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I N N O VAT I V E C O M PA N I E S | W O M E N W H O I N S P I R E | Q & A W I T H C N N ’ S J O H N K I N G

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

AI IN OUR SCHOOLS

How new technology is impacting the classroom

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PARTNER CONTENT

Ask the Experts Montgomery County Real Estate: A Guide to Some of the Area’s Premier Neighborhoods

Town of Chevy Chase: High Liquidity, Broader Mix The Town of Chevy Chase offers upscale living without the top-tier price tag of the heavyweights. With an average sale price of $2.13M, it provides high liquidity (31 total sales) and an accessible entry floor starting at $863K. While it reached an impressive peak sale of $5.25M, only 10% of its transactions cleared $3M. Large-Lot & Premier Enclaves: Burning Tree and Somerset

As one of the most desirable regions in the D.C. area, Montgomery County is home to several of the capital’s premier luxury communities. Finding the right home isn’t just about matching your lifestyle; it’s also about making a sound financial investment. While factors like commute, walkability, and local schools always matter, understanding neighborhood financial profiles is just as critical. Here is a closer look at recent sales performance, top-end price ceilings, and entry thresholds across Bethesda and Chevy Chase’s most sought-after enclaves. From a financial perspective, one of the key considerations when buying a luxury home is not only the purchase price, but how well that market holds and grows its value over time. This guide to Montgomery County’s premier high-value enclaves will help you make an informed choice for your next home. The Heavyweights: Edgemoor, Kenwood, and Chevy Chase Village If you’re looking for some of the most elite estates in Montgomery County, Edgemoor, Kenwood, and Chevy Chase Village lead the market:

Edgemoor remains the undisputed price leader with an average sale price of $4.21M, where over 60% of sales cleared $3M. Kenwood comes in second for average price ($3.49M) and boasts the highest entry floor of any enclave, with its least expensive home selling for $2.43M. Chevy Chase Village offers a broader mix of home sizes and architectural styles, capturing the single highest sale in our dataset ($7.3M) and logging the highest overall volume of $3M+ transactions (9 sales). Land Value Benchmarks: High Demand for Redevelopable Lots Beyond finished homes, there is immense buyer competition for prime, redevelopable lots across these highly desirable neighborhoods. A recent private sale lot at 5906 Cedar Pkwy in Chevy Chase Village drew four competing offers and ultimately closed at $4.0M. Similarly, in Kenwood, a premier 0.59-acre parcel at 6420 Brookside Dr generated intense bidding, selling for $3.7M, well above its $3.45M asking price. These land-value benchmarks underscore a fierce appetite among buyers to secure prized locations, even at $3.5M+ entry points purely for lot value.

Burning Tree features expansive homes on lots generally larger than neighboring communities, operating as a quieter, lower-turnover submarket with an average sale price of $2.21M and a top sale of $4.9M. Meanwhile, Somerset sits comfortably in the upper-middle tier of these premier luxury enclaves, averaging $2.51M across 16 sales, with peak deals reaching up to $4.05M. Navigating Montgomery County’s competitive luxury market requires hyper-local expertise, and you don’t have to do it alone. The Shorb Team at Corcoran McEnearny brings more than 30 years of combined real estate experience to help you align your home purchase with both your lifestyle and long-term financial goals. Their agents don’t just work in Montgomery County; they live there. Jack lives right in the Town of Chevy Chase, while Ellie calls Kenwood home. Having team members rooted inside these exact communities gives us an insider’s perspective on off-market opportunities, neighborhood nuances, and accurate property values. Whether you’re looking for a sprawling Kenwood estate or a walkable Town of Chevy Chase home, visit www.TheShorbTeam.com today to connect with our team.

The Best Agents. The Best Properties. The Best Process.

4910 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 119, Washington, DC 20016 M: 301-767-7545 | O: 202-552-5600 | info@theshorbteam.com | TheShorbTeam.com

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7/31/26 7/22/26 2:36 9:36PM AM

S P EC I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

C U LT U R E WA T C H Fall Studio Tour

COUNTRYSIDE ARTISANS OCTOBER 2-4 | DECEMBER 4-6, 10:00-5:00PM EACH DAY Don’t miss the Countryside Artisans Fall Studio Tour, October 2–4, from 10am–5pm each day. Visit nearly 20 artist studios, all within 30 miles of Sugarloaf Mountain in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Enjoy artist demonstrations, displayed works, and stops at a winery, brewery, and tea room. Follow the self-guided map for a weekend celebrating art, craft, and Maryland’s agricultural landscape. Tickets: Free countrysideartisans.com | art@countrysideartisans.com Instagram: @countrysideartisans

Train at one of the country’s finest schools of classical ballet MARYLAND YOUTH BALLET 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR - ENROLL TODAY!

EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING FOR A VARIETY OF DANCE!

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, live accompaniment, state-of-the-art facility, and professional-caliber performance opportunities. Now Enrolling for the 2026-2027 School Year (scholarship opportunities available). Audition required for new students 8+. marylandyouthballet.org/ | 301-608-2232

Award-winning Professional Theatre, Classes, and Camps for Children IMAGINATION STAGE | BETHESDA, MD

Tickets on sale now! imaginationstage.org | 301-280-1660

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM: THE MUSICAL SEPTEMBER 26–OCTOBER 18 A bright, musical, and joy-ﬁlled celebration of letters, words, and imagination that will captivate kids and adults alike. Best for ages 3-9. Based on Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ©1989 by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert. All rights reserved. Licensed by Moxie & Company, LLC.

FALL CLASSES FOR AGES 1-18. REGISTER TODAY! 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 10week classes in acting, creative drama, dance, ﬁlmmaking, and more start September 14.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL NOVEMBER 21- JANUARY 3 Based on the book, this holiday classic will steal your heart. Fun for the whole family! Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Creative Voices + Cultural Happenings at CultureSpotMC.com CultureSpotMC.com is a service of the Arts & Humanities of Montgomery County

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S P EC I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

C U LT U R E WA T C H From the New World: Dvořák, Karpman & Beethoven NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 7:30PM STRATHMORE

NatPhil’s Season launches with a trio of works conducted by Carolyn Kuan. Laura Karpman’s All American blends the themes of three patriotic songs as an homage to women’s advancement. Pianist Inon Barnatan returns for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, an intense work that unites classical elegance and romantic expression. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s monumental Symphony No. 9, infused with indigenous and folk music alongside Dvořák’s own impression of the New World. Tickets start at $19. All Kids. All Free. All the Time. nationalphilharmonic.org | 301-493-9283

Discover Our County’s Creative Soul CULTURESPOTMC.COM

This arts and cultural calendar is your essential companion for exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene right here in Montgomery County. From world-class performances and diverse cultural festivals to engaging art classes and summer camps for kids, this comprehensive calendar has it all. Connect with the rich tapestry of people, events, and artistic expressions that make our community unique. Plan your next enriching family outing or exciting night out today!

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

Weekly ticket giveaways + Direct links to all events CultureSpotMC.com

Echo Arts Festival at Glen Echo Park

GLEN ECHO PARK PARTNERSHIP FOR ARTS AND CULTURE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Beatrice Likes the Dark SHOWCASE OF THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Join us at Glen Echo 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. We’ll have food trucks, too, so you can stay all day! With dance & music performances, workshops, art sales, art demos, and more, it’s a showcase of the creative community you can ﬁnd year-round at the Park. FREE! RSVPs preferred, not required.

ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC OCTOBER 2- NOVEMBER 1, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT 11AM & 2PM Based on the beloved book by April Genevieve Tucholke, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a magical adventure ﬁlled with music, shadow play, laughter, and heart. When Beatrice wishes for endless darkness, she and her timid sister discover unexpected beauty. Bursting with wonder and theatrical magic, this unforgettable journey celebrates courage, curiosity, and the joy of ﬁnding where you belong. adventuretheatre-mtc.org 301-634-2270

glenechopark.org/echoarts | 301-634-2222

Creative Voices + Cultural Happenings at CultureSpotMC.com CultureSpotMC.com is a service of the Arts & Humanities of Montgomery County

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@CultureSpotMC

8/7/26 12:06 7/29/26 3:32 PM PM 8/4/26 11:55 AM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME

ISSUE

How students, teachers and school administrators are responding to the new wave of technology BY DAVID MONTGOMERY

Five locals share the stories of how they found callings as teachers later in life BY MEG DRENNAN & MIKE UNGER

Where graduates from Montgomery County public high schools applied, were accepted and have enrolled

The Debate Over AI

The Second Act

College Bound

ON THE COVER: ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH Bethesda Magazine (ISSN # 3069-079X; USPS # 25871), September/October 2026, is published six times a year, plus one additional special issue in September, for $19.95 per year by Bethesda Magazine (4520 East West Highway, Suite 612, Bethesda, MD 20814). Periodicals postage paid at Gaithersburg, MD. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bethesda Magazine. c/o Specialized Fulfillment Services. Attn: Circulation. 3100 Valleywood Drive, Kettering OH 45429.

FROM TOP: ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH; PHOTO BY SKIP BROWN

SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS

12 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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FEATURES

102

Women Who Inspire Meet the winners of our annual award honoring changemakers in the community BY CARALEE ADAMS & NATASHA TYNES

116

A Conversation With John King CNN’s chief national correspondent talks politics, dealing with multiple sclerosis and life in Bethesda BY MIKE UNGER

124

Innovative Companies The leaders behind five pioneering businesses that are right here in Montgomery County BY JILLIAN LYNCH

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY JOHN KING; RIGHT PHOTO BY LISA HELFERT

PAGE 102 This year’s Women Who Inspire honorees

14 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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M A X M A R A / L A FAY E T T E 1 4 8 / R A L P H L A U R E N

AU T U M N. E M B O L D E N E D.

TYSONSGALLERIA.COM

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30 NEWSMAKERS The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1 58 TA B LE TA LK Steeze Burger opens in Gaithersburg.

20 20

TO OUR READERS CONTRIBUTORS

27 Banter

201 Good Life 202 SHOPPING

Get your footing with stylish shoes for fall

204 DRIVING RANGE

28 30

5 THINGS WE LOVE NEWSMAKERS

BEST BETS

210 CELEBRATIONS

GET TING TOGETHER TO GIVE TOGETHER

214 HEALTH

The tiny town of Wardensville, West Virginia, is becoming a destination all its own

Noteworthy people and trends Calendar of upcoming events

How giving circles pool their resources to support local nonprofits

157 Dining

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA; PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY; COURTESY PHOTOS (2)

DEPARTMENTS

A couple from Gaithersburg met in high school and never looked back The Ascend program provides intensive therapy for young adults struggling to adjust

216

158 TABLE TALK

CROSSWORD

Test your local knowledge with our puzzle

The anatomy of a Steeze Burger, Wheelhouse’s grand debut and Koi Sushi at Rio

165 Home 166

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS Burl wood puts a one-of-a-kind spin on furniture and decor

168 POWDER ROOMS WITH PUNCH

These half baths make a whole statement

176

BY THE NUMBERS

Advertising Sections 44

Home Experts

Private Schools

135

Women in Business

181

College Guide

Real estate trends by ZIP code

16 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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John Coloe Photography

Come home to extraordinary. At ANTHONY WILDER, we design and build spaces you can’t wait to come home to. Our in-house architects, interior

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A N T H O N YW I L D E R .CO M

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We have so much to share. Check us out at BethesdaMagazine.com to read stories from Bethesda Magazine and breaking news, all in one place. Find out about topics that matter in Montgomery County and Upper NW D.C.

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TO OUR READERS

WHEN I STARTED ASKING around about what local schools are doing

to deal with AI (embrace it? combat it? something in between?), it became clear that teachers, students and administrators are racing to keep up with the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence, just like the rest of us. Writer David Montgomery reports on the ways some schools are teaching students to become AI literate, and the challenges of coming up with clear directions for students and teachers to use the new technology (“The Debate Over AI,” page 58). There’s a lot to dig into. In this issue, you’ll also find our annual “Women Who Inspire” feature (page 102), celebrating six Montgomery County residents who have had an impact on our community and continue to raise the bar. In “Innovative Companies” (page 124), Associate Editor Jillian Lynch writes about cool products and systems being created by businesses with headquarters in Montgomery County. From a company focused on better insulation products to a commercialstage biotech business making testing kits to detect cancer, the story takes readers inside the labs and offices of people inventing new things right here. Our Bethesda Interview (page 116) this issue is with CNN Chief National Correspondent John King, a Bethesda resident. He shares how he wound up covering his first presidential campaign, what it’s like to live with multiple sclerosis, and the reasons he loves his neighborhood. 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

SUSAN ANSPACH VIENNA, VIRGINIA

BACKGROUND: “Mostly, I’m a preschool music teacher. I highly recommend a job with daily freeze dances and jumbo parachute play. Do hydrate.” Anspach is also a freelance writer who has contributed multiple travel pieces to Bethesda Magazine. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. IN THIS ISSUE: Anspach says she hiked, shopped and ate her way through Wardensville, West Virginia, for the Driving Range travel feature (“A Little Patch of Heaven,” page 204). WHAT SHE DOES FOR FUN: “I fantasize about future dream jobs. I could really get behind driving a bookmobile or a school bus. It’s never too late, you know?”

CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

LINDSEY MAX

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA BACKGROUND: “I’m a freelance photographer and a graduate student at George Washington University getting my Master of Arts in museum studies with a concentration in curatorial work.” Max is originally from Potomac. IN THIS ISSUE: Max photographed the Ascend intensive outpatient program for young adults started by Amye Fried (“Getting Unstuck,” page 214). “This assignment was very meaningful for me, as I actually took part in this program eight years ago.” WHAT SHE DOES FOR FUN: “I go to Caps games, visit museums, craft, do word puzzles and spend time in nature.”

FROM LEFT: PHOTO BY JIMELL GREENE; COURTESY PHOTOS

Classroom Conundrums

20 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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TWO SHOWS •

•

Old Line Market: October 30, 31 & November 1 Mid Atlantic Antique & Garden: November 6-8 Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 10am-4pm

Mid Atlantic Antique & Garden Timeless Furnishings Period to Modern Fine Art

Both Shows: Trappings for the Garden and Gardener

Old Line Market Vintage Decor Vintage Clothing Artisan Collected

Tickets & More Information

OldLineMarket.net | MidAtlanticAntiquesFestival.com

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8/12/26 4:18 PM 8/6/26 2/6/26 10:34 1:11 PM AM

Dr. Mehran Rouhanian, Clinical Director

BETHESDA’S PREMIER FAMILY DENTAL PRACTICE

INTERIM PUBLISHER Sherri Greeves

BETHESDA MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Linda Fears

Amélie Ward

EDITOR

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Kathleen Neary

Arlis Dellapa, LuAnne Spurrell

Pediatric Dentistry

Adult Dentistry

MANAGING EDITOR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Amy Orndorff

Jeni Hansen, Geetika Sripathi

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS

Jillian Lynch

Stacy Cantor

ART DIRECTOR

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Olivia Sadka

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EDITORIAL FELLOW

DIGITAL PRODUCER

William Armstead

Michelle Calderon

INTERNS

Ruby Burckle, Lauren Frank

Parker Margulis, Ilsa Peterson,

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Louis Peck COPY EDITORS

Orthodontics (including Invisalign®)

ADVERTORIAL DESIGNER

Diana Ramírez

Elisabeth Herschbach, Steve Wilder

ADVERTORIAL EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Siegel Burke

Caralee Adams, Jennifer Barger, Rachel Pomerance Berl, Stephanie Siegel Burke, Meg Drennan, Wendy A. Jordan, Melanie D.G. Kaplan, Dawn Klavon, Todd Kliman, Nevin Martell,

ADVERTORIAL WRITERS

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Cosmetic Dentistry

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Steve and Susan Hull

Skip Brown, Chris Gash, Lisa Helfert, Deb Lindsey, Lindsey Max, Brendan McCabe

BETHESDA TODAY EDITORIAL

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Orndorff REPORTERS

Ashlyn Campbell, Elia Griffin, Ceoli Jacoby, Jacqueline Kalil

6931 Arlington Rd, Ste. T-200, Bethesda, MD 20814

INTERN

Danny Chung-A-Fung

Story ideas and letters to the editor: Please send ideas and letters (with your name, the town you live in and your daytime phone number) to editorial@BethesdaMagazine.com. For customer service: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 405; or send an email to customerservice@BethesdaMagazine.com. For advertising information: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 401; send an email to advertising@BethesdaMagazine.com; or go to BethesdaMagazine.com/advertise. For information on events and reprints: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 419; or send an email to marketing@BethesdaMagazine.com.

BethesdaDentalSpecialists.com (301) 654-3011

22 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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Voted Best Financial Advisor by the Readers of Bethesda Magazine 9 Consecutive Times

TODAY MEDIA PRESIDENT/CEO Robert F. Martinelli SECRETARY-TREASURER

Richard Martinelli

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IN MEMORIAM CHAIRMAN VICE PRESIDENT

Angelo R. Martinelli (1927–2018) Ralph A. Martinelli (1962–2019)

Bethesda Magazine is published six times a year by Today Media. © 2026 Subscription price: $19.95 To subscribe: BethesdaMagazine.com For subscription queries: Call 888-538-0950. Bethesda Magazine 4520 East West Highway, Suite 612, Bethesda MD 20814 301-718-7787, BethesdaMagazine.com

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What people are talking about

The Parks Ale Trail, a hike with a beer garden and entertainment, will take place Sept. 19 in Rockville. Find details on upcoming events in our calendar. PAGE 38

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BANTER THINGS WE LOVE

THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

MAKING A RACQUET

The sport of padel (pronounced pah-del) is a mix of tennis and squash played in doubles on a court enclosed by glass and metal mesh walls. Seasoned players and those looking to try something different have a new option in Bethesda: Padel Social. Founded by husband and wife Jake Weinstock, 54, and Leanne Mos, 54, who live in Washington, D.C., Padel Social was slated to open its permanent location across the street from the Westbard Square development in August. The club features three lighted outdoor padel courts, a pro shop with grab-and-go food and drink options, and a social area with a gazebo and outdoor seating. It’s open year-round and the courts are currently not covered. According to Mos, Padel first grew in popularity in Spain and Latin America, but has been catching on around the world. In the summer of 2025, Mos and Weinstock hosted a pop-up with temporary courts near their current location, giving patrons the opportunity to get hooked on the sport and form friendships. To reserve a court, players can download the Playtomic app and book sessions individually. Also, players can sign up for memberships to receive discounts on court bookings and pro shop purchases. New to the sport? Padel Social offers clinics, private lessons, racquet rentals and demos for those looking to learn more. Padel Social, 5455 Westbard Ave., 301-526-6339, padelsocial.com

The Brady Readery, 6860 Olney Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville, 240-389-3350, bradyreadery.com

TOP PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK; BOTTOM: COURTESY PHOTO

FULLY BOOKED

Parents can purchase a cup of coffee while their children enjoy story and craft time at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays at The Brady Readery. The 2,000-square-foot independent bookstore opened in June at the Red Barn Shops in Laytonsville. The color-filled space was envisioned by Michelle Brady, 43, of Laytonsville as a hub for literacy and connection. The U.S. Army veteran made the space fully wheelchair accessible since her 10-year-old son uses a wheelchair. The store carries new books across genres including fantasy, romance and history, along with used books. (Donations of used books are accepted.) Brady says since there isn’t a public library close by (the nearest one is in Olney), in the children’s section, young readers can borrow up to two books for two weeks free of charge. Customers can also take a chance on a “blind date” by purchasing a wrapped book to open as a surprise. In addition to books, The Brady Readery sells games, tote bags and other items. The space is available to host book clubs and other events.

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3 SIX HOURS OF ART

Chevy Chase will participate in Washington, D.C.’s Art All Night festival for the first time Sept. 12 from 4 to 10 p.m., bringing free performances and visual arts to the neighborhood. The citywide festival will offer events across all eight wards of D.C. Organized by District Bridges and funded by the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development, Chevy Chase’s Art All Night will take place inside businesses, on sidewalks and in vacant spaces including lots and storefronts along Connecticut Avenue from Livingston Street to Chevy Chase Circle. “Visitors can explore live music, musical theater, improv, puppetry, comedy, pottery, art galleries and local vendors,” says Anna Claire Walker, interim executive director of District Bridges. Two glowing pedicabs equipped with light-up accessories will transport attendees between the Chevy Chase and Van Ness Main Street events free of charge and are available to anyone who wants to ride. districtbridges.org/events/art-all-night-chevy-chase

CLOCKWISE TOP: COURTESY FROM DISTRICT TOP LEFT: BRIDGES; PHOTO BOTTOM BY ADOBE LEFT: STOCK; COURTESY PHOTO PHOTO; COURTESY BOTTOM HARVESTSHARE; RIGHT: COURTESY PHOTOWAREDACA BY BENJAMIN BREWING ABERGEL

STARTING ON A HIGH NOTE

Each school day begins in an upbeat way at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Bethesda. Every morning at 7:30 a.m., the eighth grade class joins teachers and Interim Principal David Long on the private school’s front steps to greet each student by cheering their name, singing songs and having the occasional dance party. What began more than 20 years ago, when Long started greeting students by name to help ease one child’s school anxiety, has become a beloved tradition at the pre-K through 8 school. After the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the morning welcome became an even more important part of the day, reassuring families that their child is seen and valued in their academic environment, Long says. The tradition extends beyond greeting students each morning. Eighth graders help parents carry books and school supplies into the building and sing “Happy Birthday” to fellow students on their birthdays. Long says “We see you” has become the school’s unofficial motto, creating a tight-knit community where excitement begins before the first bell rings.

GOURD TIMES

When Waredaca Brewing Co. in Laytonsville started brewing its seasonal pumpkin beer in 2016, it turned to its camp roots and the spooky stories campers shared. Waredaca is short for Washington Recreational Day Camp, which was held on the farm for many years. A section of trees were dubbed Grumpkin Woods. “Grumpkin was this mythical kind of scary guy that lived in the Grumpkin Woods,” says Keith Kohr, co-owner and head brewer. The Grumpkin Pumpkin Ale, which Kohr says is made from sugar pumpkin flesh cooked on a big smoker, comes in a can (pictured right) with an illustration of the Grumpkin Woods. The brewing process starts in late summer. Waredaca sources the sugar pumpkins from nearby Sharp’s at Waterford Farm, says Kohr. Using 25 pumpkins per batch, Waredaca brews two batches, making a total of 600 gallons. At 6.7% ABV, the dark ale is filled with flavors that come from the smoked pumpkins and a special spice blend. This year, it will be packaged on Sept. 22 and will be available in the brewery on draft and in 16-ounce cans at some local stores until it sells out. The ale’s smokiness pairs well with firepit season at the brewery. Waredaca Brewing Co., 4017 Damascus Road, Laytonsville, 301-774-2337, waredacabrewing.com

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FROM TOOTHBRUSH TO PAINTBRUSH A Rockville dentist turned his waiting room into an art gallery

rating it in an unexpected space—his dental office. Ponraj’s current practice, Technē Dental, opened in Rockville in 2024. Ponraj graduated with a B.S. in fine and studio arts after switching to that major late in his college experience. Though he decided to go on to dental school, he continued creating on the side. “It’s always been a passion I like to do whenever I have the time,” says Ponraj, who lives in Olney and is also an art collector. After purchasing his current office, Ponraj wanted to designate a space for art. Building out his waiting room to look like an art gallery, Technē Fine Art was born. The gallery opened in May with the theme “Thresholds: One Artist, One Work, One Story.” It features 27 pieces from 22 artists, including patients, local creators, Ponraj’s friends and Ponraj himself. The artwork includes sculptures, portraits, abstract paintings and multimedia pieces. One piece, “Galaxy IV,” is an acrylic on canvas by Maryland artist Mary Faye Claggett. It depicts a galaxy, and Claggett says on the placard that she was inspired by “worlds beyond the confines of this one.” The gallery plans to feature other themes in upcoming shows. Technē Fine Art is open to the public on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends by appointment. Technē Fine Art, 4 Taft Court, Suite #150, Rockville, 301-963-6300, technefineart.com —Ruby Burckle

COURTESY TECHNE FINE ART

At Technē Fine Art, Dr. Ernest Ponraj, 44, is bringing art to the community by incorpo-

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On the Dot

Where to go for the sprinkletopped cakes in a cup

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

The Sonic Transducers bring ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ to Bethesda

THE SIMPLE CONFECTION KNOWN as the

FROM LEFT: COURTESY LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA; PHOTO BY KATHLEEN NEARY

Put on some red lipstick and

prepare to throw toilet paper into the air during a viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Bethesda. For 17 years, the Sonic Transducers have been performing as a “shadow cast,” dressing up in costumes and acting out characters onstage as the movie is projected behind them. Released in 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic film that transcends musical, comedy and horror genres. Midnight showings, where the audience dresses up in campy costumes or as their favorite character, have become popular over time. The Sonic Transducers originally performed at Landmark Theatres E Street Cinema in Washington, D.C., but after its closure in 2025, the troupe moved to Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema. To facilitate audience participation, the group provides prop bags that can be purchased for $3 before each show. Each bag contains seven props that the audience is instructed to use (and sometimes throw) at certain points during the movie. For example, when Dr. Frank-N-Furter proposes a toast, viewers can pull a cardboard “toast” from their prop bags and throw it into the air. The cast currently has around 50 members, with about 25 performers and crew at each show. Cris Durrette, 27, lives in Bethesda and has been a cast member for two years. Their favorite character to play is Brad and they enjoy the community aspect of the shows. “You can really come as yourself,” Durrette says. Kelly Hanson, 35, lived in Germantown for 10 years and currently lives in the Philadelphia area. She is one of the three cast leads and has been a member since 2017.

She loves creating a unique experience for the audience. “The way that the audience participates and plays off of the performers and everything, it’s never the same thing twice,” Hanson says. The show has hundreds of callouts that people in the audience shout during performances. According to Durrette, some are regional specific, and in Maryland, audience members yell out, “What’s the worst town in Maryland?” before a character in the movie says, “Columbia.” The Sonic Transducers perform year-round, with shows on the second Friday and Saturday of each month at 10:30 p.m., and extra shows around Halloween. The show is particularly popular from September to November, so if you’re looking to see the Sonic Transducers on or around Halloween, get your tickets ahead of time. About the cost of a regular movie ticket, they can be purchased by visiting the Sonic Transducers website or at the theater’s box office. Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-7273; dcrocky horror.com, @dcrockyhorror on Instagram —R.B.

dot cake was whisked up by the mother and daughter owners of The Dotcakes bakery in Roslyn, New York. Also sold at Butterfield Market, a gourmet grocery store with two locations in New York City, the 8-ounce dot cake cups consist of a layer of cake, a layer of frosting and a dense coating of nonpareil sprinkles on top. Some cakes are covered with a rainbow nonpareil mix, while others have more intricate designs done in the spherical sprinkles, such as hearts or smiley faces. Straightforward? Totally. However, the treats rose to serious prominence on social media in just a few months beginning in May, as content creators posted videos of themselves trying and reviewing the tasty treats, scraping spoons across the crackly toppings. Local bakeries are offering takes on this trend. You can find similar dot cake cups at Lil’ Cakes & Creamery’s Rockville location. The sweets shop that trades in gourmet cupcakes, cookies and ice cream, sells vanilla dot cake cups with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles for $4.99. Safeway’s bakery also makes their own version of the individual-size cakes (pictured below) in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors with rainbow nonpareils at its locations in the area. Those are $4 each. So go ahead and try the crunchy confectionary craze for yourself. Lil’ Cakes & Creamery, 844 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-417-4139, lilcakes andcreamery.com; Safeway, multiple locations, safeway.com —R.B.

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BANTER NEWSMAKERS

Christine Hubbard leads ghost tours in Poolesville every October.

GHOSTS GALORE

In a Halloween tradition, this Poolesville resident shares spooky stories A mysterious man looking for his lost finger. A local spirit known

as “The Watcher.” These are two of the haunted history tales Christine Hubbard shares on the Poolesville Ghost Tours. For the past 10 years, Hubbard, 49, a Poolesville resident, has led the walking tours through Old Town Poolesville. The October tours are run by the Historic Medley District, which works to preserve the heritage of western Montgomery County. It operates three historic properties in Poolesville, including the John Poole House, the oldest building in the town. There are two tour options: an earlier family-friendly tour suitable for all ages, and a later spookier tour recommended for age 14 and older. The tours last about an hour, starting and finishing outside the John Poole House. In 1793, it was the first general store in Poolesville and served as the shopkeeper’s residence. Long after the Poole family left, the Money family moved in. When Mr. Money died decades later, his family never found the finger he accidentally severed and insisted he be buried with. Hubbard tells tour-goers that visitors passing the John Poole House on certain nights might notice Mr. Money searching for the finger. In another tale, Hubbard shares that “The Watcher” has been spotted outside of Poolesville over the years. Some people have even claimed they saw him transform into a dog and back into human shape. Along the way, guests will see other historical buildings, including a restored structure that once was a bank and later served as a town hall, and hear the stories associated with them.

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At the western end of town, Hubbard discusses C&O Canal history and shares the story of Haunted House Bend, the stretch between Edwards and White’s ferries where canal workers began noticing mysterious occurrences following the Battle of Ball’s Bluff early in the Civil War. Hubbard also highlights history of local African American and Native American people, including some who lived in the area that is now known as the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. People don’t have to believe in ghosts to go on the tour, Hubbard says. “It’s all about having fun and supporting local history.” Hubbard, an associate professor of English at Frederick Community College, says past attendees encouraged her to write a book about the ghost stories. So, she and co-author Lennon Gross wrote Medley Mysteries: Curious Tales & Hidden Histories From Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, which is scheduled to be released on Oct. 1. It will be available online at mlarcontactus.wixsite.com/mlar and at Locals Farm Market in Poolesville. In addition to stories told on the tour, the book includes local tales collected through research and contributions from community members. “A really nice part of leading these ghost tours and writing this book is learning more about the community and making sure that these stories are being preserved for people,” Hubbard says. Tours will be offered at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Oct. 23 and 24. For more information, visit historicmedley.org. —Lauren Frank

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FILL THE KIDS’ CALENDARS

A new platform aims to simplify the search for children’s activities

Clovie founder and North Potomac mom Carole Weaton with her kids

Weaton, who has work experience in e-commerce and digital merchandising, hopes to expand Clovie into the broader D.C. region. She also plans to add instant booking capabilities and tools to Clovie that will help parents find and create local parent groups. —William Armstead

193,100

ON MAY 7, state officials installed the final segment of the Purple Line, completing 193,100 feet of tracks along the light-rail line that will run from Bethesda, through Silver Spring, to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. The first section of track was laid in September 2019. Trains on the Purple Line are projected to start rolling in late 2027. —W.A.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY CLOVIE; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

When Carole Weaton moved from New York City back to the Washington, D.C., area three years ago with her husband and their 6-week-old son, she found it difficult to connect with other adults in similar stages of parenthood. Although she grew up in Potomac, Weaton says she nonetheless felt lonely after returning. Weaton, 36, who now lives in North Potomac and also has an 8-month-old daughter, launched an online platform dubbed Clovie (cloviekids.com) in May to give parents a centralized place to discover children’s activities and connect with other families without relying on referrals, social media ads or online searches. Clovie enables parents to find and book children’s classes, camps, birthday parties and other activities throughout Montgomery County and Northwest Washington, D.C. For example, users can search for an activity such as swimming, browse a list of local options, select a provider like Goldfish Swim School in Gaithersburg and then book by either following a link to the provider’s website or calling the business directly from the Clovie page. Parents can sign up for free to save favorite activities and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their children’s ages. The platform is also free for businesses. Clovie plans to earn revenue later through business advertising. More than 150 Montgomery County and Northwest D.C. businesses are listed with Clovie as of late July.

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BANTER NEWSMAKERS

A Merrier Midlife Wisdom from women is collected in an NPR reporter’s new book

RECENT BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS

ALLISON AUBREY says covering COVID-19 as a health and science correspondent for National Public Radio often meant being on the air at 5 a.m. and working until 10 p.m. “While it was really important work, I came out of the pandemic incredibly burned out,” says the 57-year-old Kensington resident. “I started asking myself, ‘What is there beyond the newsroom? What is there beyond the paycheck or parenting? Is there another way of being that could be satisfying?’ ” Aubrey took a sabbatical and set out on a “curiosity tour,” she says, to learn from women who seemed to have authentic, purpose-filled lives and share their stories. In her book, Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love, (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, September 2026), Aubrey shares advice from wellness experts about healthy living, and wisdom from women who followed their passions, such as Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a nature and forest therapy guide in Washington, D.C., and Gayle Weiswasser, a lawyer who opened Wonderland Books in Bethesda. “The accolades, the badges of achievement become less important, and legacy and a feeling of connection become more important,” says Aubrey, who writes about her own journey of reflection and self-discovery as her three children (ages 25, 22 and 15) become more independent. “The homestretch is decades away, but I can see it,” Aubrey says. “When I can see it, there is an urgency to surge ahead to do something that is the truest expression of me.”

—Caralee Adams

ABC JEWISH HEROES AND ME (Apples & Honey Press, October 2026) co-authored by Rockville resident Deborah Bodin Cohen BACKSLIDE: RECLAIMING A FAITH AND A NATION AFTER THE CHRISTIAN TURN AGAINST DEMOCRACY (St. Martin’s Essentials, September 2026) by Takoma Park resident Robert Jones THE OYSTER DIARIES (New York Review Books, April 2026) by Chevy Chase resident Nancy Lemann JIN YOUNG, IN BETWEEN (Crown Books for Young Readers, May 2026) by Rockville resident Ellen Oh

Women of Grit A Potomac author’s novel explores freedom and repression in Kabul

THE BLUE FLAME (Cardinal, August 2026) by Silver Spring resident George Pelecanos

NADIA HASHIMI says she began writing her lat-

NO LOOSE ENDS: THE SMART & SLIGHTLY MORBID GUIDE TO ESTATE PLANNING & END-OF-LIFE TASKS (Wiley, May 2026) by Potomac resident Adam Zuckerman

FOR A HAVE AN IDEALOCAL A N O Y R STO BUSINESS? RESIDENT OR itorial@ Email ed azine.com BethesdaMag

—C.A.

COURTESY PHOTOS

est novel, City of Widows (William Morrow, July 2026), after reading an article about women in Afghanistan who served in a special forces military unit trained by U.S. personnel to fight the Taliban. Hashimi says the book’s main character, Marjan, was one of those elite soldiers and a “woman of grit” who is now trying to navigate life as a single mother in Kabul after the withdrawal of U.S. troops and return of the Taliban. The story is representative of how much ground had been gained and how much has been lost when it comes to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, says the 48-year-old Potomac writer who is Afghan American. “Afghan women have been portrayed as victims of oppression, but they have not really been portrayed as changemakers, as leaders with some kind of strength,” Hashimi says. “I wanted to show this is also what they have been doing because it’s very easy to look away from what’s happening to Afghan women now.” The book is a continuation of the storyline in her debut novel, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell (2014).

