."
Scholars define their interests and see themselves as custodians of the environment. Accordingly, the Geneva Method celebrates their contributions, whether these occur while tending gardens, devising science experiments, or engaging in field trips. Earth Day is every day.
As Potomac’s hidden gem, Geneva is a Maryland Green School with a sprawling campus and nearby creek. An innovative “outdoor classroom,” bamboo forest, tree-stump obstacle course, Monarch Butterfly Waystation, and thrilling playground invite adventure throughout all seasons. See you outside!
Interscholastic sports (middle): Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football
Theater productions per year: 2
Accreditations/Affiliations: NAIS, ISM, MSACS, IDA
Annual applications per opening: 8
Founded: 2021
SCHOOL PROFILE
Washington Episcopal School
5600 Little Falls Parkway
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-652-7878
w-e-s.org
Grades: PK3-Grade 8
Gender: Co-ed
Total number of students: 313
Average class size: 14-16
Student/teacher ratio: 7:1
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grade foreign language first offered: Kindergarten
Languages offered: Spanish, French, Latin
Lowest tuition for 5-day students
(PreK3, half-day): $18,000
Lowest tuition for 5-day students (full day): $27,000
Annual tuition for Grade 8: $46,500
Students receiving financial aid: 24%
Uniform: Yes
Bus transportation: No
Teacher retention rate: 9 years
Interscholastic Sports: Soccer, cross country, basketball, lacrosse, track and field
Number of art studios: 3
Theater productions per year: grade performs at least once/year for entire school
Accreditations/Affiliations: of Independent Maryland and DC Schools, Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, Black Student Fund, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Independent School, Mathematics Association of Washington, Mid Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association, National Association of Independent Schools, National Association of Episcopal Schools Founded: 1986
Contact Us for a Tour!
Small classes in nurturing environment
Flexible, differentiated instruction
Innovative curriculum and teaching methods
Targets social skills, academic success and self-esteem
Integrated support for different learning styles
Building Strong Foundations for Building Foundations for Learning and Friendship Learning and Friendship
St. Jane de Chantal
9525 Old Georgetown Road • Bethesda, MD 20814 • DeChantal.org
Enrollment: 275
Grades: (Pre-K): 16, (K-8): 15-18
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Annual Tuition: (Pre-K): $13,500, (K-8): $11,925
Year Founded: 1953
St. Jane de Chantal is a Catholic, coeducational elementary school in Bethesda, MD. Through out the last seven decades, De Chantal teachers and families have educated and raised children as a community and look forward to continuing this tradition. We will use this school year to discover our history and celebrate our future.
The school has two classrooms per grade and an average of 20 students in each classroom. In recognition of academic excellence, The U.S. Department of Education has twice named De Chantal a Blue Ribbon School.
Although academics are a priority and teachers are dedicated to the educational success of each child, we also value and educate the whole child. De Chantal recognizes that our students will spend their childhood with us, and we strive to cultivate a sense of curiosity and discovery in the children.
Through proud traditions and a close, caring community, De Chantal educates students with strong values and academic excellence. De Chantal is the school where your child will grow in spirit and mind, the school where your child will be known and loved, and the school where you can be involved.
For more information about De Chantal and our admissions process please contact Christy Scango at cscango@dechantal.org or visit our website dechantal.org.
Pre-K through Second Grade
www MadduxSchool org
Enrollment: 42
Average class size: 8-10 in PK; 10-12 in K-2nd
Student/Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Annual Tuition: Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $42,436
Year Founded: 2004
The Maddux School
Experience the Maddux Magic!
“It’s a truly unique school. The faculty understands what these kids need and creates an environment where they can thrive.”
—Maddux Parent
At The Maddux School we believe every child has something extraordinary to offer. Our small, private general education program—serving prekindergarten through second grade—combines strong academics with a nurturing, individualized approach that brings out each student’s unique strengths.
With low student-to-teacher ratios and a team that includes speech-language and occupational therapists, our classrooms are designed to support a wide range of learning styles and developmental needs. Our experienced educators integrate social-emotional learning into every part of the day, from math and reading to music, art, technology, yoga, and more.
Parents consistently report remarkable growth in their children’s confidence, flexibility, and friendships. Come see what makes Maddux so special—and discover the magic that happens when children are truly understood.
The Academy of the Holy Cross has been forming young women of courage, compassion, and scholarship. As an allgirls Catholic high school rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and part of a global network of Holy Cross schools—we provide an education that is both academically rigorous and fosters personal growth, character, and faith.
The rigorous college-preparatory program includes Honors, AP, and Dual-Credit courses, as well as the nationally recognized Project Lead The Way Engineering Program. A vibrant campus life features a dynamic Visual and Performing Arts program, more than 30 student clubs, and competitive athletics—empowering girls to explore their passions, grow in confidence, and build lifelong friendships.
A major capital investment is underway with the construction of a new 20,000-squarefoot Athletic and Wellness Center, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. Designed to be a central hub for athletics, student life, and wellness programs, the facility will support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every Holy Cross student.
SCHOOL PROFILE
Enrollment: 270
Average Class Size: 16
Student/Teacher Ratio:
Lower School, 13:1; Middle-Upper School, 10:1
Lowest Tuition for 5-Day Students: $27,145
Annual Tuition for Grade 12: $38,060 (includes books)
In the words of a recent graduate, “Success is found in the journey--the challenges we face, the mistakes we make, and how we grow through them.” Barrie School cultivates learning that lasts in an environment that stresses problem solving, creative thinking, student voice, responsibility, and respectful citizenship in a close-knit community that spans early childhood to college preparation.
Lower School emphasizes individualized Montessori learning in bright, prepared environments that encourage indoor and outdoor exploration and creative expression. Middle and Upper School students engage in interdisciplinary, project-based curricula, including signature and AP courses, extended study weeks, community service and internships, electives, and arts opportunities.
Founded in 1932, Barrie is an independent co-educational day school on 45 wooded acres in Silver Spring, Maryland. Our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (3 months to Grade 5) to experiential learning (Grades 6 to 12)—cultivates learning that lasts.
Barrie is also home to the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C.-area tradition since the 1950s.
SCHOOL PROFILE
Enrollment: 313
Average Class Size: 14-16
Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Annual Tuition:
Lowest tuition for 5-day students (PreK3, half-day): $18,000
Lowest tuition for 5-day students (full day): $27,000
Annual tuition for Grade 8: $46,500
Year Founded: 1986
Washington Episcopal School
5600 Little Falls Parkway • Bethesda, MD 20816 • 301-652-7878
admissions@w-e-s.org • W-E-S.org
Washington Episcopal School (WES) is where curiosity, confidence, and kindness take flight in young hearts and minds. Through our small class sizes, values-centered education, and unique experiential learning opportunities, students develop into creative, independent thinkers who are inspired to engage meaningfully with the world outside our classroom doors.
We embrace a PK3-through-Grade 8 educational model which provides structure and sustained support to help our students grow into confident, capable learners. As they progress through their education, students serve as leaders and role models within our small community, further solidifying their confidence while establishing a positive, nurturing learning environment for all.
A WES education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Students of all ages engage in hands-on learning which connects their studies to the wider world, culminating in immersive expeditions to the American Southwest, Italy, France, and Spain during their middle school years. Wherever their curiosity leads them, WES students move through the world with kindness, confidence, and grace. We welcome you to come experience our vibrant learning community at our next admissions event!
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart empowers leaders to serve with faith, intellect, and confidence. We are an allgirls, Catholic, independent school for Grades 1–12, with a co-ed program for Pre-K through Kindergarten. Rooted in a 200-year tradition of Sacred Heart education and a global network of 41 countries and 150 schools, Stone Ridge educates the hearts and minds of our students so that they may grow in wisdom, faith, grace, purpose, and integrity. The Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education guide us. With these Goals, we commit to educate to a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, a building of community as a Christian value, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Our beautiful 35-acre campus is centrally located in Bethesda, Maryland. Bus transportation is available throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
OPEN HOUSES
UPPER SCHOOL
(Grades 9–12)
Sunday, October 19, 2025
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(Grades 5–8)
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
LOWER SCHOOL
(Pre-K–Grade 4) Visit our website for Gator Gatherings.
Empowering leaders to serve with faith, intellect and confidence.
We are a Catholic, independent school for girls in Grades 1–12, with co-educational Pre-K and Kindergarten. Located in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, our 35-acre campus is easily accessible via metro and bus routes throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
www.stoneridgeschool.org/visit
Enrollment: 540
SCHOOL PROFILE
Average class size: 18
Student/Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Annual Tuition:
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $16,430 2-year-old (half day): $20,223 (full day also available);
3 & 4-year-old (half day): $16,430 (full-day also available);
Discover the German International School Washington D.C.!
Located in Potomac, Maryland, GISW serves over 540 students from preschool through 12th grade. We offer high academic standards in a warm, multicultural setting. Our German curriculum, enriched with a global perspective, leads to a dual diploma: the German International Abitur (DIA) and a US high school diploma.
With a strong focus on world languages and science, GISW nurtures critical thinking and prepares students for top universities worldwide. Our play-based curriculum for preschool (starting at age two) and kindergarten gradually transitions into a high-level academic program through Grade 12.
Our innovative FastTrack Program allows academically strong and motivated students through Grade 5 with little or no German language background to join GISW and learn German efficiently. While academics are a priority, we equally emphasize social-emotional development, helping students become confident, well-rounded individuals. This educational philosophy is shared across a global network of over 135 German schools abroad.
Schedule your personal campus tour or join us for an Open House: admissions@giswashington.org | giswashington.org/openhouse Learn more: giswashington.org
GEORGETOWN PREPARATORY
SCHOOL Brotherhood. Excellence. Leadership.
Open Enrollment
Our FastTrack Program is a language program for learning German that allows academically strong students up to Grade 5 with little or no German language skills to enroll at GISW.
www.giswashington.org/openhouse
HELLER COLEY REED TEAM
Kind Words from Clients.
This team is over the top fabulous! From organizing and overseeing a remodel, to getting all inspections and repairs completed, they did it all and more. They covered every detail and managed our expectations ahead of time . . . all while we were not even in the same state! I would highly recommend them as the team that will get your house sold very quickly and at a price you are happy with.
Jamie and his partner Leigh Reed sold our home quickly for hundreds over the asking price. Their local market knowledge and thoughtful sales strategy resulted in multiple, top-dollar offers. Their team was so efficient we were able to list and sell our home while being outside of the U.S. They were in constant communication with us, walking us through every detail, providing winning guidance at every stage of the process. Additionally, they are total delights to work with. Highly recommend.
A graduate of a boarding school in Geneva, Switzerland and further earning a masters degree in international law at American University, Ben has a deep-rooted appreciation for many cultures and enjoys the diversity of Washington, D.C.‘s international market. Ben spent over 20 years in the banking industry, where he managed multiple departments and over 70 employees. This experience awarded him a discipline that he now brings to his real estate business for over 15 years at the award-winning One Bethesda o ce.
His trademark wit brings levity to even the most stressful contract negotiations. “In any business, you need to be passionate, a great listener, and always maintain your sense of humor.” His numerous satis ed clients can attest to his exceptional service as noted below.
“Ben understood our needs. His knowledge of the market, grasp of property values, and what constitutes a good investment have always been spot on. His relaxed demeanor makes the entire real estate process fun, yet his professional integrity never waivers. His expertise in the eld is commendable, his patience is outstanding, and his honesty is reassuring.”
The finishing touches to enhance curb appeal 148
This home sold for $6.63 million in June.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL SPACE
home built in 1921 was recently renovated for an updated feel that pays homage to its history. PAGE 140
This Martin’s Additions
House PROUD
Boost your home’s curb appeal with a stylish fall refresh
BY CAROLYN WEBER
1 Beauty Box
Spruce up a porch with a sleek decorative container filled with seasonal plants and flowers. The Boxtrough planters are made of “JANUSstone,” a combination of concrete and fiberglass that’s durable and low maintenance. Choose from three sizes and seven finishes. $1,527 to $3,042, Janus et Cie, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 102, Bethesda, 202-333-8111, janusetcie.com
2 Entry Ornament
A shiny new knocker is like a little piece of jewelry for the front door. Choose something to express your personality, such as a love of nature with this whimsical pine cone. It’s made from sand-cast brass, is available in three finishes and measures 4½ inches high by 3¾ inches wide. $249 at Pottery Barn, 4750 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-1598, potterybarn.com
2 3
3 Exterior Elevation
Updating the color of a home’s front door, shutters or trim makes a big change quickly. Choose from thousands of Benjamin Moore shades from traditional black or beige to cheery reds and yellows, or soothing shades of green and blue, such as this Blue Porcelain (#1641). $69.99 per gallon for Element Guard exterior paint at Strosniders Hardware, 6930 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 301-654-5688, strosniders.com
4 Warm Welcome
Give your guests a giggle before they even ring the bell with this black and natural coir doormat that flatters their footwear. It features slip-resistant vinyl backing, measures 18 by 30 inches, and is for use in protected areas. $8.98 at World Market, 12266 Rockville Pike (Federal Plaza), Rockville, 301-8162480, worldmarket.com
5 Night Light
Exterior lighting should be pretty as well as practical. Add color to a porch or garage with the RLM 1 gooseneck stem wall sconce from Millennium Lighting. It’s available in seven sizes and six colors, including navy blue (shown). $197.80 to $235.80 at Ferguson Home, 800 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, 301-424-1393, fergusonhome.com
6 Circle of Life
Add a focal point—and a lot of drama—to a front yard garden with this striking sculpture. The Weathering Steel Moon Gate is more than 7 feet in diameter, 6 inches thick, and will develop a rust-like patina over time. The base is designed to be buried on a flat location to anchor the structure. $2,448 at Terrain, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-345-9413, shopterrain.com 4 5 6
Step into Timeless Elegance in this Iconic Spring Hill Home
From the stunning curb appeal to the impeccable craftsmanship throughout, this home embodies everything you’d expect from a classic Spring Hill residence. Distinguishing features include a main-level primary suite with separate bathrooms, a handsome library, and a spacious family room, both offering cozy wood-burning fireplaces.
