Silver Spring Campus Team
Andy Hubner, Executive Director – The Auburn Schools Group
Email: [email protected]
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A., Pennsylvania State University
M.A. Student Counseling, The American University
M.A. School Administration & Supervision, McDaniel College
Licensed under MSDE as Superintendent, Principal, Pupil Personnel Worker, Special Education Teacher and Political Science Teacher
Andy comes to Auburn with over 20 years of experience as a talented special education leader in both private and public school systems. He started teaching as a Peace Corp volunteer in Guatemala, and continued his career as a teacher, principal and central office administrator within the DC metro area. During his tenure in education he also served as a content expert in special education for the U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top State Grant competition. He is currently working on his doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University where he also served as adjunct faculty. He is licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education with endorsements as a Superintendent, Principal, Pupil Personnel Worker, Special Education Teacher and Political Science Teacher. Andy received his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and holds two masters degrees, one in Student Counseling from The American University, and a second in School Administration and Supervision from McDaniel College.
Ana McArdle, Director of Admissions
Email: [email protected]
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Child & Adolescent Development, Juniata College
B.A. Social Services, Juniata College
M.A. Special Education, Notre Dame of Maryland University (in progress)
Ana joins the Auburn team this year after 11 years of working with individuals with Autism and emotional, intellectual and learning disabilities. She began her professional career as a case manager at a social service agency, serving in their Special Needs and Deaf Services Department. There, she organized and championed a social club whose main purpose was to enable and empower teenagers and young adults to form relationships with their peers while developing and enhancing their social skills strategies. Afterwards, Ana transitioned to Sheppard Pratt, where she spent 8 years at The Frost School as an educational assistant before becoming an assistant behavior specialist. For the last 2 years, she taught 4th grade Special Education in another Sheppard Pratt program. Ana obtained her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and Social Services from Juniata College, and is working to finish her M.A. in Special Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Madeline Magnusson, Social Learning Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. History, Elon University
M.S. Behavioral Psychology, Pepperdine University (in progress)
Madeline returns to Auburn this year as the Elementary School’s Social Learning Specialist. Prior to Auburn, she served for over 4 years in special education as a behavior therapist and an ABA trainer in schools, homes, community, and social group settings, during which time she worked with students diagnosed with ASD, NVLD, ADD/ADHD and anxiety disorders. Madeline holds a B.A. in History from Elon University and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Nicholle Frazier, Behavior Specialist
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Health Services, Trinity Washington University
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis, Pepperdine University
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
B.A. Health Services, Trinity Washington University M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis, Pepperdine University (in progress) Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Nicholle is excited to be a new addition to Auburn’s Silver Spring team this year. She comes with experience working with children ages 3-17 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Nicholle has delivered behavior analytic services in the home, school, and clinic setting as a Registered Behavior Technician. Nicholle is a lifelong Washingtonian who earned her B.A. in Health Services from Trinity Washington University. She is currently working to complete her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at Pepperdine University. In her free time, she enjoys dining out and movie nights with family.
Melanie Ralph, M.S. OTR/L
Degrees and Certifications:
BS: Kinesiology, Psychology, Western Washington University
MS: Occupational Therapy, Grand Valley State University
Melanie is joining the Auburn Team after relocating to the DC area this year. She brings 9 years of experience with her- as an RBT, exercise physiologist, and an OT. She has a unique OT background including mental health and cognitive rehab for adults. She completed her graduate research on pediatric executive function and has collaborated with international schools in Italy in the use of OT in private schooling. She is excited to join a school that celebrates neurodiversity and creative problem solving. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
David King, Assistant Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Japanese Language & Literature, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
David came to the Silver Spring team with 8 years of teaching experience. Before becoming a lead classroom teacher, he served as an instructional assistant. Prior to joining Auburn, he worked for 3 years as an assistant language teacher in various Japanese middle schools under the Japanese government’s Japan English Teaching Programme. He then spent another 3 years as a Guest English Teacher in South Korea’s English Program in Korea. During his time abroad he also studied several martial arts, including Tai Chi, Naginata, Taekwondo, and Haidong Gumdo, the latter of which he now teaches. David holds a B.A. in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Paris Thalheimer, Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Degrees and Certifications:
B.S. Social Sciences, Towson University
Prior to joining The Auburn School, Paris retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service. While in the Army, he served in various roles, including Logistics Specialist, Combat Medic, and CPR instructor. In the school setting, Paris has experience interning in 3rd through 5th grade levels in Howard and Baltimore County Public Schools, as well as other volunteer experiences with children. He holds a B.S. in Social Sciences from Towson University.