OODLES OF NOODLES (Little Bee Books, July 2026) by Rockville resident Jessie Atkin

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READING LIST

These were the top circulating books in the Montgomery County Public Libraries system in June

Fiction 1 The Correspondent Virginia Evans 2 Yesteryear Caro Claire Burke 3 Theo of Golden Allen Levi 4 Atmosphere Taylor Jenkins Reid 5 The Wedding People Alison Espach 6 The Secret of Secrets Dan Brown 7 Remarkably Bright Creatures Shelby Van Pelt 8 Broken Country Clare Leslie Hall 9 The Women Kristin Hannah 10 Project Hail Mary Andy Weir

Nonfiction 1 Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage Belle Burden

Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice Virginia Roberts Giuffre 2

3 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—and How It Shattered a Nation Andrew Ross Sorkin 4 Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism Sarah Wynn-Williams 5 The Let Them Theory Mel Robbins

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6 A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck Sophie Elmhirst

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BEST BEST September/October

Fairs and Festivals Sept. 5

Global Rhythms: Music, Dance and Storytelling From Around the World Artists share traditions from across the globe at this free festival showcasing music, dance and storytelling at Glen Echo Park. Latin music by the Capital Horns and Hungarian folk and contemporary dance are among the highlights of the event, which features additional dance and music performances on two stages, kids art projects and food trucks. It coincides with the park’s 55th annual Labor Day Art Show, which runs from Sept. 5 to 7. Stop into the Spanish Ballroom to see creations by more than 400 regional artists. The exhibition/ sale features a wide range of media, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, photography and furniture. glenechopark.org

Sept. 26

Rocktobierfest This free annual festival in Rockville Town Center celebrates German culture with a beer garden featuring local brews, food for sale, an artisan market and live entertainment including traditional German music. This year, in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the city will bury a time capsule preserving Rockville’s history and including messages for future generations. rockvillemd.gov/services/rocktobierfest

Sept. 27

Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival See a procession of funky floats, marching bands, dance troupes of all types and various community groups at this celebration of all things art and community in Wheaton. The day starts with the parade, which kicks off at the

intersection of Grandview and Ennalls avenues. It continues with a festival featuring work by local artists and live entertainment in Marian Fryer Town Plaza. wheatonartsparade.org

Oct. 11

Oktoberfest Traditional Bavarian music and dance performances give this annual festival in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood some German flair, but the event also features fall-themed children’s activities, an artisan market, and food and drinks from local businesses. gaithersburgmd. gov/recreation/special-events/oktoberfest

Community Events Sept. 7

Labor Day Parade This annual parade through Old Towne Gaithersburg celebrates Labor Day with marching bands, dance troupes, equestrian units, fire and rescue squads and community groups. This year, the event

Sept. 19

Parks Ale Trail This annual event at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville combines favorite fall activities: hiking and beer drinking. The festival takes place along a 2½-mile hike by the lake and features a main stage of live entertainment, a midhike beer garden with acoustic music, and roving entertainment throughout. The event is free to attend; food and drinks are available for purchase. montgomeryparks.org

also commemorates the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County, which was created on Sept. 6, 1776. gaithersburgmd.gov/ recreation/special-events/labor-day-parade

Sept. 12

Historic Ag Reserve Properties Tour Learn about and explore several noteworthy homes and properties located in the county’s Agricultural Reserve during this self-guided tour that highlights the area’s history. Start behind the John Poole House in Poolesville to get a map and historic overview of the four to six sites included on the tour. From there, set off to the properties to discover homes, grounds and outbuildings. For ticket information, follow Historic Ag Reserve Properties on Facebook. Proceeds go to Historic Medley District, an organization dedicated to preserving historic structures and spaces in western Montgomery County. facebook.com/historicagreserve

Oct. 17

Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show Find antique Fords, classic Italian sports cars, American muscle cars, mid-century cruisers, exotic vehicles and more at this event on the grounds of Glenview Mansion

PHOTO COURTESY MONTGOMERY PARKS, M-NCPPC

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Oct. 24

Witchy Paddle Calling all Elphabas, Hermiones and Maleficents: Don your pointy hats, cloaks and other witchy attire for a costumed paddle on Little Seneca Lake in Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds. Brooms are optional, but bring your own paddleboard, kayak or canoe for this free event, open to age 12 and older. Stay after the paddle for Acoustics and Ales, which includes live music, craft beers, a campfire and s’mores. montgomeryparks.org

at Rockville Civic Center Park. The show, which is free to attend, also features live music, plus food and beverages for purchase. rockvillemd.gov/calendar/events/ rockville-antique-and-classic-car-show-2

Comedy/Variety Sept. 25-27

PHOTO COURTESY MONTGOMERY PARKS, M-NCPPC

Body Language

Jenny Napolitano, a local comedian and writer, presents her original one-woman show about living with chronic pelvic pain. The show at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda combines stand-up comedy and storytelling. bodylanguage.show

Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, taking audience suggestions and turning them into zany, unscripted comedy. strathmore.org

Oct. 4

Oct. 9

The improv stars known for their appearances on the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway? come to The

The actor and comedian was a writer on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock and is also known for several stand-up comedy specials as well as roles on TV shows

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble

Hannibal Buress

Broad City and The Eric Andre Show. See his stand-up set at the Bethesda Theater. bethesdatheater.com

Oct. 15

Gravity & Other Myths Like a circus troupe minus the flash, this Australian acrobatics ensemble performs stripped-down yet astonishing tricks using nothing but their own bodies at The Music Center at Strathmore. strathmore.org

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Sept. 11, Oct. 9 Movies on the Green

Oct. 26

An Evening of Alton Brown Expect food demonstrations, music and storytelling from Alton Brown when the culinary and television personality comes to The Music Center at Strathmore. Brown hosted food-focused TV shows including Good Eats and Iron Chef America, and has also authored several books on food and cooking. strathmore.org

Theater Sept. 9-Oct. 11

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Tensions over art, power and control arise among Ma Rainey, members of her blues band, and music executives during a charged recording session in this August Wilson play set in Chicago in the 1920s. The show is a co-production of Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre, which marks its 50th anniversary during the 2026-2027 season. The show is presented at Round House Theatre in Bethesda. roundhousetheatre.org

Sept. 26-Oct. 18

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical Based on the unforgettable children’s story by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, this show brings the bright colors and rhythms of the book to life through music, dance and puppetry at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Recommended for ages 3-9. imaginationstage.org

Oct. 2-Nov. 1

Beatrice Likes the Dark Adventure Theatre MTC kicks off its 75th season with this world premiere play based

on the book by April Genevieve Tucholke. Blending music, magic and shadow puppetry, the show in Glen Echo Park tells the story of Beatrice, who likes spookiness, graveyards and spiders, and her sister Roo, who loves sunshine and light. The girls learn to connect and appreciate each other despite their differences. adventuretheatre-mtc.org

Music Sept. 12

Silver Spring Jazz Festival Afro-Cuban musician Cimafunk headlines this free annual festival that brings two stages of music featuring local and national bands to downtown Silver Spring. The Cuban-born performer combines Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, funk, soul and hip-hop sounds and has performed at festivals including Coachella, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival. silverspringdowntown.com

Sept. 18 Mya

The “Ghetto Supastar” singer, who was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Prince George’s County, comes to the Bethesda Theater for a concert sure to draw a hometown crowd. Her first eponymous album, released in 1998, went platinum, and she won a Grammy for her cover of “Lady Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim and Pink from the 2001 Moulin Rouge! soundtrack. Her latest album, Retrospect, is inspired by R&B music from the 1970s and ’80s. bethesdatheater.com

Oct. 1

Snail Mail & Soccer Mommy Two indie rock singer-songwriters

Cabin John Village keeps the outdoor movie experience going this season with free screenings of Toy Story on Sept. 11 and Hotel Transylvania on Oct. 9. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and claim your space on the Community Green at the Potomac shopping center starting at 6:30 p.m. Movies begin at sunset. cjvillage.com/event/movieson-the-green-series

co-headline this show at The Fillmore Silver Spring. Snail Mail is the solo project of Ellicott City-raised Lindsey Jordan, who released her latest album, Ricochet, earlier this year. Soccer Mommy is the alter ego of Sophia Regina Allison, whose last album, Evergreen, came out in 2024. fillmoresilverspring.com

Oct. 2

Talib Kweli Half of the influential 1990s hip-hop duo Black Star (with Yasiin Bey, then known as Mos Def), the rapper, known for his socially conscious lyrics, performs at the Bethesda Theater. bethesdatheater.com

Film Oct. 31, Nov. 1

Coco Live-to-Film Concert In Disney’s animated 2017 film Coco, a hopeful young musician, Miguel, takes a fateful journey to the Land of the Dead on Dia de los Muertos. You can see the movie on the big screen at The Music Center at Strathmore presented with the score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. strathmore.org —Stephanie Siegel Burke See our weekly list of things to do at BethesdaMagazine.com. Submit events at BethesdaMagazine.com/submitcalendar-event.

PHOTO COURTESY CABIN JOHN VILLAGE

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Getting Together to Give Together In local giving circles, members pool their money and resources to make a big impact BY WILLIAM ARMSTEAD Giving circles consist of members who combine their

donations and decide which nonprofits to support. “A giving circle, it’s kind of like an investment club or a book club. ... But it’s specifically people who are coming together to pool their charitable resources so that way they can make a deeper impact than anyone could alone,” says Anna Hargrave, executive director for Montgomery County at the Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF). It might be a few friends each contributing a hefty amount or a large group of people each putting in a smaller donation. Some groups delve deep into the nonprofits they support, even getting involved as volunteers. Here are three giving circles—Many Hands, Giving Together and Donors InVesting in the Arts (DIVAs)—that support nonprofits in Montgomery County and the broader region. Many Hands and Giving Together are set up as 501(c)(3) organizations, while DIVAs is managed by GWCF.

MANY HANDS

Many Hands members Karin Bolte, left, and Isabelle Thabault, center, present a check for a 2026 grant to Truphena Choti of AfriThrive

Members who are 35 and older must donate a minimum of $1,000 each year. Members younger than 35 contribute at least $300. Nonprofits seeking a donation from Many Hands apply, and then focus area committees from the giving circle review the requests, visit the sites of those nonprofits and select four finalists. The finalists give in-person presentations to the full membership before members cast online votes to determine which will receive the $100,000 grant. The remaining collected funds are divided equally among the other finalists.

“A GIVING CIRCLE, IT’S KIND OF LIKE AN INVESTMENT CLUB OR A BOOK CLUB.”

GIVING TOGETHER

Giving Together was formed in 2009 during Founded in 2003 by seven women, the the Great Recession, when a small group Many Hands giving circle has grown to of women from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase about 270 members. Many Hands’ memarea wanted to help local families strugbers are almost all women (though men gling to meet basic needs. Giving Together are not turned away) from a range of collaborates with GWCF to identify needs –ANNA HARGRAVE OF THE LOCAL backgrounds, careers and professions, in the community and then target funds to COMMUNITY FOUNDATION education levels, and areas around nonprofits focused on those issues. Washington, D.C. “We feel that the more Giving Together launched with seven diverse our membership is, the more informed our giving will women and now has more than 150 members, all women. Each be,” says Many Hands’ President Elizabeth Whitmore, 59, who member contributes $1,000, plus $75 for administrative costs, lives in the District. annually (members age 45 and younger contribute a lower More than $3.8 million has been awarded to organiza- amount). Giving Together supports underserved women and tions serving women, children and families in need in the D.C. children across the D.C. area. region. This year, Many Hands donated $319,000 in grants, with “The organization just blossomed, it really took off [on] the $100,000 going to one nonprofit and three others each receiving idea that people could really begin to make a difference by pool$73,000. About 40% of Many Hands’ members live in Montgom- ing their resources,” says Marea Hatziolos, co-president of Giving ery County, and many nonprofits based in Montgomery County Together, who lives in Chevy Chase and is retired from a career in international development and conservation. have received grants from Many Hands.

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Giving Together offers two primary grant programs. Its “Thematic” grant— $60,000 over two years—supports an organization addressing an issue selected by members, such as food insecurity, housing or education. Giving Together’s “Accelerator” grant provides $40,000 over two years to a nonprofit led by or benefitting Black people, Indigenous peoples and people of color. The runners-up in both categories in 2025 received $10,000 (the amount varies based on the fluctuating membership). A committee researches nonprofits (no unsolicited applications are accepted), then narrows the list to about five or six and conducts site visits over Zoom. After the committee selects two finalists, both nonprofits present to the full membership at Giving Together’s annual in-person meeting, usually held in September, and members vote on who will receive grants. Giving Together also emphasizes service beyond financial support. Members volunteer with grantees, organize drives for school supplies and hygiene products,

and serve as liaisons between the nonprofits and the wider membership.

DIVAS

Donors InVesting in the Arts, or DIVAs, is a small giving circle founded by 12 women in 2005. It’s the same size today (some original members left, other women joined). DIVAs is administered by GWCF. Its main focus is youth arts access in Montgomery County, and it funds programs that are headquartered in Montgomery County or have a strong presence here. Each spring, DIVAs’ members talk through the current needs in Montgomery County and select a theme related to youths being supported through the arts. GWCF crafts an application and announces it to its nonprofit network. Nonprofits that fit the theme apply with details on how their programs would address the need. GWCF staff organize the submissions and DIVAs’ members review them and discuss which organizations would make the strongest impact. Members each contrib-

ute $2,500 per year. Individual members may also set up interviews with applicants to better understand their vision and plans. Together, the members choose two or three organizations to receive the pooled grants. “We were very concerned about the arts and youth, and we wanted to make a significant impact on their lives because we believe wholeheartedly that the arts make a tremendous difference in a person’s life,” says Catherine Leggett, 75, who lives in Burtonsville and is a DIVAs member. “It helps people to dream.” Leggett says the group was founded on the idea that pooling members’ resources would allow them to make a greater impact than they could individually. “We really take the temperature of the community,” Leggett says. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group prioritized mental health. Other years have focused on providing musical instruments to children whose families could not afford them or supporting arts programming for youths in affordable housing communities.

New Address. Continued Excellence. As part of our firm’s ongoing strategic growth, Selzer Gurvitch is proud to announce our new office location. While our address has changed, our commitment to delivering outstanding legal counsel and client service remains unwavering.

7910 Woodmont Avenue 4th floor Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-9600 SelzerGurvitch.com

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Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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? 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

A We have built more than 245 new homes in the Bethesda

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Home Experts

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Carolyn Sappenfield C A R O LY N H O M E S T E A M Awards/Specialties: · Offering concierge level service in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia; resales; new construction; luxury homes; investment properties; first time buyers · Finalist, Best Real Estate Team (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019) · Finalist, Best Real Estate Agent (2026)

As lifelong Washington area residents, we bring an insiders’ understanding of the neighborhoods, schools and market trends throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. Combined with concierge-level service, strategic guidance and the global reach of Sotheby’s International Realty, we help clients make confident decisions and achieve exceptional results.

Q What is the Carolyn Homes approach?

· Washingtonian 100 Best Agents (eight

A We believe every client deserves a

years in a row)

tailored experience. We take the time to understand your goals, anticipate challenges and create a customized plan to maximize your success. Consistently ranked among the top 1 percent of agents nationwide, our business is built on referrals and repeat clients, reflecting

·W ashingtonian Elite Producer (10-plus years)

COURTESY PHOTO

Q Why work with Carolyn Homes? A Real estate is local and so are we.

TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 4809 Bethesda Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 240-353-7601 carolyn@carolynhomes.com CarolynHomes.com

the trust we’ve earned through integrity, communication and a commitment to putting our clients first.

Q What do your clients say? A A recent Bethesda client wrote, “Carolyn did an amazing job patiently helping us find, buy and skillfully negotiate a great deal on our home seven years ago, so it was obvious who we would use to sell it. Carolyn exceeded our very high expectations, providing fantastic guidance on how to prepare our home, invaluable support on managing the project to get it done quickly, and then marketing it. All validated by the outcome: an offer received within one hour, above the asking price with no contingencies and closing in 27 days. There are many real estate agents, but if you are busy and looking for a partner to help you buy or sell your home, you can’t do better than Carolyn.”

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Home Experts

A.B.E. Networks

Q Why choose A.B.E. Networks? A At A.B.E. Networks, we don't just install

Q What do you enjoy most about what you do?

CHRIS T I A N V I V E S, CHIEF OPER AT ING OFFICER

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.

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.

tests nearly every new gadget he can

Q What's the biggest misconception people have about whole-home automation systems?

Q How has home automation evolved over the past few years, and what should homeowners expect next?

get his hands on.

A That more complexity means better

A In recent years, devices have become

12250 Wilkins Ave. Rockville, MD 20852 301-495-0964 info@abenetworks.com ABENetworks.com

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.

"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.

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,

MICHAEL VENTURA

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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Trent Heminger & Mary Noone L I C E N S E D I N D C | M D | VA T R E N T & C O . AT C O M PA S S R E A L E S TAT E With more than 90 years of combined expertise, Trent & Co. has earned the reputation as one of the DMV’s premier real estate teams. Led by award-winning duo Trent Heminger and Mary Noone—recognized as the No. 1 Producing Agent on a Team at Compass DMV—the team delivers strategic guidance, innovative marketing and exceptional service. 5471 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 O: 301-298-1001 | 240-461-3928 Trentandco.com

Q What should homeowners know about today’s market?

A If there’s even a small chance you’ve been thinking about moving into a larger home, this may be the time to make that dream a reality. Entry-level, suburban homes that feel truly move-in ready remain very hard to find—and young buyers are desperate to buy them. Your charming starter home could be a goldmine. Not only will it likely sell quickly, but if priced well, you could see multiple offers. Meanwhile, many “rightsizers” who’ve built up equity are finally ready for their next chapter, whether that’s one-floor living in vibrant condo communities or splitting time between two homes—one closer to family, one at their retirement destination. For years, homeowners stayed put to keep their low mortgage rates, but market gridlock is finally breaking. The resulting imbalance—larger homes sitting on the market longer— is creating an opportunity for negotiation that we haven’t seen in years. Whether you’re moving up or rightsizing, the key is to investigate your options. With condo supply up, prices are at an all-time low, while single-family homes are at their all-time high. In between, however, are real pockets of opportunity.

COURTESY PHOTO

Q What is the biggest mistake sellers are making? A Falling for the myth that “buyers will just renovate however they want.” Unless a home is significantly underpriced, that’s rarely true. Buyers today don’t have the time or energy for major renovations. They need boxes checked. Sellers should either clearly show the value of updating over time, or offer a true move-in-ready home worth stretching for. BE THESDAMAGA ZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2026 47

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Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

FROM LEFT: JIM NICOLSON, RESIDENTIAL VP, WILLIAMS ORELLANA, EDVIN CHINCHILLA, OPERATIONS, MIGUEL DELGADO, AND OSCAR DELGADO, CREW SUPERVISOR

J I M N I C O L S O N , V P, R E S I D E N T I A L S E R V I C E S 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.

COURTESY PHOTO

Tech Painting Company

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Home Experts

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Sandy Spring Builders 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

ANICE HOACHL ANDER

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.

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Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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’ve 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 experience for our clients. From simple bathroom remodels to whole house 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. 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. We take great pride and satisfaction in guiding each job into a tangible reality.

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.

COURTESY PHOTO

Pinehurst Design Build, by Tom Gilday

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Home Experts

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens Since 1982, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens has delivered beautiful custom kitchens with fine cabinetry, thoughtful designs and outstanding customer service. Its talented team is committed to creating a pleasant client experience and distinctive spaces tailored to each home, combining fine craftsmanship, style

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

and the latest product innovations. 12223 Nebel St. Rockville, MD 20852 301-984-9484 JackRosen.com

Q Why choose Jack Rosen? A We don’t just renovate kitchens; we create spaces where families gather, memories are made and everyday life becomes more enjoyable. For more than 40 years, our reputation has been built on the premium service we provide and referrals from happy homeowners. We love seeing the genuine smile on a client’s face when we create a space they’ll enjoy for years to come.

Q What do you do when a client tells you their kitchen “just isn’t working for us anymore?” A During our design process, we take the time to understand how our clients truly live and use their space. We ask about daily routines, how many people cook at once, what isn’t working and what would make life easier. We put ourselves in their shoes to picture what they’re envisioning, then design a space that best reflects their needs and lifestyle.

Q What advice would you offer homeowners considering their first remodel? A Don’t choose a remodeling company based on price alone—value matters more than the lowest number. Also, think carefully about how you actually use your kitchen, not just how you want it to look. Start by identifying what’s frustrating you. Trends come and go, but a well-designed kitchen should be timeless, functional and built around the way you live. Storage, workflow, lighting and quality materials all play a significant role in how much you’ll enjoy your space every day.

Q How far in advance should homeowners start planning a renovation? A It depends on a few factors, but anywhere from three months to a year.

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Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Jack’s Roofing Company Jack’s Roofing has been serving the DMV since 1940. In 2025, Jack’s Roofing joined the Wagner Roofing Company, a 112-year-old specialty roofing contractor based in Hyattsville, Maryland. The two companies now combine nearly 200 years of local roofing service and installations specializing in slate, metal, tile, cedar, and luxury shingles. 2345 Montgomery St. Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-585-4985 JacksRoofing.com

Q How do I choose the right roofing contractor for my historic or luxury home?

A Effective, long-lasting roofing comes down to the details and most often, the intricate flashing points around penetrations and changes in structures such as large chimneys, dormers and valleys. The long-tenured team at Jack’s Roofing has career craftsmen and an in-house sheet metal shop to custom fabricate flashing components specific to your home.

Q Are there special considerations for slate, metal, tile or wood shingled roofs? A Premium roofs absolutely require an experienced set of eyes and specialized skills to ensure long life. Slate, metal and tile can sometimes outlast the original underlying waterproofing and exposed flashings. A trained service crew that specializes in these types of roofs will be able to anticipate or repair areas of concern.

A Over time, full exposure to Mother Nature takes a toll on your roof’s components, as does your home’s settling and movement through freeze-thaw cycles. Roof maintenance plans are designed to stay on top of issues before they become costly repairs on the exterior or, worse yet, in the interior of your home. Jack’s dedicated service department offers roof maintenance plans that include detailed reports with photo documentation of existing conditions, along with minor repairs and timely storm response. Our maintenance plans also include clearing of all of your gutters and roof drains on a schedule tailored to your home’s needs.

SKIP BROWN

Q What can I do to prolong the life of my current roof?

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Home Experts

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Rockville Interiors Founded in 1971, Rockville Interiors is a family-owned, full-service design house delivering a highly collaborative experience from concept to installation. With designers, technicians and artisans working together in-house, the company pairs quality craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology to produce custom furnishings and window treatments that are both beautiful and

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

built to last. 5414 Randolph Road Rockville, MD 20852 301-424-1900 hello@rockvilleinteriors.com RockvilleInteriors.com

What do clients value most about working with you? How knowledgeable and passionate we are about what we do—and that everything, from design to installation, happens under one roof. Our collaborative, detailoriented team of designers, technicians, and artisans carefully maps out how each element will look, fit and function before anything is made, and our expansive showroom lets you see and feel materials in person. Every piece is individually designed and handmade in-house, resulting in fashion-forward, high-end work that’s customized and built to last.

What trend are you seeing right now that you’re excited about? Ten years ago, automated shades were still considered a luxury, but they’ve become the standard. Today, we design projects with motorization in mind from

the start, planning how light will move through your home throughout the day and using an app to automate those changes. It’s about convenience and privacy, but it’s also about smarter management of natural light for a more energy-efficient home.

How do you use technology to help your customers? We love using AI tools to take the guesswork out of design, creating quick visualizations so clients can get a sense of how their space could look before we talk about specifics. Have a dining room with a wall of windows and no idea what to do? Snap a few photos, and we’ll show you different versions with drapery, plantation shutters or other treatments before dialing in on fabric and color. It gives people a clearer starting point and helps them make more confident decisions.

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PR OF IL E S

Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Beatrice P. Miller, Founder & Visionary JONSA AC DYNAST Y JonsaacDynasty.org

Q What would you tell someone who loves your hat collection but says, “I can’t pull that off?”

A That they absolutely can! My hats, each carefully handcrafted

Q What was the inspiration behind the sled table design? A It was actually an accidental discovery. I placed a sled on the Singer table and saw something extraordinary. The design blends craftsmanship with nostalgic warmth and modern function, creating a centerpiece that sparks conversation and elevates spaces—from cozy cabins to luxury homes.

MICHAEL VENTURA

with net and horsehair and featuring my signature “Queen Bea” beehive crown, are designed to complement every woman’s features. Wearing one should be an experience that brings a sense of elegance, confidence and joy. A hat puts the perfect finishing touch on a woman’s wardrobe, announcing her style the moment she enters a room.

North American GeoThermal J O N AT H A N C R O S S , G E O T H E R M A L S Y S T E M D E S I G N E X P E R T Jonathan has more than 20 years of experience helping Maryland homeowners make the smartest heating and cooling investment they’ll ever own. Office: 571-933-3123 Mobile: 202-352-3222 NorthAmericanGeo.com

energy efficiency, exceptional comfort, whisper-quiet operation and a system life that far exceeds conventional HVAC. What’s changed is that geothermal has never been more affordable. New financing allows homeowners to install geothermal with no money down and affordable monthly payments. Homeowners who purchase their systems can also receive thousands of dollars in annual cash payments through 2045 with Maryland’s Geothermal Renewable Energy Credit program.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Q What’s changed about geothermal heating and cooling? A Everything—and nothing. Geothermal still delivers unmatched

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Home Experts

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

The Halem Group C O M PA S S B E T H E S D A 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

MICHAEL VENTURA

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.

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PR OF IL E S

Home Experts Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Monarch Prime x Lauren Windsor Design AMY HETZ, FOUNDER & GENERAL CONTRACTOR 301-208-0348| MonarchPrime.com L A U R E N W I N D S O R , P R I N C I PA L & I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R 301-653-1978 | LaurenWindsorDesign.com

Q What’s the biggest misconception about renovations? AMY: That it’s easy! Most projects split into three separate lanes (architect, designer, contractor), and whoever you call first becomes the lens for everything else. LAUREN: We’re designing constructible projects in real time, bringing organization and anticipatory guidance sorely missing from the industry. What’s different here? AMY: Peel back the onion on failed projects, and it’s poor planning and no contractor input during design—the opposite of our process. LAUREN: I used to design commercial buildings as an architect, so I think about how a space is built, not just how it photographs. Meanwhile, Amy brings a structured approach as a processdriven contractor. So, we’re never mid-project discovering a design can’t be built or costs more than planned.

SKIP BROWN

Q Renovations often go over budget and schedule.

Hopkins & Porter Construction, Inc. 12944-C Travilah Road, Suite 204 | Potomac, MD 20854 301-840-9121 | HopkinsAndPorter.com

Q What Sets Hopkins & Porter Apart from Other Design/Build Companies in the Area? homes and bringing clients' remodeling visions to life with innovative solutions, top-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. We prioritize collaboration and communication; by actively listening and sharing ideas, we guide our clients seamlessly through the remodeling process, addressing any concerns promptly and professionally. Every project is assigned a project manager who ensures daily progress and open communication. At Hopkins & Porter, we never cut corners, and our attention to detail fosters supportive and trusting client relationships. Committed to exceeding clients' expectations with every project, we stand by our work with comprehensive warranties and follow-up throughout the build and beyond. Experience the Hopkins & Porter difference. Built with integrity. Defined by care.

LISA HELFERT

A Since 1977, Hopkins & Porter has been transforming

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Home Experts

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Goldberg Group Property Management D AV E G O L D B E R G , O W N E R Goldberg Group Property Management is celebrating 15 years of steady growth in 2026. My favorite quote is, “Success isn’t owned; it’s leased, and rent is due every day.” Starting from zero in 2011, we now manage more than 600 properties across the DMV: single-family homes, townhomes, condos and a few small multifamily buildings. 9200 Corporate Blvd. Suite 380 Rockville MD 20850 240-702-2600 dave@goldberggrouppm.com GoldbergGroupPM.com

Q What characteristics have made you successful? A Property management is not for the faint of heart. You need passion, integrity, thick skin and the desire to hustle. Listening and executing are daily tasks. I came to Washington, D.C. to attend American University from Massachusetts, where I was born, raised and developed my can-do personality. With a positive attitude and ambitious spirit, I relocated permanently to Montgomery County where I now live with my wife and three children.

Q What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? A I have the opportunity to meet all sorts of people and make a difference in their lives. My clients include doctors and lawyers, an NFL player, military folks, an astronaut, teachers, police officers and firefighters. I help self-managing landlords transition their portfolios to GGPM to get their lives back. It’s also satisfying to educate people on regional rental laws, and I’ve appeared in court as an expert witness. When managing properties for government employees moving overseas, like foreign service and military officers, it’s helpful that we understand the Permanent Change of Station process. We serve them while they serve us. Whether it’s a faraway navy captain or a local 102-year-old client, we give landlords peace of mind and the confidence that someone is looking out for their assets.

SKIP BROWN

Q What is one way you’ve given back to the community? A I served two terms in the Office of Landlord Tenant Affairs as a vice commissioner in the landlord category. I was appointed by the county council and trained in landlord-tenant law by the attorney general’s office.

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The Debate Over AI How are schools responding? BY D AV I D M O N TG O M E RY / I L L U ST R AT I O N BY C H R I S GAS H

evin Shindel, a longtime

social studies teacher at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, sometimes thinks of artificial intelligence as a wave that’s beginning to crash over high schools in Montgomery County. The urgent question for teachers, administrators, parents and students, he says, is this: How can the tide be channeled to bolster, rather than erode, learning? Before his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, Shindel was among teachers in the county’s public and private high schools who are confronting what has been, until recently, a vacuum of official guidance on if, when and how to incorporate AI into the classroom. Teachers say they find themselves forging AI best practices on their own. As a result, policies can vary from classroom to classroom. Some teachers are early adopters, intrigued by the potential of AI to streamline lesson planning and offer students extra drills. Others

give a hard “no” on the use of AI in their classrooms. “It is the Wild West,” says Shindel, who spoke with Bethesda Magazine at Blair in April and May. As faculty adviser for the Student Government Association at Blair, Shindel encouraged those students to form an AI committee where they could debate the role of AI. In his own classes, he approved of students using AI for limited purposes, such as creating flash cards for studying. But he warned them against AI’s seductive power to sap their motivation to work hard. “You’ve got to maintain your agency and autonomy and your ability to think independently,” is the kind of advice he says he gave to students. He also used AI to devise homework questions, which, for transparency, he labeled as by “Shindel and Claude,” the name of Anthropic’s generative chatbot. If students turned in papers that Shindel could easily tell were written with AI, he says he gave them zeros on the assignments.

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Shindel, 54, who plans to advise schools on AI integration, distinguishes between “AI fluency”—showing teachers and students how to use AI—and “AI literacy”—analyzing AI’s impact on education and society. “We need to promote AI literacy,” he says, likening it to the push for media literacy in past decades. Michael Schweizer, head of the science department at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, has been exploring the educational possibilities of Gemini, Google’s generative AI model. He can access it through his school account. He consulted AI to come up with a lab for honors physics where students could use Play-Doh to make a wire to study electrical resistivity. In honors chemistry, he has invited students to use AI to generate images of “superheroes” based on the special powers of chemical elements, such as, say, “Helium Man.” However, to head off cheating with AI on tests, he gives more paper-and-pencil exams than he has in years. “I am closer to gung-ho than I am to reserved” about AI, Schweizer says. Still, “sometimes the new thing isn’t better, so I’m picking and choosing and finding ways it helps me and my kids.” As the science department’s resource teacher, he shows colleagues applications he has figured out. “There’s been no direct initiative from the county to use AI,” Schweizer says. “I don’t think from our end there’s people waiting for the cavalry, because it’s not coming. We will—individually, as a department, as the school— make whatever inroads we think we can.”

Meanwhile, county and state education

leaders are crafting education doctrine to catch up with the technology. In May, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved an amended educational technology policy that acknowledges AI’s arrival: “The Board recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), including systems that classify, predict, or process data as well as technologies capable of producing original content,” the policy states in part. “These tools are intended to support, rather than replace, active, teacher-led instruction, authentic learning, and workflow optimization. To mitigate the risks of algorithmic bias and misinformation, the Board directs MCPS [Montgomery County Public Schools] to implement a formal vetting process for all emerging technologies to meet best practices for factual accuracy, ethical data sourcing, and protection against discriminatory outputs.” The board instructed Superintendent Thomas Taylor to establish regulations to implement the broad principles of the policy. Liliana Lopez, a public information officer for MCPS, said in an email that the regulations would be in place by mid to late September. In June, the state’s Artificial Intelligence Ready

Schools Act took effect. The law creates the “Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education” made up of state and county education officials and representatives of teachers, students and parents to study constructive uses of AI. By June 1, 2027, the Maryland State Department of Education must ensure that AI literacy is a component of standards for workforce preparation and computer science for K-12 students. Earlier this year, the department also issued 100 pages of guidance for AI in K-12 education.

“

SOMETIMES THE NEW THING ISN’T BETTER, SO I’M PICKING AND CHOOSING AND FINDING WAYS IT HELPS ME AND MY KIDS.” —MICHAEL SCHWEIZER, HEAD OF THE SCIENCE D E PA RT M E N T AT W H I T M A N HIGH SCHOOL

An issue that the state and county guidelines mention in passing is the potential of AI to assist students with learning disabilities. It’s a subject of passionate concern for advocates such as Cally Kammerer, a senior at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac. Kammerer was diagnosed with learning challenges that make it harder for her to read. She uses AI to help take notes and for other tasks. “When I started using AI, it just completely changed my life,” she says in a Zoom interview with Bethesda Magazine alongside her parents, Holly and Doug Kammerer, who is the chief meteorologist at NBC4 in Washington, D.C. “I realized this could really change kids’ lives if it was more known … [and] if teachers allowed it, because I got ridiculed one time [at a different school] for trying to bring a [device] into class so I could record the class lecture, so I could plug it into AI later.” Working with the office of Maryland Del. Aaron Kaufman (D-Dist. 18), the Kammerers met with legislators in Annapolis to support guaranteed access to AI for neurodivergent students in their individual education plans. Ultimately, no bill was introduced. The Kammerers say they will push for a law again next year. “These are kids who desperately need this assistive technology, and for them it’s not cheating,” Holly Kammerer says. “It’s leveling the playing field.” Still, many parents are wary as AI seeps into class-

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At Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, students give a presentation on AI tools to faculty.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Through an AI Innovators Club and events including an AI tasting, students and faculty at Holton-Arms are working on AI literacy.

rooms through teachers’ individual initiatives or via emerging county and state policies, or simply because many students are already regular users of AI. In January, the Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) passed a resolution urging the county schools to block generative AI tools on all applications used by students until the schools can ensure that the tools benefit, rather than undermine, learning. Separately, in early July, a coalition of education advocacy groups, including Schools Beyond Screens Montgomery County, launched a petition

urging school districts in suburban Maryland, suburban Virginia and Washington, D.C., to suspend the use of student-facing AI apps such as Google Gemini in order to weigh their safety and efficacy. “The foundation of learning is mental struggle, and the purpose of AI is to remove that struggle,” says Betsy Tao, chair of the MCCPTA technology committee. Members of the PTA council are especially concerned that AI is surging when students are already spending too much time on digital screens, Tao says. She called on Montgomery County Public Schools to

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design a K-12 curriculum to teach students about AI and its societal impact—AI literacy—while prohibiting students from using generative AI on assignments until the value of AI in education is established. While the PTA council maintains that students are already accessing AI on school-issued devices, for now the only AI tool that MCPS officially approves for student use is an image generator via the Canva platform, according to Lopez. “We are in an extensive review of digital tools, focused on AI,” she says in an email. She also says the schools will follow a recommendation by the state education department to implement AI literacy for students from elementary school through high school.

“

I DO USE IT TO CREATE PROMPTS OR STUDY GUIDES, BUT NOT TO THINK FOR ME.” — S H O R O N YA M A J U M D E R , A S E N I O R AT B E T H ES D A - C H E V Y CHASE HIGH SCHOOL

On a May morning, a few dozen teachers and

technology coordinators from private schools across Maryland are gathered in a community room at Holton-Arms School in Bethesda. These members of the Association of Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools are hungry for an “AI Tasting”—a novel introduction to AI education tools that was developed by teachers and students at Holton-Arms. The guests dip into and out of breakout rooms where Holton-Arms students and Directors of Technology Integration Lucia Hassell-Lee and Troy Gordon present tools, including MagicSchool (a toolbox for teachers), Brisk (for creating presentations), Napkin (for rendering text information visually) and NotebookLM (for curating notes and other research), which is now called Gemini Notebook. Holton-Arms is equipping its students with ageappropriate opportunities to become AI literate. Students from the Upper School participated in an AI education roundtable in Houston last year. The school was motivated to get a handle on AI more than two years ago, when a faculty survey showed that 50% of faculty members were using AI in some fashion but more than 80% reported having no formal training, Hassell-Lee says. Coincidentally, around the same time, students petitioned to form an AI Innovators Club. Hassell-Lee and Gordon enlisted those students

as collaborators in educating the educators by giving a presentation on AI tools to their teachers. “What happens when you partner with students to become co-architects of their own learning environment?” Hassell-Lee says. “What we’ve seen is just magical things.” The students say they’re proud to witness teachers working with tools they learned about at AI Tastings. “The mission of our club is fundamentally to increase AI literacy,” says Grace Xiao, who graduated in May and was one of the founders of the AI Innovators Club, along with Angel Saravanan Babu, who also just graduated, and Sofia Francisco Skamnelos, currently a senior. “We don’t always believe AI is good. … But also we know that there are positives as well.” In general, the students say, they don’t use AI for writing, but they have used it to create flash cards for studying. Teachers may encourage the use of an AI tool for an assignment but will check a log of the students’ interaction with the tool. Saravanan Babu says that for a project in her 11th grade world history class, the students enlisted AI to design a World War I memorial. Sometimes the AI got things wrong, and the students had to guide it, which the teacher could see on the transcript of the interaction. “I think the most important thing is that the student creates the ideas and it’s their own thing that they’re showing their teachers,” Francisco Skamnelos says. Holton-Arms also developed principles to preserve a rigorous learning environment. One mantra is that AI should be a “sparring partner,” never a crutch, meaning it should be used for practice to sharpen skills. Another is, “human first, human last,” meaning the human sets the parameters and the human supervises the result. Teachers may forbid AI. When in doubt, students must seek permission. “Think about the skill that you’re supposed to be practicing,” Hassell-Lee says. “If you are using AI to master that skill for you, then this is not the right way.”