Every rear-facing room opens to a beautifully landscaped, private backyard, highlighted by a show-stopping, sea-colored swimming pool, an ideal setting for entertaining or peaceful relaxation. Additional highlights include a formal living and dining room, a light-filled table-space kitchen, and a side-entry two-car garage.
This is a rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional home in one of the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
With over two decades’ experience, Matt Cheney is widely respected as an exceptional leader in all aspects of today’s luxury home sales.
Contact Matt today for a personal consultation.
At Jenn Smira & Co., we are driven by a deep commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients. With over $2 billion in lifetime sales, we bring unmatched experience and proven success to every transaction. We believe in thoughtful, full-service real estate that prioritizes not only successful outcomes, but also providing the best experience along the way. From expert negotiation and strategic staging to marketing, PR, and comprehensive listing and transaction management, our team handles it all. We proudly serve clients across the Capital Region — including Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia — with dedication, expertise, and care.
Drama for Dinner
A slice of the Big Apple in North Bethesda BY
Dani and Yotam Yemini met in New York City 15 years ago and still “love the fun, moody New York cocktail bar vibe,” Dani says. So when they built their house in the Luxmanor neighborhood of North Bethesda in 2023, they incorporated a piece of that Manhattan scene in a dramatic dining area that opens to an intimate bar lounge.
Interior designer Dana Schwartz of Washington, D.C.’s Dana Schwartz Design fell in love with the Phillip Jeffries wallpaper that covers the ceiling of the 16-by34-foot space. “Flight,” the cloud-filled pattern in the color “navy night,” set the tone and palette for the room. The predominant wall and molding color, Benjamin Moore’s Evening Sky 833, is deep bluish purple. A lighter blue, Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge 1635, in the recessed dining room buffet and lounge bar picks
WENDY A. JORDAN
up the ceiling’s cloud tones. The project’s architect, Mark Kaufman of Bethesda’s GTM Architects, says the light oak floors complement the dark hues.
Cloudlike globes float from the brass base of the Visual Comfort Talia large linear chandelier. The 631/4-inch-long fixture is centered over a 12-foot-long Williams Sonoma Home Dietrich Communal dining table in ebony on ash.
The Arhaus Jagger dining chairs are also black and painted brass, with backs upholstered in “sparkly navy velvet that plays off the ceiling,” Schwartz says. Metallic-tone vinyl on the dining chair seats is a practical choice since Dani, 38, and Yotam, 39, have three young children.
White marble accents the buffet. With generous storage and a wine refrigerator, the buffet is well equipped for enter-
taining. In the lounge, the bar shimmers with brass, from the custom glass-shelved hanging unit and the mesh-covered cabinet doors to the faucet, sink and brass tone acrylic-covered hardware. An antiqued mirror behind the shelves reflects light and the classy vibe.
The lounge is capped by a sweeping 9-by-9-foot arched window with curtains mounted in an arch-top wall pocket.
“We use the dining room and lounge in a lot of ways,” Dani says. Local relatives often come for Sunday dinner. At Thanksgiving, the group expands to 30. Dani’s book club, Yotam’s friends who like whiskey, and their fellow wine enthusiasts all meet here. Dani adds, “It feels like a minivacation when we are in here. It’s like being at a fancy hotel or New York City restaurant, in the comfort of home.”
PHOTO BY JOSEPH TRAN
Linsey and Dave Goch with their son, Peter, at their remodeled 1923 Tudor home in Bethesda
History LESSONS
Three houses, each more than a century old, get new leases on life thanks to thoughtful renovations
BY CAROLYN WEBER
D GRAND REMODEL
ave Goch began dreaming of having a house in Bethesda’s Edgemoor neighborhood when he moved into a townhouse across the street 25 years ago. He looked over and admired the upscale enclave. A decade later, he and his wife, Linsey, moved there. “We love the unique character: It’s close to the urban area but full of trees and wildlife,” says Dave, a 59-year-old attorney. “It’s especially magical for kids.”
When the family outgrew that house (their kids are now 13 and 15) Linsey, a 46-year-old paralegal, started searching Edgemoor for a larger one. She asked her agent to inquire about a house a few blocks away that she’d always admired even though it wasn’t on the market. “We toured the house and she fell in love with it, and I fell in love with the backyard,” Dave says. In less than two weeks, they bought the elegant five-bedroom 1923 Tudor in the spring of 2022 in as-is condition and got to work expanding the 4,255 square feet of living space.
The exterior was charming, but the interior needed a major overhaul. “We wanted it to be one of the grande dames of the neighborhood, an old house that looks elegant and appropriate for its age, but everything inside is new,” Dave says. Their team included Omar Shawqi of Structure, a custom home building and renovation firm in North Bethesda, and Luke Olson of GTM Architects in Bethesda.
Olson worked within the existing footprint, reimagining all four levels to create 5,510 square feet of livable space that’s practical and comfortable for a busy family of four. All paths now lead to the expanded gourmet kitchen, the dining room was relocated to a former office, and the old dining room was divided into three practical uses—a butler’s pantry, mudroom and powder room. The formerly chopped-up second floor layout now features an owners’ suite with a walk-in closet, two bedrooms with en suite baths, and a relocated and improved laundry room.
The house has great street presence, so the exterior was just refreshed with new windows, trim and paint. The major exterior change was converting a seldom-used screened porch in the rear into a light-filled breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen. Olson also designed a detached two-car garage on the side of the lot that doesn’t infringe on the backyard.
The original basement was scary, with an old
boiler and a 6-foot-high beamed ceiling with droopy ductwork. “We decided that it absolutely had to be redone,” Dave says. That meant digging down 4 feet and underpinning the house’s foundation, which was a complicated process. Olson has worked on many older houses and has encountered low ceilings, crawl spaces, and even cellars with dirt floors. “If you’re willing to spend more to capture that previously unusable space, it’s worth it,” he says.
The lower level now has 9-foot ceilings, a spacious gym, a guest bedroom suite, a stone-walled wine cellar and natural light in every room. “The renovation would have been incomplete without adding the square footage and optimizing that huge footprint belowground,” Dave says.
While the basement is the parents’ domain, the kids’ zone is on the top floor. A new roof dormer provided adequate headroom to turn the former attic into a bright loft-like retreat accessed via a new code-compliant staircase. In addition to an extra bedroom and bathroom, there’s a playroom with a media area, gaming nook, pinball machine and giant disco ball. “We wanted a house where our kids could grow up and have a lot of fun,” Dave says.
The couple had definite ideas about the interior style and handled the design themselves, making selections with the builder. “Linsey did a lot of research, and we chose every fixture and color carefully,” Dave says. There are bold wallpaper patterns in the bathrooms and butler’s pantry, and the foyer has a fantastic formality with a timeless checkerboard tile floor and new wall paneling painted glossy white. They saved the original front door, replacing the glass and giving it a fresh coat of black paint. Outside, gas lights from New Orleans cast a warm glow at night. “The project took on a life of its own, but we got it done in 13 months and have no regrets,” Dave says. “We didn’t just have a dream; we were able to realize it.”
The Goch family's kitchen
Updates to the exterior included new windows, trim and paint.
A pom-pom fringe on the Roman shades adds a playful touch to a dining area.
FARM CHARM
The stately brick home on Quincy Street in the Village of Martin’s Additions neighborhood of Chevy Chase was built in 1921 by a family who occupied it for decades. It was a house filled with family, friends and good memories, and that is just what Renee Redpath envisioned for her family—which includes her husband, Tyson, three children and two dogs—when she found the sixbedroom, 3,650-square-foot house in 2020.
“It had all of this rich history and a large lot, a chicken coop, the ruins of an old well, and an original carriage house garage,” she says. The house also needed a lot of work, but that wasn’t a deterrent for Redpath. “It was unique, built solid as a rock, and I’ll admit I am a sucker for a story,” she says.
After purchasing the house, she connected with architect Ellen Hatton of BarneseVanze Architects in Georgetown and Zantzinger, a builder based in D.C. Redpath and Hatton clicked, and Redpath knew instantly that Hatton, who has numerous historic homes in her portfolio, understood her goal of an updated house that honors its history. “We wanted it to make sense in a country setting,” Red-
path says. “We didn’t want to open up every room.”
To that end, they kept some of the original footprint, including the entry foyer, the formal dining room and the living room, where they converted a gas fireplace back to wood-burning. They refreshed some elements, such as the original stair millwork and the interior door and window trim, but restained them a richer tone. “In older homes, dark trim can feel heavy, but in this case we lightened up the wood floors, so it works well,” Hatton says. New chevronpatterned wood flooring runs throughout the house, adding a sophisticated and classic element.
The living room is the family’s hub, and they entertain frequently, so they wanted a drink station near the center of the first-floor plan. Hatton made more space for mingling by removing a door and walls around the basement stairs and designed a wet bar to fit in the hallway outside the dining room. “It looks
PHOTOS BY ANICE HOACHLANDER
The Chevy Chase house was built in 1921.
Design inspiration came from chic London townhouses and Brooklyn brownstones.
like it could have always been there,” Redpath says. Additions boost the square footage to 4,515 and include one in the rear and one side bump-out that accommodate the kitchen, pantry, casual dining area and family room. The kitchen is white and bright and scaled for modern family life with a big center island topped with marble, which also runs up the wall for a backsplash. A walk-in pantry with natural light from a street-facing window is tucked out of sight behind a pocket door and provides extra storage and work surfaces. Beyond the kitchen, a gracious family room spans the back of the house and is highlighted by floor-to-ceiling glass
doors that lead to a deck; there’s also a patio below.
Helping Redpath blend the old with the new was designer Anne Culley of Anne Culley Interiors in D.C., who found inspiration in chic London townhouses and Brooklyn brownstones. She highlighted the dark wood tones with a variety of colors and patterns for a fun, unexpected mix. The living room wallpaper has chickens on it, a nod to the rural history of the house. Outside, the red brick was whitewashed for a clean, crisp look.
“We purchased an old house because we wanted an old house, and went in knowing it wouldn’t be simple,” Redpath says. “But it was worth it.”
PERFECT FIT
One renovation project tends to lead to another, especially in a century-old house. The reconfigured kitchen in Ben and Kristine Gielow’s house in Chevy Chase Village is the second phase of a two-part remodel of the 1924 stone and stucco bungalow. “This is our first old house, and we love it, but we weren’t sure what we were getting into,” Ben says. “We did know that getting the kitchen right was super important.”
For the pair of 45-year-old lawyers, it all started with the back porch. In 2021, a year after they purchased the house, the couple enlisted Silver Springbased Gilday Renovations to convert a rear porch into a home office. It was during the peak of COVID19, when the couple and their two children—now 10 and 11—were working and schooling in the house. The porch and kitchen share a common wall, so they had to consider the impact of the first
A wall of doors offers a smooth transition from the family room to a deck.
remodel on phase two.
Two years later, the kitchen remodel began. The flow of the original 1920s layout had minimal counter space, an awkwardly placed fridge and lots of swinging door passageways. “It’s on a corner lot, so site constraints ruled out an addition,” says Kevin Gilday, president of Gilday Renovations. Closing off two of the five doors allowed him to design a more practical floor plan, which improved the circulation and made way for more cabinetry.
The Gielows loved the trio of original windows on the outside wall and felt the sink was perfectly situated beneath them, so they kept the arrangement. The windows were restored and still have the old-fashioned wavy glass. The refrigerator was the problem. Adequate clearance is key to a comfortable and efficient small kitchen. “The minimum walkway is 36 inches,” says Gilday, who achieved that by recessing the fridge and a separate freezer column into an unused pantry. There was a spare 2 feet behind the fridge wall, so he took the opportunity to wedge in a coffee bar and beverage cooler, with a deep storage cabinet above.
Closing off two doorways allowed for more cabinetry and a practical floor plan.
The couple wanted extra prep surfaces and a spot to sit and chat with the cook or grab a snack, so an island was a must-have. Gilday designer Leslie Roosevelt went on a mission to find an inspiration kitchen with a very small island on Pinterest, and the homeowners coincidentally pinned the very same one. She made it happen with a diminutive 4-by-2-foot island with a 12-inch-deep cabinet. “The cabinet is very efficient, and big enough for a spaghetti pot, some pans, and plates,” Gilday says. Roosevelt sketched the island’s custom legs and had them fabricated
out of steel by a local iron shop and painted black.