Beth Newman, Resource Teacher & Art Teacher
Beth joined us as a resource teacher, focusing on ELA and Math support primarily in the elementary and middle school classes. Beth has 15 years of experience working with students and families in area non-public schools. She has served as a classroom teacher, individual tutor and head of school in programs ranging from early childhood through grade 12. She has specialized in assisting students with a variety of unique learning needs. Beth is a New England native who graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Journalism and earned an M.A. from Webster University. Beth is certificated by MSDE in Generic Special Education 1 – 8 grades. She served as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years before pursuing her career in education and has lived in the greater DC area for 23 years. Beth is thrilled to support students and their families on their educational journey in the Auburn community.
Kevin Zimmerman,PE and Health Instructor
Degrees and Certifications:
BS from West Virginia University
Kevin comes to The Auburn School as the Health and PE teacher. Kevin graduated from West Virginia Universitywhere he studiedSport and Exercise Psychology and minored in BusinessAdministration.During the critical beginning of the pandemic, he returned to school and studied under the ADN program where he acquired many courses related to health, caregiving and nursing.Kevin comesto Auburn with a wealth of experiences related to sports and wellness including physical fitness training.Kevin is an avid golfer and enjoys all sporting activities.In addition, Kevin has had the opportunity to work with the Special Olympics and volunteer his time at the Jungle Gym, a rehabilitative clinic that serves children with OT and PT needs.
Noah Friedman, Assistant Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A of Social Work from McDaniel College
Noah Friedman is thrilled to begin working as an Assistant Teacher at the Auburn School in Silver Spring Maryland this year. He is ready to contribute his hard work ethic, passion to connect with young children, and positive energy to the Auburn School community. Noah has lived in New York City and London, and he is excited to continue his life journey in Maryland, where he recently graduated from college. He graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. He will bring the same level of commitment and persistence he had during his schooling career to the Auburn School.
Avery Brandes, Teacher
Avery joined Auburn’s Silver Spring team after beginning his M.Ed. at Regent University through the career switcher program. He earned a degree in History and Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago in 2009. He is also a graduate of the Summer Programme at the University of Cambridge in England and the Institute for American Universities in Aix-en-Provence, France. He started in education as a student volunteer at an after-school program during high school in Nashville, TN, focusing on conflict resolutionand organizational skills. In 2011, he moved to Panama in Central America to teach ESL classes and run an after school sports program for a community outreach non-profit. He brings vibrancy to his classroom and recognizes that all students are unique and capable of learning. In his spare time, Avery enjoys traveling, cooking, movies, spending time with his family and friends, and tucking into a good book.
Diana Blais, Office Manager
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Educational Studies from Kent State University
Minor in Psychology, Concentration in Counseling Careers
Mx. Diana Blais joins the Auburn team as Office Manager this year after five years at Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring serving as the Office Manager and Communications Coordinator. In addition to managing the front office, they supervised dozens of volunteers ranging from retired community members to middle and high school students earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. As the eldest of five siblings, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, Mx. Blais found a passion early on for working as an advocate for children with diverse needs. Mx. Blais graduated from Kent State University with a B.A. in Educational Studies, a minor in Psychology and concentration in Counseling Careers. Outside of the office, they are a voracious reader and avid pin collector on their world travels.
Aidan McCaul, Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A English, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Aidan McCaul will be joining The Auburn School as a teaching assistant for this coming school year. Aidan obtained his BA in English with a concentration in creative writing from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. During his period at St. Mary’s he acted as an academic peer mentor for incoming freshmen and participated as an editor for the AVATAR literary magazine. In his free time Aidan enjoys biking, reading, writing, and playing chess. He is excited about the opportunity to get to know all the students, parents, and faculty of The Auburn School.