L a s t D e c e m b e r , teachers and students at

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda held a debate over the use of AI in schools. One morning in April, English teacher David Lopilato resumes the conversation with a couple dozen juniors and seniors, and invites Bethesda Magazine to listen and ask questions. The students say they know some of their peers are misusing AI to write papers and do homework. But they are outspoken about their own efforts to make responsible choices that will benefit their educational development and prepare them for an AIsaturated adult world. “It’s a new thing that’s not just a new phone; it’s a new thinker for you, and that’s something that’s never happened before,” says Simone Pulerwitz-Waisbord,

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OPPOSITE: LEFT COURTESY PHOTO; RIGHT PHOTO BY ASHLYN CAMPBELL

From left: Del. Aaron Kaufman, Doug, Cally and Holly Kammerer, and a Kaufman aide discussed measures to support AI access for neurodivergent students.

who graduated in June. “It doesn’t make sense for us to have access to this tool which severely impacts our educational experience if we’re, one, not taught how to use it and, two, can just use it whenever we want without any instructions or guidelines.” She adds, “AI itself, aside from its environmental impacts and maybe some [other] negatives … has the potential to do good, especially in schools.” The students are practiced enough to have discerned, for example, that Claude is better at math than ChatGPT. One student says she had to explain to ChatGPT why its solution to a calculus integral was flat wrong. For them, “to AI something” or “to ChatGPT it” is a verb. The students say the pressure to get good grades makes AI shortcuts tempting. And yet, “I’m kind of opposed to the use of AI because I feel like it takes away from people thinking for themselves,” says Shoronya Majumder, now a senior. “I do use it to create prompts or study guides, but not to think for me. … If I’m creating practice questions to prepare for an exam, it’s not the same as just creating the answers.” One of the most powerful guardrails may be students’ own dislike of feeling manipulated by technology. Back at Blair, during a philosophy class taught by Shindel last spring, students grapple with the sobering concept that AI may not be merely a tool; maybe it’s a new paradigm, an ecosystem, something even bigger. “You can’t compare it to any technology that’s been introduced in the past because it has the capa-

In December, students and teachers at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School debated restricting AI usage or teaching students to use it effectively.

bility of completely replacing us instead of being an aid,” says Kai Buff, who graduated in June. The next day, Sanah Azad, the head of the Blair SGA’s AI Committee, co-leads a debate on AI in schools. The students joke over the pleasure of sharing AIgenerated memes, condemn the impact of AI data centers on the environment, and admit how much they value human interaction with teachers, which AI can’t reproduce. Azad, who graduated in June, says when it comes to writing, she distrusts letting AI into the process. “When you’re writing the first draft, you need to have the ability of how to brainstorm and how to bring all these ideas together,” she says. “If you don’t have that, then you’re not even human, because you don’t have ideas.” In the end, as policymakers fashion approaches to AI in schools, Shindel advocates student involvement in the discussion. “The county should spend however many thousands of dollars and put 100 teachers and 100 students and 20 administrators and 100 parents up in a Hyatt somewhere and say, ‘Let’s go at it this week. What do we want? What is our goal?’ ” he says. “If you have work that is zero-percent AI, and work that is 100% AI, one is clearly not cheating, and one clearly is. But where is that line and [what is] the purpose? That is a rich, rich discussion.” David Montgomery is a freelance writer in Takoma Park. He’s a former staff writer for The Washington Post in the Metro, Style and Sunday Magazine sections.

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The SECOND ACT Meet five locals who pivoted from careers in other fields to teach high school BY MEG DRENNAN & MIKE UNGER PHOTOS BY SKIP BROWN

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Melissa Andrew became a teacher at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School after working in research science.

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Virginia Lum / ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS

irginia Lum began playing the piano at age 5 in Hawaii and debuted as a piano soloist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra when she was 8. “I was a bit of a child prodigy,” Lum, 71, says with a laugh. She went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School in New York City and perform as a soloist and a chamber player, including at famed locales such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the White House. In 2010 she co-founded The Apollo Orchestra, an ensemble of professional musicians that offers free concerts in the D.C. area. She still performs with the orchestra and at other events. Lum has worn another hat. After earning her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1988, she embarked on a career as a litigator in private practice and then moved to the Department of Justice in 1991. In 2025, she decided to leave the DOJ and return to teaching music, which she had done earlier in her life. Lum, who lives in Bethesda, found a new home at the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, where she teaches gui-

tar, audio music production and the Madrigal Singers, a choral group. She teaches all her students how to read music, which she says is important if they want to audition for a choral or musical group when they are in college. “I wanted to go back and help the younger people, educate them more about classical music. And educate myself about the music they listen to. Our audiences are graying, and we need to bring more young people into classical and traditional music,” Lum says. Her transition has been seamless, says Dale Placek, Holy Cross fine arts department chair, who describes Lum’s professional credentials as extraordinary. “But with teens, you have to earn their respect. It can be challenging to be a new teacher in an established program,” Placek says. “I think her jury trial experience really helped—reading body language, cues, emotions. When you see Ginnie work with students, she is so lively. She’s able to connect and get buy-in.” This year, Lum hopes to bring The Apollo Orchestra to campus to rehearse. “Then all of the students can attend,” Lum says. “Music is so important. It’s a special time to sit back and listen. Just listen and not do anything else. I’d like children to be children and value the simple but wonderful things in life.” —Meg Drennan

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Karl Kovacs / RICHARD MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL

he day Karl Kovacs returns to his science classroom at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville from one of his regular absences, there’s no speculation among his students about where he’s been. There’s empathy, he says. Kovacs, 62, is battling bladder cancer and he misses class three times a month to undergo immunotherapy. This is no secret; in fact, Kovacs views his condition and treatments as teachable moments. “I use it to help teach them the biology of cancer,” says Kovacs, who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and teaches biology and forensic science. “If I retired and stayed home because I’ve got this diagnosis, which I could have, what am I going to do? I’m going to slowly but surely become disconnected. Teaching gives me that connection. I don’t care how badly I feel; I’m focused on my students.” That sentiment would have been amusing to his late wife, Cassandra, who was a special education teacher at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Kovacs says. During his decades-long career with biomedical companies in the private sector—starting as a staff scientist and working his way up to vice president focused on customer experience—whenever he expressed an interest in teaching, she would tell him that he didn’t have the patience for the job. “Quite frankly, I think she just didn’t want me to change my salary,” Kovacs says, chuckling. “But that’s a different story.” Cassandra, his wife of 24 years, died of breast cancer in 2014. On May 5, 2016—he remembers the date—he quit his job to become a teacher, in part to carry on his wife’s “legacy of supporting students with kindness.” He went through the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers program at Montgomery College, and six months later started his teaching career at Richard Montgomery. “As a teacher who has been out in the world, I think he innately knows what is exciting and interesting to students. And he has a fascination with his subject matter that he’s able to convey in his teaching,” Richard Montgomery Principal Alicia Deeny says. “As long as I’ve known him, he has not been afraid to be vulnerable to students and to use that vulnerability as another tool to make connections with students. He doesn’t dwell on his challenges, but he does use his challenges to be vulnerable with students in a powerful way that I think inspires students.” Kovacs, who lives in Rockville, has taught for eight years now, and he still marvels not at teaching’s challenges, but at its rewards. “I thought it was going to be a job, and it became much more than that,” he says. “We’re going to learn things together, but as we grow together, that’s something different. When you get to a point where you’re conversing with your students, it’s a much different classroom. It’s a creative dialogue, and if you shut your mouth and listen, you can learn a lot.” —Mike Unger

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Michael Wyche / SPRINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL

ots of celebrities frequented B. Smith’s restaurant in Washington, D.C., during the 16 years Michael Wyche worked there. The list included John McCain, Venus and Serena Williams, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Lindsey Graham, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mitch McConnell and Stevie Wonder. “Maya Angelou and I would chat every time she came to D.C. My mother made me read her books [when I was younger]—that’s how I knew her when she came into the restaurant,” says Wyche, a social studies teacher at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, of his time working at the legendary Union Station restaurant. He started as a bartender and worked his way up to restaurant manager. “Ms. Angelou didn’t like to be disturbed while she was eating. But afterward she’d ask me to tell the high school kids cutting through the bar to come talk to her.” Wyche, 60, teaches honors U.S. history and Advanced Placement world history, and his experiences with those power brokers resonate in his classroom. “Do I tell the kids about all the people I know? I sure do. I make the connections between history and real life. Are we seeing continuity or change? Who are the players?” says Wyche, who lives in D.C. After the restaurant closed in 2013, Wyche decided to switch careers. “I always had this desire to teach, and thought I’d be a science teacher,” he says. Instead, he took a job as a long-term substitute for a history teacher. “I noticed the look in the eyes of the students when they were learning about a historical event or person. Science is straightforward, but with history there is a different interpretation. I thought this would be a more profound way to instruct kids, help them contribute to their own lives.” Wyche, who’s been full time at Springbrook since 2022, completed his teacher certification while teaching. He grew up in West Medford, Massachusetts, where he was a youth director for the NAACP. “When I was a kid, there were always people working with me. We had a very proactive group of elders,” he says. “I tell my students it [would be] a lot easier for me not to hold you accountable. Compassion and accountability—gotta have both. Let them know they’re worth it.” —M.D.

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Ethan Taylor / QUINCE ORCHARD HIGH SCHOOL

tep inside Ethan Taylor’s Quince Orchard High School classroom and it feels more like a friend’s cozy living room than part of a school. Dozens of vibrant molas (appliqué blouses) and colorful textiles hang from the cinder block walls. Intricately woven baskets are perched atop filing cabinets. A display of international flags covers the chalkboard. Taylor, a Spanish teacher, decorated his classroom with folk art he has collected, wanting to share the Latin American culture he loved as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama with his students in Gaithersburg. “I always wanted to teach but didn’t have time when I was with the federal government,” says Taylor, 56, of Silver Spring, who worked for the federal government for 24 years, most recently at the U.S. Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program where he managed projects in Africa and Europe designed to counter wildlife trafficking, curb poaching and promote sustainable tourism. But in early 2025, when the Department of Government Efficiency dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funded his programs, Taylor made the difficult decision to take the deferred resignation offer. He began to hunt for a new job. Fluent in Spanish, Taylor enrolled in the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers program at Montgomery College in May 2025. Later that summer he interviewed for a full-time job at Quince Orchard. Joe Lynch, Quince Orchard’s world languages resource teacher, says Taylor’s extensive experience working internationally was a big plus. “It’s not easy to do a career change at his age. What sold the [hiring] panel was his passion and willingness to grow, look for feedback and adjust. Those are all green flags,” Lynch says. The panel offered Taylor the job within 15 minutes of his interview. He started teaching at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Mischa Capacillo, 16, a senior at Quince Orchard who lives in Gaithersburg, appreciates Taylor’s teaching style. “One of my favorite memories was our unit on food. We watched a Spanish video on how to make a fruit salad, and then we had to create a recipe of our own. It was a fun way to apply what we had learned,” Capacillo says. Taylor takes a hands-on approach to his lessons. “I do not use Chromebooks in the classroom,” he says. “It’s all paper and pen, and verbal. We also use art, draw pictures. To me, you cannot learn a new language using a Chromebook. It makes it a lot more work for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” —M.D.

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Melissa Andrew / CHARLES E. SMITH JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

atters of the heart are hardly scientific, but science teacher Melissa Andrew makes sure to consider her students’ emotions in her classroom approach. “I think that I am a very loving teacher,” says Andrew, 50, who teaches ninth grade biology at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville. “I try to have empathy for the students, try to understand where they’re coming from. But I’m also firm, so I try to hold high expectations for my students. … My approach is to try to create a classroom that allows mistakes because I think mistakes are how we learn.” Andrew earned her undergraduate degree in biology and general science education and taught for a year before switching paths and working in research science. She has noticed that many of her students harbor anxieties, so she tries to create a safe space where they can talk about scientific topics without worrying about embarrassing themselves in front of their peers. “Melissa’s passion for her subject matter, her real-world experience in science labs, student-centered leadership and love for her students sets her apart as an impactful, outstanding teacher,” Charles E. Smith Principal Lisa Vardi says via email. “Students were immediately drawn to her enthusiasm, her varied pedagogical approach in the classroom and her willingness to teach students, not just the subject matter.”

Before returning to teaching in 2021, Andrew ran the research lab for a doctor at Children’s National in Washington, D.C. As part of that job, she routinely hosted postdoctoral, doctoral and undergraduate students and found herself drawn to the teaching part of the position. When COVID-19 hit and the students stopped coming, she missed them. With her three children a bit older, she decided it was the right time for a career recalibration. But relearning how to teach teenagers in a formal classroom setting required much more than just shaking off two decades of rust. “The thing about teaching is, I’m constantly still learning what works and what doesn’t, and what processes are important to have in the classroom to make things flow nicely,” says the Rockville resident. “So I think I’m still learning how to be a good teacher. I’ve always had a natural curiosity about science, so it felt easy to teach or to get other people excited about the subject that I was excited about.” Two years ago, Andrew revamped the school’s ninth grade biology curriculum to be more inquiry-based, using data analysis and labs. This year, the school is offering a new course, Biology II Honors, which Andrew is designing and will teach. “The students know that I geek out when it comes to biology, so they feel like they can geek out about biology, too,” Andrew says. “My favorite thing is getting kids to understand, hey, biology is a really important topic because you are walking biology. That’s what drives me: to watch students go from [thinking], I don’t care about science, to saying, ‘Wow, I never liked science, and now I’m super interested.’ ” —M.U.

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N TOTAL STUDENT-TO-TEACHER ENROLLMENT AVERAGE CLASS SIZE RATIO

ACCREDITATIONS/ AFFILIATIONS

SCHOOL NAME

GRADES

Bethesda Country Day School

2 yrs – Kindergarten | School-Age Before & After Care | School-Age Summer, Winter, and Spring Break Camps

n/a

Follows state licensing standards

N/A

Christ Episcopal School

2 yrs - Grade 8

115

Ages 2-4, 6:1; Kindergarten-8th grade, 10:1 (average)

AIMS; NAIS

Geneva Day School

2 yrs-K

160

Ages 2-3, 14:3; Ages 3-4, Green School and Excels 18:3; Kindergarten, 22:3 Level 3

Georgetown Hill Early School

Infants - Trans-K

120

Varies by age

Varies by age; Kindergarter 10:1

Georgetown Preparatory School

Grades 9–12; all-boys; day and boarding

500

Green Acres School

3 yrs - Grade 8

125

Holton-Arms School

Grade 3 - 12, all-girls

671

Lowell School

2.5 years old - 8th grade

300

Maddux School

PK-3

4:1

McLean School

K-12

495

7:1

Oneness-Family School

Age 2 - Grade 12

130

6:1

Rochambeau, The French International School

Age 2 - Grade 12

1,305

Varies by age

Preschool (age 3)-Grade 12

360

6:1

St. Jane de Chantal

PK - 8

285

PreK: 15 K-8: 15-18

15:1

St. John's College High School

9 -- 12

1,300

12:1

Middle States

$29,950

Spanish, French, Latin

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Pre-K–Grade 12 (All-girls: Grades 1–12, Co-ed: Pre-K and Kindergarten)

784

Varies by division

AIMS MD-DC, AISGW, RSCJ

$38,050-$51,700

French, Spanish, Latin

The Archdiocese of Washington Catholic School

Varies by location

The Bethesda Montessori School

Ages 2-6; Pre-K & accredited Kindergarten

$15,900 - $21,700, 2-year-old classroom + $3,500

French; English

The Harbor School

PS2-3rd Grade

6:1

AIMS, MSDE, AISGW, NAIS, WSSA

$19,333 - $36,053

Spanish

The Siena School

3 through 12

115

10:1

MSA-CESS; NAIS; IDA; LDA; ALDS

$54,970-$55,993

Spanish

Washington Waldorf School

Preschool (age 2) - Grade 12

260

6:1

AAIMS MD-DC, AWSNA, Member AISGW, Member WECAN

$13,290 - $44,730

Spanish

Sandy Spring Friends School

TUITION RANGE

LANGUAGES OFFERED

Schedule a tour at English, Spanish BethesdaCountryDaySchool.com included in curriculum $14,765 - $25,680

Spanish

$5,088 - $19,261

Spanish

NAEYC; MSDE

Varies by age

Spanish

8:1

MSA-CESS, Society of Jesus, JSN, IAC

$47,450 day; $78,015 boarding

Latin; Chinese/ Mandarin; French; German; Spanish

Varies by age

Varies by age; Kindergarter 10:1

AIMS MD-DC

$30,500 - $45,650

Spanish

6:1

AIMS MD-DC, NAIS, ISL

$60,535

Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish

8:1

NAIS, AIMS, AISGW

$44,500 - $55,500

Spanish

$45,830.88

N/A

NAIS, AIMS, AISGW

$49,000-$61,750

Spanish, Latin, American Sign Language

NAIS, MSM, MSDE, IMC

$11,000 - $43,500

Spanish, French, Italian

$28,315 - $33,930

French, English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese; multilingual curriculum

$27,700-$46,700

Spanish, French

AEFE; AIMS; International Baccalaureate; MLF; State of MD AIMS; MSDE; Friends Council on Education; NAIS

Pre-K: $14,000; Grades K - 8: Catholic school; U.S. DOE Catholic $12,300, Non-Catholic Blue Ribbon School $13,300

Primary program: three MSDE; MSM; NAMTA ; mixed-age classes; Kindergarten approx. 4:1 accredited Kindergarten toddler class: 9 Program

Spanish

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N VARSITY SPORTS

ART CLASSES

THEATER PRODUCTIONS

MUSIC ENSEMBLES

LOCATION

WEBSITE

N/A

Bethesda

BethesdaCountryDaySchool.com

N/A

Yes

Christmas Concert; Two Musicals per year

Symphonic Band

Rockville

cesrockville.org

N/A

Yes

Music program

Potomac

GenevaDaySchool.org

N/A

Yes

Music/specials

Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Bethesda - BUMC (newest location)

GeorgetownHill.com

Baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, swimming and diving,track and field, wrestling

Yes; art and music are graduation requirements

Yes

Chamber Orchestra, Instrumental, Choral Ensembles, Jazz Band and Piano Lab

North Bethesda

Gprep.org

Music, vocal coaching, digital songwriting

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

GreenAcres.org

Chorus, handbells, string orchestra, wind ensemble, Chamber Singers, Swing Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band

Bethesda

Holton-Arms.edu

one in middle school (plus several smaller groups through our after school program)

Washington, DC

LowellSchool.org

Studio and visual arts, ceramics, One per year (grades performing arts, photography, musical 6–8) set design Basketball, cross-country, field hockey, ice Yes, including visual arts, ceramics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and photography, danceand related Yes diving, tennis, track and field and volleyball electives Four (two in middle Soccer, baseball, basketball, cross country, track Every grade, Pre-K through 8th school and one each & field, and swim team in 4th and 5th grades N/A

N/A

Integrated Arts Programming

N/A

Rockville

MadduxSchool.org

Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross-Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball

AP Studio Art, Ceramics, Mass Communications, Web & Graphic Design, Yearbook

Fall Plays, Spring Musicals

Strings Ensemble, Chorus, Band, Jazz Band, Rock/Pop/Blues Band

Potomac

McleanSchool.org

N/A

Fine Arts

Musical (Lower School)

Band (Lower & High School)

Chevy Chase | Kensington

OnenessFamily.org

Soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, tennis

Yes

Bethesda

Rochambeau.org

Soccer, Cross-Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Rock Climbing, Baseball, & more

Studio Arts, Weaving & Fiber Arts, Digital Media, Dance, Theater, Woodworking, & more

Shows & exhibits; student performances Upper School Play; Middle & Upper School Musical

Instrumental Music, Chorus, Handbells

Sandy Spring

ssfs.org

N/A

Yes

Middle School Play

Choir; music curriculum

Bethesda

DeChantal.org

2--3

Chevy Chase, DC

stjohnschs.org

Basketball, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, golf, swimming, and more.

Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Photography, Media & Digital Arts

Dramatic Arts, Stage Production

Orchestra, band, chorus, a cappella, music ministry, and pep band.

Bethesda

StoneRidgeSchool.org

Varies by location

21 locations in Montgomery County

adwcatholicschools.org

N/A

Yes

Music instruction/classes

Bethesda

BethesdaMontessori.com

N/A

Yes

N/A

Potomac

TheHarborSchool.org

Athletics/PE program

Studio art, digital photography, drawing/ painting, makerspace, film, claymation

Music classes

Silver Spring

TheSienaSchool.org

Jazz Band, Strings Ensemble, Guitar, Choir, Chamber Singers, Acapella

Bethesda

WashingtonWaldorf.org

Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball

Drama and performance opportunities Clay, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Class performances, Songwriting, Stone Sculpture , Wood/ Upper School Plays Copper/Leather Work, Weaving & more and Musical

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Holton-Arms School Find a way or make one Holton-Arms School cultivates the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.” Guided by our motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam—“Find a way or make one”—our graduates do not simply step into the future. They shape it.

Q How does your school academic program prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world? A Since 1901, Holton-Arms has prepared students for a rapidly changing world through an educational philosophy that remains as relevant today as ever. Mrs. Holton believed students discover the joy of learning while doing hard things within “the friendliness of a home.” Her vision remains at the heart of a Holton education, where joyful sisterhood, intentional rigor and purposeful discovery inspire students to ask thoughtful questions, solve real-world problems, grapple with complex issues and persist through uncertainty— developing the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Students experience this philosophy at every stage of their education. In Lower School, they apply scientific concepts through handson STEM challenges such as designing water filters and building stomp rockets. In Middle School, Minimester immerses students in interdisciplinary learning including launching a student-run business and studying Chesapeake Bay biodiversity. In the Upper School, the Research Mentorship Program pairs students with university professors and graduate researchers for authentic, college-level research in fields including neuroscience, applied mathematics, and environmental science

Q How does a girls’ school empower students to discover their unique potential and become confident leaders? A As a girls ‘school, Holton empowers stu-

7303 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817 301-365-5300 Holton-Arms.edu

dents to discover their full potential in an environment intentionally designed for our girls. Every leadership role, every voice, and every opportunity reflects the belief that girls belong at the center of every conversation, challenge, and opportunity. Here, every student grows as a learner, creator, thinker and communicator, prepared to lead with confidence, compassion and purpose. The strength of that education is reflected in the women our alumnae become.

Through programs such as Women & Power for Good, alumnae return to share their lived experiences. Students engage with women who have built meaningful lives and careers in technology, media, entrepreneurship, medicine, public service and countless other fields. They see leadership in action and many paths to success, making it easier to chart their own. At Holton, girls show up for one another, celebrate one another’s successes and support each other through life’s challenges. Those bonds don’t end at graduation. The Holton sisterhood endures as a lifelong network of women who inspire, mentor and champion one another to find a way or make one.

Q How do your school’s values shape the daily experiences of students and prepare them to lead lives of purpose? A At Holton, our values are woven into every aspect of school life and lived through daily practice. We nurture community by ensuring every student knows she belongs and shares responsibility for the well-being of others. We practice kindness through empathy, compassion and care. We embrace creativity by inspiring students to imagine possibilities. We cultivate courage by encouraging students to take thoughtful risks, knowing they are supported every step of the way. Integrity calls us to know ourselves, act with purpose and honor the dignity of every individual—a journey shaped in classrooms, on stages and on playing fields. Beginning with our youngest learners, these values come to life in age-appropriate ways. For example, in the Lower School, fourth graders become “Changemakers,” identifying needs in our school community and taking action. In Middle School, students learn the importance of supporting our local community by partnering with organizations such as A Wider Circle and Only Make Believe. In the Upper School, students explore pressing social issues and partnering with organizations to support underserved communities.

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Find a Way or Make One At Holton-Arms, girls discover the confidence not only to step into the future—but to shape it.

Discover how a Holton education can help your daughter find her voice and forge her own path.

Scan the code or visit Holton-arms.edu/admission

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Oneness-Family School “At Oneness-Family School, we champion academic, social and emotional skills in order to prepare every student for life, not just for school.”

Q What unique programs or educational experiences set your school apart? A Oneness-Family School has taught in the Montessori tradition since 1988 and students stay with us from age 2 through high school. That continuity is rare: a student grows up inside one coherent approach, taught by people who have known them for years, and the confidence it builds shows by graduation. Global citizenship here is lived, not studied. Students learn French, Italian and Spanish from native speakers, so a language becomes something they use, not a subject to be tested on. Every October, we host United Nations Day with representatives of 85 nations. With 60 countries represented in our community and close ties to embassy families, students learn to move between cultures simply by coming to school. Our campus is intimate by choice. We know every family, and we treat the neighborhood, the nature around us, and Washington, D.C. itself as an extension of the classroom.

Q How does your school help students thrive both academically and personally? A We have never believed those are separate

Lower School 6701 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 301-652-7751 OnenessFamily.org

projects. Students who feel known take bigger academic risks, and those who manage their attention learn more. Our academics are both rigorous and individualized. Students move at their own pace, so there is no ceiling for one ready to go faster and no one quietly carried along. From first grade, students plan their week with teachers through daily work plans; by middle school they manage eight-week cycles alone. Small classes and three-year cycles mean no student is anonymous. Teachers know each one’s strengths and struggles and have time for both. Our graduates leave self-directed, articulate, at ease with adults, ready for future academic challenges and sure of their judgment.

Q How does your school prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world, particularly in areas such as STEM, technology, innovation and critical thinking? A Montessori puts reasoning in students’ hands before it appears as a formula. Science and math stay hands-on at every level, from a toddler sorting by size to a high schooler running an experiment they designed. Nothing is taught once and filed away. Fractions met with materials in first grade return as ratio in science, scale in a drawing, proportion in music, each pass adding a layer and moving from concrete toward abstract. Students meet an idea from enough directions to own it. Curiosity is the curriculum. Where conventional schooling rewards one right answer; our students learn to ask better questions and defend more than one, pursuing independent study on subjects they choose and, in high school, community internships and a Leadership program built on real problems. None of us knows what work will look like in 20 years. Adaptability and a real love of learning last, and those we have always taught.

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Bethes

THE

FUTURE NEEDS DEEP THINKERS FIND THEM AT ONENESS-FAMILY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Montessori Programs for Age Two through High School in Bethesda - Chevy Chase. Learn More at www.onenessfamily.org.

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Green Acres School Learning as it should be. “People are always encouraging you to take the lead. It doesn’t matter that you’re a kid—you’re not too young to change the world.” —Julia R. ’22

Q What does learning look like at Green Acres? A It’s active, joyful, challenging and connected to the real world. Students don’t just learn information—they question it, apply it, discuss it and make meaning from it.

Q How does Green Acres prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world? A Through inquiry, collaboration, problem-solving, reflection and real-world application, students build a strong academic foundation and develop the curiosity, confidence and critical-thinking skills to navigate challenges— even the ones we can’t yet predict. 11701 Danville Drive North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-881-4100 Greenacres.org

Q Why is Green Acres pre-K through 8th grade? A Our Pre-K through 8th grade model is designed around the arc of childhood. Learning builds intentionally from exploration and play

in the early years to increasingly sophisticated inquiry, independence and leadership in middle school. Students don’t face pressure to grow up too quickly. When they graduate from 8th grade, they leave as young adolescents who have had the chance to lead, gain confidence and become more fully themselves before taking the next step.

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Rochambeau, The French International School Where kids meet the world. At Rochambeau, nestled in greater Washington, D.C., students and educators from across the globe become one multilingual community, growing into confident citizens of the world. Through rigorous French and International curricula, every child is nurtured and prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-8260 Rochambeau.org

Q What unique programs set your school apart? A Rochambeau offers the French Baccalaureate and its international track (BFI), as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB, grades 9–12), alongside the Maryland High School Diploma, giving students true flexibility and global recognition.

Q Does Rochambeau offer extracurricular activities? A Yes. From aftercare to teacher-led clubs and athletics, our extracurricular catalog is available on our website and is refreshed each fall and spring to reflect students’ evolving interests.

Q How do you prepare students for STEM and critical thinking?

A In our two fully equipped Techno Labs, students bring projects to life from first idea to final creation: imagining, designing, building, programming and piloting robots alongside teachers and peers in class or through our robotics club. A dedicated science hallway keeps hands-on learning alive all year, culminating each spring in our school science fair, where secondary students introduce elementary students to the science programs. Q Are there camps at Rochambeau? A Yes! Our camps include judo (ages 7–10), bilingual soccer (ages 6–11), and French immersion (ages 3–10). During winter and summer break camps, children enrolled at other schools are welcome to join!

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Sandy Spring Friends School “Let Your Lives Speak” Q What makes a Sandy Spring Friends School education distinctive?

Founded in 1961, SSFS offers a deep and rigorous academic curriculum, character education rooted in universal Quaker principles, a diverse student body and master teachers who are passionate about their subject matter and helping students develop their individual sense of purpose as they become caring citizens of the world.

Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) offers an educational experience rooted in Quaker values that nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth. On our 140-acre campus, students learn through hands-on exploration, meaningful relationships and a deep connection to nature. Small classes and dedicated teachers foster curiosity, confidence and a strong sense of belonging, empowering students to discover their unique strengths while honoring the worth of every individual.

Q What does it mean to be a “Friends School”?

16923 Norwood Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-774-7455 Ssfs.org

A Friends School education is grounded in the Quaker belief that there is “that of God” in everyone. This philosophy creates

a welcoming, student-centered community where every voice is valued, and students are encouraged to think critically, act with integrity and lead with compassion. Weekly Meeting for Worship provides time for quiet reflection, helping students develop mindfulness and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Q. What are some unique programs and course offerings at SSFS? Along with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes 19 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, we offer distinctive electives such as Farming for Fitness; Spinning, Weaving and Fiber Arts; and Woodworking. Students also pursue their passions through a wide variety of clubs, leadership opportunities, athletics and the arts.

SANDY SPRING FRIENDS SCHOOL Extraordinary, dynamic teachers who challenge students to reach their full potential.

LEARNING WITH PURPOSE. LEADING WITH HEART.

Experiential learning and inquiry-based academics alongside a broad range of arts, athletics, service, and leadership opportunities. A supportive community where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

A PROGRESSIVE, QUAKER SCHOOL WHERE STUDENTS ARE KNOWN, CHALLENGED, AND INSPIRED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

PRESCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

LEARN MORE! SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY, AND MORE!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

16923 NORWOOD RD., SANDY SPRING, MD

UPPER SCHOOL

WWW.SSFS.ORG

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Maddux School

Flexible by design, intentional in every way. “The joy she experiences at this school is incredible. She is always met exactly where she is and embraced.” “The entire Maddux experience for our son and for our family has been transformational.” – Maddux Parent

Q How does Maddux School support diverse students? A: Learning is not one-size-fits-all and neither are we. Our small classes, differentiated instruction, integrated therapies and collaborative approach create an environment where students feel known and ready to engage. Our faculty are experts in supporting students with a range of learning profiles. We focus on strengths first, helping children build confidence while developing the academic, social and executive functioning skills they need to succeed.

Q What makes the Maddux experience unique? A: At Maddux, relationships are part of the 11614 Seven Locks Road Rockville, MD 20854 301-469-0223 Madduxschool.org

build friendships. We also partner closely with each family and work hard to create a community that offers understanding, guidance and a sense of belonging.

Q How does Maddux prepare students for the future? A: We prepare students for what comes next by helping them grow academically, socially and emotionally. Along the way, they develop resilience, flexibility, self-awareness, problem-solving skills and self-advocacy. Students leave Maddux School feeling courageous and curious!

curriculum. Through academics, purposeful play and thoughtfully designed integrated arts and after-care experiences, students learn how to participate, connect with peers and

Maddux School Building Strong Foundations

for Learning and Friendship

The right support turns "I can't" into "Watch me!" Maddux School is a growing general-education private day school that promotes strong academic, communication and social foundations in a warm, nurturing setting.

Small, Structured Classes

Highly-Trained Faculty

Schedule A Tour

Integrated Growing Forward Speech & OT

Now Enrolling

Pre-K - 3rd Grade

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

St. Jane de Chantal School St. Jane de Chantal School is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting each student’s individual needs through an innovative, academically challenging curriculum. Rooted in Gospel values, the school fosters leadership, responsibility and service while providing a nurturing environment where students grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally within a strong tradition of faith.

Q What makes St. Jane de Chantal unique? For more than 70 years, St. Jane de Chantal School has combined academic excellence with a close-knit Catholic community where every child is known, supported and encouraged to grow. We value and educate the whole child, both in mind and spirit.

Q How does the school support academic growth? With two classrooms per grade and an average of 15 students per class, our school provides a personalized learning environment where teachers can focus on each child’s individual needs. Our commitment to academic excellence has earned us recognition as a twotime National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

301-530-1221 DeChantal.org

Q How does De Chantal help students thrive beyond academics? At De Chantal, believe childhood is a time to build confidence, curiosity and character. In addition to a strong academic foundation, our students are encouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning while growing in faith and values. Through meaningful traditions, engaged families and a caring community, De Chantal creates an environment where every child is known, loved and inspired to succeed.

ST. JANE DE CHANTAL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

Oc tober 9 th & November 11th

Please register at: DEC HAN TAL .ORG/AD M ISSION S

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Georgetown Hill Early School Play, Learning, Arts, and Nurturing Georgetown Hill Early School is a nonprofit early childhood organization providing nurturing, inclusive learning. Partnering with families, we inspire curiosity and confidence while supporting whole-child development through play-based learning, meaningful relationships, and compassionate communities across Maryland.

Georgetown Hill Early school Bethesda-Chevy Chase Campus 7235 Wisconsin Ave., and Bethesda- BUMC Campus 8300 Old Georgetown Road 301-284-8144 Georgetownhill.com

Q What makes Georgetown Hill different? A We are a nonprofit early childhood education organization that has served Maryland families for more than 40 years. Our focus is on providing high-quality, play-based learning in a warm, welcoming community.

Q Do you offer flexible scheduling? A Yes. We understand that every family has different needs. We offer a variety of full-day, part-day and extended care options at many of our locations, making it easier to find a schedule that works for your family.

Q Who will teach my child? A Our experienced teachers are passion-

create nurturing classrooms where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn through play.

Q What does play-based learning look like? A Children explore, create, solve problems, build friendships and develop essential academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on experiences guided by caring teachers.