The designer and homeowners also agreed on the greenish-gray cabinet color. They wanted to keep the style classic and in sync with the period of the house. “We gave it a lot of thought and tried several shades before choosing this one,” Ben says. The room gets morning light, so the color changes slightly throughout the day. They let the cabinets be the color in the room and kept the walls neutral. Nine-foot ceilings help create an open feeling, and Gilday ran the cabinets all the way up and topped them with substantial crown molding for a finished look.
The clever transformation made use of every square inch in this kitchen, without compromising on style or performance. “When you can’t build an addition onto an old house, you do what you can do,” Gilday says. The homeowners are pleased with the look, the open flow, and especially the island. “It’s great,” Ben says. “Our boys eat breakfast there every morning.”
Leading the real estate market in Bethesda and Chevy Chase—and recognized as one of the region’s top performing teams—we offer an experience built on integrity, expertise, and exceptional results. With deep market knowledge and long-standing relationships, we guide you with clarity and confidence—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. Our approach is personal. Our reach is global. Our results speak for themselves.
JUNE’S MOST EXPENSIVE
HOME SALES
A peek at one of the area’s most expensive recently sold houses
SALE PRICE:
$6.5 million
LIST PRICE: $7 MILLION
Address: 9005 Congressional Court, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 64
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 8/3
SALE PRICE:
$6 million
LIST PRICE: $6.25 MILLION
Address: 5116 Moorland Lane, Bethesda 20814
Days on Market: 0
Listing Agency: None listed Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
SALE PRICE:
$5.55 million
LIST PRICE: $5.5 MILLION
Address: 4907 Indian Lane NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Days on Market: 10
Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
SALE PRICE:
$5.01 million
LIST PRICE: $5.9 MILLION
Address: 9121 Harrington Drive, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 49
Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 7/3
Data provided by
SALE PRICE: $6.63 million
LIST PRICE: $6.75 MILLION
Address: 7000 Longwood Drive, Bethesda 20817
Days on Market: 1
Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate
Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 7/2
SALE PRICE:
$5 million
LIST PRICE: $5.2 MILLION
Address: 5613 McLean Drive, Bethesda 20814
Days on Market: 5
Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 7/1
SALE PRICE: $5 million
LIST PRICE: $5 MILLION
Address: 7605 Arnet Lane, Bethesda 20817
Days on Market: 28
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 6/1
SALE PRICE: $4.17 million
LIST PRICE: $4.65 MILLION
Address: 11401 Highland Farm Court, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 76
Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate
Bedrooms: 8
Full/Half Baths: 9/4
SALE PRICE:
$3.75 million
LIST PRICE: $3.85 MILLION
Address: 5600 McLean Drive, Bethesda 20814
Days on Market: 0
Listing Agency: None listed
Bedrooms: 4
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
SALE PRICE: $3.7 million
LIST PRICE: $4 MILLION
Address: 8920 Saunders Lane, Bethesda 20817
Days on Market: 63
Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 8/1
SALE PRICE: $3.7 million
LIST PRICE: $3.7 MILLION
Address: 10111 Iron Gate Road, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 382
Listing Agency: O’Conor, Mooney & Fitzgerald
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 8/4
SALE PRICE: $3.6 million
LIST PRICE: $3.9 MILLION
Address: 3712 Bradley Lane, Chevy Chase 20815
Days on Market: 11
Listing Agency: Compass
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
SALE PRICE: $3.6 million
LIST PRICE: $3.6 MILLION
Address: 5181 Watson St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Days on Market: 8
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 7/1
SALE PRICE: $3.5 million
LIST PRICE: $3.8 MILLION
Address: 3406 Macomb St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Days on Market: 0
Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties
Bedrooms: 7
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
SALE PRICE:
$3.45 million
LIST PRICE: $3.4 MILLION
Address: 6806 Florida St., Chevy Chase 20815
Days on Market: 16
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
SALE PRICE:
$3.34 million
LIST PRICE: $3.48 MILLION
Address: 3419 Cummings Lane, Chevy Chase 20815
Days on Market: 70
Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 5/2
SALE PRICE:
$3.25 million
LIST PRICE: $3.4 MILLION
Address: 5064 Sedgwick St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Days on Market: 60
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
SALE PRICE: $3.23 million
LIST PRICE: $3.3 MILLION
Address: 7708 Radnor Road, Bethesda 20817
Days on Market: 58
Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
SALE PRICE:
$3.2 million
LIST PRICE: $3.3 MILLION
Address: 9825 Carmelita Drive, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 8
Listing Agency: Century 21 New Millennium Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 5/2
SALE PRICE:
$3.2 million
LIST PRICE: $3.15 MILLION
Address: 4609 Davidson Drive, Chevy Chase 20815
Days on Market: 9
Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
SALE PRICE: $3.15 million
LIST PRICE: $3.25 MILLION
Address: 6519 Elgin Lane, Bethesda 20817
Days on Market: 63
Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 6/1
SALE PRICE: $3 million
LIST PRICE: $3.27 MILLION
Address: 11804 Piney Glen Lane, Potomac 20854
Days on Market: 81
Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 8/2
SALE PRICE:
$2.9 million
LIST PRICE: $3 MILLION
Address: 4339 Windom Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Days on Market: 11
Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
20832 (Olney)
20855
20850 (Rockville)
20814
20851 (Rockville)
20878 (Gaithersburg/North
20815 (Chevy
20852 (North
20879 (Gaithersburg)
20853 (Rockville)
20882 (Gaithersburg)
20817
20854 (Potomac)
20886 (Gaithersburg)
20895 (Kensington)
20902 (Silver Spring)
20905 (Silver
20901 (Silver Spring)
20903 (Silver Spring)
20910 (Silver Spring)
Information courtesy of Bright MLS, as of July 15, 2025. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Bright serves approximately 100,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, please visit brightmls.com. This information includes single-family homes from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, as of July 15, 2025, excluding sales where sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. Reports reference data provided by ShowingTime, a showing management and market stats technology provider to the residential real estate industry. Some sale and list prices have been rounded.
Home Experts
Andy and Jessie Alderdice
LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS LONG & FOSTER
We hold ourselves accountable to deliver the utmost value to make a difference in our clients’ lives, hence our tagline: Integrity. Experience. Commitment. Local.
7373 Wisconsin Ave., #1700
Bethesda, MD 20814
Office: 301-907-7600
Mobile: 301-466-5898
Andy4Homes.com
Q How do you measure success?
A We measure success through our clients’ eyes. To us, success is the excitement in our buyer’s eyes when we find their perfect home. Or the look of satisfaction on our seller’s face when we reach the settlement table. Success is always the end result when you truly listen to your clients, make it your goal to fully understand their wants and needs, and then deliver more than they expected. We never waver in our determination to exceed our clients’ expectations. We're only successful if our clients are happy.
Q What are your top priorities?
A We've always made it our top priority to recognize and value the trust our clients have placed in us with one of the largest—if not the largest—purchases they will ever make. We hold ourselves
accountable to deliver the utmost value with the utmost ease for the client.
Q What do you love most about doing business in this area?
A Our family has been in the Washington area for six generations, bringing 50plus years of combined real estate experience with us. Our clients, therefore, benefit from the deep local knowledge and strong community connections we’ve gained from being raised in area neighborhoods. We've also loved being part of the transition the Washington, D.C. metro area has experienced over the last few decades. As the landscape continues to change, so does real estate. With the only constant in this area being change, working with buyers and sellers is always an exciting process.
Pinehurst Design Build, by Tom Gilday
At Pinehurst Design Build, experience and trust are the bedrock of our company. Our mission is to help clients reimagine their homes and provide a seamless remodeling experience, resulting in a new, harmonious space you love coming home to.
11716 Parklawn Drive North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-383-1600 info@pinehurstdb.com PinehurstDB.com
Q What sets Pinehurst Design Build apart from other renovation companies in the area?
A Extensive experience, a reputation built on trust, and, most importantly, our client-centered approach. With more than 40 years in the industry, we have cultivated design and construction expertise and assembled a team of seasoned professionals, including architects, project managers, interior designers and lead carpenters. Our design-build methodology, which encompasses planning, design and construction under one contract, ensures a streamlined renovation process. This approach fosters collaboration, innovation and teamwork, resulting in a stress-free, even enjoyable experience for our clients. From simple bathroom remodels to complex wholehouse renovations, Pinehurst Design Build consistently delivers exceptional results.
Q How do you work with clients to bring their vision to life?
A Our clients are at the heart of every renovation. We begin the process by understanding their vision and goals, recognizing that they are the driving force behind the project. Next, our team explores various floor plans to meet their needs and material selections to bring the project to life. Once the designs are approved, we finalize the contract and assign a dedicated project manager and lead carpenter to manage the project to completion. It's that simple. We take great pride and satisfaction in guiding each job into a tangible reality and witnessing our clients' reactions to their transformed space.
Q What is the most important lesson you've learned about home renovations over your career?
A Setting realistic expectations is essential for a mutually successful renovation. From the start, we ensure transparency about budgets, construction timelines and potential disruptions to daily life.
Aidan Design
NADIA SUBARAN, PRINCIPAL AND SENIOR DESIGNER
Nadia Subaran, principal and senior designer at Aidan Design, has more than 20 years of experience in custom kitchen design. With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Art and Science in New York, Nadia’s guiding inspiration for all her work is "form follows function."
A We start all our projects by getting to know our clients, including their lifestyles, needs and aspirations. We ask them to complete a detailed customer survey, which is a great starting point to that conversation. It's important for us to understand what has and hasn’t worked in the past and where clients are today. It's our job to look ahead and often times point out potential hinderances by thinking through different scenarios to address any obstacles right away. We design spaces to have a 20- to 25-year life span, so ergonomics, new technologies and aging in place are all important factors to consider in the design process. Universal design is all about the aging population, which is all of us.
Q Do you design spaces outside of the kitchen?
A Absolutely, we do. We have a reputation for being strong and creative space planners. Most of the kitchen projects we are working on incorporate adjacent spaces, such as dining rooms, butler's pantries, mudrooms, etc. We also design bedroom and bathroom suites and have recently completed whole basement projects for several previous clients.
Q What keeps you inspired?
A Traveling to new places inspires me. I am a student of architecture and love exploring the built world as well as the natural one. My daughters are global citizens, studying linguistics, French, Japanese and art history and I am enjoying living vicariously through them.
FROM LEFT: JIM NICOLSON, RESIDENTIAL VP, WILLIAMS ORELLANA, EDVIN CHINCHILLA, OPERATIONS, MIGUEL DELGADO, AND OSCAR DELGADO, CREW SUPERVISOR
Tech Painting Company
JIM NICOLSON, VP, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
For nearly four decades, Tech Painting Company has been the trusted name for homes in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and nearby communities. Known for exceptional service, fully employed crews, no reliance on subcontractors, and daily updates with an on-site supervisor, Tech Painting sets the standard for residential craftsmanship.
5150 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304
703-684-7702
Office@techpainting.com TechPainting.com
Q What sets Tech Painting Company apart from the field?
A Since 1987, Tech Painting Company has built a reputation for high-quality work, clear communication and exceptional service. What truly sets the company apart is the team behind the results. Unlike many contractors, we employ our crews directly. That includes skilled painters, master carpenters, and wallcovering specialists, all trained to meet the company’s standards. Every project is led by an on-site supervisor and clients receive daily photo updates to stay informed from start to finish. That consistency allows us to deliver the quality, professionalism and reliability our customers deserve.
Q Why is your relationship with the community so important?
A More than 90 percent of Tech Painting’s business comes from repeat
clients and referrals. That loyalty is earned through consistent results and a strong local presence. We live where we work. We are invested in these communities, support local organizations and take pride in being part of the neighborhoods we serve.
Q What advice would you offer those planning a project on a budget?
A All homeowners are on a budget. The key is starting with a clear number and working with your contractor to break the job into efficient phases. For example, if you need special equipment to reach upper trim, take care of everything at that level while it is set up. A good contractor will help you plan wisely.
From interior painting to fine carpentry and wallcoverings, Tech Painting delivers lasting results with care and craftsmanship.
Rockville Interiors
TOM, DAN & ILAN FULOP
Honors & Awards
Designers’ Top Choice-Window Treatments, Home & Design Magazine
Bethesda Magazine Winner, Best Custom Window Treatments and Drapes, 2020, Best of DC Design DC, Modern Luxury Magazine
5414 Randolph Road
Rockville, MD 20852
301-424-1900
hello@rockvilleinteriors.com
RockvilleInteriors.com
Q Can I operate my blinds through an app?
A Absolutely! With our motorized shades, we can install an app on your mobile devices enabling you to move your window treatments with the touch of a button. Operate shades individually, room-by-room or in the whole house simultaneously. The app even has a scheduling feature so you can program the shades to move automatically throughout the day whenever you want. Best of all, the app connects with other smart home platforms such as Alexa so when you walk in the house with your hands full just say “Alexa, Kitchen Shades Open” and live a little easier.
Q What does your design and installation process look like?