Rebecca Ferrer, Social Learning Specialist
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Psychology & Human Development, University of Maryland
M.Ed School Counseling, University of Maryland
Post-Masters Certificate Applied Behavior Analysis, Johns Hopkins University
EDdSpecial Education, George Washington University (in progress)
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor
Rebecca joins Auburn as the Middle School Social Learning Specialist. Prior to Auburn, Rebecca served as a School Counselor in DC Charter Schools for 8 years, working primarily with middle school students who have learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral disabilities. Rebecca also delivers specialized therapy in community and home settings to students diagnosed with autism and to their families. Rebecca is a long-time DMV’er with degrees from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and the George Washington University.
Julie Mann, Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
B.S. English Literature, Eastern Michigan University
M.A. English Literature, The George Washington University
Julie is excited to join the Auburn School team as an Teacher, returning to their roots in teacher and classroom support after spending the past year working with preschoolers. They are looking forward to the opportunities for growth and further learning, as well as getting to know all of the students and staff. They have worked with children of varying ages since 2017 and hold two degrees. In their spare time, they enjoy reading, writing, video and tabletop games, as well as spending time with their loved ones.
Olivia Thompson, Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
BA Psychology, BA Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary
Registered Behavior Technician
Olivia joined The Auburn School in 2022 as an Instructional Assistant and is excited to be returning as a Lead Teacher in ES. Olivia completed undergrad at The College of William & Mary with a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Kinesiology & Health Sciences. Currently, Olivia is completing a Master of Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to The Auburn School, Olivia worked with ABA companies in both Maryland and Virginia, working with children diagnosed with Autism. In her free time, Olivia enjoys walks with her dog, baking and cooking, and reading non-fiction books!
Aaron de Lisser Ellen, Assistant Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
B.S Business Administration, Saint Joseph’s University M.Ed, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Maryland College Park
Aaron de Lisser-Ellen is excited to join the Auburn School team as a Teaching Assistant after a year working in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He obtained a B.S in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. During his time at Saint Joseph’s University, he interned with the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team. Afterwards, he received his M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Maryland, College Park. In his spare time, he enjoys going to baseball and football games, playing piano, hiking, andtraveling and exploring different cultures. He is looking forward to the opportunity to get to know the students, parents, and faculty of The Auburn School.
Ashley Prillaman, Assistant Teacher
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A., Spelman College, Sociology and Anthropology
M.S.A, Trinity College, Education Leadership
Ashley is set to join the Auburn team this year as an Assistant Teacher. Before her Auburn role, she devoted two years to City Year, discovering her passion for the classroom and aiding students in realizing their utmost capabilities. Since her City Year experience, Ashley has engaged with students of various ages and in diverse capacities and programs such as Horton’s Kids, YWCA and Girl Scouts. Ashley is a native Washingtonian who loves to travel, bake and try new restaurants around the DMV area. Ashley is looking forward to teaching the students and working with the parents at the Auburn School.
Danielle Scott, Assistant Teacher and Performing Arts Co-Instructor
Degrees and Certifications:
B.S Theatre Arts, University of Southern Indiana
M.F.A Acting, The Catholic University of America
Danielle (Dani) is elated to be joining the Auburn School as the Performing Arts Teacher and Instructional Assistant. Danielle has been teaching after school programs and has co-directed middle school performances for several years in the DC area. They have worked in multiple areas in the theatre which include: performing, lighting, costuming, carpentry, and box office. Danielle looks forward to this coming year working with a great team! On her own time, Miss Dani enjoys venturing out to new coffee shops, volunteering with Theatre Prometheus, and playing DnD.
Meredith Carver, Assistant Teacher and Performing Arts Co-Instructor
Degrees and Certifications:
B.F.A. Art Education, UNC-Greensboro
M.S. T.E.S.O.L. (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), University of Rochester
Meredith is native to the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with A.D.H.D. in third grade. The visual and performing arts transformed her life growing up, allowing her to build self-confidence and self-connection. She pursued a B.F.A. in Art Education at UNC Greensboro to help others have a similar personal transformation through artistic experiences. She is a visual and performing artist, with strengths in puppetry and musical theater. After teaching with special needs populations and teaching English through art in South Korea, she completed a M.S. program in T.E.S.O.L at the University of Rochester. She has years of experience teaching English learners and special needs populations of all ages. She enjoys infusing creative expression not just in her art lessons but into her resource lessons as well, catering to individual needs and interests. She is also an Executive Function Coach and enjoys empowering others through facilitating their development of executive function skills, mostly working with neurodivergent youth and adults.