Q Is Georgetown Hill family-owned? A Yes. As a family-founded organization, we value strong relationships, open communication and treating every child and family with the same care and respect we would want for our own.

ate about early childhood education and

YOUR Y OUR F FUTURE UTURE IIS SB BRIGHT RIGHT A AT T GEORGETOWN HILL! G EORGETOWN H ILL! IInfants nfants tthrough hrough T Trans-K rans-K o openings penings aavailable! vailable! Infants through Trans-K

Bilingual Programs

301-284-8144 3 01-284-8144 georgetownhill.com g eorgetownhill.com

Flexible Scheduli Scheduling ing

Summer Summ mer Programs

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

The Harbor School “Nurturing Confident, Kind, & Capable Learners since 1973” “Harbor was a second home to all my children. We are very happy that we were able to spend eight beautiful years here and it will always have a special place in our hearts. All my children are well prepared for their next journey.” -Harbor parent, Class of 2026

Q What makes The Harbor School unique? A At Harbor, being small is a strength, and

Q What does learning look like at Harbor? A Curiosity leads the way. Through hands-on, in-

knowing every child is at the heart of what we do. Serving children from age 2 through third grade, we offer an intentionally small community where low teacher-student ratios and accessible leadership allow children to be truly known, understood and celebrated. Families become part of a close-knit community built on belonging, kindness, and connection.

terdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning, children explore, create, question and solve problems— while developing confidence, social-emotional skills and a sense of who they are. Music, Spanish, P.E., art and mindfulness round out a rich experience designed to help every child thrive.

Q Why does Harbor focus exclusively on the early years? A The early childhood years lay the foundation 11510 Falls Road Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-1100 Theharborschool.org

for how children learn, connect and see themselves as learners. Because Harbor has always focused exclusively on this stage, we bring deep expertise and a highly personalized approach to these formative years.

Q What makes The Harbor School unique? A At The Harbor School, our small size is one of our greatest strengths. Serving children from age 2 through third grade, we foster a close-knit community where every child is truly known, understood and celebrated. Low teacher-student ratios and accessible leadership create a personalized learning experience. Families become part of a welcoming community built on kindness, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

McLean School Transforming the Way Students Learn McLean School makes education accessible, stimulating and meaningful for bright learners. Through our Abilities Model®, we recognize each student’s unique strengths and challenges, fostering intellectual growth, confidence, self-advocacy, empathy, and connection. In an inclusive community of caring teachers and peers, students succeed because they learn how to learn.

Kindergarten-Grade 4 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD Grades 5-12 8224 Lochinver Lane, Potomac, MD Phone: 240-395-0698 www.mcleanschool.org

Q What sets McLean School apart? A We focus on how students learn. Our

Q What makes McLean graduates stand out? A McLean graduates are confident, self-

research-based approach helps bright K-12 students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, build confidence, independence and academic success.

aware learners who know how to solve problems and advocate for themselves. Recent college acceptances and matriculations include Boston College, Brandeis, Dickinson College, Emory, Howard, Pepperdine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse, Tulane, Wake Forest and Yale.

Q What is the Abilities Model®? A Our schoolwide philosophy that recognizes students first for their strengths. Woven into every grade, beginning in Lower School, the Abilities Model® helps students know their strengths, while building curiosity, resilience and essential academic skills. We help students understand how they learn best, while providing a challenging college preparatory education and a full range of opportunities in the arts, athletics, leadership and more.

Q What opportunities do students have beyond the classroom? A McLean students are encouraged to explore their passions through clubs, service learning, visual and performing arts, robotics and athletics.

Check out our Open House and Tour Dates!

mcleanschool.org/visit

McLean Sees Gifts. Help Your Child Discover Their Strengths. McLean School transforms lives. Our small classes and Abilities Model® prepare bright students K-12 including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and organizational challenges for college success. Potomac, Maryland 240.395.0698 admission@mcleanschool.org

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GEORGETOWN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Growing Skills,

Building Confidence. Precision. Partnership. Purpose. Join us at our Open House on Sunday, October 18, 12–3 p.m. 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda Register at gprep.org/visit

From early literacy, math, and science exploration to social-emotional growth and purposeful play, every moment at Chesterbrook Academy is thoughtfully designed to help children thrive.

Scan to learn more or schedule a tour Serving ages Infants through Pre-K

5615 Beech Avenue | Bethesda, MD | 877-661-7308

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Lowell School Think critically, Engage Purposefully, Live Authentically Founded in 1965, Lowell School is a co-ed progressive school in Washington, D.C., serving students from 2.5 years old through 8th grade. Lowell is where progressive education prepares students for high school and challenges them to hold themselves and others to the highest ambitions and ideals throughout life.

1640 Kalmia Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20012 202-577-2000 Lowellschool.org

Q What unique programs or educational experiences set your school apart? At every stage of development, Lowell students are encouraged to explore the highest levels of subject matter as they learn through an inquiry-based, hands-on and meaningful curriculum led by adept and attentive educators. We measure growth not by single letters, but by thoughtful assessment that reflects the whole child. This is progressive education excellence. Children develop a love for learning from experts who understand and respect them— and who love to teach. As Lowell faculty design and guide innovative, interdisciplinary lessons, they show up for each student and all their intellectual, social and emotional needs. Our teachers can navigate reflective conversations in one moment, then dive into the

quadratic formula during the next, modeling the adaptability, focus and drive it takes to be a thriving member of society.

Q How does your school help students thrive both academically and personally? A Lowell teachers respect each student’s individuality; teach understanding and skills through project-based learning; improve themselves through ongoing professional development and more. “The work of a progressive educator is so intense. They have to be ready to dive into subject matter at any point, with thoughtfulness and extensive background knowledge.” –Lowell Parent

LOWELL

is HERE

Here for the PROGRESS

Here for the CHALLENGE

Co-ed progressive education for students 2.5 years old to 8th grade www.lowellschool.org admissions@lowellschool.org

Here for the EXPERTISE

Here for the AMBITIONS

1640 Kalmia St. NW Washington, DC 20012

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SUCCESS STARTS AT SIENA!

Weekly Tours Available!

Courageously. Confidently. Wholeheartedly Stone Ridge.

For bright students with language-based learning differences like dyslexia

OPEN HOUSES Upper School (Grades 9–12) October 18, 2026

Middle School (Grades 5–8) November 11, 2026

CAMPUSES

Lower School (Pre-K–Grade 4) Visit our website for Gator Gatherings.

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Northern Virginia Grades 3 - 12

Silver Spring Catholic • All-girls Grades 1–12 Co-educational Pre-K and K • Bethesda, MD

to Chat With Our Admissions Team!

Grades 3 - 12

www.thesienaschool.org

The Bethesda Montessori School since since 1983 1983

NOW ENROLLING 4.625 32 - 6 year olds, Pre-K & Kindergarten

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8:00 8:00 a.m. a.m. to to 6:00 6:00 p.m. p.m. 301.986.1260 301.986.1260

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Private Schools

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

St. John’s College High School Rooted in the Lasallian tradition, St. John’s College High School is an independent, Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds. Through faith, academic excellence and leadership development, St. John’s prepares young men and women to lead lives of achievement, service and moral responsibility.

2607 Military Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202-363-2316 Stjohnscsh.org

Q What sets St. John’s College High School apart? As St. John’s celebrates its 175th anniversary, we continue our commitment to academic excellence as an independent, Catholic, Lasallian, coeducational college preparatory school. We challenge students to grow academically while fostering leadership, character and a strong sense of community.

Q How does St. John’s prepare students for success in college and beyond? Students can choose from 28 AP courses, 19 honors courses, a Scholars Program for gifted learners and a cross-curricular Entrepreneurial Program that develops innovation and problem-solving skills. Our 1:1 educational technology program provides every student with a schoolissued iPad to enhance collaboration and

learning. The Class of 2026 earned more than $37.5 million in scholarships.

Q How do students thrive outside the classroom? With more than 100 clubs, 54 athletic teams, 18 instrumental ensembles and six vocal groups, every student has an opportunity to find and pursue their passion. Our 35-acre campus also features an 80,000-square-foot Center for Performance and Leadership. The Donatelli Center for the Performing Arts, Cap Mona Student Center and black box theater, all fitted with professional-level amenities, offer students opportunities to enhance and showcase their talents.

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PR OF IL E S

Private Schools Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

The Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools A Faith-Based Education that Lasts a Lifetime Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington, rooted in gospel values and the teaching mission of the Catholic Church, are learning communities of faith and service dedicated to educational equity and excellence for all students.

301- 853- 4518 Adwcatholicschools.org

Q How many schools are in the Archdiocese of Washington? A The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to 90 Catholic schools, serving students from preschool through high school across the Washington metropolitan region.

Students are challenged to grow intellectually, spiritually and personally in caring communities where they are known, supported and encouraged to use their God-given gifts to serve others.

Q Where are your schools located? A Our schools are located throughout the

Q How do your schools prepare students for the future? A Our schools combine strong academics with

District of Columbia and in five Maryland counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s. Wherever families live in our region, there’s likely a Catholic school nearby.

character formation, leadership opportunities, service learning and innovative classroom experiences that equip students with the knowledge, confidence and values needed to succeed in college, careers and life.

Q What makes an Archdiocese of Washington Catholic school unique? A Our schools provide an academically excellent education rooted in the Catholic faith.

FIND THE RIGHT CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR YOU Open House Schedule Available on Our Website

Tuition Assistance Available & Application Opens in October

ENROLLING FOR

2027-2028

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2027 PRESENTED BY

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COLLEGE

BOUND THE FOLLOWING IS A CHART OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

ILLUSTRATION BY ADOBE STOCK

where Class of 2026 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, based on information self-reported by students. Officials could not guarantee complete information. We have only included colleges and universities where at least 10 students applied from the combined high schools. The high schools are: Albert Einstein (Kensington), BethesdaChevy Chase (Bethesda), Montgomery Blair (Silver Spring), Richard Montgomery (Rockville), Thomas S. Wootton (Rockville), Walter Johnson (Bethesda), Walt Whitman (Bethesda) and Winston Churchill (Potomac).

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Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

APPLIED

ACCEPTED

ENROLLED

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

ALLEGHENY COLLEGE

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

361

237

AMHERST COLLEGE

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY—TEMPE

105

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

BABSON COLLEGE

BARD COLLEGE

BARNARD COLLEGE

BATES COLLEGE

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

BENTLEY UNIVERSITY

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

BOSTON COLLEGE

125

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

268

BOWDOIN COLLEGE

BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY

BROWN UNIVERSITY

107

BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

BUTLER UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

CAPITOL TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

CARLETON COLLEGE

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

162

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

192

104

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

128

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

CHATHAM UNIVERSITY

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

CLARK UNIVERSITY

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

226

143

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

COLBY COLLEGE

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

6 14

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

176

122

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

COLORADO COLLEGE

COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

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COLLEGE BOUND 2026

Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

117

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

CONNECTICUT COLLEGE

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

230

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

9 2

DAVIDSON COLLEGE

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

DENISON UNIVERSITY

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY

DICKINSON COLLEGE

DREXEL UNIVERSITY

207

150

DUKE UNIVERSITY

148

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

ECKERD COLLEGE

ELON UNIVERSITY

113

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, DAYTONA BEACH

EMERSON COLLEGE

EMORY UNIVERSITY

149

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

119

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

204

116

FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE

FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

FURMAN UNIVERSITY

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

208

128

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

130

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

360

167

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

200

22 3

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE

GOUCHER COLLEGE

GRINNELL COLLEGE

HAMILTON COLLEGE

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE

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Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

APPLIED

ACCEPTED

ENROLLED

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

HAVERFORD COLLEGE

HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

0 4

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

HOOD COLLEGE

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

178

17 7

IE UNIVERSITY, MADRID

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

INDIANA UNIVERSITY—INDIANAPOLIS

INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON

403

283

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ITHACA COLLEGE

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

351

233

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

167

JUNIATA COLLEGE

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

KENYON COLLEGE

KING’S COLLEGE LONDON (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON)

LAFAYETTE COLLEGE

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE

121

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND

215

143

MACALESTER COLLEGE

MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY

MARIST UNIVERSITY

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

MARY BALDWIN UNIVERSITY

MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART

MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE

MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

MCDANIEL COLLEGE

MCGILL UNIVERSITY

MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

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COLLEGE BOUND 2026

Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

MIAMI UNIVERSITY—OXFORD

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

174

123

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

171

173

140

137

140

163

165

157

828

836

652

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

182

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE

MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

112

MUHLENBERG COLLEGE

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

THE NEW SCHOOL

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

270

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

157

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

399

216

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

147

NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

OBERLIN COLLEGE

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE

OHIO UNIVERSITY

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AT COLUMBUS

396

267

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

OLIN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

PACE UNIVERSITY

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

116

119

180

162

110

136

126

209

144

1,059

731

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

POMONA COLLEGE

PRATT INSTITUTE

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

123

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

304

195

PURDUE UNIVERSITY—FORT WAYNE

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Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

APPLIED

ACCEPTED

ENROLLED

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

RADFORD UNIVERSITY

REED COLLEGE

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

RHODES COLLEGE

RICE UNIVERSITY

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

166

118

ROLLINS COLLEGE

ROWAN UNIVERSITY

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK

258

148

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEWARK

SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

329

223

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE

SCRIPPS COLLEGE

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY

SKIDMORE COLLEGE

SMITH COLLEGE

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

SPELMAN COLLEGE

4 0

ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND

207

137

ST. OLAF COLLEGE

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

104

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

234

126

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COLLEGE BOUND 2026

Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

282

196

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY JAPAN

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

TOWSON UNIVERSITY

138

130

114

164

114

101

144

127

912

666

113

TRINITY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

TUFTS UNIVERSITY

118

TULANE UNIVERSITY

106

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

101

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

132

112

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

2 27

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

280

227

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

183

135

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

456

354

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

239

115

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

162

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

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Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

APPLIED

ACCEPTED

ENROLLED

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANACHAMPAIGN

251

110

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

14 1

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON

105

109

187

103

139

178

106

131

149

101

1,048

666

121

100

152

139

259

115

230

115

254

108

154

119

108

105

177

165

1,434

947

379

206

145

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

138

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

116

521

113

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COLLEGE BOUND 2026

Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, TWIN CITIES

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA—LINCOLN

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

Walter Johnson

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL 1

107

242

3 1

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

172

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

136

104

139

110

179

101

134

146

128

186

121

1,085

741

53 4

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

115

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA— COLUMBIA

329

212

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

151

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA

142

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

157

17 14

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

115

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

222

177

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

299

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

221

107

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON

349

144

URSINUS COLLEGE

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

145

VASSAR COLLEGE

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

108

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

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Albert Einstein

BethesdaChevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Richard Montgomery

Thomas S. Wootton

Walter Johnson

APPLIED

ACCEPTED

ENROLLED

Walt Whitman

Winston Churchill

TOTAL

VIRGINIA TECH

118

113

126

683

388

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON COLLEGE

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS

104

WELLESLEY COLLEGE

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

117

WILLIAM & MARY

138

WILLIAMS COLLEGE

WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

YALE UNIVERSITY

116

YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA

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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE From an arts leader to a doctor focused on women’s mental health, these six Montgomery County changemakers are our latest class of honorees

BY CARALEE ADAMS & NATASHA TYNES PHOTOS BY LISA HELFERT

2026

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SHAWN YANCY W

hen her three sons were young,

Shawn Yancy would pull into her Potomac driveway near midnight after anchoring the evening news and—the house dark and silent— head to the basement studio, turn on Beyoncé and pick up a brush. Acrylic on canvas, acrylic on acrylic—“acrylic on anything,” she says. “As a journalist, life is black and white. There’s not a lot of room for the gray,” says Yancy, an anchor of NBC4’s News4 at 5 and News4 at 11and a contemporary abstract painter who has had a solo show at Washington, D.C.’s Pepco Edison Place Gallery and exhibited during Miami Art Week in Florida. “So for me, art is an escape from the chaos of everyday life—a place of freedom to share my thoughts, my feelings, my emotions and my ideas.” Yancy’s path to the anchor desk began in third grade, when she watched Barbara Boyd—Indiana’s first Black female news anchor— interview her father, a physician, on a local “Ask the Doctor”segment. Yancy knew then what she wanted to do. She studied radio and television at Indiana’s Ball State University, worked her way through local TV in Indiana and Pittsburgh, and arrived in D.C. in 2001 at Fox 5. Her second day on the job was Sept. 11. She was pulling into the Fox 5 parking lot, listening to local radio station WTOP, when she heard that a plane had hit the Pentagon. She says her news director told her that the week of getting to know the place was over and sent her to cover it. She still thinks about the families she met in the weeks that followed. “I wonder how they’re doing 25 years

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“She’s invested in these women actually getting to the finish line.” —LORRAINE ALTSCHULER, GIVING FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN BOARD MEMBER

later,” she says. Yancy also learned to see the news through more than one set of eyes. Preparing an evening broadcast after the police killing of Philando Castile in 2016 in Minnesota, Yancy looked around the newsroom and realized she was the only person of color. She told her colleagues why the story landed differently for her: She has three Black sons, and “we have to talk about how the world perceives them” when they walk out the door. Her news director, a white father with sons, admitted he had never thought to have those conversations. “How we tell stories is incredibly important,” Yancy says. Yancy’s nonprofit, the Giving Foundation for Women & Children, began in her home in 2010 as a clothing swap among girlfriends—cocktails, music and a pop-up “store” in her dining room, with leftover professional clothes donated to Dress for Success Washington, D.C. It became a nonprofit in 2019 and now runs programs with such names as the Caring Coats Project and the Holiday Hearts Initiative; last year, it served more than 450 children at a single holiday giveaway at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington, D.C., Yancy says. Its newest effort, the Young Scholars Fund, is the most personal. Yancy had her first son during her junior year of college. She gave birth on a Wednesday and was back in class the following Monday, with the baby beside her at every lecture. She finished a semester early,

but only, she is quick to say, because her parents paid her tuition and showed up with diapers and groceries. Nationally, nearly one in five undergraduates is a parent, she notes, and most have no such safety net. The fund pairs young student-parents with scholarships, mentors and micro-grants. “She’s lived it,” says Lorraine Altschuler, a foundation board member. “She’s invested in these women actually getting to the finish line, and she understands what that takes.” Schinnell Leake, who runs Extra-Ordinary Birthdays, a College Park-based nonprofit the foundation has supported, remembers a mother who feared she couldn’t give her child anything for his birthday; through the foundation, the child opened the exact gift he had asked for. “Watching that mother cry tears of relief was a powerful reminder that support like Shawn’s goes far beyond material items,” Leake says. The all-volunteer organization runs lean, and Yancy is, by all accounts, everywhere—emceeing events, building partnerships and “personally driving all over the DMV to pick up toys,” says her friend Charlotte Reid. Yancy’s happy places are at the beach at sunrise, where she paints, and anywhere with her family: three grown sons and Marcus, her husband of 33 years. “I prayed and asked God to fill my plate, and he did,” she says. “Now it’s my responsibility to say thank you for that and keep going.” —Natasha Tynes

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KATEY BOERNER O

n spring’s first warm Saturday, families line up

around the pavilion at Glen Echo Park for the season’s first turn on the carousel. The band organ, which turned 100 this year, pipes out a tune. In the studios beyond, potters sell their work; in the galleries, new exhibits are displayed; in the old bumper car pavilion and the Spanish Ballroom, couples learn to dance. On the festival stage, African American dancers and musicians trace the changing pulse of music and dance through American history. To Katey Boerner, 62, who launched the seasonopening festival in 2003 and now calls it Carousel Day, it is the time when the whole campus is distilled into a single afternoon and a former amusement park becomes “vibrant with life.” Boerner is the founding executive director and CEO of the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, the nonprofit that has run this historic site, part of the National Park System, since 2002. When the job opened in 2002, Boerner wasn’t looking. She had earned a master’s in management and taken the position of chief financial officer at the national anti-hunger nonprofit Share Our Strength— but she missed the daily contact with the public that a walk-in place provides. Before that, she had run an arts center in a historic building, produced a street festival

and worked in Boston’s city-owned theaters. Glen Echo, she realized, was “the mother of all partnerships”: a single site jointly answerable to the National Park Service, the state, Montgomery County, and the dozens of artists and arts groups renting space there. “It brought together everything that I knew,” she says. There was also a personal connection. She grew up in the Bethesda neighborhood of Wood Acres (where she lives now, three doors down from her mom) and has a fifth grade diary entry recording the day her older sister took her and her younger sister to ride the Glen Echo carousel. She spent Saturday mornings in the 1970s taking children’s theater classes at Adventure Theatre, the park’s oldest resident company. Carol Trawick, the former board chair who hired her, says Boerner “stood apart … because she combined a love of the arts with a keen business acumen.” The organization Boerner was hired to build did not yet exist. She started with a borrowed metal desk left behind by the Park Service, a cellphone and a laptop, working out of an unheated stone tower while a $21 million renovation, funded in roughly equal parts by county, state and federal dollars, rose around her. The park had suffered what she calls “demolition by neglect”; the Spanish Ballroom was rotting, with raccoons in the rafters. Her job was to negotiate agreements with every group on the campus, build a staff and a budget from modest county seed money, and knit a loose colony of artists into something that could sustain itself. Over the next two decades, she launched roughly seven festivals, added free summer concerts and a monthly art walk, and expanded the venues hosting the park’s weekend dances. She shepherded the final stages of the carousel’s restoration and has worked for years to fund heating and cooling for the Spanish Ballroom—a project still underway, with Montgomery County committing $3.25 million, the state adding fur-

“She combined a love of the arts with a keen business acumen.” —CAROL TRAWICK, FORMER BOARD CHAIR FOR GLEN ECHO PARK PARTNERSHIP FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

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ther funds, and a federal share still expected. Colleagues describe a leader who does the unglamorous work. Ama Mills-Robertson, the partnership’s chief program officer, recalls Boerner driving to Annapolis multiple times in a week to testify before a state budget committee in her push for ballroom funding, which was approved. “She’s not afraid to … do whatever is needed to get the job done,” Mills-Robertson says. Boerner has built history into the park’s programming, even when that history is painful. For decades, the privately owned amusement park that once occupied the site barred Black visitors entirely. In 1960, Howard University students protesting that policy staged a sit-in on the whitesonly carousel; five were arrested for trespassing, and a summer of picketing—joined by neighbors and other civil rights activists—pushed the park to desegregate the next year. On June 25, 2023, Boerner brought several of the 1960 demonstrators back to the park for Diverse Voices Festival of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration, co-presented with Washington Revels, a D.C. arts nonprofit. She has also championed filmmaker Ilana Trachtman’s documentary about the protests, Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, hosting soldout screenings at the park and at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring. Edith Shorts, who protested at Glen Echo as a young woman in 1960 and is featured in the film, says Boerner sought her out and kept her close. “She puts people forward in the limelight and tries to create a platform for their success,” Shorts says. For all the partnerships and committee hearings, the job Boerner’s son remembers is the one that came at 3 a.m. Since he was a boy, Max Gordy, now 26, watched his mother bolt out the door whenever a fire or burglar alarm went off on campus. “I think that’s the type of dedication it takes to run a place like Glen Echo Park,” Gordy says. Boerner would bring him along and teach him to silence the alarms; growing up, he tried nearly every craft in the park, from glassblowing to photography. Ask her about a legacy and she steers away from buildings. New facilities would be nice, “but the point is, what are you doing in them?” Her measure is the programming—the at-risk girls bused in for a week of glassblowing and weaving, the special needs adults who come for a puppet show and the carousel, and the protesters finally honored on the ride that once got them arrested. “It’s persevering and building a better park,” she says, “but also having an amazing time doing what we do in the process.” —N.T.

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JENNA LEVINE LIU W

hen Jenna Levine Liu was pregnant

with her first child in 2019, she began looking for mom groups on Facebook. She says she went into “full panic mode” reading judgmental comments about organic baby food and the dangers of vaccines. “It was not my vibe,” says the 41-year-old, who lives in Germantown with her husband, Christian Liu, 46, and daughter, Poppy, 6. So, after her daughter was born, Levine Liu started writing online about the struggles of family life—with a touch of humor—in hopes of connecting with other moms and starting her own group. “I talked authentically about how challenging I found motherhood,” says Levine Liu, who was open about her bout with postpartum depression. “Society makes it seem like it’s all flowers, hugs and snuggles, but the reality of it is much harder.” Eager to get to know other moms, Levine Liu posted an invite on Facebook for breakfast at First Watch in Gaithersburg in late 2019. Six women and their kids came to the first meetup, which prompted her to name the group Sixx Cool Moms (an extra “x” to make it unique for trademark purposes). Levine Liu says she didn’t consider the business potential until a few months later, when people started to ask her about the possibility of marketing their businesses to the group. “I thought, Well, I have one group now, but if I had a network of these groups, I could tap into national sponsorship money. I can turn this into something profitable while also addressing a real need in the community, which is the epidemic of loneliness in motherhood,” Levine Liu recalls. Levine Liu was born in Staten Island, New York, and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2007. She has stayed in the area ever since. She launched Sixx Cool Moms as a business in March 2020, expecting it to be a side gig while continuing in her full-time job as a political advertising account executive. But when much of the world

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“She is a true local connector. She brings moms, small businesses and community resources together.” —REBECCA BUTLER, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIXX COOL MOMS

shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic, moms were turning to social media for support and the group grew quickly. Levine Liu contacted a handful of women around the country and developed a national network of social media groups. Now there are 105,000 members in six states plus the District of Columbia with 25 chapters, according to Levine Liu. (The Montgomery County chapter is the largest with nearly 15,000 women.) Each chapter is led by a local mom who licenses the brand and builds a community with support from Levine Liu and the network of licensees. It’s free to women of all ages who join through Facebook and are asked a series of questions. Businesses that want to become “Sixx Cool Moms Approved” pay to be part of the network, which allows them to post “paid sponsorship” content and be included in a directory. By the end of 2020, the enterprise became Levine Liu’s full-time job—and then some. She says Sixx Cool Moms has evolved from being a Facebook group into a media company with an emphasis on events. There are happy hours and movie nights, dance parties and retreats. In May, the Montgomery County Sixx Cool Moms hosted its first family-friendly food truck festival in North Potomac. Shannon Phelan, a mom of two teens in Gaithersburg, says she was drawn to the

group by Levine Liu’s funny and genuine posts. She has collaborated with Levine Liu to host outdoor yoga classes and trips to Mexico and Costa Rica—with plans for Belize in 2027. “It’s so great to work with Jenna. She has a vision. She can see the big picture,” Phelan says. “She’s really intuitive when it comes to people.” Rebecca Butler has been an assistant to Levine Liu for four years, and this summer became the first full-time employee of Sixx Cool Moms as vice president. The Clarksburg mom helps manage 140-plus business sponsors in Montgomery County and nationally. “She is a true local connector,” Butler says of Levine Liu. “She brings moms, small businesses and community resources together.” Levine Liu says this modern village has given her a deeper understanding of the range of problems that moms from different backgrounds face and the importance of being kind and empathetic. The time when kids are at home is finite, Levine Liu says, and it’s important for women to build a support network and circle of friends. “We are trying to create this nonjudgmental space where women can genuinely be themselves,” she says. “We’re curating a different kind of community of people who get it.” —Caralee Adams

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HARITA RAJA D

r. Harita Raja says that women—especially

those from South Asia—too often put the needs of others before their own and suffer in silence. Looking for ways to bring women together and to talk about their mental health, the 40-year-old Bethesda psychiatrist thought of what has brought her joy for years: dance. In January 2023, Raja founded the Raat Rani Collective for women and began to offer Bollywood Zumba classes. She intentionally built in time to socialize and ask questions such as, “What’s hard at home?” Women responded and deep connections formed. Raja says the collective has grown to more than 100 members. It now offers yoga, book clubs, cooking classes, pajama parties and the annual “Sneaker Ball,” where women dress up but wear comfortable shoes to dance. “It’s playful enough that you build a relationship, then you can get serious,” says Raja, who finds that gaining participants’ trust has led to rich discussions about boundaries, guilt and the feeling of being enough. She says she has been struck by the genuine care that the women express for one another and the willingness of

members to support the group as it expands. As the demand for Zumba classes evolved, Raja recruited Dr. Nisha Sankaran, a neuroradiologist who lives in Bethesda, to teach. “You can’t say no to [Raja]. There’s a way she asks. She comes with so much belief in you that you believe you can do it,” says Sankaran, noting that Raja’s ability to create a space full of energy has boosted the well-being of so many women. Raja has devoted much of her professional life and volunteer efforts to increasing awareness about women’s mental health, confronting stigmas and promoting well-being. “The way to change communities and people’s lives is through education first,” says Raja, the founder of Bethesda Women’s Mental Health, her psychiatric practice. She has an expertise in helping women manage hormonal transitions related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum issues, infertility, perimenopause and menopause. In 2024, Raja established the DMV Menopause Providers Group, a network of about 140 medical professionals, therapists and practitioners. She has presented workshops to business leaders, hosted a free screening of a menopause documentary at a downtown Bethesda theater, and gets the word out on social media. In November 2025, she co-founded South Asian Her, a nonprofit organization to inform and empower South Asian women who are at heightened risks for certain medical conditions. Dr. Aruna Nathan, a Bethesda resident, says Raja is a “doer” who uses plain language and personal stories to bring people together. “The community building she does is huge—because

“You can’t say no to [Raja]. There’s a way she asks. She comes with so much belief in you.” —DR. NISHA SANKARAN

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community is medicine,” says Nathan, an internal medicine physician who cofounded South Asian Her with Raja. Raja says her parents, who were both born in India, modeled the importance of education and helping the community when she was growing up in Orange County, New York, just north of New York City. (Her dad and sister are also psychiatrists.) In college, Raja studied in India and taught at a girls orphanage. Raja received her medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York. During medical school, she went on teaching and medical mission trips to Uganda and Ghana. Raja’s daughter, now 13, and son, 10, were born while she was doing her residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Wanting to be present as a mom and a doctor, she set up a home office to be able to work around her kids’ schedules. Her practice, which she started in 2015, has three psychiatrists, including Raja, plus a therapist. Her husband, Dheepak, a biomedical engineer, runs the business side. Raja has been open about her health journey. “I’ve always struggled. I felt comfortable in my body but compared myself to others,” she says. After losing 40 pounds last year through diet and exercise, she says she has more confidence—and has been surprised to find her transformation has motivated others around her to get healthy. Raja’s colleague and friend Dr. Lisa Zucker, a psychiatrist who lives in Potomac, says Raja has a voice that is grounded and cuts through the noise on social media. “Some think of menopause with embarrassment or shame, but the way she speaks about it is relatable and warm, and puts women at ease,” says Zucker, who adds that Raja leads by example and is effective because of her expertise and generous spirit. What’s most rewarding to Raja these days? “No matter how much stuff I do on the bigger stage or with more people, it always comes down to the one-on-one,” Raja says. “When a patient tells me something has improved in their life, or in a women’s circle we hear a personal story, it comes down to the individual impact. At the end of the day, that’s why I do what I do.” —C.A.

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ESTHER AGUILERA I

n the early days of building

her Rockville-based food company, Margarita Womack says it was inspiring to meet Esther Aguilera and hear of her success as a Latin American professional. “She’s showing that people can do it and supporting others to make it happen,” says Womack, who was born in Colombia and in 2017 founded Latin Goodness Foods, which sells empanadas under the MasPanadas brand. She hit it off with Aguilera at a conference of Angeles Investors, a venture capital firm that supports Latino-led businesses. Aguilera, who is the metro city lead for the firm in Washington, D.C., offered to share advice and make introductions. “Going down a list, [Aguilera] said, ‘Let’s see who would make sense to connect you with,” Womack recalls. “Oh, the CEO of Casey’s [convenience store chain].’ And she just picks up the phone and calls. That was powerful.” Aguilera, 58, spent her career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors building teams of leaders and championing Latino representation. In recent years, she has shifted to working with private equity and venture capital funds. She co-founded Silver Tsunami Transitions in April and is the CEO of the boutique advisory firm, helping business owners transition and sell their companies. When Aguilera was 4 years old, her parents emigrated from Mexico to the United States. She learned the value of hard work and education at home, where she says there was talk from an early age about what she and her five siblings wanted to be when they grew up. A Silver Spring resident since 2004, Aguilera says she was first drawn to public policy and the potential impact she could have on the community while she was a student at Occidental College in Los Angeles. “When I was looking at our history books, who the leaders were and our policies, one thing that really motivated me was that I didn’t see people that looked like me,” Aguilera says. “That sparked it for me. ... I just saw that there were some gaps and voices needed at the table.” Promoting diverse voices and building teams from Capitol Hill to corporate boardrooms has been a hall-

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“I just saw that there were some gaps and voices needed at the table.” —ESTHER AGUILERA

mark of Aguilera’s career. She knows the importance of developing connections, having landed her first job as a policy analyst at a Latino think tank in D.C. with help from a contact provided by a college adviser and professor. Aguilera has paid it forward since, mentoring and creating opportunities that empower others to thrive in various fields of work. She was focused on legislative issues as executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998 and went on to work at the U.S. Department of Energy as a senior adviser and executive director of small business procurement. In 2004, Aguilera became president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, where she expanded its leadership program, internships and alumni network for young people. “It was a really powerful way for someone to immediately come into an ecosystem, and we made sure they left equipped for success to lead,” says Aguilera, adding that she grew the organization’s annual budget from $4 million to $10 million during her 11-year tenure. She would share her personal story and tell students: “You’re in the halls of Congress. You belong here just like anybody else, and we need you to step into leadership roles.” When it came to lack of diversity in boardrooms, Aguilera says she wanted to be part of an effort to help Latinos to be ready and in a position to serve. She was the first president and CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, from 2016 to 2023. She orga-

nized conferences and programming for the national network of Latino CEOs, corporate directors and executives. Marisol Angelini says Aguilera did wonders with the association in creating a large sustainable group that elevated talented Latinos. “I see brilliant Latino people who should be serving on boards; however, they are not being given those opportunities,” says Angelini, a former executive at Coca-Cola. “[Aguilera] was always so adamant on building community, building support, building self-confidence, and providing the programs that allow people to serve on boards with high standards of excellence.” Looking back on the most pivotal moments of her career, Aguilera says people often saw potential in her that she didn’t see in herself. Just as she’s grateful for the guidance of her mentors, Aguilera tries to pass along her knowledge and lift others along the way. On Fridays, she carves out a few hours for informal coaching and mentoring. Aguilera joined the board at Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas in late 2025. Womack says she appreciates her support, enthusiasm and insights on the best ways to make presentations to her clients and board. (Womack was among the Women Who Inspire chosen by Bethesda Magazine in 2023.) Aguilera says a common thread throughout her life is her desire to make a difference and create meaningful impact. “Value creation. That’s what always drove me,” Aguilera says. “I wanted to add value and make a place better, more impactful and results driven.” —C.A.