A Unlike many other interior companies, we can set you up with one of our designers for a free consultation either at your home or in our showroom. Our designers bring their deep knowledge of the industry and their great eyes for design as well as their experience with fabric and material options and hardware choices, and work with you to design the perfect look and feel.
When you're happy with your design choices, our installers will measure your spaces and double-check for accuracy. Then, our in-house fabricators put together everything according to your vision and ready it for installation. Installation is scheduled and finished to your complete satisfaction. Our warranties cover you for a substantial time, as well.
Sandy Spring Builders, LLC
Sandy Spring Builders, the area’s premier custom homebuilder, is an integrated, full-service team with more than 40 years of experience in bringing our client’s vision to life. Our vast portfolio of well-built homes makes a lasting impression, proven by myriad awards including “Best of Bethesda” every year since its inception.
4705 West Virginia Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-913-5995
SandySpringBuilders.com
Q Why choose Sandy Spring Builders?
A With more than 40 years in homebuilding, our experience in the industry is unparalleled. We are full-service, and our talented team is passionate, knowledgeable and experienced. Our vast portfolio shows that we can build anything. We work toward our clients' goals financially and architecturally and are part of the team from the beginning. And we want to be your "Builder for Life," often building second and third homes for clients.
Q What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
A Our beautiful homes and excellent reputation. We can drive all over the area and are incredibly proud to see our projects everywhere. We take great pleasure in bringing prospective clients into finished homes and hearing our homeowners speak
so enthusiastically about their homes and working with us. We value our clients and become friends with many of them. Most importantly, we love what we do and are able to give back to our community.
Q What are your buyers demanding these days?
A Clients still want great design and prefer open floor plans. Function is important— elevators for empty-nesters, mudrooms with cubbies and informal powder rooms for families. We call it "livability" and understand it better than most. Many clients are tech-savvy and desire a smart home with the ability to control lighting, music, security and HVAC systems from a cell phone or laptop. The use of solar panels/roofs and electric car chargers have become more popular. Our team streamlines the often daunting custom homebuilding process, guiding clients effortlessly through each step.
4909 Auburn
MALIKAH SMITH, BUSINESS MANAGER
Modern comfort meets neighborhood charm at 4909 Auburn, where studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments bring refined living to Bethesda’s walkable Woodmont Triangle. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., with easy access to Silver Spring, Arlington and Alexandria, these thoughtfully designed homes offer clean lines, natural light and a warm, connected community.
4909 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814
301-301-4909
4909Auburn.com
Q What makes 4909 Auburn apartments unique?
A Honestly, it’s the little things. Each apartment is light-filled and designed with a warm, modern feel. Large windows bring in natural light, and clean, contemporary finishes create a calm, welcoming vibe. Shared spaces include sunny terraces and cozy spots to relax—and yes, your dog is welcome, too!
Some apartments also include Ori expandable furniture, which is built right in and lets you switch things up with the push of a button. For example, our studios feature Ori technology-powered furniture that transforms into a bed, sofa and coffee table, with similar options in other apartment sizes.
Q What are renters looking for in luxury apartments today?
A Most are looking for a full-service lifestyle that includes wellness amenities, outdoor spaces, convenience and walkability. Some of our most popular amenities include the steam room, sauna and yoga studio. The penthouse lounge and rooftop features three fireplaces, outdoor grills, fire pits and gorgeous sunset views.
Q What do you love most about what you do?
A I really enjoy getting to know our residents and helping to foster a sense of community. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things fun and interesting. I love meeting people and genuinely find joy in helping them find their place.
A.B.E. Networks
CHRISTIAN VIVES, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Christian Vives brings an engineer's mindset to everything he does—from simplifying clients' lives and enhancing the experience at A.B.E. Networks, to perfecting dinner for his wife and daughter. A lifelong tech enthusiast, he builds custom speakers, restores vintage cars, and, in his spare time, tests nearly every new gadget he can get his hands on.
12250 Wilkins Ave. Rockville, MD 20852
301-495-0964
info@abenetworks.com ABENetworks.com
Q Why choose A.B.E. Networks?
A At A.B.E. Networks, we don't just install technology; we design better living. Our team works closely with builders, architects and interior designers to ensure every system enhances both form and function. We believe the right technology should simplify your life and elevate your space, while blending seamlessly into your home's design.
Q What's the biggest misconception people have about whole-home automation systems?
A That more complexity means better results. In reality, the best systems begin by listening to the client. Understanding how someone lives and what they expect to happen is key. Sometimes the right solution is beautifully simple. We're not here to sell systems. We're here to design solutions that truly fit each home and lifestyle.
Q What do you enjoy most about what you do?
A We love taking the complexity out of technology so it feels effortless—and intuitive—for our clients to use. Not just in terms of functionality, but how it fits into their daily lives. When a client tells us the lights just "know" when to turn on, or the music just flows, that's the kind of impact that makes this work fulfilling.
Q How has home automation evolved over the past few years, and what should homeowners expect next?
A In recent years, devices have become "smart" by connecting to Wi-Fi and offering app-based control. What's next is true intelligence. AI will learn how you live and adapt automatically. Instead of traditional, rigid programming, simple prompts will enable devices to work together seamlessly, creating a home that responds intuitively to your needs.
Douglas Construction Group (DCG)
DOUG MONSEIN, FOUNDER Honors & Awards Industry Expert, Home & Design Magazine Best Green Builder (only builder ever), Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda Readers Poll
A Top Vote Getter, Best Builder, Best of Bethesda Readers Poll 8429 Fox Run Bethesda, MD 20814 301-983-6947 doug@dcghomes.com DCGHomes.com
Q What advice do you have for someone building a home for the first time?
A Our advice to first-time homebuilders is simple: build a home that reflects you—not what others think it should be. Your home should be a seamless extension of your lifestyle, tastes and daily needs, both aesthetically and functionally. Minimize the number of outside voices you bring into the process; too many opinions can dilute your vision. Instead, focus on what makes you feel at home. The experience should be exciting and deeply personal. We believe in designing and building unique homes that reflect our clients’ personalities—and we’re here to make that journey enjoyable, creative and entirely your own.
Q What makes the homes you build unique and different?
A We have built more than 245 new homes in the Bethesda area, all based on a foundation of integrity. Past and current clients are our best ambassadors. They will attest to our exceptional communication, organized and stress-free process with quality craftsmen and vendors. Our primary goal is for our clients to enjoy their home-building experience. Every home we build is unique, and well over half are custom. When we collaborate directly with the homeowner, each home’s individuality comes to life, truly taking on our client’s personality. Listening in today’s digital world is a lost art, but not at DCG—we deliver what our clients envision, not what we think they want.
MICHAEL VENTURA
Trent & Co at Compass Real Estate
TRENT HEMINGER & MARY NOONE
With more than 90 years of combined expertise, Trent & Co. is one of the DMV's premier real estate teams. Led by awardwinning duo Trent Heminger and Mary Noone—recognized as a top-producing agent on a team in Washington, D.C. and Maryland—their results-driven approach delivers exceptional service across every market segment.
Licensed in DC | MD | VA 5471 Wisconsin Ave. Ste 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20782 O: 301-298-1001 | 240-461-3928 TrentAndCo.com
Q What's your best advice for this current real estate market?
A Talk to your real estate team—this market is full of opportunities, but strategy is everything. Sellers in highdemand school zones may see premium offers due to low inventory. For buyers, some properties offering more space and that check most of those wish list boxes are sitting longer, opening the door for negotiation. Creative financing options, like seller-paid rate buy-downs, can also make a big difference. We recently helped a client reduce their Washington, D.C. condo mortgage from $3,200 to $2,800 using this approach. Whether you're buying, selling, leveraging equity, or just weighing your options, let's discuss your goals and explore the best path forward for you in this evolving market.
Q We found a house in our dream neighborhood, but it needs a lot of work. Any advice?
A Great homes with "good bones" are worth considering, especially with renovation financing. Some lenders (like Guaranteed Rate) now offer mortgage options that combine the purchase and renovation costs into one loan. Not only does this simplify the process, but you'll get a dedicated renovation specialist to help review bids, coordinate timelines and manage the loan from start to finish. Whatever your dream home is, there's a path to get there, and we can help you find it.
Kitchen Tune-Up
STEPHANIE AND DAVID VORDICK, OWNERS
Kitchen Tune-Up transforms kitchens with cabinet refacing, painting, one-day Tune-Ups, and new cabinets—delivering beautiful, cost-conscious results with less mess, noise, and disruption than traditional remodels. Local owners Stephanie and David Vordick are changing what homeowners can expect during a kitchen update by focusing on respect, trust, and clear communication to make updates fast, affordable, and surprisingly easy.
Bethesda | Potomac | Gaithersburg 240-221-5460
teambethesda@kitchentuneup.com KitchenTuneUp.com
Q Why choose Kitchen Tune-Up?
A We specialize in high-quality kitchen upgrades that are completed in under two weeks (most in just five days). We reimagined the updating process to minimize time, mess, noise, and cost compared to a traditional renovation. From the first conversation, we guide clients through every step—from adding storage and enhancing functionality to assisting with style and design decisions—making the experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
Q What makes your approach different from other remodeling services in the region?
A We focus on reusing what clients already have to deliver fresh, modern results quickly and efficiently. Our one-day Tune-Up restores stained
wood cabinets by refreshing the finish and blending in wear for a like-new appearance. With cabinet painting, we transform your existing cabinets by changing the color and adding decorative hardware. Refacing allows you to completely change the style and color of your kitchen by installing new doors and drawer fronts, covering cabinet boxes to match, and adding soft-close hinges and updated hardware.
We can also modify cabinets—like converting doors to drawers or raising desk areas—without the mess of a full gut remodel. Even with new countertops and backsplashes, most refacing projects are completed in five days. For clients needing all-new cabinetry, we bring the same efficient, cost-conscious approach to deliver a beautiful new kitchen with minimal disruption.
Gilday Renovations
Led by Kevin Gilday, nationally recognized Gilday Renovations has perfected a collaborative design-build experience that seamlessly blends the expertise of its seasoned team of architectural designers, interior designers and master builders. The company aims to deliver a transformational home renovation experience to every client.
8820 Brookville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-565-4600
Gilday.com
Q How do you maximize space in older homes that weren't designed for modern living?
A First, we look at the floor plan. Is the current layout providing effective use of space? Are there rooms that are underused? Often our designers make small changes in the layout and configuration of rooms. They take space from here to use it there, to maximize functionality and room to room flow.
Q What's the first thing homeowners should do when they start feeling like their home doesn't work for them anymore?
A Consult with a designer. It is difficult to sell and find a new home in the DC area that will meet all your needs. A designer can confirm that your vision for your home can reasonably be accomplished. Upfront thinking and planning is critically
important. It allows you to make good decisions that stand the test of time and the changing needs of your family. We’ve successfully helped people to adapt and make changes that allow them to stay comfortably in their homes for years.
Q What's the one question every homeowner should ask before starting a renovation project?
A Can you tolerate having part of your home sealed off as a construction zone for months? Some find it to be an adventure, for others it’s disruptive. Our goal is to make families as comfortable as possible. For example, on a kitchen renovation we set up a fully functioning temporary kitchen composed of the cabinets, sink, appliances, etc. of the old kitchen. Many of our clients develop strong bonds with our workmen and are sad to say goodbye at project completion.
Appliance Distributors Unlimited (ADU)
LINDA OLIFF-ROHLEDER,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHRISTY OLIFF-ELLIS,
VICE PRESIDENT
OF MARKETING 8501 Grovemont Circle | Gaithersburg, MD 20877 240-650-6000 | gaithersburg@adu.com | ADU.com
Q Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?
A We don't just sell appliances—we build trust, elevate experiences and create lasting relationships. What drives us is the chance to enhance people's daily lives through thoughtful design, exceptional service and meticulous execution. We're the bridge between vision and reality. Whether we are working with builders, designers, or homeowners, we guide them through an oftenoverwhelming process with clarity, professionalism and care.
Q What changes or innovations are on the horizon in your industry?
A Smart appliances—featuring Wi-Fi, voice control, app integration and AI diagnostics—are quickly becoming the standard. We are making this technology approachable by partnering with premium brands and hosting hands-on training sessions and events, empowering designers and builders to confidently educate and inspire their clients.
MPR Architecture
MICHAEL P. ROUSE, AIA NCARB, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT 1232 Hamilton Street, NW | Washington, D.C. 20011 202-450-3126 | mike@mprarchitecture.com MPRArchitecture.com
Q What qualities set your company apart from other residential architects and designers?
A In one word: listening. MPR Architecture works with clients to turn their needs and desires into functional, beautiful and enduring spaces. The most important part of that process is listening to clients and responding thoughtfully to the unique characteristics of the site with our architectural solutions. We bring a creative and independent eye to all solutions and advocate for our clients through teamwork with consultants, interior designers and contractors.
Q Why should clients consider a residential architect like MPR Architecture?
A Beyond helping to synthesize our client’s thoughts and wishes, we offer a full range of services including design, bid and the construction process. Our focus is creating the custom design for the project while bringing creativity, energy efficiency, and thorough documentation to help keep unforeseen costs at bay. We help guide decisions, analyze project costs, negotiate contracts and serve as advocates during construction. Our goal is to make the process as seamless and as enjoyable as possible.