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NICOLE PORCARO I

n 2021, Nicole Porcaro almost

had the answer to the final Jeopardy! question, but it felt “like a marble rolling around in my head and I couldn’t grab it,” she says. The music played. Thirty seconds. The marble never stopped rolling, and for Porcaro, it cost her the game. She was so devastated that she threw up into a trash can on the stage. Producers had to refilm the moment, which she says felt like living through the worst moment of her life twice. Five years and one more unsuccessful Jeopardy! appearance later, Porcaro, 41, aims to share her gospel of resilience with young students suffering from anxiety. Porcaro, who lives in Silver Spring, is the founder and president of No Anxiety Prep, a college admissions counseling and test prep business that she launched in 2012. The name is also a thesis statement. Early in her career at the test prep company Kaplan, she noticed that the big companies did a lot well but rarely addressed the thing she saw paralyzing students: anxiety. Her company—now a team of 12 that has worked with students in 25 states and 11 countries—teaches mental strategies alongside academic methods. One-onone tutoring is its mainstay, but the company also offers small-group sessions, a five-week class and a self-study

platform, all pitched at a range of price points. Porcaro attended the University of Maryland on a scholarship, earned a master’s at Purdue and another at Harvard, and recently a doctor of education degree in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College—a credential she pursued, she says, out of “my love of learning” and a determination to “walk the walk” for her students rather than “just talk the talk about high-level schools and advanced degrees.” She teaches English across Montgomery College’s three campuses, and in 2023 she published AppliQuirktion: How to Make Your College Application Step Up, Stand Out, and Shine, her handbook on the admissions process. A forgettable essay, she tells kids, just reports an event. A good one takes a five-second moment and “peels it back like an onion” to reveal how someone sees the world. On standardized tests, her mantra is accuracy over speed. “You do not get points for finishing the test,” she says. “You only get points for right” answers. She says 95% of her students land a spot at one of their top three schools. The biggest SAT jump from a student who completed her test-prep program was 520 points. What sets Porcaro apart, colleagues say, is a refusal to let weak work slide. “She asks the harder question, the one most people skip, and she expects a real answer,” says Annmarie Bauer, who worked alongside Porcaro on a doctoral research team in Vanderbilt’s education doctoral program. “Plenty of people start strong and fade when the work gets tedious. [Nicole] stays.” When Zaq Makowski, a Vanderbilt classmate and a new father, was diagnosed with lymphoma in the middle of the program, Porcaro organized a meal train through their cohort and helped raise money for his family. “[Nicole] immediately sprung to action,” says Makowski, who finished chemotherapy in August 2025 and has had

“She asks the harder question, the one most people skip, and she expects a real answer.” —ANNMARIE BAUER, COLLEAGUE ON PORCARO’S DOCTORAL RESEARCH TEAM

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clean checkups since. “She may be the most determined person I have ever worked with.” Porcaro grew up in New Jersey in a household with no college-educated adults in what she describes as a strict home, and was the family’s “black sheep” for her bookishness and her habit of asking why. Reading was her way out: She says she was working through chapter books by 5 and won her first writing contest at 9. A high school English teacher, with whom she keeps in touch, helped her find her footing. A $1 thrift store sign reading “Prove them wrong” hangs in her home gym. “Whether it’s the background I come from [or] the people who said I couldn’t do this,” she says, “it inspires me.” A competitive gymnast through college, she took up flying trapeze in 2011 and still performs—30 feet up, a 20-pound bar in her hands—in themed amateur shows at circus schools in New York and Washington, D.C., and at resorts in the Caribbean, with productions built around the musical Hamilton, the movie Clue and James Bond. Every year she plays in a New York Yankees fantasy baseball camp in Florida, where she says she is the only woman among roughly 120 players. She opts for the men’s camp over the women’s, she says, because the women’s camp isn’t competitive enough. She has won a Gold Glove award there. She exercises six or seven days a week, even after a 2016 baseball injury shattered her ankle, tibia and fibula—an injury she describes as “almost Joe Theismann-esque.” Porcaro studied journalism at Maryland— she anchored a newscast and called sports on the radio—and then graduated in 2007 into a recession. While substitute teaching and tutoring part time for Kaplan, she wrote a business plan, received free feedback from a counselor at a local library, and gave Kaplan her notice. For eight years, No Anxiety Prep has run a back-to-school drive—supplies, toiletries and pajamas—benefiting The Tree House Child Advocacy Center in Rockville and a Title I elementary school in Washington, D.C. Porcaro offers free webinars and pro bono counseling, and some of her paying families quietly sponsor students who can’t afford the help. Porcaro hopes other women see a piece of themselves in her story—that they came from a hard place, or changed course, or missed a dream by a hair—and take from her personal credo: “Rejection is redirection.” —N.T.

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CNN’s John King and the Magic Wall he uses for election coverage

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BETHESDA INTERVIEW

A CONVERSATION WITH

JOHN KING The CNN chief national correspondent on the midterm elections, living with MS, and why his neighborhood in Bethesda is the best BY MIKE UNGER

OR MILLIONS OF VOTERS, election night

in America is spent with John King. Viewers sit transfixed in front of their televisions for hours (sometimes days) on end, watching CNN’s chief national correspondent use his index finger to point to, tap on and swipe across his Magic Wall, a touch screen supergizmo capable of retrieving almost every nugget of election data imaginable. King and the wall are so ingrained in the zeitgeist of American election coverage that when he was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2020, the wall made an appearance and Kimmel called him a “chart throb.” But for a guy so inexorably tied to a singular piece of groundbreaking technology, King is hardly a technophile. In his office at CNN’s Washington, D.C., bureau, a few blocks from the Capitol, among pictures of his three children and autographed photos of him interviewing presidents, he keeps his old BlackBerry and Rolodex on display. On his desk is a guide to Maine—an actual printed and bound book— where he went in May as part of his All Over the Map project, in which he travels throughout the country to gauge the political pulse of the voting public. “I’m trying to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks,” says the silver-haired King, 63. “Some people are resistant to change. The reason I love my job is because it has changed so much over the years. We’re doing some things that are shorter, snappier, [for a digital] audience. Linear television is still sort

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of the foundation of CNN, but not a lot of [younger people] are watching cable television anymore. Now I’m doing the same story, but in four or five different ways, which is interesting.” King, who grew up in Boston and has lived in Bethesda for 14 years, has been covering politics for four decades. After 12 years as a print journalist at the Associated Press, he joined CNN in 1997. He has reported from all 50 states and more than 70 countries and covered the wars in Iraq and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. King and the Magic Wall have become a staple of the network’s election coverage since they were paired for the first time in 2008. Twelve years later he was a seemingly ubiquitous presence in front of it during the four days the presidential election result remained in limbo. Marathon shifts on the air would be mentally and physically exhausting for anyone, but it was especially difficult for King, who back then was keeping a secret: He had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008. Frustrated by the debate over vaccines and masking during the COVID-19 pandemic, he revealed his condition in 2021 during an unscripted moment on Inside Politics, the TV show he hosted at the time. Public reaction was, as it always seems to be these days, mixed. But King, whose core belief in the decentness of most Americans has only been reaffirmed during his All Over the Map reporting, chose to focus on the positive.

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In the back of his office, next to a pile of books and a collection of framed political buttons, sits a new red walker. “A woman in West Virginia sent me this,” he says. “I don’t need it, and I hope I never do. It’s been sitting here for more than a year. At some point I want to hand that to somebody who actually needs it. But in an odd way it’s taken so long in part because I like to look at it and just be reminded that there are amazing people out there who would reach out to help a perfect stranger.” Bethesda Magazine spoke with King at CNN in Northeast Washington in May. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

At what point in the year does your life become all election coverage all the time? When I covered the White House, it was allconsuming. I have two older kids, and I let my work take me away from the much more important job I have in my life, which is to be a dad. And so I promised my [younger] son, Jonah, that I wasn’t going to do that. [But] he gets it. His mom [King’s ex-wife, CNN anchor Dana Bash] does this for a living, too. Especially when he was very little, I was not going to be absent. You used to have to be pulling files or paper records. [Now] I can cook my son dinner and put him to bed and then sit at home and do some of it. But from Labor Day on, you’re in the pool. You’re in the pool.

When did you get bit by the political bug?

There were four newspapers in Boston when I was a kid. Imagine that. And my dad watched the evening news. In those days, you had three choices, and his was Walter Cronkite. So we were raised in a house where there were always newspapers around, and Dad always watched the news, and Dad always talked politics. That’s how it got into my blood. I never thought I would do this until I got to college [at the University of Rhode Island]. I was an English and a history major trying to figure out what to do. I had a Shakespeare professor who said, ‘You love to write. You should take a journalism class.’ So I did. And then I got an internship with the Associated Press in Providence. At the time, Buddy Cianci was mayor of Providence. And Rhode Island always has mob activity going on. Arlene Violet was a former nun who was elected attorney general. I was like, They pay people to do this? OK. I like this.

Your first presidential campaign was in 1988. How did you wind up covering then-Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis’ campaign?

I had just transferred from Providence to Boston for the Associated Press, and I was the happiest guy on earth. Boston’s home. I was around my family, I was around my friends, I had a great job. Then Dukakis started running for president. I thought that would be great for me because our top statehouse guy would be out covering Dukakis and I’d get to do more of the state politics. But he had no interest. He didn’t want to do the travel, Iowa and

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ABOVE: King interviewing oyster farmer and sommelier Virginia Shaffer in Bath, Maine, for an episode of All Over the Map that aired in May LEFT: With President Barack Obama at the White House in 2009

New Hampshire and all that. And so I remember my editor one day saying, ‘You want to go to Iowa?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’

What lessons did you learn that you still use today?

Listen. The most important thing is listen. A lot of people in this town have forgot how to listen. And to try to understand the gift. I grew up in a house where we had very little money. We did not travel. We did not take vacations. So for me, it was an introduction to America. When you first go to Iowa, it’s 99 counties. It’s four or five hours of driving if you’re going from Sioux City across to Cedar Falls and then Dubuque. Luckily, I had experienced some snow driving in Boston, so that part, while it freaked me out, didn’t kill me. The gift for me was learning how different America is. Where you live is going to impact how you think. What jobs are here? Where’s your energy come from? Are you dependent on trade? Now, I would be lying to you if I said in 1987 or 1988 I had any understanding of how tariffs or trade or globalization were going to dominate the politics of our time. I had no idea. I was a kid covering my first campaign. I was worried about how far is it from Des Moines to Ames? Can I get there in time? So 40 years later, part of the polarization in our politics is understandable to me because our country is so different. I mean, part of it is the politics of this town are broken. But some of the division is simply because Des Moines is different from

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San Francisco. Lewiston, Maine, is different from Tallahassee, Florida. The learning experience [has] been the blessing of my life. I always say I had to borrow every dime to get through college. Now they pay me to learn.

where we’re missing votes. Manchester, New Hampshire, still has a lot of votes to report. That’s Clinton country. She’s winning by a lot there. If she can keep that margin up, it’s mathematically possible to come back.’ The idea was, I’ll show you the math here.

The Magic Wall was unveiled in 2008. Who named it that?

I can see how excited this gets you, and obviously you love your job.

So number one, the person who found the Magic Wall is no In 2020, some people criticized you for saying that you were having longer with us, sadly. David Bohrman fun on the air. But these elections have was our bureau chief here. He died real-world consequences to people. Was [in 2023]. And David was this creative that fair criticism? force, really innovative, changed a It’s absolutely fair. I get it, and I should lot of things in television when he have known better. The blessing of my FROM: B OSTON was here. He found it at a military job is I get to travel to all these places LIVES IN: BETHESDA trade show where they sell tanks and and talk to all these people. I underrocket launchers. They were trying stand how important it is for them, AGE: 63 to sell it to the Pentagon, and he saw whether they are the most left Bernie COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND it and was like, ‘Holy s---. You know Sanders, [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] OCCUPATION: CNN’S CHIEF NATIONAL voter, or they are the most Trumpy what I can do with this for elections?’ CORRESPONDENT He was brilliant. Trump voter. The Magic Wall thing came from Most of these elections are incredCHILDREN: SON NOAH, 33, DAUGHTER Larry King. Larry asked me a quesibly competitive. For [voters] and the HANNAH, 30, SON JONAH, 15 things they care about, the stakes are tion once in the 2008 campaign and he said, ‘Can you show me?’ I did enormously high. It’s not fun for them something that apparently made Larry happy and he said, when it’s approaching midnight and they don’t know if their ‘Wow, that thing’s magic.’ The next day, David Bohrman was candidate won. Fun was a very poor choice of words by someone who’s in the words business. I take the responsibility very like, ‘Well, it’s the Magic Wall.’ seriously. I don’t have a horse in any of these races. That’s not Do you remember the first time you used it on the air? my job. My job is to count and context. I completely get why Yeah, New Hampshire primary night, 2008. somebody watching, whether they are as far left as you can get or as far right, would flip me the bird at that moment and say, ‘This is not fun for me.’ Were you nervous? Petrified. I was not nervous, I was petrified. That turned out to be a really interesting night because it was [Hillary] Clinton The 2020 election week was a marathon. Physically, being on the air and [Barack] Obama. Obama had won Iowa, and so if Obama that long would be taxing for anyone. You have multiple sclerosis. won New Hampshire, game over. Not mathematically, but psy- What were the early signs, and when did you know that something chologically, game over. was really wrong? There were some networks that night that called New Hamp- Well, once I was diagnosed, I was able to look in the rearview mirror shire for Obama. One of our conversations was, ‘If we’re not going and find a lot of things. I can go back to the Clinton presidency. I’m to call it and people are watching who might know that others not really a runner. I exercise in other ways. But we were on Marhave, why don’t we explain why we haven’t?’ So I used the Magic tha’s Vineyard, where he would go on vacations, and there wasn’t Wall to say, ‘Look, Obama’s leading without a doubt, but look a gym. And so just to get a little bit of exercise, I went for maybe

JOHN KING

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a mile jog. My feet went numb. I was like, That’s weird. It’s probably just because you’re overweight and you don’t run. I actually went to the hospital there. They didn’t have an MRI on the island in those days, so I got an X-ray, and then later I went for an MRI, and they didn’t see anything. But at the 2008 convention, I essentially lost feeling from about [my midchest] down. So we went to paramedics at the [convention arena], and a paramedic whispered in my ear, ‘I’m not supposed to say this, but my mom has MS, and this sounds a lot like MS.’

That must have been scary.

I didn’t know what to make of it. I remember the moment; I was like, I’m OK. I’m OK. I’m OK. But I was dropping things and having balance issues. But we’re in the middle of a convention and I had to do my job. When I got home from the convention, I got MRIs, and that’s when you first see the lesions, and that gets scary.

King providing live coverage for CNN following the U.S. presidential election in November 2020

where it’s not supposed to be about me. I’m really lucky. So far anyway, I’ve been able to stand there for 16 hours on Election Day and function. And this disease is cruel. There are people who get MS who are dancers and performers and athletes. And in six months or nine months they’re in a wheelchair, and they’ve had their livelihood and things they’ve loved stripped from them.

“I’m really lucky. So far anyway, I’ve been able to stand there for 16 hours on Election Day and function.”

So you can’t pinpoint a reason why you went public when you did?

I had been thinking about it for a long time as I wanted to get more involved in helping people. And then during COVID, when [some people were] mocking masks and mocking vaccinaWhy did you choose to keep it private tions, it was building up in me, and I for 13 years? blurted it out on live television. I didn’t —JOHN KING A couple of reasons. It was scary. I have plan on doing it that day, but it would what’s called relapsing-remitting MS, be wrong to say that it just happened. which means right now I’m feeling or I’m not a medical professional. I’m not feeling things. I’m having issues 24/7, but most of them are man- not going to go back and analyze every decision made during ageable. Some days are better than others. Some days are horrible. COVID. But there were people who were stoking this idea that if you wore a mask, you were being controlled by the government. What are the issues? And if you wanted to get a vaccine, you were letting them put a Numbness. My legs feel like lead. At the end of the day, profound chip in your body. And I was just like, You know what? Because fatigue and headaches. I have balance issues. Sometimes I fall. of that vaccine I was able to go back to my show. At that time, I Sometimes I have trouble holding things. Every now and then was the host of Inside Politics. For a long time, I anchored two or I’ve had the embarrassment, like at a reception, of holding a three hours a day. Wolf [Blitzer] and I were the only two people in wine glass and squeezing it so hard I broke it. this building. All the cameras were robotic. It was one producer I’m a private person. I know it sounds silly because I do a and one floor person. And the heroes that cleaned this building. very public thing, but I’m a private person. I’m in a business So it just built up in me. There were some people taking

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advantage of the moment to build their own audience and saying things that I just found reprehensible. And so boom.

Putting aside whether they should be or not, to some people vaccination and wearing a mask are political issues. As a journalist, did you have concerns about making your opinion known?

Yeah, of course I did, because that’s not my job. That’s not my job. And so I knew I was going to have a conversation with the public relations department, and I knew I was going to end up having a conversation with my bosses, who did not know. The only people in this building who knew were Dana, [who was] my ex-wife [then and was] my wife when I was diagnosed, who’s a dear friend still to this day, and the two producers who worked closest with me, who I had let know just in case anything happened on the road. That was it. I knew by saying that I’m grateful people got vaccinated that some people would take that as a political statement. Did I think about the consequences of that when I said it? Obviously not. I’m thinking about them again as we sit here right now. I just felt personally that I had an experience that might be helpful to this conversation, and I was going to share it. There are people who thought it was great. There are people who thanked me. I got a ton of [communication] from the MS community, which is an amazing, remarkable, supportive group, saying that it was helpful. And I got a lot of angry [messages] from people. It’s the same thing about saying ‘fun.’ They have every right to that opinion. To this day, I don’t know who’s right.

What do you do to combat MS?

I’m psychotic about exercise. I bike. I [use the] treadmill. I try to do light weights. I do a rowing machine when I can. If I don’t do at least 90 minutes a day, I get really mad at myself. I try to do it in the morning for a couple of reasons. I have fantastic doctors. One of the reasons they’re fantastic is they say there’s still so much we don’t know about this. So do what works for you, right? Do what works for you. For some people, that’s yoga. For some people, that’s meditation. For some people, that’s acupuncture. But one of the things I have found is when I exercise and I have adrenaline in my system,

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LEFT: From left, King, the late David Frost, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton in England for the G8 summit in 1998

RIGHT: King visitsing Bill Krusling’s family farm in Albany, Ohio, for an episode of All Over the Map that aired in April

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which is probably not technically the right term, it pushes my fatigue back. It gives me more stamina to get through the day.

You launched the project All Over the Map in 2023. How do you build trust with these people when many of them probably are distrusting of mainstream media?

It’s hard sometimes. This is not a partisan thing, people who are distrustful of institutions, distrustful of the media. There’s a segment that, because of the things the president says about CNN or other MAGA people say about CNN, are more distrustful because they’ve been told not to trust us. One of the things I tell them is that Donald Trump watches probably more CNN than I do. And we know this for a fact. And I watch a lot of CNN. I don’t like it when he attacks Kaitlan Collins. She’s like the best reporter at the White House. She knows him like the back of her hand. That’s why he’s attacking her. When he attacks others—usually women—do I like it? No. I covered that building for 10 years. I admire her and the reporters who take it without making it personal. I think some people in our business have made the mistake of taking it personal. It’s part of his political argument. And we need to understand that. Out there, it can become hard to get [Trump’s] people [to participate in All Over the Map]. So what I say is, ‘Can I have a cup of coffee with you? I’ll send the cameras and everyone else outside. Can we just talk

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for a couple minutes? I just want to get to know you.’ We have some of the Trumpiest people in our groups. For several of them, it was very hard at first. And what I said to them was simply, ‘Can we try once? Then I’m going to write a piece. Then you’re going to see it. If I don’t treat you fairly, light me up. Use any social media you can to say John King did not treat me fairly.’ I’ve been back to some of those people six or eight times, and I text them on a big news week, because they’re my eyes and ears across America. They’ve become a great resource. It’s like having a reporting team in all these states. The few people who have dropped out have dropped out not because they don’t think I treated them fairly. They’ve dropped out because they’ve gotten blowback in their own community. I hate that that’s the time we live in. One of the biggest goals of the project, for me, is to prove that if you put all these people in a room, they do a much better job than those people in that building with a dome over there. Because they’re normal, wonderful Americans who have political disagreements, but they’re good people.

What should Americans understand about how redistricting and the Supreme Court’s decision in the Voting Rights Act case will impact the midterms? There are still some moving parts that hopefully will be resolved by September. But if you just look at the partisan breakdown of

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the House right now, Democrats would need three seats to flip the majority. Because of redistricting, that three probably becomes 10 or 11. Maybe it’s eight, maybe it’s 12, but somewhere in that ballpark. And so it makes it harder for the Democrats to take the House. History says an average midterm swing is 25 seats. Trump lost 40 in 2018. So the Democrats can underperform 25 and still take the House back. So the Democrats can have a quote-unquote bad year by historical standards and still take the House back. I have more longer-term thoughts, but I won’t waste your time with that. I think the way we draw House districts in America is the cancer. In 80 to 90% of the districts, it’s only about the primary.

What are a couple of races that people should be focusing on?

North Carolina, to me, is a fascinating state. The Democrats recruited a [Senate] candidate, former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has proven himself to have been able to win statewide. One of the [things] I’m looking for is, are people winning in places they’re not supposed to or they haven’t in a long time? I would put the Texas Senate race [in that category]. But I think the math in Texas is incredibly hard. I understand why Democrats are optimistic, because these are the best conditions they’ve had in quite some time. But Ann Richards was the last [Democrat] to win statewide in Texas, and that was [36] years ago. So it’s a steep hill. I would watch Michigan. There’s a couple of great congressional races out there, but that’s also a seat that the Republicans hope to flip.

If the Democrats are going to take the Senate, that requires near perfection from the Democrats. So I do math, right? Politics is about addition. To get your plus four, well, it gets harder if you lose some. So I’d watch Michigan. The other thing I would say is two Midwestern states, Iowa and Ohio, that have been Republican strongholds for 10 to 15 years, have House seats and Senate seats that are in play. If the Senate races in Iowa, in Ohio, go blue, that tells you the Democrats are having a big national year.

What do you like about living in Bethesda?

I live in the greatest neighborhood in the DMV. There will be others who disagree with me. I live in Brookmont, which is just into Bethesda. So I can throw a rock at the District of Columbia. I won’t, I promise. I live just a mile over the line, and so in terms of convenience getting to the office, it’s amazing. But that’s down the list of the reasons. Just drive through Brookmont. You come up MacArthur Boulevard. You’ve just left the city. Sibley [Memorial] Hospital is right there. And then you take this little turn and you seem like you’re in the country. There’s trees. You go down the hill and you’re at the Potomac River. You feel like you’re in the country, but I have very close access to everything that matters. It’s an amazing neighborhood. My son wouldn’t let me move even if I wanted to. Mike Unger is a writer and editor who lives in Baltimore.

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State Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-Dist. 17) at a 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rockville-based startup Liatris in the Rockville TwinLabs complex.

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Innovative Companies Meet the local CEOs, founders and key people building businesses right here in Montgomery County BY JILLIAN LYNCH

ontgomery County is home to federal

agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Food and Drug Administration, but there are numerous independent firms that have used the power of proximity to these institutions along with centers of power in Washington, D.C., to build or grow private businesses and research and development hubs here. While Montgomery County is home to the third-largest biopharma cluster in the United States, according to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp., it is also home to businesses in defense, energy, IT, financial services, real estate, construction and more—from global enterprises based here such as Marriott and United Therapeutics to nascent startups working in the county’s network of business incubators and innovation hubs. Key people from these companies live and work here. Bethesda Magazine spoke to CEOs, a chairman, founders and other staff from businesses of varying sizes to hear how they built these companies and why each calls the county home. Here are their stories.

PHOTO BY JOE ANDRUCYK, POLLY IRUNGU

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PRECIGEN

Treating a rare disease

Precigen Inc. (Nasdaq: PGEN) HEADQUARTERS: Germantown CEO: Helen Sabzevari NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 175 WEBSITE: precigen.com

Helen Sabzevari talks about great talent, she is referring to the staff at Precigen and also to those outside of the Germantown-based company. “Yes, we are a company,” Sabzevari says (the team numbered 175 as of late July). “However, this company—it has the mightiness of hundreds more.” That mightiness includes people who work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other places in Maryland, such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. Sabzevari says these organizations have helped drive products forward for Precigen, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that advances precision medicines for rare diseases that are hard to treat. The company’s main commercial immunotherapy drug, Papzimeos, treats a disease called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), which causes benign tumors on the trachea and vocal cords, potentially restricting breathing or speech. Before Papzimeos, Sabzevari says the only treatment for RRP was having repeat surgeries each time a tumor formed. Some patients

A Precigen worker operates a touch screen control panel. Precigen takes products from discovery through clinical development to manufacturing and commercialization.

underwent hundreds of surgeries by the time they started taking Papzimeos. Precigen worked with NIH to conduct clinical trials for Papzimeos from 2021 to 2024, Sabzevari says. Then the drug was fasttracked for FDA approval, which it received in August 2025. Born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in the U.S. from age 16, Sabzevari says she worked at NIH earlier in her career—she led the Molecular Immunology Group at the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology at the National Cancer Institute from 1998 to 2008, an early time in the field of immuno-oncology, she says. Sabzevari earned the NIH merit award for her contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy. She says NIH exposed her to the translation of pure research to clinical development, from working in a science lab to actually bringing a product closer to being used. “This opportunity really changed my path,” Sabzevari says. “Taking the next steps

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“When they say it takes a village, every contribution counts toward the speed to develop a drug for patients. This is the strength of having the right resources, having the right spirit, having the right intentions at Montgomery County.” — H E L E N S A B Z E VA R I and then really going to the translation was very important, and having a full understanding of the clinical design, clinical translations of bringing something to a clinic, and how that will affect the patient’s life, that was a great training at NIH.” Sabzevari became Precigen’s CEO in January 2020. Before Precigen, Sabzevari worked for Merck KGaA/EMD Serono, where she was senior vice president of immuno-oncology and global head of immunotherapy, oncology, global research and early development. Sabzevari says she was exposed at Merck to the element of manufacturing in the process of drug development. After that, she co-founded an immunotherapy drug development company called Compass Therapeutics in Massachusetts. Sabzevari, 65, a Montgomery County resident, says she chose to

relocate here prior to joining Precigen because Maryland is great for work/life balance, close to Washington, D.C., and a diverse community with great talent. Her role at Precigen represents a full-circle career journey for Sabzevari, working with NIH again and overseeing all the stages of drug development. For Sabzevari, success goes hand in hand with the strength of her team. Her advice to other leaders in clinical research and drug development: “Being able to create a culture and a team, that becomes extremely important because all of this, all of the success, is based on the team that stands next to you.” Partnerships and buy-in from the local government, which she says are strengths of Montgomery County, have helped the company she leads expand its physical footprint in Germantown in response to the demand for its drug.

In early August, Precigen reported net revenue had more than doubled to $53.1 million for Papizemos in the second quarter of 2026. Precigen, which has been publicly traded under the ticker PGEN since 2020, has products in its development pipeline that train your own cells to identify certain cancers in the body. “When they say it takes a village, every contribution counts toward the speed to develop a drug for patients,” Sabzevari says. “This is the strength of having the right resources, having the right spirit, having the right intentions at Montgomery County. … We have seen biotech and even now the large pharma … relocating to this area and building. I have no doubt that Maryland and specifically Montgomery County will be the next biotech hub of the East Coast.”

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A L E DA D E

Helping primary care doctors do better by patients

Aledade PBC HEADQUARTERS: Bethesda CEO: Farzad Mostashari FOUNDED: 2014 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,600+ WEBSITE: aledade.com

Mat Kendall’s energy is electric. Bounding through the halls of Aledade’s new headquarters on the 10th floor of the Montgomery Towers building in downtown Bethesda, Kendall, the co-founder of the company and its president, makes a stop at the Values in Action wall. The wall lists Aledade’s core values—service, accountability, curiosity, evidence, and inclusion and belonging—and the awards on display were presented to employees who embody each value. The healthcare technology company is a public benefit corporation (PBC), a for-profit business with legal protection to uphold a socially minded mission. It uses data insights to help primary care doctors treat patients to keep them healthy and reduce costs to government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, with a priority on monitoring key health indicators such as hypertension. From its startup beginnings with fewer than 10 employees, Aledade has grown to more than 1,600 employees working with more than 3,000 primary

Aledade’s headquarters on the 10th floor of the Montgomery Towers building in Bethesda features open-air workspaces and photos of its partner practices.

care organizations in 46 states and Washington, D.C. According to Aledade’s 2024 public benefit report, the company has helped its partners generate more than $3 billion in healthcare savings since its founding in 2014—and Aledade has no plans to slow down. Aledade uses data and an AI-powered platform to help its partner practices improve patient outcomes. The company earns money when its partner practices reduce healthcare spending under the federal government’s Medicare Shared Savings Program, which rewards doctors for keeping patient care costs below benchmarks while meeting quality metrics and keeping patients healthy in a model known as value-based healthcare. “That’s how healthcare should be. We shouldn’t have a system where it’s so limited depending on your insurance and where you pay so much money for things once they go horribly wrong,” says Kendall, 51, who lives in Upper Northwest D.C. After earning his Mas-

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ter of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University, Kendall was the executive director of the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley in California. That was a federally qualified health center, which means it received federal funding and was required to treat everyone regardless of their insurance. Ke n d a l l f o u n d e d A l e d a d e alongside the company’s CEO, Farzad Mostashari, 57, who lives in Bethesda. In the mid-aughts, both worked for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on the Primary Care Information Project, helping doctors adopt and maintain electronic health records for patients. Both also worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leading programs that connected primary care doctors with partners to help them adopt digital patient records. “Historically, doctors had been doing doctor things, but they hadn’t been able to sort of look at population health,” Kendall says. “Imagine going in to the doctor and saying, ‘We want you to fix every diabetic patient.’ They’d have to go through all those charts. It would be insane.” Doctors across the country eventually adopted electronic health records and therefore had unprecedented potential to cull vast swaths of patient data, Kendall says. Around the same time they were rolling out these electronic health records, the Affordable Care Act sparked the transition from fee-for-service healthcare, where payouts come from each treatment,

“That’s how healthcare should be. We shouldn’t have a system where it’s so limited depending on your insurance and where you pay so much money for things once they go horribly wrong.” — M AT K E N DA L L consultation or surgery but might incentivize unnecessary services for patients, to value-based healthcare, with the goal of saving money and improving outcomes for patients. In 2014, Mostashari co-authored a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association on why primary care doctors were best poised to lead healthcare reform in this new ecosystem. That same year, he and Kendall launched Aledade in Bethesda. In April 2025, Aledade unveiled its current 15,000-square-foot headquarters, which features open-air workspaces, conference rooms named after states where its practices are located, and a recording studio that supports the company’s podcast. The electric energy emanating from Kendall seems to imbue all levels of Aledade, which boasts an active, mission-driven environment, according

to Reena Samantaray, senior vice president of business operations at Aledade and a Bethesda resident. She joined Aledade the year it was founded. She thinks it’s the culture that makes Aledade tick. “For me, ultimately, it really comes down to the mission. We are very much focused on what’s best for patients, for practices and for the broader healthcare system. I think it shows in everything that we do here,” Samantaray says. “I think what’s really impressive is that we’ve been able to really scale our culture and our values as we’ve grown, so that makes it a great place to work.” The business has more than 100 employees who live in Maryland and counts a primary care practice in Bethesda among its partners. Kendall was raised in Bethesda and is a graduate of The Field School in D.C. He says he had internships during high school at Children’s National Hospital in the adolescent medicine department. “I’ve always been interested in sort of population health, thinking about how you can serve populations or subsets of people in there,” Kendall says. “There’s always been a really strong healthcare community in Bethesda.” A resident of the Spring Valley neighborhood of Upper Northwest D.C., Kendall says Bethesda is a great hub for Aledade’s employees to visit. “We have all our teams come here,” he says. “It’s the first time some of our people have ever been on a plane before, and exposing them to Bethesda, it’s a really welcoming place for them.”

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Making better insulation for buildings

Liatris Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Rockville CEO: Frank Yang FOUNDED: 2018 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 12 WEBSITE: liatris.biz

Gov. Wes Moore, left,shakes hands with Liatris’ Frank Yang at a July 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Rockville TwinLabs complex.

retrofits, especially if you double the performance, you’re talking about one-, two-, threeyear paybacks on these projects. I think being both a commercialization leader and a technology leader and trying to make an impact like that, that’s ultimately what we’re trying to do.” Frank and Arthur Yang co-founded Liatris in 2018. Frank graduated from high school in Pennsylvania and then moved to Bethesda with his family. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. The business operates a capital-light or “fabless” model. Liatris focuses on developing the materials, processes and equipment for its insulations and then partners with existing manufacturers to make and distribute its products, Frank says. “We’re not selling

PHOTOS BY JOE ANDRUCYK, POLLY IRUNGU

L I AT R I S

iatris, a Rockville-based startup

led by co-founder, President and CEO Frank Yang, is working to revolutionize something you might not think about every day: insulation in buildings. Liatris is a research and development company for advanced insulation materials. It has created two main insulations for buildings. One is made out of a light-as-air silica gel called an aerogel, and another is made of foamed cement, which is filled with tiny air pockets before hardening. Yang, 48, of Bethesda, says Liatris’ products are more fireproof because they are not made of plastic, they are affordable and they reach up to two times the effectiveness of conventional insulations based on a metric called an R-value. The idea of using aerogels or foamed cement in construction has been around for a while. Yang’s father and company co-founder Arthur Yang, 78, has been a researcher in the field of building insulation for more than 40 years and is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. But it takes a level of risk tolerance and even social-mindedness to get the construction industry to adopt new products or technologies, Frank Yang says. “I think it’s important to take this lens of how what you’re doing is impacting society,” he says. “And some of these insulation

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“We see Montgomery County as our long-term corporate headquarters and R&D hub .“ — F R A N K YA N G

in retail or distribution. You can’t go into a Beacon Roofing Supply or a Home Depot and buy our product, and that probably won’t be our business model as we scale,” he says. Still, the company needs space to operate. At first, Arthur and Frank Yang leased coworking space in the Bethesda Green incubator. Liatris moved into Rockville’s TwinLabs research and light manufacturing complex in 2021 and doubled its footprint there in 2025 to just under 10,000 square feet, including three chemical fume hoods and small-scale pilot manufacturing equipment to show future partners how it makes its insulations. Gov. Wes Moore (D) and other politicans attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the expanded space. Liatris currently generates revenue through grants and joint development agreements. As the company transitions to commercialization, the plan is to generate revenue through licensing fees and royalties from manufacturers or profitsharing agreements through joint ventures, Yang says. Liatris’ first pilot project is through a grant from the California Energy Commission, “which will allow us to test the product in manufactured housing as well as introduce it to builders, developers and utilities. We are pursuing similar pilot deployments via proposed state funding here in Maryland as well,” Yang says via email. Liatris has received grants such as the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Build Our Future grant. Before Liatris, Frank Yang was a co-founder of Stion, a solar company. He says he helped raise more than $500 million in venture capital while expanding the business, which shut down operations in 2017. Stion focused on developing solar technology while it partnered with manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor to produce its solar panels. With rising energy costs and demand, and the need for affordable housing, Yang says he believes the insulation market is ripe for disruption. “We really think that energy is going to be one of the central challenges for society of our next generation because when you look at the top level, [there’s a] gap that’s being created between energy demand and energy supply by data centers,” he says. “You won’t actually fill 10 to 20 gigawatts’ worth of shortage without saving energy as well.” Liatris currently has 12 full-time employees, all based in Rockville. The company’s LinkedIn page shows the team out to eat at Kanpai in Rockville, something Yang says they try to do about once a month. “We’ve got a really great technical staff that we’ve been able to recruit locally, and almost all of our employees live in Montgomery County,” Yang says. He and Arthur Yang live close to each other in Bethesda. “We see Montgomery County as our long-term corporate headquarters and R&D hub,” Yang says via email. “The county and state have been highly collaborative in supporting our growth with smaller incremental grant and incentive investments, as well as promoting the diversification of new strategic industries and skilled jobs.”

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FORBRIGHT BANK

Banking for the next generation

Forbright Inc. (Nasdaq: FRBT) HEADQUARTERS: Chevy Chase CEO: Don Cole FOUNDED: 2003 (as Congressional Bank) NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: About 500 WEBSITE: forbrightbank.com

executive chairman of Forbright Bank, a Chevy Chase-based financial services platform that offers online banking, nationwide business lending and asset management. Parent company Forbright Inc.’s June initial public offering on the Nasdaq stock exchange was the third IPO Delaney’s been a part of. His first IPO was in 1996. While the fundamentals of having a business become publicly traded on the stock market are the same, he says the mechanics are different than they were back then. “We didn’t have Zoom. You traveled around the country and met investors, and now you get to Zoom with a lot of them. You still get to meet a lot of them in person,” says Delaney, 63. “The fundamental process of meeting investors, telling them your story, getting them to have conviction around what the company is going to be and what you’re building, and getting them to invest in the IPO is still the same process that it was back in 1996. Thirty years later, that hasn’t changed.” Forbright Bank was founded in 2003 as Congressional Bank, and Delaney says he got involved as a passive investor before his politi-

The Forbright team celebrates a June 11 initial public offering at the Nasdaq headquarters in New York City’s Times Square. The company is listed under the ticker FRBT.

cal career. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District from 2013 to 2019 (his wife, April McClain Delaney, now holds the seat) and ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. After leaving politics, he says he had a vision for what a bank of the future should be, and decided to use Congressional Bank, a small community bank at the time, as a starting point for that vision. After Delaney raised and invested additional capital, and changed the business’ strategy, it was renamed and rebranded as Forbright Bank in 2022. Banking historically was defined by geography. While that model still works for certain banks, Delaney says it’s becoming outdated for a large part of the economy because businesses are increasingly not location-specific and banking and deposits are moving digital. “You can have a company in Bethesda whose clients are in Europe and they’re

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“In our view, a bank of the future is digitally focused, creates a world-class digital experience for its depositors and consumers, and also lends nationally through specialized lending businesses.” —J O H N D E L A N E Y

owned by a private equity firm in Chicago and their CEO may live in Florida. And so that company, while it’s in Bethesda, it doesn’t necessarily look for a banking partner based on a bank that only makes loans in Bethesda,” Delaney says. “In our view, a bank of the future is digitally focused, creates a world-class digital experience for its depositors and consumers, and also lends nationally through specialized lending businesses. And that’s what we’ve really built at Forbright.” Forbright Bank is tailored to the changing needs of businesses and individual banking customers, Delaney says. Forbright and other digital banks offer a “fair rate,” meaning they offer customers more money in the form of interest on things such as deposits and savings accounts, he says, because the online-based business saves money on real estate and other overhead.

“Most banks pay their customers a deposit rate that’s way below what they should earn,” Delaney says. “Forbright Bank, you get 3.5% and you bank digitally, and that’s just so much better for you. That’s where banking’s going.” While an online banking business could be based anywhere, Forbright Bank’s headquarters is in Chevy Chase. Delaney is emphatic about why even a digitally focused business would be based here. He credits Montgomery County with diversity, a well-educated workforce, proximity to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Washington, D.C., and also the county’s appeal for families such as great schools and safe communities. “I think Montgomery County, Maryland, is one of the best places in the country to start and build a business, you know, full stop,” Delaney says. “I think the county benefits from extraordinary public investments in things like NIH and NIST. These are singular assets that create an ecosystem of innovation, and I think that’s a huge advantage.” He says the abundance of entrepreneurs, investors and technology companies

in the region makes the county a good choice for businesses. Fo r b r i g h t B a n k h a s a b o u t 5 0 0 employees, and Delaney, who lives in Potomac, estimates that more than half live in the D.C. area. The company announced in May that it had purchased the 12-story Chase Tower building on Willard Avenue where its headquarters is located and is making investments in the property, which also houses other offices and retail space that Forbright leases to other tenants. “We love going to Lia’s, we love going to Meiwah, and when we need a fancier dinner with clients and stuff, we go to Capital Grille,” Delaney says of restaurants that Forbright’s team enjoys in Chevy Chase. The IPO on Nasdaq brought together the key people who helped build the company to where it is today. Delaney and the team got to travel to Nasdaq’s headquarters in Times Square. “It was fun. We rang the bell, we had our team members there,” Delaney says. “It’s really about the people who have built the company with me, and they were all there to share in this important milestone in the business.”

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2 0/ 2 0 BIOLABS

Testing for early cancers

20/20 BioLabs Inc. (Nasdaq: AIDX) HEADQUARTERS: Gaithersburg CEO: Jonathan Cohen FOUNDED: 2000 (as 20/20 GeneSystems) NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 24 WEBSITE: 2020biolabs.com

o n a t h a n C o h e n , 6 3, o f

Potomac, says he was a volunteer firefighter and EMT at the Wheaton fire department when he was in college. That work inspired him to enter the field he works in now: cancer testing. “Firefighters have proven high incidence of death for a variety of cancers,” says Cohen, a lifelong Montgomery County resident who graduated from Woodward High School in North Bethesda and raised his four daughters in the county. Cohen is the founder, president and CEO of 20/20 BioLabs, a biotech company that creates laboratory tests done with samples that customers can collect at home to screen for diseases. 20/20 BioLabs, headquartered in Gaithersburg, has 24 employees (13 full time) according to a 2025 Securities and Exchange Commission filing. It has two main products: the OneTest for Cancer, a multi-cancer early detection test (MCED) that screens for more than one type of cancer at the earliest stages of disease, and the OneTest for Longevity, aimed at reducing chronic inflammation and the associated risk of heart disease, cancers and dementia. 20/20 BioLabs provides blood tests that use a patch of microneedles to

painlessly collect a sample from capillaries just beneath the skin in the upper arm. 20/20 BioLabs screens those samples—using the same type of automated instruments used in hospitals and big lab chains—for known biomarkers, signals used to monitor for certain health conditions such as inflammation, and for tumor proteins in the case of the cancer test, Cohen says, and supplies customers with a report of the findings. 20/20 is an innovator in applying machine learning, or AI, to this existing technology and knowledge base. “We captured data from parts of the world where these tests are common, applied machine learning and have done validation on American or Western cohorts,” he says. “And by and large, we have seen tremendous equivalency between Western people and people in the East for these biomarkers.” Cohen says the company’s use of existing blood test platforms in combination with its proprietary analytics created a faster and less costly pathway to marketing its products and being publicly traded on the stock market. 20/20 BioLabs obtained a direct listing on Nasdaq in February under the ticker AIDX. The business hasn’t always been focused on its OneTest products. The company was founded in 2000 as 20/20 GeneSystems. Cohen says the first product he helped develop was a kit to screen suspicious powders in response to the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S. Cohen says he partnered with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to use the product. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company did virus testing for the Montgomery County and the Maryland health departments, Cohen says. In March, 20/20 BioLabs announced that Maryland fire departments had been awarded more than $520,000 in state funding

to procure and administer OneTest cancer screenings through the Maryland Professional and Volunteer Firefighters Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program, which provides grants to fire departments for cancer screenings, which are not typically covered by insurance or included in routine physicals. For a June interview, Cohen was waiting to board a flight for a twoweek trip to Asia. Cohen’s plan was to meet with collaborators from companies in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea where blood test screenings are more common. He’s hoping to respond quickly to federal legislation passed in early February that will allow Medicare to cover FDA-approved MCEDs, enabling older adults on Medicare to take an approved test once every 11 months beginning in 2028. 20/20 BioLabs has not yet received FDA approval for its tests, but Cohen says it is working to gain FDA approval for the OneTest for Cancer so that it can be covered by Medicare under the legislation. “We continue to innovate and we’re moving forward with new algorithms that look at biomarker trajectory or changes over time. Very often, the best way to detect cancer early is by looking at the change not the single time point,” Cohen says.

“We’re moving forward with new algorithms that look at biomarker trajectory or changes over time. Very often, the best way to detect cancer early is by looking at the change not the single time point.” —J O N AT H A N CO H E N

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PR OF IL E S Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Women in Business

COURTESY PHOTO

Ain & Bank, P.C. FROM LEFT: Natalia C. Armstrong (Wilson), Principal Sarah E. Mancinelli, , Principal SEE PROFILE PAGE 139

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PR OF IL E S

Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

ELLE BISCHOFF – INTERN, MALIAH BUKHARI – INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE, K ATIE CLARK – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, ANN MARIE ETERGINO – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, EMILY FENNELL – SENIOR FINANCIAL ASSOCIATE, EMILY FERRY – WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, RENEE FLORO – INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE, MELANIE FOLSTAD – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, CANDACE HEDGEPETH-KIM – INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE, STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ – INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE, SOPHIA HURRELL – REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE, SALLY KIRKPATRICK – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, JANE NJERI – CLIENT ASSOCIATE, URSHA PINKNEY – COMPLEX ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE, CHRISTINE PISANO – SENIOR BUSINESS ASSOCIATE, KRISTIN PFEIFFER – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, AKILAH QURESHI – CLIENT ASSOCIATE, LUBNA QURESHI – INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE, SUSAN STEWART – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, TAYLOR STEWART – FINANCIAL ADVISOR, SUZANNE SWEENEY – COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, JULIA WATT – REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE, JOANNE YECIES – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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Women in Business

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

RBC Wealth Management CHE V Y CH A S E BR A NCH DI V ISION OF RBC C A PI TA L M A RK E T S, L L C RBC Wealth Management is a leading financial services company, delivering trusted advice and world-class wealth solutions to individuals, families and businesses. With 195 offices across 43 states, RBC Wealth Management supports the complex needs of high-net-worth clients through customized wealth planning, investment management, retirement planning and more. 5425 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 301 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 202-408-4500 https://us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/chevychase

Q: In your industry, what changes are most evident in recent years? A: One of the most significant shifts in wealth management is the growing financial influence of women. As women build wealth, lead businesses, inherit assets and become primary financial decisionmakers—both for themselves and their families—they are helping to reshape the future of financial planning. Q: How have you responded to that change? A: Our Chevy Chase office at RBC Wealth Management brings together advisors and professionals with deep expertise in wealth management, investing and financial planning. We work with individuals and families navigating a range of circumstances—from those just starting out to those who are crafting lasting legacies. We’ve intentionally built a team with diverse perspectives, which strengthens our ability to anticipate client needs. We believe that clients appreciate the opportunity to work with an advisor who understands their current stage of life, and we help bring both technical expertise and collaborative guidance to each client’s unique situation.

Q: How do you measure success? A: We measure success by the confidence our clients have in their

MICHAEL VENTURA

financial futures. Whether they are building businesses or planning major life transitions, we combine our professional capabilities with a personal touch to help clients make informed decisions. Success isn’t about following a predetermined path—it’s about helping each client gain clarity on what financial freedom looks like to them.

Q: What brings your team the greatest sense of satisfaction? A: We’re most satisfied when clients feel empowered to pursue the lives they envision. Whether it’s an individual transitioning to a work-optional lifestyle or a family executing a thoughtful multi-generational wealth transfer strategy, these moments remind us why we do this work.

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

HE AT HER S HOL A NDER , DMD, M S M A DEL EINE G OODM A N , DMD Dr. Goodman is an orthodontist and past-president of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists. Dr. Heather is a pediatric dentist and a Diplomat of the

Q What is unique about your practice? A Our focus on sustainability makes our practice unique. Plastic waste is a big issue in the medical field. We feel it is important to do our part in minimizing and offsetting our impact. In 2025, Dr. Goodman started the Tiny Changes Recycling Program, which enables dentists to recycle used office plastics, such as clear aligners, toothbrushes and more. More than 550 dental offices in the United States and Canada are currently participating in the program.

American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They have been practicing together in the area for more than 15 years.

4818 Del Ray Ave.

Bethesda, MD 20814 301-664-4220 smile@harmonybethesda.com HarmonyBethesda.com

Q How do you employ new technology to help your patients? A Innovative techniques: We are both board-certified specialists, which means we are required to participate in continuous education to renew our certification each year, and as a result, we are up to date on the latest dental technologies and techniques. We strive to create a standard of care by integrating technology, research and experience. At our practice, we have incorporated stateof-the-art technology, such as a digital scanner (no more yucky impressions) and virtual appointment options. Also Dr. Heather uses a dental laser which allows us to fill most cavities without anesthesia! MICHAEL VENTURA

Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

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Women in Business

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Ain & Bank, P.C. FROM L EF T: S A R A H E . M A NCINEL L I, PRINCIPA L ; N ATA L I A C. A RM S T RONG ( W IL S ON), PRINCIPA L 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 distance to think strategically and guide clients through some of their darkest moments. Technical legal expertise is essential. So is the ability to connect on a human level and effectively communicate complex issues in ways that ease anxiety. Even the most brilliant attorney can fall short if they cannot connect.

Q How do you measure success? A Success is helping families move forward with grace and

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protecting the best interests of children. Resolving complex disputes through skilled negotiation is a victory for everyone involved. That said, we’re also seasoned litigators with significant trial and appellate experience, prepared to advocate with clear purpose when necessary. At Ain & Bank, success isn’t just about winning cases or securing financial outcomes. 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 Having a role in helping people rebuild and move forward toward a hopeful future is strong motivation. Clients often come to us at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work has such an impact. At Ain & Bank, we believe that every client deserves dignity and respect, regardless of circumstance. BE THESDAMAGA ZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2026 139

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

KOURTNIE CALHOUN, OWNER Re-Bath Washington D.C. serves homeowners across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Arlington and Fairfax counties, and the District, delivering thoughtfully designed bathroom remodels that blend comfort, style and everyday functionality. The company offers a seamless, full-service experience, premium materials and expert installation. “We’re here to help you create a space you truly love, without the stress,” says owner Kourtnie Calhoun. 1321 E. Gude Drive Rockville, MD 20850 202-946-6078 Rebath.com/location/washington-dc

Q What inspired you to bring Re-

not sure where to start, we offer curated looks from HGTV home renovation experts Jenny and Dave Marrs. If you have a vision, we’ll customize to fit your goals and lifestyle using durable, low-maintenance materials and trusted brands like Moen, MSI and Bertch. We also provide a 3D rendering before anything is finalized, so you can really see the space come together. And most projects are completed in just days.

Bath to the D.C. Region? A After more than 20 years in corporate leadership, I found myself asking what I wanted the next chapter to look like. I knew I wanted to build something meaningful, something rooted in service and helping others. Re-Bath stood out because it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about solving real problems in people’s homes in ways that genuinely improve their quality of life.

Q What do you find most rewarding

Q How does Re-Bath take the stress

A Helping people create a space that feels

out of remodeling?

calm and personal, whether that means simple, affordable updates or something more elevated and luxurious with features like heated seats, jets and quick-drain technology. Your bathroom should be your sanctuary—a place to start and end each day in peace, style and comfort.

A We focus on making the process feel simple and transparent. Most people don’t remodel often, so we understand that it can feel overwhelming. We walk clients through everything—design, materials, pricing—in one free consultation. If you’re

about your work?

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Re-Bath Rockville

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC N ATA S H A M . N A Z A R E T H , E S Q . , C O - F O U N D E R G I N N Y C A S C I O B O N I FA C I N O , E S Q . , C O - F O U N D E R 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

TONY J. LE WIS

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. BE THESDAMAGA ZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2026 141

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Potomac Audiology “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.” 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” measurements. By placing a tiny tube attached to a tiny microphone inside 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 real-ear 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 and hearing aids from all the major manufacturers. We’ve also recently acquired Frye Electronics, the company behind the real-ear measurement testing equipment we use, and have reengineered and designed a new, more portable version that we’re excited to begin production on soon.

Q How are you helping others follow in your career path?

pediatric audiologist. Together, we have mentored, trained and hired many talented young audiologists from the University of Maryland and Gallaudet University.

MICHAEL VENTURA

A My daughter, Dr. Tricia Terlep, is our

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Chevy Chase Trust Chevy Chase Trust is an independent, privately owned investment management firm specializing in global thematic investing, 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?

MICHAEL VENTURA

A Supporting and advancing women

has long been a part of our culture. From the beginning, we have cultivated a collaborative environment where talented

professionals have the opportunity to grow, lead and build long-term careers. Today, women comprise the majority of our employees and hold many of our senior leadership positions, including Chief Investment Officer. Their perspectives help strengthen both our organization and the advice we provide clients.

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 avoid companies that will be disrupted by creative destruction.

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Psychotherapy With Ashley Ashley currently works with clients aged 15+, and has experience, training and expertise working with individuals, couples, family relationships and older adults. In a world focused on specialized healthcare, Ashley prides herself on being a generalist psychotherapist. Virtual: D.C. and 32 States In-person: Bethesda 202-580-9518 Instagram: @AgingWithAshley Contact@PsychotherapyWithAshley.com PsychotherapyWithAshley.com

Q What women inspired you professionally? A: I first encountered Dr. Brené Brown during my Master of Social Work program at The Catholic University of America in 2013. My professor and mentor, Dr. Eileen Dombo, introduced our class to Brené's The Power of Vulnerability TED Talk, and I was captivated. Over the years, she showed me that a clinical social worker could influence millions through research, authenticity and compassion. Long before discovering Brené, I admired Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric, whose thoughtful conversations and curiosity shaped my appreciation for storytelling, vulnerability and human connection.

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: I never take for granted the privilege of walking alongside

Q: What changes or innovations are on the horizon in your industry? How are you preparing? A: The enduring human connection is the heart of psychotherapy, but the rapid growth of social media and technology has transformed how mental health professionals practice and connect with clients. Psychotherapy is an evolving field, continually adapting to new research, emerging technologies, changing ethical standards and shifting societal needs. Rather than resisting changes, I embrace them. I believe that maintaining a growth mindset is essential to providing the highest quality care. I stay current through continuing education, clinical research, professional collaboration and thoughtful integration of new techniques or research when they enhance client care.

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people as they heal, grow, grieve and navigate life’s challenges. While I help facilitate my clients’ growth, they often inspire my own. Witnessing resilience, hope and transformation remains one of the greatest gifts of this profession.

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Selzer Gurvitch Since 1982, Selzer Gurvitch has delivered sophisticated legal counsel to businesses, individuals and families throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Recognized for its depth of experience in real estate, trusts and estates, business transactions, taxation, land use and zoning, family law and litigation, the firm’s collaborative team provides practical, strategic solutions tailored to

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each client’s objectives. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Fourth Floor Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-9600 lawfirm@selzergurvitch.com SelzerGurvitch.com

Q Tell us about your new office! A Our relocation to 7910 Woodmont Avenue marks an important milestone in Selzer Gurvitch’s continued growth and long-term vision. The expanded, modern office enhances collaboration, supports professional development and provides an elevated experience for both clients and employees. Designed to accommodate our growing team and evolving practice, the new space also strengthens our ability to attract and retain top legal talent. Most importantly, the move positions the firm to continue delivering the exceptional counsel, personalized service and lasting value our clients have trusted for decades.

Q How does the firm support professional growth for women?

A Today, women make up nearly half of Selzer Gurvitch’s attorneys, practicing across nearly every area of the firm and leading key groups, including Estate

Planning, Trust and Estate Administration and Family Law. Beyond delivering exceptional legal counsel, they cultivate lasting client relationships, drive business development, mentor the next generation of attorneys and play an integral role in shaping the firm’s culture, continued growth and long-term success.

Q How do clients benefit from working with Selzer Gurvitch?

A Clients choose Selzer Gurvitch for many reasons and stay because of the exceptional value we deliver. We provide sophisticated legal counsel, direct access to senior attorneys and a team invested in every client’s success. Whether launching a business, navigating a family transition, settling a dispute or planning for the future, clients rely on our experience, perspective and practical guidance to move forward with confidence and purpose.

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

L EF T T O RIGH T: ROBIN DOBB S MICHÈL E WA LT HER T A S HL E Y IDDING S At Wealthspire Advisors, we believe wealth is about more than managing money. It’s about helping people live with confidence, pursue what matters most and make informed financial decisions at every stage of their lives. 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 500 Potomac, MD 20854 301-564-9500 WealthSpire.com

Q How do you approach building trust with clients? A S HL E Y IDDING S : Trust starts with listening, not rushing to solutions. Every client has a unique story, and it’s important to understand their priorities before offering advice. From there, I focus on being consistent, transparent and present, especially during times of uncertainty. Over time, those small moments of followthrough, reliability and support build lasting trust and meaningful client relationships.

Q How do you guide clients through uncertainty? ROBIN DOBB S : Uncertainty is often when a trusted advisor can make the greatest difference. I try to keep conversations focused on what we can control and grounded in a strategic plan. Staying proactive and communicating regularly is equally important, so clients never feel like they’re navigating challenges alone. In many cases, confidence comes from having

a steady voice, clear guidance and a trusted partner to help chart the path forward.

Q What makes your client relationships different? MICHEL E WA LT HER T: Our relationships are highly personal and tailored. We take the time to understand not only financial goals, but also family dynamics, values and long-term priorities. That deeper understanding allows us to provide advice that fits each client’s life, not just their portfolio. Over time, the relationship evolves into a true partnership built on trust, guidance and shared goals.

Q What advice would you offer the next generation entering this field? A S HL E Y IDDING S : Stay curious—no matter where you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn—and build genuine relationships early on. Skills and knowledge are important, but trust and strong connections often create the greatest opportunities.

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Wealthspire Advisors

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC

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Recognized Excellence Best Lawyers USA · National Tier 1: Litigation and Controversy - Tax · National Tier 3 in four major practices · 20 practice areas ranked regionally (Washington, D.C.) · 23 attorneys recognized across 22 practice groups · 11 Ones to Watch Super Lawyers USA · 28 attorneys recognized · 14 Rising Stars 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 700 Rockville, MD 20852 301-340-2020 SteinSperling.com

Q What makes your client

Q How does Stein Sperling empower

experience unique? A For nearly 50 years, we’ve been guided by our founding principle: People deserve legal support that feels as personal as it is effective. Clients often come to us during some of the most stressful and uncertain times of their lives. Delivering strategic, personalized legal solutions matters, but so does making an overwhelming process feel manageable. What sets us apart is how we show up for our clients. We take the time to listen, understand what matters most and stay in close communication every step of the way. When you work with us, you become part of the team. We are committed to making sure you are informed, supported and confident about what comes next. Every client should feel they have someone in their corner they can trust— someone who genuinely cares.

women in the legal field?

A The same care that we show our clients extends to our own people as well. At Stein Sperling, women are supported, heard, and given real opportunities to grow and lead. Women make up the majority of our attorneys, including 16 associates, nine partners, four senior counsel and 34 attorneys overall. Empowering women to lead drives our greatest success. By championing female attorneys at every level—from associates to senior partners—we build a stronger firm. True advocacy starts from within, ensuring diverse voices help shape our future and deliver exceptional, trusted guidance to every client who walks through our doors.

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

S HEL LY D. MCK EON , E S Q. JE S SIC A S . K ERN , E S Q. The McKeon Law Firm offers a personal approach and customized solutions for family law matters. Recognized by Washingtonian, Shelly McKeon is included in Super Lawyers (Maryland and D.C.) and the Maryland Daily Record’s Power List: Family Law. Jessica Kern has received the Client Champion recognition from Martindale-Hubbell, and the firm holds the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating. 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700-71 Bethesda, MD 20814 17B Firstfield Road, Suite 101 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-417-9222 McKeonLawFirm.com

Q Why should I hire a family law attorney? A Working with a family law attorney is a smart investment in your future, ensuring you avoid the costly missteps common in DIY divorces. Our firm pairs the personalized attention of a boutique practice—customized strategies, prompt communication and careful attention to detail—with the experience and resources of a larger team. We handle all family law matters, from prenuptial agreements to complex divorces involving businesses and assets, and are committed to educating clients about their options and helping them make informed decisions. With our extensive experience in settlement negotiations and litigation involving custody, visitation, support, domestic violence and more, clients are well prepared for whatever lies ahead. And whichever path you choose, mediation

or litigation, our knowledgeable team will be there to guide you with clarity and compassion from start to finish.

Q How do you measure success? A Most of our clients come to us through referrals, and, for us, there’s no better measure of success than that—knowing previous clients and colleagues trust us with the people they care most about during such a vulnerable time. As parents and spouses ourselves, we understand what our clients are going through, and that empathy is reflected in the way we listen closely to their needs and goals and advocate for them every step of the way. Our attorneys have also worked together for nearly two decades, with many longtime staff members, and that continuity fosters a warm, welcoming, almost familial environment that helps clients feel more at ease.

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The McKeon Law Firm

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Capital Laser & Skin Care EL I Z A BE T H TA N Z I, MD, FA A D, DIREC T OR GEE TA S H A H, MD, FA A D TA NI A PE T ER S, MD, FA A D Voted the “Best Dermatology Practice” and “Best Practice for Medical Aesthetics” by Bethesda Magazine readers since 2018, Capital Laser & Skin Care specializes in cosmetic and non-invasive treatments to enhance and maintain skin health and beauty. Drs. Geeta Shah, Tania Peters and Elizabeth Tanzi have been named Bethesda

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Magazine «Top Doctors» since 2019. 5471 C2 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 200 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-798-9699 CapitalSkinLaser.com

Q: What makes your client experience unique? DR. GEE TA S H A H: The time we spend with each patient, discussing their individual concerns, answering their questions and developing tailored treatment plans. Every patient is different—not just their skin but also their lifestyle, goals, schedule and what they’re comfortable with. Dr. Tania Peters: Patient satisfaction comes first. We want everyone leaving our office thinking, “Wow, I love coming here!” At Capital Laser & Skin, you can feel confident you’re in expert hands—our dermatologists are board-certified and fellowship-trained, with years of clinical experience in the D.C. area. We combine advanced technology with a thoughtful, personalized approach, always striving for natural results and minimal downtime.

Q: What do you love most about what you do? DR. S H A H: After 25 years practicing

dermatology, I still get excited about the innovations, discoveries and advances in our field—and sharing them with my patients. With so much information circulating on social media, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping patients understand the many minimally invasive options available to them. There’s nothing better than seeing someone feel confident in their skin knowing they’ve trusted me to be part of that journey.

Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about cosmetic skin treatments? DR. PE T ER S : Many patients worry they’ll look overdone or dramatically different, but today’s cosmetic treatments are much more subtle and customizable. The goal is never to change how you look; only to enhance and restore your own features, so your friends and family know you look great, but can’t quite figure out what’s changed.

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Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Meghan Zorc, DDS, MSD ZORC ORTHODONTICS Zorc Orthodontics is a female-owned, single-doctor practice specializing in braces and aligner treatment for children and adults. 5413 W. Cedar Lane #106C Bethesda, MD 20814 301-968-6466 ZorcOrthodontics.com

walks through my door—a child starting interceptive treatment, a teenager ready to tackle braces, or an adult wanting a smile refresh. At Zorc Orthodontics, I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where patients feel comfortable being themselves. There’s something magical about playing a role in each of their transformations – creating a new smile and watching confidence grow along with it.

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Q What is your top professional priority? A Providing exceptional orthodontic care to every patient who

Edith K. Thomas, Partner Z IPIN , A M S T ER & GREENBERG, L L C 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-587-9393 ethomas@zagfirm.com ZagFirm.com

voice to women who have been sexually harassed. Harassment and retaliation can derail a career, and that hits hardest for women just starting out or already in a tough spot. I am so grateful I get to stand with our clients, to help them understand their rights, and sometimes even push the law in a better direction. At Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, I’ve had the chance to build my practice around sexual harassment, which matters to me because it still holds women back. I’m also grateful to work with people who push me and have my back.

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Q Why do you do what you do? A One aspect of my work that means the most to me is giving a

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Women in Business

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Webb Soypher McGrath LLC Webb Soypher McGrath represents clients across Maryland and Washington, D.C. in all areas of family law. The firm blends decades of diverse experience with a compassionate, clientfocused approach to help families navigate complex domestic matters with confidence and care.

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7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1010W Bethesda, MD 20814 301-298-8401 WSMFamily.com

Q How do you measure success? A We measure success by two

Q What do clients value most about

factors: The favorable outcomes we receive for our clients and our reputation for providing outstanding legal services. Family law requires the ability to expertly guide clients through a challenging period, helping them make informed, goal-oriented decisions and enabling them to achieve the best results for themselves and their families, whether concerning child custody or financial stability and the preservation of assets. We succeed because our clients consistently achieve positive long-term resolutions of their critical family transitions. When someone needs family law services, our colleagues, the judges in the courts where we practice, and our former clients trust and recommend the attorneys at our firm time and time again.

A Clients often tell us they appreciate the

your firm?

way we show up for them during what is often their most vulnerable chapter— with responsiveness, steady guidance when everything feels uncertain and a genuine understanding of how difficult these moments can be. Many come to us in crisis. Our role is to stay calm and level-headed, think strategically and give sound advice, so they can focus on their families while we handle the legal complexities. We strive for every client to feel heard, understood, supported and equipped to make thoughtful decisions that protect what matters most.

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PR OF IL E S

Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Malini Iyer, DMD, MD MARYLAND ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES (MOSA) BETHESDA 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. Katalin Karikó spent decades believing in mRNA research despite repeated rejection and limited support. Her persistence, and her collaboration with immunologist Dr. Drew Weissman, helped make mRNA therapeutics safe and effective and laid the groundwork for life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. I admire her determination and refusal to give up on an idea.

Q What’s changed for women in business, if anything, over your career?

business has been fundamentally restructured. Leadership now values emotional intelligence, collaborative communication and flexibility, while pay transparency and open dialogue around caregiving, burnout and work-life balance have helped create a more human workplace.

TONY LEWIS

A Over the past two decades, the landscape for women in

Rachel Cohn, Optometrist WINK EYECARE BOUTIQUE 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

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.

COURTESY PHOTO

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.

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Women in Business

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Evermay Wealth Management, LLC Financial planning should reflect your life, your goals and the people who matter most. Evermay provides integrated wealth management, tax and estate planning to help women navigate life’s milestones with clarity, confidence and advice tailored to their unique circumstances.

COURTESY PHOTO

3901 Fairfax Drive, Suite 400 Arlington, VA 22203 703-822-5696 Evermay.com

Q How does Evermay help women navigate life’s biggest financial transitions? A For many women, financial life is personal long before it is technical. It may involve building a career, raising a family, caring for aging parents, leading a business, navigating divorce or widowhood, preparing for retirement or suddenly becoming the person others rely on for important financial decisions. The women of Evermay understand these pivotal moments because we’ve experienced many of them ourselves and have spent years helping clients navigate them successfully. We know that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from having the right team beside you.

That’s why we built our Family Office services around a simple idea: your financial life shouldn’t feel like a series of disconnected conversations. Wealth, tax and estate planning work together seamlessly to simplify complexity and provide greater clarity and confidence.

Q Why did the women of Evermay create Women in Wealth? A At Evermay, we believe financial confidence grows through education, connection and shared experiences. That’s why we created Women in Wealth: a series of events where women can learn, build relationships, exchange ideas and enjoy time together. Our mission is simple: to help women feel informed, empowered and confident about their financial future.

Evermay Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Upon request we will provide you with our firm brochure that contains important information about the firm’s advisory and financial planning services, estate coordination and document production, fees, portfolio management, and investment strategies. Tax preparation and advice are offered through Evermay Tax, LLC. Evermay Wealth and Evermay Tax are separate but affiliated companies. Evermay Wealth and Evermay Tax are not law firms and do not provide legal advice.

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PR OF IL E S

Women in Business Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

North Bethesda Periodontal Group JOAN HOWANITZ, DDS, MS 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 407 Rockville, MD 20852 240-483-0775 contact@northbethesdaperio.com NorthBethesdaPerio.com

Q What can patients expect from a visit to your office? A At North Bethesda Periodontal Group, we believe in a team

Q What advice do you have for women just starting out? A Maintaining a work-life balance is challenging, especially as coowner of a practice, but you can pursue a successful periodontal career without sacrificing other areas of your life. Seeing my work’s positive impact on patients’ lives, helping them achieve periodontal health and thus, better overall health, makes it all worth it.

MICHAEL VENTURA

approach to care. My husband and I have been practicing together for more than 15 years, working closely with referring restorative doctors and dental specialists to provide optimal treatment and results for our patients in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Everything we do is guided by accuracy, safety, comfort and recovery.

Yu Audiology REBECCA J. KAMIL, MD, FAAOA Kamil Ear, Nose, and Throat 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 320 Rockville, MD 20852 301-307-5050 | Kamilent.com ALEXANDRA YU, AU.D., CCC-A Yu Audiology Same location as above 240-205-8896 | YuAudiology.com

Q: How do you measure success? DR. YU: By how my patients feel when they leave. I have an elderly father, and I always ask myself how I’d want a provider to treat him. What matters most is that my patients feel heard and cared for. Hearing loss can be isolating, and people often arrive feeling frustrated and embarrassed. Changing that for someone is incredibly rewarding.

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Q: What was a major turning point in your life and/or career? DR. REBECCA J. KAMIL: Having my daughter—it completely changed my priorities like nothing had before. After she was born, I wanted to build something on my own terms, with a schedule and an environment that made sense for my life as a mother. She’s the reason I made the leap, and I’m so glad I did.

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Women in Business

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Kathleen Landers, LCSW-C, F OUNDING DIREC T OR T HER A PIS T A ND C O ACH S EQUENCE C OUN S EL ING A ND C ON S ULT ING S ERV ICE S & T HE S EQUENCE IN S T I T U T E F OR L E A RNING A ND EDUC AT ION Psychotherapy Services: include individual, group, couples and family therapies. Coaching available: career, life transitions, leadership. Workshops: Wellness (sound healing, mindfulness, trauma-focused yoga), parenting &

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relationships, career development. 3204 Tower Oaks Blvd., Suite 250 Rockville, MD 20852 240-200-5401 Klanders@sequenceservices.com SequenceServices.com

Q What changes are shaping the future of your field? A After four decades of this work, I am delighted by the increasing wisdom and awareness of the mental health needs of people across their life span. Mental health impacts all aspects of our lives: our physical health and longevity; our ability to learn and make decisions; our ability to form relationships and belong to healthy communities both personal and professional. Increasingly, research links the function of our brains in concert with our bodies. Measuring what works to bring better results for optimal lives of health, connection and healing. Many sources guide us. The Gottman Institute’s techniques outline precise behaviors that improve a couple’s connections. Functional MRIs demonstrate increased cognitive functioning when we’re exposed

to nature or art. Breathwork, yoga, or sound healing regulate and return safety to a nervous system disrupted by trauma and loss. Most valuable of all may be the simple but profound experience of being heard and seen, remembered and attended to by another human who empathizes, understands and guides, as psychotherapy offers. As Sequence celebrates the 14th year of our group practice, we are positioned to support our clients in myriad ways. Our therapists and coaches are wise, kind professionals who are very experienced in their field. We maintain a growth mindset to keep learning and offering new skills and services. Our forest-facing therapy offices set the tone for calm attunement, and our expanded facility with art therapy space, group therapy room and wellness studio provides the settings to offer a wide range of supportive services.

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Dining

PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCABE

Your guide to eating and drinking well

Sample sushi, including the yellowtail and scallion roll, at Koi Sushi in Gaithersburg. PAGE 162

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DINING TABLE TALK

Anatomy of a Dish

We dissect the muchpraised star menu item at Steeze Burger BY TODD KLIMAN Local radio station WTOP called Hunter Karametos the

“Mozart of cheeseburgers,” and while that’s a wee bit grandiose for this reporter, the man does make an incredibly good one: fast food in appearance, cheffy in detail. After eating more than 300 different burgers around the country and the world (his Instagram page chronicles his journey) and launching a pop-up in March 2022 and then a food truck, Karametos, 28, opened his Steeze Burger storefront operation in a Gaithersburg strip mall in May. Karametos, who grew up in Gaithersburg, chose the name Steeze Burger as a nod to a ’90s hip-hop term that combines style with ease. The space looks from the outside like any other quick-serve joint, and the burger, at a glance, resembles countless others of its kind. It’s what you can’t see that makes it special—and nearly impossible to resist.

THE WRAPPER

Every burger comes wrapped tightly (“it has to be tight”) in paper—a detail that Karametos says is essential because paper keeps the burger warm (“a must.”)

THE BUN

Karametos chose a Martin’s potato roll with sesame seeds—not so much for its flavor as for its ability to squish down and become one with the meat. To enhance the taste, he and his team griddle the top and bottom with some of the residual bone marrow and meat tallow that drips from the burgers.

THE MEAT

Karametos uses seven different cuts of Angus beef, including brisket and round steak, all sourced from farms in Derwood and Damascus. In the early, food truck days, he employed a meat grinder he bought at TJ Maxx; now, his butchers do it for him, grinding the meat twice. He goes through an estimated 600 to 800 pounds of beef a week. Many restaurant chefs, including celebrity chef Bobby Flay, opt for an 80 to 20 ratio of meat to fat. In adding bone marrow for extra richness, Karametos estimates that his blend is closer to 75 to 25.

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PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

8/12/26 4:49 PM

THE EDGES

Rather than a pure smash on the grill, Karametos uses what he calls a “smash and schmear” method to get as much of the meat into contact with the griddle (“you want every single square inch stuck to the griddle”) and give his burgers a lacy crunch around the edges. To lift such a thin patty off, he relies on a super-sharp blade spatula, which he sharpens three times a week. To maintain the ideal temperature of the griddle (420 degrees), Karametos uses an infrared thermometer gun.

THE CHEESE

“Nothing melts like American,” Karametos says. Many other chefs (who otherwise disdain American cheese) are fans, too. Karametos says he “messed around” with different cheeses, but none tasted right to him, and, most important of all, they didn’t combine as perfectly with the meat.

THE SEASONINGS

Surprise: no salt and no pepper. “It just doesn’t need it,” Karametos says. Having experimented with countless variations, he came to the conclusion that salt and pepper took away from the intense meatiness he wants.