TONY J. LEWIS
MICHAEL VENTURA
T he Halem Group
COMPASS BETHESDA
The Halem Group is one of the Washington metropolitan region's top-producing real estate teams—and Compass Bethesda's Founding Team with more than $1 billion in career sales. Specializing in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, they're known for their unmatched service, local expertise and seamless transactions, making them a trusted choice for buyers, sellers and fellow agents.
7200 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 100 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-775-4196
margie@compass.com
TheHalemGroup.com
Q What first inspired your passion for real estate, and how has it evolved over your career?
A My passion for real estate began with a genuine desire to help people navigate one of life's biggest decisions. I've always believed that buying or selling a home requires much more than just market knowledge. It takes honesty, creative problem-solving and a strong network. Every transaction reminds me why I chose this path: The privilege of turning real estate goals into reality. Making a lasting impact through exceptional service continues to drive everything I do.
Q What makes your client experience unique?
A We're not just real estate experts. We are your neighbors. Our team lives in the communities we serve, from vibrant
Washington, D.C. to charming Poolesville, giving us unrivaled insight. We leverage our hyperlocal expertise, trusted industry connections across the DMV and client relationships to uncover off-market gems and exclusive opportunities. We stay ahead of trends, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and serve as strategic partners with our finger on the pulse of your market.
Q What is your best tip for people looking to sell?
A Trust your agent. A seasoned expert will guide you on pricing, timing and positioning—critical factors that influence your final sale. Review their track record and talk to past clients. The right real estate agent isn't just a marketer. They are your advocate and strategist.
FROM LEFT: KRISTEN WENDEL, DANIELLE MANNIX, COURTNEY HALEM, HARRISON HALEM, MARGIE HALEM, LORI SILVERMAN, BENJAMIN PATE, MAYA YOUSEF, ELIZABETH MELTZER, SHANNON IRLANDER NOT PICTURED: MATTHEW GLOGER
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 11AM TO 4PM
Produced By
Sponsored
By
Mon Ami Gabi in downtown Bethesda reopens with updated flair and French fare that mostly hits the mark. PAGE 174
Prepared foods at Wegmans
Honeys & Friends in Chevy Chase, D.C.
Winner, Winner, Wegmans Dinner
The New York-based grocery store chain known for its abundance of high-quality prepared foods, opened a Rockville location in June. We roamed the 80,000-square-foot culinary wonderland and found many intriguing items. Here are five great things to pick up for dinner.
1. A superlative meal with prepared and ready-to-cook items
Swing by the soup bar for a starter course of creamy lobster bisque or broccoli cheddar (three sizes: $5.99/$7.99/$13.99), then grab grill-ready lemon garlic marinated chicken cutlets ($22.49 for eight) or garlic and cracked pepper crusted New York strip steaks ($44.25) for your main course, accompanied by stir-fried Asian vegetables (broccoli, red peppers, shiitake mushrooms, green beans, snow peas), seasoned green beans, or kale and quinoa cakes ($10) that only require reheating. For dessert, bring home a chocolate teacup filled with white chocolate mousse ($7.50), a slice of strawberry shortcake ($6), a large portion of banana pudding ($8) or a whole ultimate cheesecake topped with apricot-glazed fresh pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and blueberries ($35).
2. Hors d’oeuvres for a cocktail party on the fly
Pick up 12-count grilled shrimp cocktail ($22), oven-ready bacon-wrapped scallops ($22 for 20) and coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce ($20 for 10). The vast cheese department offers ready-made charcuterie and cheese assortments. A sliced salami sampler goes for $13.10 for 8 ounces.
3. Out of the ordinary dinners
Bring home a Low Country shrimp boil for two people ($20), which comes with clam broth to pour over spicy sausage, shrimp, corn on the cob and new potatoes before baking for 20 minutes. When I checked out, the cashier picked it up and said, “Wow, this looks good! You just put it in the oven and that’s it, huh? I’m going to go get this for myself.” A crab leg and shrimp version is $32.
4. Sushi
Choose from cases chock-full of sushi and sashimi, including tuna or salmon tataki ($13.99); a small
celebration family pack ($30 for 24 pieces); a 4-ounce slab of ahi tuna to slice into sashimi ($20.25) and a nine-piece nigiri assortment ($14.99). Don’t forget the edamame; a 16-ounce box ($8.50) of the pods is ready to reheat in the microwave. A 12-pack of chicken teriyaki dumplings takes only two minutes to heat in the microwave ($15).
5. TV dinners, but the 2025 version
Find an assortment of TV dinner-style meals in compartmented containers that require only a few minutes of microwave reheating, including oven-roasted salmon with Tuscan potatoes, Brussels sprouts and horseradish cream ($16); roast turkey with green beans and whipped potatoes ($14); and pulled barbecue pork with green beans and macaroni and cheese ($14).
—David Hagedorn
Take-home dinner items at Wegmans include, clockwise from top left, salmon tataki, dumplings, Low Country shrimp boil, nigiri pieces, pulled pork with green beans and macaroni and cheese (and edamame in the center).
Restaurateur James Alefantis has created a culinary fiefdom of deliciousness with three popular eateries— Comet Ping Pong, Muchas Gracias and Buck’s Fishing and Camping—on the Chevy Chase, D.C., block where Politics and Prose bookstore is located. In 2023, he took over the former Sugar Fox space next to Muchas Gracias and turned it into an ice cream shop called Bee Goods. “We were losing money hand over fist, so I decided it needed to be something else,” Alefantis says. He acquired a beer and wine license with the idea of pivoting to a wine bar, but when he was ready to open the new place, which is called Honeys & Friends, it was May and expectant kids were knocking on the door asking for ice cream. What else could he do but combine the two ideas and give the public what they wanted—ice cream for the kids and wine for their parents?
The retail area is barely 200 square feet, but there’s a complete bakery kitchen in the back. A table that seats 12 stands in the middle of the room, and there’s seating for eight at two low counters perfect for small children. Alefantis supplies the paper and washable markers that scores of kids have used to produce colorful ice cream-related drawings that adorn the space.
Shelves of mostly French and Italian wines, ranging between $15 and $290, line the walls on both sides, with tags
attached to bottles explaining provenance and tasting notes. “Rare, beautiful. A classically styled Bandol, full of finesse and grip. Stony and dark fruit. Drink now with food. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault [grapes],” declares a tag for Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2021 “Lulu et Lucien” that goes for $85.
Ten often-changing flavors of ice cream (some made inhouse, others from Moorenko’s Ice Cream in Silver Spring) are offered, such as honey lavender, lemon Biscoff, cherry stracciatella, cookie monster, and chocolate chunk and cream ($6.50/$8.50/$10.50 for one/two/three scoops). Oreos, gummy bears and sprinkles are among the many available toppings. A two-scoop sundae topped with hot ganache (chocolate sauce) is $12. Milkshakes ($12.95) and housemade cookies ($3.75)—which can be made into ice cream sandwiches—are also available.
Honeys & Friends is available for private dinners and cocktail parties. A cocktail party for 30 with heavy hors d’oeuvres for two hours costs around $3,000, inclusive of tax and gratuity. “And that can be upgraded,” Alefantis says. “It’s really curated to the guests and the event, very personal. I’m the owner—I’ll even do the flowers for you.”
Award-winning Professional Theatre, Classes, and Camps for Children
PRESENTED BY IMAGINATION STAGE, BETHESDA, MD
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
SEPT 17-OCT 15
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller
Based on Eric Carle’s books
Directed by Nikki Mirza
Experience more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music as four classic Eric Carle stories come to life on stage. This extra-special event returns by popular demand. Best for ages 3+.
THE SNOWMAN™ AND THE SNOWDOG
NOV 22-JAN 4
Stage Adaptation by Janet Stanford
Based on the animated film, The Snowman™ and the Snowdog Original score by Ilan Eshkeri and Andy Burrows
Additional compositions and orchestrations by Tim Guillot
Directed by Janet Stanford
A soaring new musical for the holiday season with eye-popping theatre magic! Best for ages 4+.
Our programs nurture and empower young people of all abilities in a fun and inclusive environment. Imagination Stage is a great place to make new friends, explore new interests and delve deeper into existing ones. 6- and 10-week classes in acting, creative drama, dance, filmmaking, and more start September 15.
www.imaginationstage.org | 301-280-1660
CULTURE WATCH
Maryland Youth Ballet
TRAIN AT ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FINEST SCHOOLS OF CLASSICAL BALLET. 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR - ENROLL TODAY!
CLASSICAL BALLET TRAINING
Maryland Youth Ballet offers a comprehensive Classical Ballet training program for Children, Youth, and Pre-Professionals ages 2-18 as well as an Extension Program for teens. Classes include Ballet, Pointe, Classical Variations, Partnering, Pilates, Modern, Jazz, and separate classes for boys/male-identifying students. Exceptional training, experienced faculty, state of the art facility, and professional-caliber performance opportunities. Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026 School Year (scholarship opportunities available). Audition required for new students 8+. www.marylandyouthballet.org | 301-608-2232
Artist Studio & Gallery Tours 2025
COUNTRYSIDE ARTISANS
OCT 3-5 & DEC 5-7, 10AM TO 5PM EACH DAY Don’t miss the Countryside Artisans Fall Open Studio Tour, October 3, 4, and 5 (10 - 5 each day). Tour 17 participating venues representing more than 40 artists, all within 30 miles of Sugarloaf Mountain, in Montgomery County, Maryland and throughout the surrounding counties. View displayed art and see demonstrations as you visit artists’ studios and farms set amongst Maryland’s rich agricultural history. A winery, brewery and tea room are also included. Follow the map on this self-guided tour to each unique artist destination for a weekend in the country celebrating arts, crafts and handcrafted beverages. Free event countrysideartisans.com | art@countrysideartisans.com Instagram: countrysideartisans
Celebration: Coleridge-Taylor & Tchaikovsky
NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE
National Philharmonic’s season begins on a high note with Celebration: Coleridge-Taylor & Tchaikovsky on September 20 at Strathmore. Conductor Michael Repper and violinist Curtis Stewart join NatPhil for a concert celebrating the release of NatPhil’s album of works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. This program features music from the album – including Toussaint L’Overture and Ballade op. 4 for Violin and Orchestra – alongside Avril Coleridge-Taylor’s Sussex Landscape and Tchaikovsky’s enduring Symphony No. 5.
On October 25, NatPhil reunites with The Washington Chorus at Strathmore for One Song: Exultávit, conducted by Eugene Rogers. This concert explores prayer practices across cultures and religions – as well as the social justice inherent in their texts, featuring J.S. Bach’s beloved Magnificat and Reena Esmail’s extraordinary This Love Between Us.
Tickets start at just $29. Kids ages 7–17 can attend any NatPhil performance for free with an adult!
www.nationalphilharmonic.org
CULTURE WATCH
Not Your Mother’s Goose!
ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC
OCTOBER 3- NOVEMBER 2
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT 11AM AND 2PM
Not Your Mother’s Goose! is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure through Gooseville, where nursery rhymes go hilariously off-script. When time unravels and chaos reigns, it’s up to Mother Goose and a cast of quirky characters— like Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Jack, and Mary—to save the day before the big Harvest Festival. Bursting with wordplay, mischief, and heart, this theatrical romp turns childhood classics delightfully upside down.
Ticket Info: Tickets $26 each adventuretheatre-mtc.org | 301-634-2270
Akhmedova Ballet Academy (ABA)
Echo Arts Festival
GLEN ECHO PARK PARTNERSHIP FOR ARTS AND CULTURE SEPTEMBER 28, 12PM TO 5PM
Join us at the Park for a celebration of visual and performing arts! This FREE event will include a multitude of hands-on activities, live music, and unique opportunities to delve into the arts. Free (RSVP preferred, not required) glenechopark.org/echoarts
FREE ARTS EVENT!
Train with the Best! ABA has been providing world-class Vaganova ballet training since 2011, equipping its dancers to join the ranks of professional companies. ABA’s exceptional faculty provide a nurturing environment where students age 6-21 thrive as both dancers and individuals. No matter what educational or career path our students choose, our training will instill in them the work-ethic, communication and collaborative skills necessary for producing successful leaders and citizens, committed to community, diversity and values-driven pursuits.
Admission and Audition: Contact@AkhmedovaBallet.org www.akhmedovaballet.org | 301-593-6262
Takoma Park Folk Festival
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 10:30AM TO 6PM
Takoma Park Middle School 7611 Piney Branch Rd. The Takoma Park Folk Festival is a free, all-day celebration of music, art, food, and community. There’s something for everyone at this treasured community event! Rain or Shine. www.tpff.org
Pictured: Big Sky Quartet performs at the 2024 TPFF Photo by rob Hinkal
Mussels marinière with leeks, garlic, white wine and herb butter at the newly renovated Mon Ami Gabi
PHOTOS
AN OLD FRIEND, REVISITED
After a 10-month closure for renovations, Bethesda favorite Mon Ami Gabi makes a welcome return
BY DAVID HAGEDORN
“W
ould you like some warm baguette?” the server asks my companions and me on his first approach to our table at Mon Ami Gabi. Does anyone say no to that question, I wonder, as I declare, “Bien sûr!” Soon I’m slathering whipped butter on a piece I’ve torn off, marveling at the loaf’s fluffy interior and crackling exterior even before I’ve had a chance to look at the menu (where I discover the loaf costs $3.95).