THE PICKLES

Dill only. The sharp acidity is essential to cutting the richness of the double-patty meat.

THE ONIONS

They’re steamed, not left raw, and chopped, so that they disappear into the cheese. “A lot of people don’t like onions,” Karametos says, “but this way they meld with everything else.”

THE SAUCE

Ketchup, in Karametos’ many trials, was deemed too sweet; mustard, too acidic. So he went with a variation on a burger sauce that is, he says, part marinade, part sauce. He won’t divulge the contents, but it’s a safe bet to say that it includes, at a minimum, mayonnaise, ketchup and pickle juice. Steeze Burger, 12141 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, steezeburgers.com

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DINING TABLE TALK

Good Vibrations At newly opened Wheelhouse, a yacht vibe sets sail BY TODD KLIMAN

The night I dropped in at Wheelhouse in Chevy Chase, D.C., the latest coastal-cool spot from chef David Scribner, a Christopher Cross song I hadn’t heard in 40 years came down from the sound system, the coiffed man at the table next to mine was a prepster vision in button-down shirt and pressed chinos, the camp counselor-like servers drifted through the room in T-shirts that read “CREW,” and the entire place seemed to exude an air of affectless cool. Most chef-driven restaurants lead with food. But Scribner (whose mini-empire includes local spots Jetties, Surfside and Millie’s Spring Valley) puts everything else first. His goal isn’t to dazzle you on the plate, or to show you a corner of a cuisine you’ve never explored. He’s all about vibe. And Wheelhouse is nothing if not a vibe. Which is why the tables are filled even on a midweek night, and getting a reservation has become a competitive sport. Everyone in the room seems to understand that the sum is greater than the parts—a gestalt kind of place, you might say, if that word didn’t sound so completely antithetical to the yacht rock ethos. I offer it by way of managing expectations, which also happens to be the key to getting the most out of the place. If you want to give yourself the best shot at having a good time, start with any of the boozy slushies. I liked the Aperol, which has just enough bitter bite—but not too much—and goes down as easily, and as quickly, as a smoothie.

The Jib, Wheelhouse’s take on a French dip, is made with prime rib.

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The hush puppies are studded with kernels of corn and jalapeno.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

Wheelhouse’s dining room gives coastal-cool vibes.

Scribner has made a mint selling ceviche at his yacht-Mex cantina Surfside, but the night I had it at Wheelhouse, halfway through it became watery and indistinct; go instead with the hush puppies, studded with kernels of corn and jalapeno and fried to a greaseless crisp, a dish so masterfully carried off that you’ll wonder why every version you’ve had previously wasn’t this good. The other must-order is the Jib. It’s Scribner’s version of a French dip,

PHOTOS BY EMILI HIBBITTS

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built with generous shavings of rare, ruby-red prime rib, as opposed to the slices of cooked-through brown roast beef that the classic version consists of—a sandwich so unexpectedly (and gloriously) luscious you don’t even need the au jus dip. Those two plates, a slushie or three, a seat in the front or, better, on the deck outside, and Michael McDonald fog-horning one of his hits from the ’70s— that’s a nice way to while away a couple of hours. A yacht rock good time, minus the yacht. Venture further into the menu and the returns diminish fast—in part because there isn’t all that much menu to venture into. Protein salads outnumber entrees, 5 to 4, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be mulling a sandwich for dinner. The one I had, a decent-size portion of flounder on a good roll, was forgettable—the kind of dish that seems to have been designed to avoid commanding attention. I ended my night with a strawberry shortcake that offered no surprises and little joy, and which amounted to all of four or five bites—less a dessert than a sort of sweet amuse-bouche. Twenty minutes later, I forgot all about it. But I held onto the vibe: a bright and lively space, a buzzing crowd, a soundtrack that makes you feel as though nothing in the world has changed since 1981, and just enough comforts from the bar and kitchen to put this clubhouse—er, Wheelhouse—into regular rotation. Wheelhouse, 5714 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-831-7440, wheelhousedc.com

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DINING TABLE TALK

Koi Sushi rolls, from left: salmon avocado, yellowtail scallion and yellowtail jalapeno

Let’s Roll

A new sushi spot pulls up to Rio BY TODD KLIMAN Sushi, for me, is a meal you save for and splurge on—a meal,

ideally, at the highest end possible, in which the chef shows utmost devotion to the rice, and the fish is of unimpeachable quality. The problem is that I develop cravings and can’t hold out long enough for special occasions. That’s where what I call “workaday sushi” comes in. Workaday sushi is not to be confused, by the way, with refrigerator case sushi, which can be found in plastic trays, cold and clumping, in select grocery stores (and which I think of as: “scratch-an-itch sushi”). It’s not easy to find good workaday sushi, which calls for better ingredients and more care than scratch-an-itch sushi, but which can’t stray too far into exquisiteness either, lest it position itself as beyond regular reach. Most workaday sushi spots err in drifting too far one way or the other. Koi Sushi, which opened earlier this year in the Rio shopping center in Gaithersburg, occasionally aspires to a level it can’t attain, but there’s a good, humble, purist restaurant in here and it deserves a spot in your going-out rotation. In addition to the expected forays into ramen, donburi, teriyaki

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and katsu, the long and sprawling menu contains a number of blind alleys (a toast topped with grilled eel and seared foie gras, a croissant draped with salmon and sea urchin). And too many items are priced as if Koi were not steps from a manmade lake in the suburbs but looking out upon the tony Wharf in D.C. ($35 for three sushi tacos). The key to unlocking the more humble, purist Koi, the restaurant within the restaurant, is to remember this passcode: The less assuming the dish, the better. You can put together a terrific meal with just nigiri (the fish is always carefully carved and perfectly sized) and rolls. You’ll be tempted, surely, by the Emperor Roll, which crowns shrimp tempura and avocado with a slice of torched wagyu, tender and almost buttery, but resist it and load up instead on the less conspicuously sexy rolls and hand rolls (yellowtail; yellowtail and jalapeno; salmon and avocado). All sushi restaurants, even at the very top, reserve the ends and scraps of fish for their rolls; it’s the quality of those scraps that counts, and here the quality is high. And the ratio of fish to

PHOTOS BY BRENDAN MCCABE

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rice isn’t stingy. Best of all: In rolls that call for a minced filling—spicy tuna or shrimp, for example—the kitchen expertly works air into the mix, creating a soft, luscious texture that almost melts into the rice. These are details I tend to associate more with sushi spots in a city than in a suburb, and the interior design reinforces this sense of urbanity. The dining room is narrow and cozy, calling to mind the low-ceilinged cafes and izakayas of Tokyo. More than the cherry blossom-pink lanterns that dangle from the wooden rafters, it’s this sense of an intimate little hideaway that transports me, and that stays with me long after I leave. Koi Sushi, 203 Boardwalk Place (Rio), Gaithersburg, 301-545-2795, koisushimd.com

The cozy dining room at Koi Sushi

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IT’S THE ONE.

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Home

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Everything you need to create a beautiful space

Burl wood is prized for its visual interest and swirly patterns. Discover ways to incorporate this trend with items from local stores. PAGE 166

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HOME HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS

Knotty by Nature

Burl wood is a happy accident. Knobby growths form on tree trunks due to environmental stress, but inside the gnarly knots are exquisite twisty grain patterns with one-of-a-kind swirl designs that are perfect for decorative furniture and accessories. BY CAROLYN WEBER

3 Stylish Storage

With swirly dramatic patterns and soft lines, the Shura burl seven-drawer dresser will be the centerpiece of the bedroom. It is 65 inches wide by 36 inches high, features brass hardware, and comes in light or dark burl tones. $1,798 at Anthropologie, 4801 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), Bethesda, 240-345-9413, anthropologie.com

1 A Fine Line

The elegant contours of the Laurent burl wood dining chair were inspired by 1930s Hollywood fashion and the drape of a low-back dress. The seat cushion is covered in a beige wool-blend fabric with contrasting ivory welting. $849 each at Crate & Barrel, 4820 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-6100, crateandbarrel.com

A handsome case for keeping and displaying a watch collection is a little luxury. This watch box is covered in burl wood, has a glass inset top, ultra-suede interior, holds five watches and is 12½ inches wide by 6 inches deep and 3½ inches high. $129 at Pottery Barn, 4750 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), Bethesda, 301-654-1598, potterybarn.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

2 About Time

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4 The Right Light

4 6

A unique accent piece, the Finlo table lamp has a modern shape enhanced by rich burl wood. It is 22 inches high, comes with a natural linen shade, and is available in light or dark burl. $499 at West Elm, 951 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-230-7630, westelm.com

5 Tray Chic

Add a touch of burl wood’s distinctive visual appeal to any room with a handy tray. Beautiful on its own or as a backdrop for books, vases or dishes, this rectangular tray measures 14 by 20 inches, and natural variations in the wood make each piece a unique work of art. $235 at Williams Sonoma, 4824 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), Bethesda, 301-718-3071, williams-sonoma.com

6 With a Twist

The Hattie burl bar cabinet is crafted with mappa wood, which is highly coveted for its distinctive markings. The curve-top cupboard comes in Loura and Auburn finishes and is equipped with glass doors, a mirrored interior, integrated lighting, adjustable shelves and a marble work surface. $5,600 at Arhaus, 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), Bethesda, 301-230-2973, arhaus.com

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HOME BATHROOMS

Powder Rooms With PUNCH Six ways half baths, often the smallest space in the house, can make the biggest impact B Y J E N N I F E R B A R G E R

iny but potentially mighty, the powder room is coming into its own. Some say the term originated in 18th-century France, when nobles in party finery would sneak off to a small chamber to apply additional powder to their elaborate wigs. Contemporary powder rooms still function as spaces for people to freshen up, but now these half baths also tend to be the most playfully designed areas in the house. “It’s the one intimate room that you share with guests, since not everyone walks into your bedroom or closet,” says Chevy Chase real estate agent Trent Heminger, who recently had a custom house with three powder rooms built in Bethesda’s Kenwood Park neighborhood. “But everyone uses the powder room. So you can have a bit more fun.” Bethesda interior designer Shima Toyserkani says, “Powder rooms are one of the few spaces in a home where you can fully embrace drama. Because guests only spend a few minutes in them, you can take risks and create something unforgettable and bold.” These typically snug spaces tend to rely on one or two striking elements to elevate them. Here’s what local interior pros and homeowners recommend for creating dazzling powder rooms.

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ROLL OUT SOME WALLPAPER

A decade ago, homeowners were tear-

OPPOSITE: In a Potomac powder room, designer Sally Steponkus says she used a forest-print wallpaper (and window frame paint to match) for “a cozy, woodsy vibe.”

ing down, not putting up, wallpaper. But “now buyers love wallpaper, particularly in powder rooms,” Heminger says. “It photographs so well and it’s a conversation piece.” Heminger and his husband, Adam Sean Younoszai, put up whimsical wallpaper in two of the three powder rooms in the “modern Tudor” house they built with Rockville’s Axis Architecture + Interiors in 2025. California Wallpaper’s beachy “Vintage Swimmers” print went into a basement half bath near a door leading to an outdoor hot tub. For a more formal first-floor powder room, the couple chose Spoonflower’s “Abe Lincoln Bar Edition” paper depicting the former president quaffing a beer. “Wallpaper in a powder room is a nice surprise,” says Upper Northwest D.C. interior designer Sally Steponkus, who uses it in many projects. “You aren’t as likely to get sick of a bold pattern or a bunch of colors if you can shut the door on it.” Plus, wallpaper can conjure a mood or even bring the outdoors in. For a recent renovation project at a house in Potomac, Steponkus chose a forest-like pattern (Waterhouse Wallhangings’ “Sherwood TS 14013”) for the powder room, echoing the property’s sylvan setting and nodding to the owners’ love of the outdoors.

PHOTO BY ROBERT RADIFERA

8/13/26 1:23 PM

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HOME BATHROOMS

ADD SPICE VIA VINTAGE ELEMENTS

Bringing in vintage art, lighting or mirrors to a

powder room can provide character and patina. “I often use antique French Louis Philippe–style mirrors with a little gilt and age on them,” Steponkus says. “You have more leeway to use an older mirror in a powder room than a bathroom, because you don’t have to worry about it getting splashed or trashed.” In the Potomac project with the forested wallpaper, Steponkus hung an antique French mirror she bought in Middleburg, Virginia. When she renovated her own powder room in Potomac last year, interior designer Sarah Goldfarb was seeking a maximalist vibe. “I love bold spaces in general, but particularly powder rooms,” she says. Goldfarb started by putting up Kristy Stafford’s wild “Ursula” wallpaper (a riotous floral with brown and pink stripes) and then brought in a vintage, mid-20thcentury bathroom sink basin in a minty hue. “I had the sink from a flip in a Georgetown row home, and I knew I’d use it at some point,” Goldfarb says. “I wanted it to be the only green in the space, so I played off the pastel green and chose that bold wallpaper as a complement.” A contemporary, custom-built floating cabinet supports the groovy vintage basin. Goldfarb amplified the eclectic feel with a squiggly “Kyma” mirror from Shades of Light, and a glass-and-rattan “Summer” globe pendant from Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

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OPPOSITE, FAR LEFT: A mint green vintage sink basin, salvaged from a Georgetown house, inspired the decor for designer Sarah Goldfarb’s own Potomac powder room. LEFT: The bone-inlaid mirror designer Amanda Loveland hung in this Wesley Heights powder room echoes the rounded shape of the existing vanity.

FROM LEFT: PHOTO BY ROBERT RADIFERA; PHOTO BY PEAK VISUALS; PHOTO BY STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

DAZZLE WITH A PRETTY MIRROR

A mirror is nonnegotiable in a powder room—how else will guests powder their noses or wigs? But the style, shape and material of that looking glass can go in a zillion directions. “You can use a colorful mirror that matches your wallpaper or go for something framed in wicker or rattan to bring in texture,” says Molly Bruno, a Upper Northwest D.C. interior designer. She hung an arched wooden mirror from Studio McGee in a recent project in Chevy Chase Village, using its shape to echo the stylized florals in the wallpaper. In a 2024 renovation of a Dutch Colonial in D.C.’s Wesley Heights neighborhood, Kensington interior designer Amanda Loveland brightened the powder room by adding blue-and-white wallpaper and painting the existing vanity in Benjamin Moore’s “Polaris Blue.” “And I added a round, camel-boneframed mirror from Perigold, which brings earthy, casual flair,” she says. “The last renovation of this house was all dark woods and fussy Ronald Reagan–era gilt. The room feels so much fresher now.”

ADD A COOL CONSOLE OR SINK

“You have to let the dimenABOVE: Designer Katy Anderson added a sink vanity that mimics a piece of vintage furniture for a 2024 Chevy Chase Village renovation.

sions of the powder room dictate the size of the sink or console,” Bruno says. “You can go really tiny—like a small pedestal or even a petite corner sink.” She used a Kohler “Memoirs” pedestal sink with a 24-inch-wide rectangular basin in her Chevy Chase Village renovation. “I liked the shape, and it also makes the room look subtly larger,” she says. If space allows, a cool vanity or cabinet sink will bring both style and storage to a powder room. For a 2024 renovation of an older couple’s Chevy Chase Village home, Chevy Chase interior designer Katy Anderson brought in a burl wood Worlds Away vanity to appeal to her clients’ passion for mid-century style. “The cabinet’s clean lines and Luciteand-brass hardware really work with the clients’ taste for classic design with modern touches,” Anderson says.

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HOME BATHROOMS

RIGHT: Instead of wallpaper, designer Heather Golde decked a Chevy Chase powder room with a dozen-plus pieces of framed artwork.

HANG UP ARTWORK

“Powder rooms are fantastic

places to be creative with wallpaper, and a gallery wall or a collection of artwork can be a version of that,” says Bethesda interior designer Heather Golde of Fini & Martin. “It can provide the same effect of storytelling and interest.” In a 2025 Chevy Chase project for the grandson of acclaimed artist, puppeteer and filmmaker Lou Bunin, Golde had 16 works by the artist and his wife, Florence, framed in gold wood by Framebridge. “There were whimsical watercolors, satirical charcoals, and a nice mix of Bunin’s wife’s artwork, which had its own style,” Golde says. “Now it’s like stepping into a mini-museum of family artwork.” A vintage-style French advertising poster for a potion called “Crème Simon” inspired Toyserkani’s own first-floor powder room in Bethesda. “It informed the room’s color palette, mood and eclectic character,” the interior designer says. She surrounded the poster with multiple pieces of framed art, including a photo of toile wallpaper from a book and “$84 worth of antique and vintage finds from Goodwill, discovered during one very lucky visit,” she says. “Together, they create a collected feel and add a sense of history and personality.”

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PHOTO BY MARKUS WILBORN

8/13/26 1:23 PM

Ready for What’s Next? Let’s Make the Most of the Fall Market Together! Whether you’re considering a move now or planning for 2027, thoughtful preparation and the right strategy can make all the difference. Let’s start the conversation.

Call the Carolyn Homes Team today for a confidential consultation. Carolyn Sappenfield | 240.353.7601 | carolyn@carolynhomes.com Licensed in Maryland, Washington DC & Virginia

4408 Maple Avenue | Bethesda, MD For Sale $2,599,000

9118 Seven Locks Road | Bethesda, MD 3514 Bradley Lane | Chevy Chase, MD For Sale $1,200,000 For Sale $2,349,000

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HOME BATHROOMS

LIFT THE SPACE WITH LIGHTING

Powder rooms don’t require bright

task lighting like master bathrooms. “You don’t need intense lighting, since I don’t think people are plucking their eyebrows in there,” Steponkus says. “You can have less light and things can be a bit moodier.” Sometimes illumination comes from a pair of sconces flanking the mirror; other times, the solution is a simple pendant. In her romantic powder room, Toyserkani installed Regina Andrew’s “Cabaret Fringe Chandelier,” which resembles the trim on a flapper dress. “I selected an oversized fixture—it’s 2 feet wide—to make an impact,” she says. “I wanted to echo the movement and drama of the space, and I was immediately drawn to this light’s 1920s glamour, rich color and texture.” Jennifer Barger is a Washington, D.C.based design and travel writer and the director of content at Consumers’ Checkbook. Subscribe to her Substack newsletter, The Souvenirist, for designand retail-inspired travel tips.

LEFT AND ABOVE: A fringed light fixture, botanical wallpaper, and vintage art—much of it sourced at a thrift store—bring drama to designer Shima Toyserkani’s Bethesda powder room.

174 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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PHOTOS BY ROBERT RADIFERA

8/14/26 11:16 AM

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HOME BY THE NUMBERS

JUNE’S MOST EXPENSIVE

HOME SALES

Data provided by

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $5.75 MILLION Address: 8710 Fernwood Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 17 Listing Agency: RLAH @properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 8/2

LIST PRICE: $4.1 MILLION Address: 6810 Delaware St., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agency: None listed Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

$5.8 million

A peek at one of the area’s most expensive recently sold houses

LIST PRICE: $5.88 MILLION Address: 8509 Country Club Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 43 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 8 Full/Half Baths: 7/1

LIST PRICE: $4.5 MILLION Address: 4921 Quebec St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 4 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/2

$5.63 million

LIST PRICE: $5.85 MILLION Address: 5205 Woodlawn Ave., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 43 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/2

SALE PRICE:

$5.45 million

LIST PRICE: $5.6 MILLION Address: 4929 Lowell St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 74 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 7/2

$4.8 million

SALE PRICE:

$4.6 million

LIST PRICE: $4.6 MILLION Address: 7602 Glenbrook Road, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$4.5 million

LIST PRICE: $4.5 MILLION Address: 11507 Skipwith Lane, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: Real Broker Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 5/2

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $4.9 MILLION Address: 3801 52nd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 27 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/2

LIST PRICE: $4.5 MILLION Address: 5125 Upton St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 42 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/2

$4.8 million

$4.28 million

LIST PRICE: $4.2 MILLION Address: 3407 Lowell St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agency: None listed Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.95 million

LIST PRICE: $4.15 MILLION Address: 4815 Drummond Ave., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 21 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.85 million

LIST PRICE: $4 MILLION Address: 6936 Carmichael Ave., Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 29 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.8 million

LIST PRICE: $4.15 MILLION Address: 5600 Brite Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 26 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

COURTESY RLAH REAL ESTATE

SALE PRICE:

$3.95 million

SALE PRICE:

$5.73 million

$4.1 million

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SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $4 MILLION Address: 7019 Armat Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 35 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/3

LIST PRICE: $3.65 MILLION Address: 7318 Burdette Court, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 38 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/2

LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION Address: 5425 Harwood Road, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 51 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

$3.8 million

$3.49 million

$3.3 million

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $3.6 MILLION Address: 2650 Chain Bridge Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agency: None listed Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

LIST PRICE: $3.7 MILLION Address: 3753 Oliver St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 Days on Market: 34 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 4/2

LIST PRICE: $3.4 MILLION Address: 8539 Rapley Preserve Circle, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 5 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

$3.6 million

$3.43 million

$3.3 million

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION Address: 8917 Harvest Square Court, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 14 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/2

LIST PRICE: $3.7 MILLION Address: 14 Stanmore Court, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 26 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

LIST PRICE: $3.3 MILLION Address: 7604 Charleston Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 19 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

$3.51 million

$3.41 million

$3.3 million

GTMARCHITECTS.COM | 240.333.2000 BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 177

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HOME BY THE NUMBERS

BY ZIP CODE

REAL ESTATE TRENDS JUNE 2025 JUNE 2026

20015 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20 $1.62 Mil. 11 10 7 19

14 $1.64 Mil. 19 4 7 13

20016 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

26 $2.36 Mil. 14 5 16 26

22 $2.55 Mil. 25 10 12 22

JUNE 2025 JUNE 2026

20832 (Olney) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

12 $854,833 16 4 7 2

20850 (Rockville)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

21 $931,952 22 11 9 8

20814 (Bethesda) 20851 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

22 $2.01 Mil. 17 6 11 19

17 $1.89 Mil. 24 3 12 17

20815 (Chevy Chase)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

28 $1.79 Mil. 20 10 12 26

29 $2.06 Mil. 16 10 15 26

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

7 $567,842 24 2 4 0

25 $1.62 Mil. 18 9 9 24

24 $1.91 Mil. 12 10 7 22

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20817 (Bethesda) 20854 (Potomac) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

33 $2.13 Mil. 17 8 14 31

47 $2.03 Mil. 20 13 26 44

28 $1.02 Mil. 16 11 9 11

13 $553,076 13 5 5 0

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville) 11 $853,318 13 1 7 4

20816 (Bethesda) 20853 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

18 $838,999 15 8 7 2

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

15 $1.03 Mil. 21 4 5 9

27 $723,655 10 12 7 2

26 $669,053 14 15 6 0

63 $1.66 Mil. 23 25 26 54

45 $1.62 Mil. 12 21 13 40

20855 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

JUNE 2025 JUNE 2026

11 $812,945 14 4 5 2

20877 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

4 $616,250 25 2 0 0

12 $850,816 18 4 6 3

9 $624,111 18 3 4 0

20878 (Gaithersburg/North Potomac) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

41 $1.03 Mil. 19 12 22 15

20879 (Gaithersburg) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

7 $550,414 29 1 3 0

20882 (Gaithersburg) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

6 $917,316 13 1 3 1

20886 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

12 $662,700 22 6 5 0

34 $1.12 Mil. 26 14 17 18

7 $705,571 12 4 2 1

9 $858,000 11 5 4 3

12 $660,583 13 5 3 0

178 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE

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STATELY COLONIAL MOMENTS TO DOWNTOWN

11640 Piney Spring Lane, Potomac, MD 20854

5138 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda MD 20817

5 BED | 5.5 BATH | $1,999,000

5 BED | 5.5 BATH| $2,295,000

MODERN TAKE ON CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE

DREAM RETREAT WITH A GUEST HOUSE

9117 Seven Locks Road, Bethesda MD 20817

21151 Woodfield Road, Laytonsville, MD 20882

5 BED | 6.5 BATH | CALL FOR PRICING

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ONE YEAR. REMARKABLE GROWTH. In celebrating our first anniversary with Compass, we're proud to share a milestone made possible by our incredible clients. In a year marked by shifting market dynamics and fierce competition, we closed 125 transactions, helping everyone from first time buyers to seasoned luxury sellers achieve their real estate goals. With the power of Compass behind us, we look ahead with gratitude and the goal of delivering exceptional results to every client we have the privilege of representing.

Schedule your tour today at BannerTeam.com | 301.365.9090 Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 5471 Wisconsin Ave Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 | 301.298.1001

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HOME BY THE NUMBERS

JUNE 2025

JUNE 2026

20 $945,268 12 9 9 6

34 $1.1 Mil. 14 12 15 12

20895 (Kensington) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20901 (Silver Spring) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

21 $659,076 14 9 7 0

25 $697,144 11 13 7 1

JUNE 2025 JUNE 2026

20902 (Silver Spring) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

23 $648,108 13 11 8 0

20903 (Silver Spring) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

4 $581,250 43 0 1 0

27 $617,064 13 17 7 1

3 $660,500 8 2 0 0

JUNE 2025 JUNE 2026

20904 (Silver Spring) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

22 $721,431 12 9 8 1

20910 (Silver Spring) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

10 $874,950 7 5 2 2

28 $713,921 16 13 11 1

20 $873,824 18 4 12 4

Information courtesy of Bright MLS, as of July 15, 2026. 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, 2026, to June 30, 2026, as of July 15, 2026, excluding sales where sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. Reports reference data provided by Zillow. Some sale and list prices have been rounded.

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PARTNER CONTENT

COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL Guide 2026

FINDING YOUR BEST FIT

So many choices, so little time. Selecting a college is never easy. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Narrowing down the options helps identify what’s likely to be the best fit. Start your search by focusing on several essential questions. What can you realistically afford? Is distance a factor? Is your ideal campus small and intimate, large and lively, or something in between? What do you require academically? What type of social life would complete your college experience? Whether you’re a parent or student, hopefully, the answers to these questions and our guide will help clarify your priorities as you navigate the path to the college that’s right for you.

SUPPLEMENT TO MAGAZINES

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Dream School . . . but Financial Nightmare? It doesn’t have to be. If you know how the system works.

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Set Your Success in Motion at Salisbury University Offering over 60 majors and graduate programs, SU is one of those rare universities that celebrates individual talents and encourages big ideas. Professors are deeply invested in their students, nurturing graduate school and career possibilities. With state-ofthe-art facilities, our friendly campus ranks among the nation’s top colleges and best values. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, SU is the perfect place to chart your future.

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8/12/26 4:28 PM

PARTNER CONTENT

Education for the real world To succeed in our increasingly complex world, college graduates must be able to think creatively, explore new ideas, and meet the challenges of our global society. Through a robust, wide-ranging curriculum at the College of Charleston, students discover how to shape their futures. Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed, caring, and nationally recognized faculty. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for students to gain real-world experiences and opportunities for career development. College of Charleston students graduate with more than just a diploma. They leave with the technical skills to solve complex problems, the confidence to lead teams, and the global perspective to innovate.

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 65 George Street Charleston, SC 29401 Undergraduate info: 843.805.5507 www.charleston.edu Graduate info: 843.953.5614 www.charleston.edu

4 | COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 | www.todaymediainc.com

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Real-World Education

in a World-Class City At the College of Charleston, students: Learn from distinguished faculty in top-ranked academic programs Experience nationally competitive NCAA Division I sports Engage our Life Design Center and build the best version of themselves Fall in love with America’s #1 city and enjoy its stunning beaches

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At DSU, it all matters “It All Matters” is the mantra at the 135-year-old 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, the new Agilent Hub for Agriculture, Innovation and Extension opened on campus.

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6 | COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 | www.todaymediainc.com

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Dominic

PARTNER CONTENT

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.

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY NEW YORK 470 Western Highway Orangeburg, NY 10962 Undergraduate info: 845.848.7901 www.duny.edu/admission-aspx Graduate info: 845.848.7901 www.duny.edu/graduate-admissions

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6/17/26 11:21 AM

PARTNER CONTENT

Study at Manhattan University. Succeed Anywhere. 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 Undergraduate info: 718.862.8000, www.manhattan.edu Graduate info: 718.862.8200, www.manhattan.edu

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

4 NEW MASTER’S PROGRAMS. ONE DATA‐DRIVEN FUTURE. M.S. BUSINESS ANALYTICS

BUILD YOUR ENGINEERING NETWORK

M.S. DIGITAL MARKETING & ANALYTICS

TURN DATA INTO DECISIONS.

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS AI.

M.S. FINANCIAL ANALYTICS

M.S. HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS

WHERE WALL STREET INTERSECTS

IMPROVING CARE THROUGH

WITH DATA SCIENCE.

DATA & LEADERSHIP.

KAKOS SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES

ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION TO ADVANCE COLLEGIATE SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS

PREPARED FOR THE REAL WORLD

WHERE CURIOSITY BECOMES A CALLING

APPLY TODAY

MANHATTAN.EDU

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Manha

PARTNER CONTENT

Pursuing a Valiant Education at Manhattanville Manhattanville University is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. Located an hour from New York City, Manhattanville serves more than 1,400 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. MANHATTANVILLE UNIVERSITY 2900 Purchase Street • Purchase, NY 10577 914.694.2200 Undergraduate info: 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions/undergraduate-admissions.php Graduate info: 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions/graduate-admissions.php

Manhattanville

University

At Manhattanville University, nothing is impossible!

Valiant Hearts Choose Manhattanville Ready to see where your Valiant Heart can take you? Learn more at mville.edu. www.todaymediainc.com | COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 | 9

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COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS College Collegeof ofCharleston Charleston 65 65George GeorgeStreet Street Charleston, Charleston,SC SC 29401 29401 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: 843.805.5507 843.805.5507 www.charleston.edu www.charleston.edu Graduate Graduateinfo: info:843.953.5614 843.953.5614 www.charleston.edu www.charleston.edu

YEAR YEAR FOUNDED FOUNDED

Delaware DelawareState State University University 1200 1200N. N.DuPont DuPontHighway Highway Dover, Dover,DE DE19901 19901 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: 302.857.6351 302.857.6351 www.desu.edu www.desu.edu Graduate Graduateinfo: info:302.857.8200 302.857.8200 sgaes.desu.edu sgaes.desu.edu

Dominican DominicanUniversity UniversityNew NewYork York 470 470Western WesternHighway Highway Orangeburg, Orangeburg,NY NY10962 10962 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: 845.848.7901 845.848.7901 www.duny.edu/admission-aspx www.duny.edu/admission-aspx Graduate Graduateinfo: info:845.848.7901 845.848.7901 www.duny.edu/graduatewww.duny.edu/graduateadmissions admissions

Manhattan ManhattanUniversity University 4513 4513Manhattan ManhattanCollege College Parkway, Parkway,Riverdale, Riverdale,NY NY10471 10471 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: 718.862.8000 718.862.8000 www.manhattan.edu www.manhattan.edu Graduate Graduateinfo: info:718.862.8200 718.862.8200 www.manhattan.edu www.manhattan.edu

1770 1770

1891 1891

1952 1952

1853 1853

NUMBER NUMBER STUDENTS STUDENTS ENROLLED ENROLLED

12,000 12,000

6,623 6,623

1,378 1,378

2,789 2,789

STUDENT/ STUDENT/ FACULTY FACULTYRATIO RATIO

14:1 14:1

17:1 17:1

13:1 13:1

14:1 14:1

NUMBER NUMBER UNDERGRAD UNDERGRAD DEGREES DEGREES OFFERED OFFERED

150+ 150+

46 46

23 23

104 104

NUMBER NUMBER MASTER’S MASTER’S DEGREES DEGREES OFFERED OFFERED

20 20

26 26

1111

29 29

NUMBER NUMBER DOCTORAL DOCTORAL DEGREES DEGREES OFFERED OFFERED

N/A N/A

SUBJECT SUBJECT MATTER MATTER EXPERTISE EXPERTISE

Business BusinessAdministration. Administration. Hospitality Hospitalityand andTourism Tourism Management. Management.

Agriculture Agricultureand andSTEM, STEM, education, education,health healthand and behavioral behavioralsciences sciences

Nursing, Nursing,Health HealthSciences, Sciences, Business, Business,Criminal CriminalJustice Justice

Engineering, Engineering,Business, Business, Education, Education,Health, Health, Communications Communications

IN-STATE IN-STATE TUITION TUITION

$12,518 $12,518

$12,277 $12,277

$33,120 $33,120

$50,000 $50,000++$19,150 $19,150 Room Roomand andBoard Board

OUT-OF-STATE OUT-OF-STATE TUITION TUITION

$38,384 $38,384

$22,268 $22,268

$33,120 $33,120

$50,000 $50,000++$19,150 $19,150 Room Roomand andBoard Board

78% 78%

100% 100%

Students StudentsReceiving Receiving Financial FinancialAid: Aid:99% 99% Students StudentsReceiving Receiving Merit MeritAid: Aid:65% 65%

No. No.44Top TopPublic PublicSchool School—— Regional RegionalUniversities, Universities,South South (U.S. (U.S.News News&&World WorldReport) Report)

Ranked Rankedamong amongthe thetop top10 10 Historically HistoricallyBlack BlackColleges Colleges and andUniversities Universities(HBCUs) (HBCUs)ininthe the nation; nation;Research Research22Carnegie Carnegie Classification; Classification;$2 $2million million Thurgood ThurgoodMarshall MarshallCollege College Fund Fundgrant grantsupporting supportingthe the development developmentof ofeHBCU, eHBCU,an anonline online learning learningconsortium. consortium.

Only OnlyRockland RocklandCounty Countyinstitution institution recognized recognizedas asOpportunity Opportunity College Collegeand andUniversity Universityby by Carnegie CarnegieClassifications, Classifications,2025; 2025; Top TopNational NationalUniversity Universityfor for Social SocialMobility Mobilityby byU.S. U.S.News News&& World WorldReport, Report,2025; 2025;ranked ranked#51 #51 nationally nationallyfor forsocial socialmobility, mobility, among amongtop topthree threeprivate privateNY NY universities universitiesrecognized recognizedfor for enrolling enrollingand andgraduating graduating high highproportion proportionof ofPell PellGrant Grant recipients. recipients.

Ranked Ranked13th 13thin inthe theNortheast Northeast by byU.S. U.S.News News&&World WorldReport’s Report’s Best BestColleges; Colleges;18 18alumni alumniare are members membersof ofthe theNational National Academy Academyof ofEngineering; Engineering; Ranked Ranked#5 #5nationally nationallyfor forpostpostgraduate graduatemaster’s master’searnings earningsby by Washington WashingtonMonthly; Monthly;Top Top10% 10% of ofTop Top500 500U.S. U.S.Colleges Collegesby byThe The Wall WallStreet StreetJournal Journal

N/A N/A

InInaddition additionto tomain maincampus, campus, locations locationsat atDSU DSUDowntown Downtowninin Dover Doverand andininWilmington, Wilmington,DE DE

N/A N/A

PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE ON ON FINANCIAL FINANCIALAID AID

TOP TOPAWARDS/ AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS RECOGNITIONS

N/A N/A

AFFILIATED AFFILIATED COLLEGE/ COLLEGE/ SATELLITE SATELLITE CAMPUS CAMPUS

N/A N/A

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COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS Manhattanville ManhattanvilleUniversity University 2900 2900Purchase PurchaseStreet Street Purchase, Purchase,NY NY10577 10577 914.694.2200 914.694.2200 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info:914.694.2200 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ admissions/undergraduate-admisadmissions/undergraduate-admissions.php sions.php Graduate Graduateinfo: info:914.694.2200 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ admissions/graduate-admissions.php admissions/graduate-admissions.php

Marist MaristUniversity University 3399 3399North NorthRoad Road Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie,NY NY12601 12601 845.575.3000 845.575.3000 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: Graduate Graduateinfo: info: www.marist.edu www.marist.edu

Mount MountSaint Saint Mary MaryCollege College 330 330Powell PowellAvenue Avenue Newburgh, Newburgh,NY NY12550 12550 888. 888.YYES.MSMC ES.MSMC 888.937.6762 888.937.6762 www.msmc.edu www.msmc.edu

1841 1841

1929 1929

1959 1959

1848 1848

2,400 2,400

6,000+ 6,000+

1,378 1,378

1,703 1,703

10:1 10:1

16:1 16:1

12:1 12:1

8:1 8:1

55+ 55+

Almost Almost50 50majors majors

35+ 35+

39 39

70+ 70+

13 13

N/A N/A

Psychology, Psychology,Education, Education, Business, Business,Sports SportsStudies, Studies, Nursing Nursing&&Health HealthSciences, Sciences, Accelerated AcceleratedDegree DegreePrograms, Programs, Online OnlinePrograms, Programs,and andmore more

www.marist.edu/academics/ www.marist.edu/academics/ programs/complete-list programs/complete-list

Business, Business,Nursing, Nursing,Education, Education, Information InformationTechnology, Technology,Social Socialand and Natural NaturalSciences Sciencesand and Communication CommunicationArts Arts

Pre-med, Pre-med,Performing PerformingArts, Arts, Business Businessand andFinance, Finance,Media Mediaand and Communication, Communication,Psychology Psychology

N/A N/A

$50,760 $50,760

$43,920 $43,920

$66,930 $66,930

N/A N/A

$50,760 $50,760

$43,920 $43,920

$66,930 $66,930

98% 98%

99% 99%of ofincoming incomingfirst-year first-year students students

99% 99%

#1 #1for forStudy StudyAbroad Abroad--Open OpenDoors Doors Report; Report;##88in inthe theNation Nationfor forHapHappiest piestStudents Students--Princeton PrincetonReview; Review; Best Best15 15for forAI AIPreparedness Preparedness

Ranked Rankedamong amongthe theBest BestColleges Colleges in inAmerica Americaby byMoney; Money;One Oneof of the the best best Regional Regional Universities Universities North Northby byU.S. U.S.News News&&World WorldReport; Report; aaBest BestValue ValueSchool Schoolby byNiche; Niche; and andan anOpportunity OpportunityCollege Collegeby bythe the Carnegie CarnegieClassification Classificationof of Institutions Institutionsof ofHigher HigherEducation Education

Princeton PrincetonReview’s Review’sBest BestValue Value Colleges, Colleges,#6 #6College CollegeTheatre Theatreand and Top Top50 50Green GreenColleges; Colleges;Wall WallStreet Street Journal’s Journal’sBest BestColleges Collegesin inthe theU.S.; U.S.; U.S. U.S.News News&&World WorldReport’s Report’sTop Top100 100 Liberal LiberalArts ArtsColleges Collegesin inthe theU.S. U.S.

Marist MaristItaly Italy

N/A N/A

20 20years yearsof ofrecognition recognitionby by Princeton PrincetonReview Reviewas asaa“Best “Best College;” College;”44badges badgesof ofrecognition recognition from fromColleges Collegesof ofDistinction; Distinction; ranked rankedamong amongthe thetop top100 100 institutions institutionsin inthe theregion, region,and and ranked rankedas asaatop topperformer performerin inSocial Social Mobility Mobilityin inNew NewYork Yorkamong amongprivate, private, non-profit non-profitinstitutions institutionsby byUS USNews News &&World WorldReport Report

N/A N/A

Muhlenberg MuhlenbergCollege College 2400 2400West WestChew ChewStreet Street Allentown, Allentown,PA, PA,18104 18104 Undergraduate Undergraduateinfo: info: 484.664.3200 484.664.3200 www.muhlenberg.edu www.muhlenberg.edu Graduate Graduateinfo: info:484.664.3300 484.664.3300 www.muhlenberg.edu/ www.muhlenberg.edu/ graduate-studies graduate-studies

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COLLEGE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS Pace University New York City / Westchester 800.874.PACE www.pace.edu/admissions

YEAR FOUNDED

Penn State Brandywine 25 Yearsley Mill Road Media, PA 19063 610.892.1200 www.brandywine.psu.edu

Towson University 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252 Undergraduate info: 410.704.2113 www.towson.edu/admissions/ undergrad Graduate info: 410-704-4723 www.towson.edu/academics/ graduate

SUNY Westchester Community College 75 Grasslands Road Valhalla, NY 10595 Undergraduate info: 914.606.6600 www.sunywcc.edu Graduate info: N/A

1906

1855

1866

1947

NUMBER STUDENTS ENROLLED

12,714

1,100

19,677

22,367

STUDENT/ FACULTY RATIO

14:1

13:1

14:1

19:1

NUMBER UNDERGRAD DEGREES OFFERED

75+

275+

110+ majors, concentrations, and tracks

NUMBER MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED

55+

N/A

NUMBER DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED

N/A

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE

Business, accounting, finance, computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, health professions, nursing, law, criminal justice, psychology, communications, media, performing arts, and environmental law..

Biology, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, Engineering, Information Technology, Project and Supply Chain Management, Psychology

Business Administration, Psychology, Nursing, Computer Science, Education

Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Healthcare, Short-term Workforce programs

IN-STATE TUITION

Call for tuition

$14,624

$12,690

$2,765

OUT-OF-STATE TUITION

Call for tuition

$25,306

$32,948

$5,885

PERCENTAGE ON FINANCIAL AID

68% of full-time degree seekers receive need-based aid

72%

N/A

74%

TOP AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS

9,000+ internships, co-ops, practicums, field experiences, and clinicals completed every year; 93% of the Class of 2025 was employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, 29% Pace students identify as first-generation; Athletics: NCAA Division II Northeast-10 Conference

Faculty members have received multiple campus, university and professional awards for teaching and research excellence. Brandywine LaunchBox hosts several business pitch competitions annually. Student-athletes began competing in NCAA Division III in 2024.

#1 Public University in Maryland The Wall Street Journal, 2026 #3 Public University within the North Region U.S. News & World Report, 2026 #2 “Best Bang for the Buck” Washington Monthly, 2025

250+ SUNY Chancellor Award winners; Full Excelsior scholarships are available for qualified students; WCC Foundation awards more than $4 million in scholarships each year

N/A

Penn State Brandywine is a campus of Penn State

TU in Northeastern Maryland

Extension Centers located in Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, Yonkers

AFFILIATED COLLEGE/ SATELLITE CAMPUS

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Marist U

PARTNER CONTENT

Choose “and,” not “or” Manhattanville University 2900 Purchase Street Purchase, NY 10577 914.694.2200 Undergraduate info: 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ admissions/undergraduate-admissions.php Graduate info: 914.694.2200 www.mville.edu/admissions-and-aid/ admissions/graduate-admissions.php

Marist University 3399 North Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845.575.3000 Undergraduate info: Graduate info: www.marist.edu

1841

1929

2,400

6,000+

10:1

16:1

55+

Almost 50 majors

Marist’s signature educational approach is grounded in Muhlenberg the principle of “and” College West Chew Street Mount Saint not “or.” We 2400 blend liberal arts with Allentown, PA, 18104 Mary College professional studies and integrate Undergraduate info: 330 Powell Avenue classroom instruction with hands-on 484.664.3200 Newburgh, NY 12550 www.muhlenberg.edu 888.YES.MSMC training and real-world practice. Our Graduate info: 484.664.3300 888.937.6762 students graduate with the combination www.muhlenberg.edu/academics/ www.msmc.edu muhlenberg-school-ofof critical thinking and technical skills graduate-studies needed to create dynamic career paths and engage the world as leaders who Red 1959 are well-rounded and well-grounded. 1848 Foxes flourish with the personal attention common of a small college 1,378 1,703and benefit from the scope, power, and connections associated with 12:1 8:1 a university. 35+

70+

MARIST UNIVERSITY 3399 North Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 4 845.575.3226 www.marist.edu

N/A

Psychology, Education, Business, Sports Studies, Nursing & Health Sciences, Accelerated Degree Programs, Online Programs, and more

www.marist.edu/academics/ programs/complete-list

Business, Nursing, Education, Information Technology, Social and Natural Science

N/A

$50,760

$43,920

$66,930

N/A

$50,760

$43,920

$66,930

98%

99% of incoming first-year students

99%

Earn Your Paralegal Certificate

Pre-med, Performing Arts, Business and Finance, Media and Communication, Psychology

20 years of recognition by

•Princeton Weekend Format Review as Hybrid a “Best College;” 4 badges of recognition •from American Bar Association-Approved Colleges of Distinction; #1 for Study Abroad - Open Doors Ranked among the Best Colleges in ranked among the top 100 Report; # 8 in the Nation for HapAmerica by Money; One of the best •institutions September and March Start Dates piest Students - Princeton Review; in the region, and ranked as a top performer in Social Mobility in New York among private, non-profit institutions by US News & World Report

Best 15 for AI Preparedness

Regional Universities North

GET STARTED TODAY! N/A

Marist Italy

N/A

Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges, #6 College Theatre and Top 50 Green Colleges; Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S.; U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.

N/A

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PARTNER CONTENT

Learn, lead, and grow 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 (17 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. Dynamic clubs and activities, DIII athletic teams, and connections to the community provide plenty of opportunities to explore and grow at the Mount! With 93 percent of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months, the Mount sparks success. MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550 Undergraduate info: 888.YES.MSMC (888.937.6762) www.msmc.edu Graduate info: 888.YES.MSMC (888.937.6762) www.msmc.edu

NEWBURGH, NEW YORK

SPARK SUCCESS Gain the knowledge and experience to help you thrive

My time at MSMC has been a meaningful balance of

academic growth and personal development.

”

Jennifer

Albany

Stewart International Airport

Hudson R iver

Mount Saint Mary College

”

Newburgh

Boston

MA Hartford

New York City

ATLANTIC OCEAN

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Muhlenb

PARTNER CONTENT

Explore broadly, engage deeply Muhlenberg College students succeed because they explore broadly and engage deeply. Our challenging liberal arts curriculum requires handson learning through research, internships, study abroad, and more. A personalized coaching team (a faculty advisor, college life coach, and career counselor) supports each student from their first semester. This combination of challenge and support works: Muhlenberg’s ROI ranks among the top 10% of institutions nationwide, and more than 90% of Muhlenberg applicants are admitted to medical, dental, and law school. Mules also enjoy a vibrant college experience, with 23 Division III athletics teams, 120+ student organizations, and a robust campus arts culture. MUHLENBERG COLLEGE 2400 West Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104 Undergraduate info: 484.664.3200 www.muhlenberg.edu Graduate info: 484.664.3300 www.muhlenberg.edu/graduate-studies

NO BETTER PLACE

Boston

To prepare for your future

ATLANTIC OCEAN

95.6% of students are working or enrolled in continuing education within 6 months of graduation

Discover the Muhlenberg difference at

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PARTNER CONTENT

Opportunity That Delivers Pace University has a long history of transforming ambition into opportunity. Founded as an accounting school in 1906, Pace now enrolls more than 12,500 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across its six schools and colleges. With campuses in New York City and Westchester, Pace connects students to powerful academics, careerbuilding experiences, and a global network of 168,000+ alumni, including more than 5,000 in C-suite roles. Ranked the #2 university in the nation for experiential and work-integrated learning by Forage and among the top 6% nationally for return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Pace delivers the access and experience that help students go places. PACE UNIVERSITY New York City / Westchester 800.874.PACE www.pace.edu/admissions

PACE IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING PLACES.

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Penn Sta

PARTNER CONTENT

Start your story here At Penn State Brandywine, you’ll experience a vibrant college environment combined with the resources of a major research university—all located just west of Philadelphia. Every student can participate in high-impact practices to enhance their student experience, academic success, and career goals, including undergraduate research, global programs, service learning, and internships. Athletics features 12 sports competing in NCAA Division III. The Center for Social Impact prepares students to create positive change in the world, while the Brandywine LaunchBox provides programs for students to innovate, create, and collaborate. Explore the Penn State degree that matches your life, expectations, and aspirations.

PENN STATE BRANDYWINE 25 Yearsley Mill Road Media, PA 19063 610.892.1200 www.brandywine.psu.edu.com

brandywine.psu.edu bwadmissions@psu.edu

Learn about our bachelor’s degrees and graduate school pathways, along with internships, clubs and athletics, and on-campus housing. www.todaymediainc.com | COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 | 17

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PARTNER CONTENT

Build Momentum. The Towson University Way. At Towson University, ambition becomes action. With top-ranked degrees,dedicated faculty, and hands-on research opportunities, TU gives students the tools— and the momentum—to become leaders in their fields. Our undergraduate and graduate communities thrive in modern facilities where learning, discovery, and creativity converge. Whether you’re developing deep expertise, building leadership skills, or both, meaningful mentorship and real-world experience are built into every step of the TU journey.

TOWSON UNIVERSITY 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252 410.704.2000 Undergraduate info:410.704.2113 www.towson.edu/admissions Graduate info: 410-704-4723 www.towson.edu/academics/graduate

OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.

MAKE IT YOURS.

COME ROAR WITH US TOWSON.EDU

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WCC_P

PARTNER CONTENT

Preparing the current and future workforce SUNY WCC provides over 20,000 full-time and parttime students with an education taught by awardwinning 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 AI. 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, sustainablewage career areas; and enabling professionals to maintain and upgrade skills to meet and maintain licensure requirements. SUNY WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 75 Grasslands Road • Valhalla, NY 10595 Undergraduate info: 914.606.6600 • www.sunywcc.edu Graduate info: N/A

COLLEGE DREAMS MADE AFFORDABLE. 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 • $4+ 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 • Adult learners may be eligible for free tuition through SUNY Reconnect

Learn more at sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6600.

WCC IS HERE FOR YOU. www.todaymediainc.com | COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 | 19

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WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY:

A-ha moments delivered daily.

wcupa.edu

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Good Life

PHOTO COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Shopping, travel, wellness and more

Visit the Wardensville Garden Market, which features harvest goodies and glassworks inside a historic farmhouse in the tiny West Virginia town. PAGE 204

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 201

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GOOD LIFE SHOPPING

Well-Heeled

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From western boots to suede loafers, get your footing on new styles for fall

Cava heel boots in dark brown croc, $398 at Rails, 4852 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), 240-858-4165 rails.com

BY LAUREN FRANK

TASSEL TALE

Beck moccasin in chocolate, $495 at Jenni Kayne, 4856 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), 301-364-9160, jennikayne.com

GOING ROUGE

COURTESY PHOTOS

Inez heeled mule in ruby eel, $298 at Reformation, 4823 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), 240-551-5125, thereformation.com

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SUEDE SOPHISTICATION Men’s Sigaro penny loafer in dark tobacco suede, $198 at Collars & Co., 7126 Bethesda Lane (Bethesda Row), collarsandco.com

STYLE TO BOOT

Uppsala boot in dark tea from Birkenstock, $170 at Amano, 7034 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, 301-270-1140, amanotakoma.com

SATIN STATEMENT

Loeffler Randall Rio satin kitten heel, $395 at Sassanova, 7134 Bethesda Lane (Bethesda Row), 301-654-7403, sassanova.com

BUCKLE DOWN

Nianna buckle fold over western boot from Guess, $129 at Macy’s, 7125 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-469-6800, macys.com (available Sept. 4)

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GOOD LIFE DRIVING RANGE

WITH PEPPERONI ROLLS, VINTAGE TREASURES AND A FALL GARDEN MARKET, THIS WEST VIRGINIA TOWN IS A DESTINATION ALL ITS OWN BY S U S A N A N S PA C H

COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

A L I T T L E PATC H O F H E AV E N

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Take in sights of Lost River State Park from the Cranny Crow Overlook.

hirteen years ago, on a drive down Main Street in Wardensville, West Virginia, you might have passed a 7-Eleven, a Dollar General and a handful of mom-and-pops that had seen better days. You probably wouldn’t have bothered to stop in the tiny town (population currently 270) along the Cacapon River, less than a two-hour drive from the nation’s capital. “It was more closings than openings,” says Paul Yandura, a former political strategist who often passed through town on the way to the vacation cabin he’d built with his partner, Donald Hitchcock. Today, it’s a different picture. Wardensville’s eclectic main drag is now home to a glassblowing studio, an independent bookstore and the Lost River Trading Post—a combination coffeehouse, antiques emporium, art gallery and bottle shop that’s hard to miss. (Just look for the life-size sculpture of an orange cow in cowboy boots out front.) The trading post occupies a renovated feed store that Yandura and Hitchcock bought and transformed in 2013, marking the start of a new era for the town. Back then, the D.C. power couple’s arrival in deep red Hardy County may have raised a few eyebrows. “In any town, change is always going to be hard,” says Yandura, who directed LGBTQ+ outreach for Bill Clinton’s 1996 reelection campaign and later ran his own political consulting firm. (Hitchcock’s background is in LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health.) Appalachian communities have reason to be wary of outsiders, Yandura says, given the region’s history with extractive industries such as coal mining. Yandura and Hitchcock were intent on becoming locals. “We have lived here. We call it home. We have

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GOOD LIFE DRIVING RANGE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Diners at Mack’s Bingo Kitchen; Lost River park entrance; cows at Lewis Farm; outdoor tables at the Wardensville Garden Market

put our own blood, sweat and tears into this [place] for many years, and that makes a difference,” Yandura says, “[versus] if we were outside investors or just came in for the weekend.” After moving into a fixerupper next to the feed store, they launched the Wardensville Main Street Initiative, an economic development nonprofit, to attract new startup businesses to the area. They also became real estate agents, touting the charm factor of commercial and residential properties in need of facelifts. (Homes for sale south of $400,000 are still advertised outside the trading post, should you, too, hear the call of the wild.) In 2016, Wardensville welcomed Farms Work Wonders (FWW), a nonprofit with a mission to “ignite the spark of curiosity within Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their futures in new ways.” All of the local enterprises under the FWW umbrella employ local youths and provide scholarships and mentorship, in addition to on-the-job training, and they create a patchwork of activity in the town. Those businesses include a working farm, garden market, bakery, restaurant and the aforementioned glassblowing studio, Dakota Glass Works. Glassblowing has a longstanding history throughout greater Appalachia, and the business is a point of pride for the town, with Yandura, Hitchcock and FWW folks all eager to show off the studio. The glass is displayed all around the town in the local businesses even beyond the FWW ones. The studio’s gift shop next door sells locally made pitchers, glass pumpkins and miniature animal figurines. Mack’s Bingo Kitchen, the newest FWW enterprise in town, is a living classroom for the Appalachian youth in its employ, and a knock-your-socks-off culinary experience. Meals here are made from scratch with local ingredients and cooked over an open hearth four nights a week, and most of the entrees are less than $20. Standouts include the hush puppies with horseradish mayo, the smoked half chicken and the cinnamon roll bread pudding. Next door, daytime cafe Fresh on Main is the spot for cold-pressed juices, sandwiches, acai bowls and treats ranging from oatmeal cream pies to homemade banana pudding ice cream. Snap a photo with the funky “Son of Man” bottlecap mural outside, courtesy of artist David Heatwole, before stepping into a homey space marked by grass-green walls, wooden millwork and chalkboard signs.

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COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

If you time your visit accordingly, Wardensville’s Garden Market runs on the second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April through December, featuring live music, baked goods, local crafts and a rainbow of locally grown veggies from FWW’s Lewis Farm. Don’t pass up the cheese selection or the maple syrup produced by a neighboring farm five minutes up the road. The baked goods include the star of West Virginia cuisine, the pepperoni roll (including a vegetarian alternative) with ranch dressing made with local ramps, for dipping. October’s second Saturday overlaps with the Wardensville Fall Festival, which includes a car show, parade and roughly 100 local vendors. The funding for FWW’s programs in Wardensville came from Yandura’s friend Jonathan Lewis, an angel investor (whose father founded Progressive Insurance) and one half of the Jonathan D + Mark C. Lewis Foundation. Ten years later, the fledgling businesses that found life ABOVE: Glass demo at Dakota Glass Works; in that initial investment are generRIGHT: Farms Work ating enough revenue to cover more Wonders employs than 80% of operating expenses and youths at Lewis Farm. are on track to become fully financially sustainable by the end of 2027. Yandura says he’s seen plenty of rural community development initiatives dry up once the grant money is spent. “We wanted to make something that could live beyond any of us,” he says. In Lewis’ case it did. The philanthropist, who built a house in town, died of brain cancer three years ago. “I can’t tell you how many young people have gone through the program in 10 years,” Yandura says. “Some of them have gone to college. We’ve gotten them scholarships. They’ve come back and now work with us. Their parents, their grandparents, people know us in a whole different way.” Roughly 100 miles from Bethesda and surrounded by the George Washington National Forest, Wardensville now stands as a portal to much of what’s wild and wonderful in The Mountain State. It’s a waystation for nature-lovers headed toward breathtaking gorges, frothy rivers and serene mountain vistas that feel like they are a world away from the D.C. area. Half an hour southwest of town, the nearly 4,000-acre Lost River State Park offers a bevy of trails for horseback riders, cyclists and leaf-peeping hikers. The name “Lost River” refers to the waterway that flows underground in

Hardy County, slipping from view for a few miles until it resurfaces near Wardensville, where it’s called the Cacapon River. While visiting the park, I was content to meander the stream-hugging Howard’s Lick Run Trail, but folks craving more of a challenge may prefer the climb up Big Ridge Mountain to the Cranny Crow Overlook, which offers breathtaking views spanning five counties. The overlook’s wooden “Almost Heaven” swing is one of 51 throughout the state, and arguably the most scenic. The hike to Cranny Crow is about 4 miles roundtrip, with more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain to reach the overlook at 3,200 feet. On busy days, the tiny hamlet of Wardensville might see as many as 10,000 vehicles passing through. “There are towns less than 15 minutes away that don’t have that same advantage,” says FWW managing director Jason Smith. Except now, more folks are stopping to grab a bite, refuel and perhaps even spend the night in this little town that’s found its place on the map.

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GOOD LIFE DRIVING RANGE

IF YOU GO Where to Eat, Shop & Play

The Glass House (weese-farm-veggies-blooms.square.site) is a flower and vintage mart where the merch includes old-school toys, antiques, milk glass, lavender goat milk soaps, succulent arrangements and bouquets starting at $10. Save time to explore its selection of vintage furniture and women’s clothes. Lost River Trading Post’s (lostrivertradingpost. com) 5,000-square-foot retail space is brimming with curated antiques, Blenko glass and cabin-chic furnishings (vintage snowshoes, anyone?). Don’t miss the selection of jarred and dried goods, which includes dandelion blossom jelly that could pass for bottled sunshine, and J.Q. Dickinson salt, harvested in

West Virginia from brine left underground by an ancient ocean. The adjoining Grasshopper Gallery, open seven days a week, features rotating works by local artists, including fiber crafts, sculpture, folk art and more. Check the website for artists’ receptions and show dates. An onsite bar serves wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, espresso drinks, scratch-made scones and cakes by the slice. Grab a seat on the huge covered porch decorated with large-mawed “junk-o-lanterns” wrought from repurposed gas cans. At WordPlay (wordplaywv.com), the best (and only) indie bookstore in town, the displays are stacked with Appalachian ghost stories, cookbooks and banned books, plus a captivating selection of candycolored books for young readers, alongside games, jigsaw puzzles and stickers. The owners have West Virginia roots, know the area well and are generous with recommendations that extend far beyond the walls of their shop. Drifters Cafe (driftourway.com), the culinary appendage to the bookstore, offers breakfast sandwiches, pastries, wraps and healthy grain bowls, as well as a great wildflower honey cinnamon latte. The menu includes gluten-free and plant-based meat alternatives. You’ll find plenty of friendly folks here, mirroring more of what awaits you when you walk back out the door.

A view of the Cranny Crow Overlook

TOP: COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM (2); COURTESY DRIFTERS CAFE; BOTTOM: COURTESY FIREFLY IINN

Stop by the Dakota Glass Works (dakotaglassworks.org) studio for a live glassblowing demo, or try your hand at making a wine glass, vase or ornament. I visited with my 10-year-old, Jane, a very hands-on kid who was thrilled to operate a blowtorch. Book in advance on the website. The studio provides torches, safety goggles, a gaggle of tools and a 2,000-degree furnace. (Parental supervision is required for kiddos.)

IF YOU GO Where to Stay Distance and scale make Wardensville a very manageable day trip, but if you want to make an overnight of it, book a stay at Firefly Inn (fireflyinnwv.com), a newly renovated boutique motel on Main Street whose four immaculately kept rooms are quiet and central to town. Prefer to sleep in the woods under a blanket of stars? Check out The Ridge at Serà and The Vale at Serà (sera-collective.com), Airbnb luxury cabins, complete with hot tubs, barrel saunas, outdoor showers and beautiful mountain views of the George Washington National Forest. Cabins and a well-tended campsite are available at Lost River State Park (wvstateparks.com/parks/lost-river-state-park), 30 minutes down the road. Writer Susan Anspach lives in Vienna, Virginia.

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GOOD LIFE CELEBRATIONS

HONEYMOON

From High School to

This Gaithersburg couple kept their celebration close to home with a front yard wedding reception B Y R U B Y B U R C K L E

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THE COUPLE: Christian Figueroa, 29, works as a mental health therapist in Montgomery County. Diana Figueroa (maiden name Reyes), 30, works as an IT specialist, also in the county. Christian grew up in Gaithersburg. Diana grew up in Silver Spring and moved to Gaithersburg before high school. Both graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 2014. They live in Frederick. HOW THEY MET: Chris-

tian and Diana met during their senior year of high school in a forensic science class. “I’d seen her since freshman year of high school and I always thought she was pretty,” Christian says. “But I never thought that there would be anything there.” Their first date was the senior prom. For Christian’s promposal, he waited for Diana to finish watching a movie with friends at AMC Rio Cinemas in Gaithersburg, then surprised her with a banner asking if she would be his princess for the prom. Christian asked Diana to be his girlfriend on prom night, and they’ve been together ever since.

THE PROPOSAL: On Nov.

22, 2023, the day before Thanksgiving, Christian proposed to Diana in the front yard of his parents’ house. To make it a surprise, Christian told Diana that his aunt would be getting a marriage proposal from her boyfriend. For the occasion, Diana was going to wear casual jeans and a T-shirt until Christian suggested she change into something else. “I was like, ‘Why do I have to dress up?’ ” says Diana, who ultimately

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decided to wear a dress instead. After driving to his parents’ house and spending some time with his family, Christian walked Diana out front, where guests had set up a red carpet lined with rose petals and candles, leading to a floral heart sculpture—that Christian made out of pool noodles—and LED letters spelling out “marry me.”

THE CEREMONY: Christian

and Diana wed on Oct. 12, 2024, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Gaithersburg in front of about 175 guests. Both were raised Catholic and were confirmed at St. Martin of Tours. Upon entering the church, Diana was a little nervous. “Once I saw him down the aisle, it was like a sigh of relief,” she says. They took part in two unity ceremonies: one in which the groom passes 13 coins to the bride to represent financial unity, and the other in which Diana’s godparents gifted the couple a large rosary and draped it over them.

THE RECEPTION: Chris-

tian and Diana rented Christian’s dream car, a BMW i8, to drive to the reception. Echoing back to the proposal, the reception was in the front yard of Christian’s parents’ house, with tents and a dance floor brought in for the day. The decor

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GOOD LIFE CELEBRATIONS

helped transform the space, with flowers matching the hues from the attire worn by the couple’s groomsmen and bridesmaids. Hay bales created a pathway to the reception area, with a welcome sign made by Diana’s dad at the front and a photo wall with the couple’s initials and last name along the way. The couple had their first dance to “Me Enamoré de Ti” by Chayanne. Dancing included a tradition in Hispanic weddings of guests approaching the bride and groom and giving them a dollar for a dance. After Christian’s dance with his mom, the DJ started “crazy hour” by playing “La Chona” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana. During this hour, each guest was given a balloon and a neon hat. A Bad Bunny impersonator and people dressed in LED robot costumes also showed up to get the party going. “That’s what kicked it off,” Christian says. “And it just never died down.”

THE OUTFITS: Diana found her

wedding gown during her first dressshopping appointment at David’s Bridal in Rockville. “When I tried on that one, I

started crying. I knew at that moment it was the one I saw myself walking down the aisle in,” Diana says. The off-theshoulder dress with flower appliques was paired with a pearl-studded veil and pink platform heels. Christian wore a blue suit with black trim from Grooms Club in New Jersey. During the reception, the couple changed into matching Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. Diana studded the iconic “swoosh” on her pair with pearls.

THE FOOD: For dinner, guests enjoyed chicken and steak fajitas with rice, salad and pasta salad on the side. According to Christian, their guests still talk about the jalapenos, which were spicy and served with a vinegar sauce that helped balance the flavor. For dessert, Christian and Diana had a small wedding cake with white frosting, yellow-orange roses and baby’s breath. For guests, the couple provided 10 flavors of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. The open bar featured beer, wine and cocktails, including the couple’s favorite drinks: Jack and Coke, margaritas and mojitos. THE HONEYMOON: The new-

lyweds headed on a two-week trip after

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the wedding, stopping first in Hawaii and then California. They had never been to Hawaii, and said the trip helped them relax after the stress of the wedding. “It was so weird that very next day because you had all the stress leading up to the wedding, then the very next day you’re expected to do nothing,” Christian says. In California, the couple visited Disneyland and celebrated Christian’s birthday.

VENDORS: Bridesmaids dresses, Birdy

Grey; catering/bartending, Fredis Alexis Ramirez Ramos; desserts, The Cheesecake Factory; decorations, Fiesta Rental & Events; DJ, Supremacia DiscoMovil, DJ El Concentido; engagement ring and flowers, Costco; groomsmen suits/groom’s tux, Grooms Club; hair and makeup, Bravos Beauty; invitations, Prints of Love; photographer, Mdree Photography; portable restrooms, Framily Favorites Rental Facilities; transportation, Capital Exotic; wedding bands, Jared Jewelers; wedding dress, David’s Bridal.

PHOTOS BY MDREE PHOTOGRAPHY

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GOOD LIFE HEALTH

Getting Unstuck A program in Bethesda gives people struggling in early adulthood the tools to move forward BY CARALEE ADAMS

Eliana Weiss grew up in Bethesda and moved

to New York City after college with a theater degree and hopes of working in the entertainment field. She didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do with her life, she says, and for months seemed to find something wrong with every job opening she came across. “I was sort of stuck,” Weiss says. “I was staying in my room all the time. It was very hard to get myself to go out and do anything—go to the grocery store, do laundry—let alone get a job.” Amye Fried, co-founder of Metropolitan Weiss says she felt hopeless with crippling Counseling Associates, meets with anxiety, eventually reaching a crisis point. clients in the Ascend program. Indy, Her mom suggested Ascend, an intensive outFried’s dog, joins the session. patient program in Bethesda for young adults that offers individual, group and family therapy, plus coaching in life skills. “It felt like a lifeboat,” Weiss says. After five months of workAscend is about the ability to both “feel and do” with a big focus ing with the Ascend team on managing her obsessive-compulsive on daily functioning, Fried says. “We really want them to learn disorder, anxiety and depression, Weiss graduated from the pro- how to have a hard day and still go to work,” she says. “Get up gram in June 2023. Now 27, she says she is more confident, has and go to class, even if you’re feeling stressed about something.” tools to cope with difficult situations, and is working full time at Clients come to the program with a mental health diagnoa nonprofit in Washington, D.C. sis—often anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity “It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” disorder—and are assessed upon intake by a psychiatrist. About says Weiss, who lives in Bethesda, “and it was absolutely the best nine members of the staff work together to support the small thing I could have done for myself.” group of clients (no more than eight at a time). Clients come to Weiss is among about 400 young adults (ages 18-28) who have the Bethesda office every weekday to meet with therapists indiparticipated in Ascend since it started in 2012 as part of Metropol- vidually, in family sessions and with their peers. They also venitan Counseling Associates. Amye Fried, a clincial social worker ture into the community for exposure to activities they’ve been and former school counselor who co-founded Metropolitan with avoiding because of their anxiety, Fried says, such as ordering Rebecca Kullback in 2005, says there was a need for coordinated at a restaurant or navigating the Metro. services to help young people struggling in early adulthood. Being part of a group and with others who were going through Clients often are home on medical leave from college or are the same sort of challenges appealed to Avalon Roche who was overwhelmed adapting to postgrad life, Fried says. Many had 28 and living in Chevy Chase when she started with Ascend in structured schedules in school, but once on their own didn’t 2024. After finishing college, she went straight to law school and know how to manage their time, deal with setbacks or advocate a master’s program. Living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic for themselves. and then working remotely in a policy research job, Roche says

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Many clients are high achievers who fall apart while living on she cycled through bouts of depression and knew she needed something more than weekly therapy sessions. their own for the first time, says Caryn Bohac, a licensed clinical Roche says she liked Ascend’s holistic, skills-based approach professional counselor and assistant director of Ascend. She works with an opportunity to practice what she learned. “Having a with families to educate them on the best ways to be supportive— very clear plan to follow was really helpful,” she says. “I felt a while also giving the young adults responsibility and ownership. lot of times my emotions were controlling “A lot of parents see their kids floating me instead of the other way around—or I along on the surface and looking OK— they have friends and are able to get was too controlled and didn’t let anything out. It was finding that middle balance.” through school,” Bohac says. “They are Many clients need help with execunot understanding the internal strugtive functioning, such as setting goals, gles, what’s going on in the brain. ... It getting organized and carrying out feels so much more overwhelming to the tasks, says Kim Levin, director of assessyoung adult than the parent can grasp.” ments and executive function services About 80% of clients who enter Ascend for the practice. Levin helps clients complete the program successfully, typi—AMYE FRIED, CO-FOUNDER OF break down the steps, assigns homecally after three to six months, says Fried. METROPOLITAN COUNSELING work, and holds them accountable for They continue with a reduced level of ASSOCIATES, ON ASCEND filling out a job application or signing therapy as they adapt to life after the proPARTICIPANTS up for a class. By the second month of gram, which Roche, now 30, says was the program, clients are required to be helpful. “It kept reinforcing the skills I’d engaged 10 hours a week with work, school or volunteering. learned and allowed for some processing with other people,” she Before they graduate, that increases to 20 hours. says of continuing her connection with Ascend after graduating. Levin says she encourages clients and parents to relax amid the “It really did change my life. I still have good days and bad. ... I’m pressure that is often thrust upon students to succeed: “There’s just more tuned in with myself, and because of that I’m better a path for everyone, and not everyone’s path will be the same.” able to manage and cope.”

“ WE REALLY WANT THEM TO LEARN HOW TO HAVE A HARD DAY AND STILL GO TO WORK.”

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GOOD LIFE CROSSWORD

Making the Grade BY MYLES MELLOR

ACROSS

DOWN 1. College, with campuses in Germantown, Rockville and Takoma Park 2. Amazement 3. One of the longest-operating U.S. boarding schools, 2 words 4. Common computer port type

5. of the Holy Cross 6. Football scores, abbr. 7. First prime number 8. Record 9. Nurse’s credential, abbr. 14. Sign before Virgo 15. Military rank, abbr. 17. Loudspeaker system, abbr. 18. Intelligent 19. Pastime pursued for pleasure 20. Open to haggling, in classifieds 21. 12th graders, abbr. 23. Number of years old 26. Conversation 28. “The A Team” singer Sheeran 30. Barbecue offering 31. Volunteer hrs. needed to graduate from public high school in Maryland 32. Classroom composition 34. Graduation garment

37. Hawaiian garland 38. Choose 41. A type of current 44. Slavic country, abbr. 45. Average grade spelled out 47. Laughter syllable

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1. It’s what you may have been reading, abbr. 4. Stars and Stripes land 6. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School’s student newspaper, with “the” 10. Be indebted to 11. Prefix meaning new 12. Landon School mascot, plural 13. Catholic high school in Olney, abbr. 16. What a band might have at Hank Dietle’s Tavern 17. Places of learning that ready students for top colleges, 2 words 22. School subject with numbers 24. Annual publications with photos of students 25. Sense of self 27. Revise a draft 29. Attempt 31. Match a player’s current bet in poker 33. Abbreviation for those on a Bethesda Magazine list, after “Top” 35. What one might do at a bee 36. It was founded in 1930 as a prep school for boys entering the Navy 39. It precedes cycle or valve 40. Prefix that comes before school, for little ones 42. Visitors to the National Institutes of Health campus pass through one 43. Track Olympian Wilson 46. Gratuity 48. High school in Rockville with an aviation program

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