The Bethesda stalwart first opened in 2002 and reopened in March of this year after a 10-month renovation that added 1,700 square feet to its existing 5,800-square-foot footprint.
“The dining room has been reimagined,” says Mark Sotelino, a partner in Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You, the Mon Ami Gabi parent company that also owns Summer House Santa Monica in North Bethesda. (The company has two other loca-
The Vesper crudité cocktail is made with Hendrick’s gin, crudité infused Ketel One and Lillet Blanc.
FAVORITE DISHES: Vesper crudité; mussels marinière; duck confit with bean stew; skate wing Grenobloise; côte de boeuf (22-ounce bone-in rib-eye); and tarte tatin
PRICES: Starters: $11.95 to $35.95; Entrees: $26.95 to $50.95, 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye: $74.95; Sides: $7.95 to $12.95; Desserts: $10.95 to $12.95
LIBATIONS: Mon Ami Gabi’s beverage list includes three martinis (Dirty, Classique and Vesper crudité, $16.95 to $17.95) and four specialty cocktails ($15.95 to $16.95), among them a Manhattan with an ice cube imprinted with the restaurant’s snail logo. There are also three zero-proof cocktails and eight beers ($7.95 to $16.95, one of them nonalcoholic).
All of Mon Ami Gabi’s wines are French. Eighteen (three sparkling, one rosé, seven whites and seven reds) are offered by the glass ($13 to $32) and bottle ($52 to $128). An additional bottle-only list offers six rosés ($44 to $112), 35 white wines ($44 to $292), 55 reds ($40 to $300) and 12 sparkling ($52 to $500).
SERVICE: Very knowledgeable and accommodating
The tarte tatin, a puff pastry crust topped with baked apples
tions of Mon Ami Gabi: Las Vegas and the Chicago flagship.) “The main bar moved to the center of the restaurant and doubled in size. We thought there was a youth movement in Bethesda and wanted to have a more prominent bar scene, with a new cocktail menu and a happy hour that we never did before. And we took over the former ice cream shop [which was Chaia Tacos after that] and created a smaller bar in the back that can be part of our new private event spaces. We never had enough room for private events before.” Now, three rooms can be arranged for private parties of 10 to 80 people.
The new Mon Ami Gabi seats 260, including two sidewalk patios, one seating 30, the other a covered, heated, allseasons terrace accommodating 67 diners. “We redid the HVAC and hood systems,
the foundation and the floors, moved the main entrance from Woodmont [Avenue] to the corner,” Sotelino says. “The interior looks like the Mon Ami Gabi of old but with the patina of a Parisian bistro, not brand new and shiny.” The palette is deep forest green and antique bronze, with white tile floors, art nouveau-style globe pendants, and tables bedecked with white tablecloths topped with white paper. French bistro bric-a-brac abounds: Champagne methuselahs, basketry, brass chandeliers, art nouveau tulip lamps and copies of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking volumes one and two.
Andrew Fleischauer, 52, is the chef. He joined the Mon Ami Gabi team in 2008 after acquiring a Grande Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris and working at Le Meridien Boston
Cambridge Hotel and the Inn at Little Washington and Maestro (now closed) in Virginia.
A martini section on the cocktail list grabs my attention, especially a Vesper made with Hendrick’s gin, Lillet Blanc and Ketel One vodka, which arrives on a tray with a small dish of crudités (cucumber, bell pepper, radish) and a small carafe of extra Vesper over ice for topping off the quaff.
I order some shareable items for the table: a mound of crispy, hand-cut french fries; a velvety mousse made with chicken livers that have been soaked overnight in brandy; a small pot of plump steamed mussels; and a wheel of decadent, gooey baked brie topped with apricot jam, walnuts and brown butter to smear on slices of toasted baguette (this could easily do double duty as a dessert). The mussels are
Duck leg confit with beans, bacon and Swiss chard PHOTOS
particularly tasty because Fleischauer first cooks cream with mussels, leeks and shallots, then strains and reduces the mixture to use when steaming orders of mussels with leeks, garlic, herb butter and white wine. Don’t leave a drop of that rich broth behind.
Duck leg confit is a worthwhile starter that could also be an entree. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender thanks to long, slow braising in duck fat, and the rendered skin is super crispy thanks to being pan-fried before serving. The northern bean and Swiss chard stew that accompanies it, smoky from bacon and finished with a hint of vinegar for tang, is sublime.
Whereas excellent technique is the foundation for Mon Ami Gabi’s cooking, there are lapses. When I order my favorite French bistro salad of frisée lettuce and lardons (thick morsels of bacon) topped with a poached egg, I notice that the lardons are overcooked, the fat rendered completely out of them. Biting down on one of them with my first taste of the salad breaks my back molar. (This resulted in dentist visits for a crown. I did not inform the management because I was reviewing the restaurant; in retrospect, perhaps I should have, as any other diner would.)
Things slip through the cracks in restaurants and off days happen, but on another visit, the lardons garnishing the roast chicken with potato puree and sauteed mushrooms are also overcooked to the point of being leathery and jerky-like. (I don’t tempt fate this time around.) The chicken, though flavorful from overnight brining, is dry and overcooked.
Mon Ami Gabi’s signature 8-ounce sirloin steak frites remains as good as ever, the meat marinated with garlic and olive oil overnight, but consider splurging on the shareable 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye. It’s grilled, then topped with a layer of finely chopped caramelized shallots, leeks and onions and garnished with a lawn-like coating of chopped chives. It’s a stunner.
The prizewinner is delicate skate wing dipped in beaten eggs, coated with flour and sauteed in butter to create a crispy coating that seals in the fish’s moisture. Served with a lemony
brown butter and caper sauce and a sprinkling of brioche croutons, it’s a dish that impresses in its balance of acidity and richness.
Mon Ami Gabi offers desserts one expects at a French bistro—satisfying versions of creme brulee, chocolate mousse and ice cream-filled profiteroles topped with hot fudge. Avoid the doughy bananas Foster crepes and opt instead for the tarte tatin, a buttery puff pastry crust topped with tender baked apples, deeply caramelized and gooey.
The staff shines at Mon Ami Gabi, and I appreciate extra service touches, such as offering to split dishes for sharing and then providing serving utensils for those
shared dishes, which surprisingly few places think to do. But a 3.5% surcharge added to the bill “as a way to offset rising costs” irks me. (They will remove it at the diner’s request.) Sotelino says the surcharge, which is added companywide (the website lists close to 80 properties), goes toward continuing to pay the staff well and provide superlative benefits. The receipts clearly state that “this charge is not a gratuity paid to staff and is not a payment for services rendered.” I think diners are weary of these charges—I often field complaints about restaurants that add them to bills. They can leave a bad taste in the mouth no matter how good the apple tart is.
The 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye is smothered in caramelized leeks, onions and shallots and topped with chives.
Renovations doubled the space in the main bar area.
Everywhere You Want to Be
West Virginia’s Cacapon Resort State Park
Peek at this couple’s wedding reception at the Kogod Courtyard in Washington, D.C. PAGE 194
FALLING FOR STYLE
From ribbed turtlenecks to rain-ready boots, here’s what to wear for the season’s most picturesque outings
Free People “Deep Trance” overalls, $148 at South Moon Under, 10247 Old Georgetown Road (Shops at Wildwood), Bethesda, 301-564-0995, southmoonunder.com
These MoCo pickleball fashionistas are kind of a big dill
Gone are the days of baggy sweats and old college shirts on the court: Pickleball fashion is getting a serious glow-up. With the sport’s popularity rising, three Montgomery County entrepreneurs created Moorlow, a fashion line focusing on pickleball that also promotes brain health.
“Moorlow was born, marrying the fashion side, the brain health side, and really seamlessly through it all is the joy side,” says co-founder Holly Morris Espy, 54, a Chevy Chase resident and former Fox 5 anchor. “So we feel like with Moorlow we’re showing that joy matters, movement matters and meaning matters.”
The tops, shorts, skorts and dresses range in price from $78 to $248, with pieces designed to mix and match. Made from a blend of spandex, nylon and polyester, the fabric offers stretch and breathability. The designs feature pockets ideal for holding pickleballs during play, as well as phones. Overall, the collection’s vibrant, playful styling aims to reflect the energy of the sport.
Along with Morris Espy, Moorlow is
the creation of brain health advocate Brooks Kenny, 52, of Kensington and Sondra Hoffman, 36, a Chevy Chase resident and fashion industry veteran. Morris Espy and Kenny, who are longtime friends, met Hoffman on the tennis court five years ago. By April 2023 they were brainstorming business ideas and they launched Moorlow in June 2025.
Morris Espy is Moorlow’s storyteller, while Kenny leads its brain health efforts and Hoffman focuses on the brand’s textile designs. The name Moorlow is a combination of the women’s maiden names.
Every time someone purchases a Moorlow product, they receive brain health tips. Moorlow also donates a portion of every sale to brain health nonprofits, including Montgomery County-based BrightFocus Foundation and Los Angeles-based Hilarity for Charity.
Researchers “now say that up to 45% of cases of cognitive decline can be prevented or reduced through lifestyle, things like exercise, social connection and learning something new, all of which pickleball
BY DAWN KLAVON
provides,” Kenny says. “So we’ve actually taken this need for high fashion, beautiful clothing that women want to wear when they’re playing pickleball, and we’ve married that with brain health education.”
Moorlow is sold online at moorlow.com and through pop-ups and events. So far, the company says the white Sondra skort has been the most popular seller.
“I love pickleball; I always wondered why people never made clothes for it— it seemed to be a missing market,” says Potomac resident Jill Hammerschmidt, 56, who built a court in her backyard. A longtime friend of Kenny’s, she wears Moorlow and champions its mission. “They have worked so hard to create something that is good for everybody.”
Even the brand’s signature squiggly line pattern carries intention—it invokes the bounce of a pickleball, the rhythm of a brain wave, and the subtle curve of an “m” woven into the design.
“We like to say that we’re not just a brand that is advocating for a cause,” Morris Espy says. “We’re wearing it.”
From left: Moorlow co-founders
Holly Morris Espy, Brooks Kenny and Sondra Hoffman wear pieces from their clothing line.
Traveler’s Notebook
Three spots to book for your next getaway
BY CHRISTINE KOUBEK FLYNN
Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, boasts (clockwise from left) a renovated interior, horseback riding and firepits.
Find Your Natural High
Experience autumn’s splendor at Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The lodge reopened in May 2021, after a major renovation increased its number of guest rooms from 42 to 120. An outdoor terrace and fireplace, an indoor swimming pool, Healing Waters Spa and Prospects Restaurant are all on property. Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage in the lobby and settle into a porch rocker overlooking the wooded hillside to plan the day. The resort features a Robert Trent Jones 18-hole golf course, a driving range, fishing pier, clay shooting range, tennis and basketball courts, horseback riding and a nature
center. Hikers can explore a variety of well-marked trails with or without a naturalist offering insights into the local ecosystem, history and wildlife.
Seeing the sights by bike is also an option. Thanks to a $3.5 million federal Economic Development Administration grant, Cacapon Resort is adding 35 professionally designed cycling trails to the park’s existing trail system, several miles of which are now open (full project completion expected in 2026). Legs tired? Take a 7-mile drive to the overlook and enjoy panoramic views of fall foliage from the highest peak in the Eastern Panhandle.
Indoor enticements include the full-
service spa, a fitness center and plenty of places to lounge, from the oversize sofas in the lobby to a library stocked with books and board games. Guest rooms are divided between the North Lodge (new and roomier with a king bed or double queens) and South Lodge (one queen bed). Suites and ADA accessible rooms are available, too. All have a mini-fridge, singleserve coffee maker and mountain or golf course views. Rates begin at $135.
Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 304-258-1022, wvstateparks.com/places-to-stay/lodges/ cacapon-resort-state-park-lodge
Savor Exquisite Taste
Set along the Delaware River, New Jersey’s storied and historic Stockton Inn (circa 1710) has welcomed many illustrious guests over the years from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Margaret Mitchell is rumored to have penned parts of Gone With the Wind here.
Following a meticulous restoration in late 2024, the boutique property reopened with nine guest rooms and suites appointed in warm earth tones with hardwood floors and marble bathrooms. Each room includes a Nespresso machine, plush Matouk linens and robes, a Bluetooth speaker and a high-end Dyson hair dryer. Three of the rooms have a decadent oversize soaking tub. The 813-square-foot, ADA-accessible Carriage Two Suite offers a private patio with a bocce court and firepit.
The inn’s culinary program and two restaurants are led by Executive Chef Bob Truitt, a James Beard Award semifinalist. At Finch, housemade pastas take center stage—try the celery root ravioli. The Sorrento lemon risotto is another guest favorite.
The Dog & Deer Tavern, where a gorgeous Jamie Wyeth original painting of a dog presides over the bar, is a choice spot for raw bar selections and dishes ranging from sourdough focaccia to burrata salad. Head bartender Brian Miller’s clever cocktails include a riff on an old-fashioned made with banana liqueur and maple, and the Tiki-inspired Cobra’s Fang (Hamilton 151 proof Demerara rum, lime, orange, passion fruit, cinnamon syrup, falernum, absinthe and bitters). Sip your beverage in the cozy tavern or on the heated terrace with its cascading waterfall.
For an artful excursion, check out the galleries and boutiques in nearby Lambertville, New Jersey, and New Hope, Pennsylvania, and the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. Rates begin at $500 and include complimentary coffee, tea and snacks.
Stockton Inn, 1 S. Main St., Stockton, New Jersey, 609-460-4209, stocktoninn.com
From top: A bartender at New Jersey’s Stockton Inn, which dates to 1710; a soaking tub in a guest room at the inn; a guest room features a fireplace and neutral decor.
Left: A welcoming entryway, reception desk and espresso bar at Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware; Bottom: A barista at the espresso bar, which serves coffee with beans from Gaia Coffee Co.
i Beer This Way
Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed hotel near the canal in historic Lewes, Delaware, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 with a redesign. Owned and operated by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, the inn’s new coastal-cottage lobby includes cozy seating areas, an on-site library curated by San Francisco’s City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, and an espresso bar serving coffee drinks brewed with beans from Delaware’s Gaia Coffee Co.
Each of the 16 renovated guest rooms offers a king or two queens, plus quirky perks such as shower beer holders and beerinfused soap. Additional creature comforts include a mini-fridge, a microwave, Malin + Goetz bath products, down comforters and upgraded linens. The two-bedroom “Cottage Sweet” has a queen in each bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchenette. Dogs are allowed in select rooms.
The property’s handy “gear shed” offers equipment to use during your stay, from binoculars and hammocks to cornhole boards, plus a fleet of custom beach cruisers and e-bikes (see website for bike rental fees).
Off property, enjoy a beach day without the summer crowds, peruse area farmers markets or take a bike ride through lovely
PHOTOS COURTESY DOGFISH HEAD CRAFT BREWERY
Cape Henlopen State Park, then venture out to one of Dogfish Head’s two Rehoboth Beach restaurants—Brewings & Eats brewpub or the seafood-centric Chesapeake & Maine.
Dogfish Head’s main brewery in Milton (a 20-25 minute drive from the inn) is worth a pilgrimage for the annual Dogfish Dash road race on Sept. 28, and the free family- and dog-friendly Punkin Ale Fest on Oct. 11. Give their new Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale a try. Room rates begin at $219.
Dogfish Inn, 105 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware,
Left: Beach cruisers are one of the gear options on offer at the inn. Below: The inn’s reception area also includes comfortable seating.
Journey
My footsteps crunch on a gravel road cutting through a blanket of grass, and in the distance, hay stalks flutter beneath the contours of South Mountain. It’s a crisp morning in December 2024, and I’m visiting the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the home of Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower from 1954 until 1969.
The Eisenhower home is surrounded by pastures framed with white picket fences. Standing in the doorway is National Park Ranger Dan Vermilya, who welcomes me into an entryway lined with wallpaper featuring the seal of every American state. I scan the elegant living room, admiring a velvet pouf, a pretty-in-pink painting of Mamie Eisenhower, and a marble fireplace, removed from the White House in 1873 by President Ulysses S. Grant. The Eisenhowers’ White House staff found it and gifted it to the couple for their 38th wedding anniversary in 1954.
Between my love of American history and appreciation for preserving landmarks, I feel tears prickling my eyes.
to the
Gettysburg packs big-time history, dining and shopping into a small town
BY RENEE SKLAREW
Past
Gettysburg offers historic sites, such as Little Round Top, to teach visitors about the Civil War.
I’ve liked Ike since studying World War II in college. As supreme commander of the Allied forces, he steered the United States to victory against the Nazi regime and commanded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) because “he wanted to make sure there wasn’t a third world war in his lifetime,” Vermilya tells me.
A Republican, Eisenhower served two terms, signing legislation establishing NASA and the Interstate Highway System. He intervened in Cold War crises and signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1957. He pushed for and passed the Admittance Act granting Alaska and Hawaii statehood in the Union.
Despite his remarkable life, America’s 34th president remained a humble guy from Abilene, Kansas. He cherished Gettysburg’s rural landscape and retired to the farm full time after his presidency. “One of the reasons they bought this property in 1950 was that they had lived in Gettysburg in 1918 when Eisenhower commanded Camp Colt,” Vermilya says.
The house still contains the family’s belongings and artifacts, including mementos from friends and fans. The lacquer coffee table was given to Eisenhower by the first lady of Korea on the first anniversary of the Korean War armistice. “That agreement was one of his proudest achievements,” Vermilya notes. While Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack in 1955, the farm served as the unofficial White House. World leaders, including Prime Minister Nehru of India and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, called on Eisenhower here.
The Eisenhowers lived at the Gettysburg farm until their deaths—Ike’s in 1969 and Mamie’s in 1979—treasuring the sounds of lowing cattle, laughter of their grandkids, and rhythms of small-town life. They gave the farmstead to the National Park Service. Vermilya says most visitors come to the area to learn about the Civil War at Gettysburg National Military Park. The Eisenhower site remains a somewhat hidden
gem, except during three days in September when more than 7,000 people converge here for the annual World War II Weekend.
This year’s theme is the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory (European and Pacific foes surrendered in 1945). The Eisenhower site is converted into a living history camp with World War II veterans riding in camouflage tanks and reenactors in field jackets. “We have American, British, Canadian and Polish living history exhibits,” Vermilya says. “But the focus is on what World War II meant for the Eisenhower family and how the U.S. worked with its allies.”
The free World War II Weekend is at the Eisenhower National Historic Site from Sept.19-21. Vermilya recommends coming on Sunday, usually the least crowded day. Check nps.gov/eise/world-war-ii-week end for a schedule of events.
“We try to keep the tone commemorative because it’s the second world war, a cataclysmic and tragic event,” Vermilya adds. “16 million Americans served in uniform, and millions more on the homefront. It touched everyone. We want to give people a chance to connect with those stories.”
I
LOVE EXPLORING
SMALL TOWNS,
BUT GETTYSBURG HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. I come year after year because it’s only 70 miles from Bethesda, and there are always new places to dis-
Adams County countryside view of Gettysburg; Right: the Eisenhower National Historic Site
Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum
cover. Beyond that, I’m touched by the friendliness of the people who enjoy chatting about their hometown.
Hotel Gettysburg is an ideal home base because it’s centrally located, on Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square. From there, I can walk to restaurants, shops and the wonderful Majestic Theater. Constructed in 1925, the hotel retains its landmark style but with modern decor after a major renovation in 2024.
From my hotel window, I watch tourists pose beside “Return Visit,” a life-size statue of Abraham Lincoln greeting a contemporary gentleman. Lincoln waves his top hat toward the David Wills House, where he slept and finalized his famous Gettysburg Address. I’ve taken many selfies there myself. It’s one of the most iconic spots in a town full of momentous markers.
That evening, I join friends at the Dobbin House Tavern, where a roving troubadour serenades our candlelit table. Our waitress in Colonial attire loads the table with steaks and crabcakes, while Rick Beamer, Dobbin House’s general manager, tells us about the Rev. Alexander Dobbin, who built the property in 1776. Beamer says Dobbin had 19 children between two wives. “For a man of the time, he was quite wealthy. Most Colonial homes were one or two rooms, but the Dobbinses had four bedrooms upstairs and four rooms downstairs.” His son Matthew added rooms over the kitchen for a station on the Underground Railroad. After dinner, I climb the stairs to see the hiding places.
Clockwise from left: Shopping in Gettysburg; experience the annual World War II Weekend; Hotel Gettysburg is situated in the center of town.
In Gettysburg, I feel a deep connection to the past. That feeling is especially true inside the Shriver House Museum there. A reenactor in a hoop skirt ushers my group from room to room, describing the harrowing experiences endured by the Shriver family, owners of the townhouse during the Civil War. After the family escaped, rebel soldiers took over the property. “Confederate sharpshooters knocked holes in the attic wall, and two soldiers died there,” says Abbie Hoffman, the museum’s director.
Another immersive experience awaits at Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum. Exhibits at the museum, which is operated by the Adams County Historical Society, depict life in the region from pre-Colonial times to Eisenhower’s era. “Caught in the Crossfire Experience” is a life-size Civil War-era cabin where gunshot blasts and screams fill the air. Soon, I’m shaking as much as the room.
Returning to the square, The Upper Crust offers the perfect dose of reality, a lively spot with a fun combination of Skee-Ball, billiards, barbecue and wood-fired pizzas. Next, I knock off some stylish gifts from my holiday list at Lark, A Modern Marketplace. On the lower level is Waldo’s & Co., a bookstore, coffee bar and art co-op where patrons are typing away on their laptops.
The Adams County Pour Tour is a downloadable map of the area’s breweries, hard cider makers, wineries and distilleries. Many are spread around the countryside but some are downtown, including the Adams County Winery’s tasting room, where I sample the wine sorbet. Dinner is at Union Hotel’s Sign of the Buck, a culinary gem with a sophisticated vibe.
Sure, I’m tired, but I’m not going to miss seeing A Christmas Carol at Majestic Theater. This peppy and professional production is even more fun knowing the performers are local.
ON DAY THREE, I REFUEL AT THE RAGGED EDGE COFFEE HOUSE BEFORE VISITING THE WORLD WAR II AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. The museum opened in 2022 and contains jeeps, armored vehicles and a replica of a 1941 living room with furniture from Sears. Collectors Frank and Loni Buck wanted to share their treasures, so they built a museum and education center on their farm near downtown Gettysburg. My favorite is the American Red Cross Clubmobile, a snack truck that boosted the morale of soldiers. “We even have Hershey’s bars in the exact specs of those distributed overseas,” Loni Buck says.
There are many more places I want to see, but I’ll be back for World War II Weekend in September. I think Ike and Mamie would appreciate how visitors from around the world come to Gettysburg to enjoy all their town has to offer.
If You Go
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & STAY
Transforming a circa 1896 high school into the Federal Pointe Inn (federalpointe inn.com) was no easy task, but owner Pete Monahan carried out his audacious vision. The antiques collector even furnished the hotel himself. “I go to [antiques] auctions, and when I find a bed that I love, I’ll put it in a room,” he says. Monahan kept remnants of the school, such as chalkboards and wall hooks, and he displays photos of students in the cozy Pointe Pub, which features his mom’s pickle dip recipe.
Hotel Gettysburg (gettysburghotel.com) puts visitors in the heart of the action. The grande dame has welcomed guests since the turn of the 19th century, including U.S. presidents and international heads of state. Some rooms have fireplaces and sitting areas. The hotel restaurant, One Lincoln, is a local hot spot. Considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in America, people have reported hearing the sounds of dying soldiers within its walls (but I never have).
Go early for a table at BYOB bistro 101 (101gettysburgsquare.square.site), with a menu of curated pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and desserts made from scratch ingredients sourced in Pennsylvania.
Chef Josh Fidler’s Sign of the Buck (signofthebuck.com) has elevated Gettysburg’s culinary scene; the farm-to-table restaurant housed in the historic Union Hotel (unionhotel gettysburg.com) serves homemade breadboards, tuna crudo and venison chops. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
It’s hard to resist the sea salt chocolate chip cookies at Sweeter Than SAP (sweeter thansap.com), a bakery near Lincoln Square that opened in 2023. You’ll find those same cookies filled with your choice of ice cream flavors at Mr. G’s Ice Cream (mrgsicecream.com) for the ultimate sweet treat.
Fourscore Beer Co. (fourscorebeer.com) serves soft pretzels and chorizo tacos that pair perfectly with the brewery’s fruity sours and West Coast IPAs.
WHERE TO SHOP
Save time to examine the fashionable jewelry, clothing and gifts for pets, kids and everyone else at Lark, A Modern Marketplace (larkgifts.com).
The stark paintings of Abraham Lincoln at Wendy Allen’s gallery Lincoln Into Art (lincolnintoart.com) capture the haunting stories of this forthright and courageous president in a top hat.
Peruse the shelves at Gallery 30 (gallery30.com) to see American-made crafts for every season and taste, including the “Jumpies,” a toy inspired by stories, both fairy tale and true.
WHERE
TO PLAY
It’s not all education in Adams County.
fruit, especially apples and peaches, along with baked goods and honey.
Adams County is famous for its prolific orchards. Take a wagon ride through the fields at Hollabaugh Bros. Farm & Fruit Market (hollabaughbros.com), then pick your own fruit or buy locally sourced food at the year-round market.
Check the lineup at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater (gettysburgmajestic.org) to see classic films, renowned performers and Broadway-style shows.
Travel writer Renee Sklarew is passionate about exploring the midAtlantic region and finding enticing stories to share. A longtime resident of Montgomery County, she lives in North Bethesda.
A view from the street of Gallery
Masterpiece Making in the A
This Chevy Chase couple’s 225-guest wedding reception embraced the artistic vibe of its Smithsonian courtyard setting with artful florals and an escort wall doubling as a gallery
BY DANA GERBER
The couple: Maria Havenstein (maiden name Ayers), 33, grew up in Bethesda and graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. She works at Touch Less Car Wash, her family’s business, helping to manage operations at its two locations in Gaithersburg. Paul Havenstein, 36, also grew up in Bethesda and graduated from Walt Whitman High School. He is a trial attorney at McCarthy Wilson in Rockville. They live in Chevy Chase with their miniature schnauzer, Oshie, named after the former Washington Capitals hockey player.
How they met: After being set up by mutual friends, Maria and Paul went on their first date to Barrel & Crow in downtown Bethesda on April 1, 2021. “I almost didn’t go on the date,” she recalls, because Paul messaged her an April Fool’s joke beforehand. “I’m like, ‘Oh, he’s one of these guys. He’s going to be weird, he’s going to be annoying,’ ” she says. Thankfully, the joke was on her: They hit it off, bonding easily over their Bethesda upbringings. “I probably talked the entire time,” Maria says. Paul, for his part, was happy to listen. “It just felt really natural and was really easy, and so it blossomed pretty quickly,” he says.
The proposal: Paul popped the question in September 2023 in a gazebo on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, where the pair used to stroll when they first started dating and Maria lived nearby. “It was also a meaningful spot because Maria’s dad had proposed to her mom at the Washington National Cathedral,” Paul says.
The ceremony: Family ties remained strong at the July 20, 2024, wedding ceremony at St. Dominic Church in Washington, D.C., where Maria’s grandparents, parents and sister had also tied the knot. “That just even magnified it and made it even more special,” Maria says. The pair recited standard vows in front of their 225 guests after sharing their personal vows at the rehearsal dinner the night before. “I just spoke about how I’m so lucky because Maria is good at all the things that I’m not good at,” Paul says, while Maria compared their life to a portrait—a nod to their choice of reception venue. “Paul gives us the structure and the outline and makes us actually have shape into something,” she says, “and I add the colors to make it vibrant.”
PHOTOS BY RONALD FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY
The reception: After the ceremony, guests took buses to the reception venue, the Kogod Courtyard, a 28,000-squarefoot space nestled between the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “It just felt so unique and different,” Maria says of the courtyard, which opened up to private parties in 2019. Its public setting presented some logistical issues during the soiree’s set-up. “People were taking silverware and trying to take the flower arrangements,” Maria says.
As they entered the space, guests were greeted by a towering escort wall filled with postcards of famous paintings, each bearing a handwritten note from the newlyweds. “I started probably six months in advance,” Maria says of the elaborate homage to their venue. During cocktail hour, a faux greenery divider split the room in two. As dinner neared, gold doors in the middle parted to reveal the bar, monogrammed dance floor and candlelit tablescapes, complete with soaring bouquets of white blooms and lush greenery.
After the couple’s first dance—“LO-V-E” by Nat King Cole—the band got guests on the dance floor, where there was a basket of flip-flops available for the taking. A rotary phone “guest book” recorded voice messages for the newly-
weds. “They got continuously more entertaining as the night went on and people had more drinks,” Paul says with a laugh.
The food: Since the reception didn’t start until late evening, after the museums closed to the public, the newlyweds made sure guests were well fed from the moment they arrived. That started with passed cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres such as rosemary grilled lamb chops, mac-andcheese bites and Brussels sprout cups, as well as a Spanish tapas station. A vodka martini served as Paul’s signature cocktail, while Maria’s was a tequila grapefruit crush. For the plated feast, a first course of burrata paired with melon, cucumber and baby arugula was followed by a main course of short ribs, branzino over fennel and tomato, corn souffle and broccolini.
Dessert included a selection of miniature treats—salted pretzel chocolate mousse bites, red velvet cupcakes, Oreo cheesecakes—and a wedding cake with a medley of flavors: vanilla cake soaked with Earl Grey, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and salted caramel cream, and vanilla cake with peach jam and dulce de leche filling. But the biggest hit was a “roving” cannoli bar—waiters carried a tray around the dance floor, offering up made-to-order cannoli with all
the fixings. Erasing any chance a guest could go home hungry, fried chicken sandwiches were available to go as the festivities wrapped up around 1 a.m.
The outfits: The dress code was “very classic black tie,” Paul says, and both bride and groom delivered. Maria picked out a Monique Lhuillier strapless gown at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in D.C. “It felt like it matched the occasion,” Maria says of the dress, which she traded for a blinged-out mini from Saks during the reception. She finished the bridal ensemble with a pearl-studded veil and a gold bangle of her grandmother’s that many of the women in her family have worn on their wedding days. Paul wore a custommade tuxedo from J.Hilburn, donning a white dinner jacket for eating and dancing. “Paul being a trial attorney, suits are what he wears on a Monday,” Maria says. “We had to step it up.”
The honeymoon: The newlyweds took off for a “mini-moon” right after the wedding, spending three days decompressing at the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland. Because “the wedding was so much build-up, we wanted just to kind of relax,” Paul says. “We didn’t want to hop on an international flight immediately.” Come September, though, that’s what they did, jetting off to Italy to spend 10 days exploring Rome, the Vatican and the Amalfi Coast.
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Vendors: Band, Sound Society Band; catering, Occasions Caterers; church, St. Dominic Church; decor and florals, Edge Floral Event Designers; dress, Carine’s Bridal Atelier; hair, Hair by Remona; invitations, Kelly Joyce Design; lighting, Digital Lightning; makeup, Makeup by Mimi Tran; photo booth, Booth-o-Rama; photographer, Ronald Flores Photography; planning and design, Michele Hodges Events; suit, J.Hilburn; venue, Kogod Courtyard.
DR. MEDHAT GHANNAM & DR. PETER RINALDI
PHOTOS BY RONALD FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY
More Than Words
How a speech-language pathologist uses social groups to foster connection among young people
It’s the week before Nolan Walter’s high school graduation and he is talking to his friends about the party he is hosting that weekend. Nolan, 20, lives in Bethesda and will graduate from Ivymount School in Potomac, and he has just started a new job at a CVS in Bethesda. He is one of seven young adults and teenagers sitting at a wide table in the center of Panera Bread on Wisconsin Avenue. After many years, the group is a fixture here, familiar with both the menu and the people working behind the counter.
The nickname for the group is Social Squad, which started in 2017 with a group of four kids and still continues weekly, now with seven members. Sitting with the group is organizer Aviva Krauthammer, 47, a speech-language pathologist. She, too, is planning to attend Nolan’s graduation party.
“So what could we say to the host and hostess when they have a party?” Krauthammer asks.
BY REBECCA GALE
“I hope you’re bringing me a present. At least a card,” Nolan offers.
“I can do that,” one member says to him. “I’m coming at the beginning.”
“But what do we say to the host and hostess when we’re leaving?” Krauthammer asks.
“Congratulations,” offers a Social Squad member named Julian.
“Goodbye,” another says.
“And what else?” she asks. “Someone just hosted you for a party. What could you say to them?”
“Thank you!” they both add.
Social Squad focuses on social language, which can be elusive for some youths, particularly those who are neurodiverse or who struggle with social anxiety. Much of Krauthammer’s pediatric speech therapy practice, The Language Link, consists of one-on-one speech therapy in private school settings or at her home office in Silver Spring. Krauthammer went to college to study educational psychology, but while
teaching in a classroom at a Hebrew school outside of Boston, she struck up a relationship with the speech therapist there who helped students with challenges navigate the curriculum. She earned her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from Northeastern University and moved to the D.C. area in 2009, where she worked as a contractor for local practices and schools before opening her own practice in 2012. A decade ago she discovered the benefit of having kids practice social language with their peers. “Real-world skills,” as she calls them, like turn-taking and attentive listening, are the kind that need to be practiced in group settings.
In 2011, she teamed up with an occupational therapist to form a “sensory social group” to engage kids in physical activities while working to improve their social language. “It was such a simple thing to do,” she says, “and incredibly effective.” When the program ended, parents requested additional sessions. Now she runs multiple
PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY
Aviva Krauthammer, center, and her speech-language clients socialize with a vendor at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market in Bethesda.
social groups for children and young adults, though Social Squad remains the longeststanding among them.
In 2017, while shopping at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market in Bethesda, Krauthammer struck up a conversation with a manager, Ray Renn. “I had this moment,” she recalls. “I wanted the kids to be out in the community and try these sorts of interactions out.” Social Squad practiced skills and interactions regularly with Renn from 2017 until 2019. Renn died in 2022.
“We’d practice greeting Ray and asking him questions about the farm and his family. Also using things like proper body language and not walking away in the middle of the conversation,” Krauthammer says. “The kids had money and would go around to different vendors, practicing their different skills and buying things, too.”
On an outing at the downtown Bethesda library in 2017, Julie Walter noticed Krauthammer teaching the members of Social
Squad how to check out books and engage with the librarians. At the time, Walter’s son, Nolan, was between schools and she wanted to find a group therapy setting outside of school where Nolan could focus on social skills instead of educational goals. “I was like, this looks like something I need to know about. I introduced myself and said, ‘Oh, are you having a group?’ ” Soon after, Nolan joined.
Social groups make up about 20% of Krauthammer’s work, she says. Families pay out of pocket with the option to submit for reimbursement to their health insurance. The social groups she offers are less expensive than one-on-one therapy. When she began in 2011, Krauthammer was one of a few therapists she knew that offered social groups. Now, more therapists approach her with questions on how to start their own, and more continuing education programs are being offered on the topic.
Even as her Social Squad kids age out
of pediatric speech therapy, which in the public school system is considered to be at age 21, Krauthammer has no plans to pause the group. Julie Walter feels it’s just as important now for Nolan as it was when they stumbled upon Krauthammer in the library. “Especially now, with getting a job, it’s crucial,” Walter says. “[Nolan] doesn’t always want to talk to his parents, and he isn’t going to have school anymore as a resource. To be able to have this social group to connect right now is so needed.”
True to their word, most of Social Squad attended Nolan’s graduation party, where he played jazz on the keyboard and the group danced along. Krauthammer says Haleh Nili, Julian’s mother, approached her and said, “Ms. Aviva, please never stop your social group. I want Julian to be in it into his 40s.”
“And I said to her, ‘I love this group so much that I will be hobbling to it in my 90s. We will still have a group as long as they want to meet,’ ” Krauthammer says.
How I Discovered the Quiet Power of Guardrails
Rachel Lubin lives in the leafy Bethesda neighborhood of Glen Echo Heights with her husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 10. “Our first purchase when we moved here a few years ago from Washington, [D.C.,] was a leaf blower because we truly are in a forest,” she says. “It gets really aggressive in the fall.”
For the last year and a half, Lubin, 42, has been CEO of Bethesda-based startup Roda, a concierge car maintenance business that picks up customers’ cars, services them at a Rockville facility and then drops off the car when the work is done. As of June, there were 35 employees, most of them full time, ranging from marketing executives to mechanics. That number grows frequently, Lubin says, an indication that the valet auto servicing concept isn’t just resonating, it’s accelerating. Is franchising in the future? “No, but expansion most definitely,” she says without hesitation.
For Lubin, Roda is the natural extension of a career that’s crisscrossed hospitality, tech startups and customer experience strategy. While serving as director of revenue operations for a startup you may have heard of, one of her supervisors said the words that still influence her leadership style.
LivingSocial was the first startup I ever worked at, and it was really the first time I’d ever managed a team. I had a manager who was very focused on people, not only in managing them but developing them, and because of that, he was able to get a lot out of people—he made the team really high functioning.
At one point he was talking to me about … how to manage a team. He honestly made it very much akin to parenting. I joked that I wasn’t a mom: ‘I’m a cool aunt, so I don’t know what you’re trying to say,’ I told him. And he said, ‘You will be a parent one day, and you will realize that so much
of managing is about setting people up with the right expectations—the right guardrails—and enough support to make them feel comfortable and empowered within their space. As long as they do anything within the guardrails of this system you’ve set up, even if they make a mistake, you are there. And if they succeed, you are there. But your job really is to make them feel supported enough to do and be their best.’
That summarizes into one of my favorite things I say to my team: ‘Your successes are yours, and your failures are shared.’ I think that puts us in a space … where we can feel empowered to take risks and chances and try things. If you have that psychological safety, you can be a lot more creative. You can push more. You can be more engaged and excited and not nervous about every next step and fearful of what might happen.
I don’t love the whole idea that ‘your work is your family.’ It’s not. But when it comes to managing a team, our job is to care for them and want the best for them and help them get there. It’s funny, but I think I learned a lot about parenting from having managed a team, like being patient with them and giving them responsibility. Give them the guardrails and they can be really successful kids.
Unlike parenting, you’re not preparing your team to leave the nest, but to leave the role. We should always be training people for whatever their next step looks like. It’s my job to make sure we are growing enough as a business that when those team members are ready to advance, there’s a role available for them. And if I haven’t done that and they have to move somewhere else, then that’s on me—I didn’t build a space so they could continue to grow and develop. If that happens, you can just be happy for them.