Mari Glover, Behavior Support Specialist
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. English, Georgia Southern University
M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis, University of West Florida (in progress)
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Mari has 3 plus years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician, is currently completing an M.A. in ABA, and is a Behavior Analyst Trainee seeking BCBA licensure. With diverse experience across environments, she is skilled in providing behavior-analytic services in the school setting. She has worked with early intervention programs, public and charter schools, alternative education programs, and daycares with students aged 2-17 years old. Amongst these students, she has provided therapeutic services to those on the Autism spectrum, with emotional or behavioral disorders, and psychiatric disorders. She is a welcomed addition to our team as the Behavior Support Specialist!
Advisory Board
Taruna Ahluvalia, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist in private practice in Columbia, MD. She has practiced as a pediatric neuropsychologist in the DC/Baltimore region for over 12 years. Dr. Ahluvalia has expertise in evaluation of children and adolescents with autism-spectrum disorders, specific learning disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning problems, language disorders, and neurological disorders, and in the assessment of emotional functioning. Dr. Ahluvalia has worked with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum for over 12 years, she has served as a pediatric neuropsychologist on specialized autism teams at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), and she has presented research on neuropsychological profiles in high-functioning ASD at national conferences. Dr. Ahluvalia has also presented talks on high-functioning autism-spectrum disorders to state psychological and educational organizations and parent groups. Dr. Ahluvalia holds an academic appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine. Prior to opening her private practice in Columbia, MD, Dr. Ahluvalia has served as a pediatric neuropsychologist at CNMC, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, and in a group private practice.
Dr. David Black, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health Pediatrics & Developmental Neuroscience Branch, Stixrud Group, is a licensed clinical psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist. He is skilled in the assessment of a wide range of childhood neurological, psychiatric, developmental, and learning disorders and is an expert is in the diagnosis and neuropsychological assessment of children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Black is actively doing research with children who have autism spectrum disorders and regularly publishes and presents his research at professional conferences. Dr. Black received his Ph.D. from George Mason University, and completed his internship and postdoctoral training at the University of California Los Angeles. He has worked in a variety of settings including in private practice, specialty clinics, children’s hospitals and research settings.
Jilly Darefsky, Head of School, The Siena School, is an experienced educator and school leader, having previously served as a founding school coordinator. In this role, Ms. Darefsky oversaw all day-to-day school operations and administration. She has implemented highly regarded curriculum and instructional models, with a focus on language-based learning disabilities. She is a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and currently serves as vice-president on the Board of the D.C. Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Ms. Darefsky earned a B.A., with honors, in English Literature with Psychology from the University of Surrey, a Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties/ Dyslexia from Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University College. She holds a Master’s in specific learning difficulties with merit from Middlesex University.
Dr. Judith Glasser, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Washington. She has extensive experience with diagnosis and treatment of many different kinds of problems experienced by children and adolescents including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) among others. Dr. Glasser is also experienced working with children who have learning disabilities in addition to anxiety and depression. She has published articles for journals such as the ADHD Report and has presented at many local and national conferences, including the National Chadd Conference, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the Association for Conflict Resolution. Most recently her interest has been in the difficulties experienced by families that are going through divorce and/or re-marriage and have children with ADHD or other challenges. Dr. Glasser is a native Washingtonian and holds a BA in Psychology from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Catholic University of America.
Karan Lamb, Psy.D, Psychologist, Alvord Baker & Associates, is a licensed psychologist with experience in individual and group psychotherapy, Dr. Lamb completed her pre-doctoral internship at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn , New York where she worked at the child and adolescent clinic, adult inpatient, and HIV Clinic. She received her doctoral degree from The George Washington University. She has worked at the Adele Lebowitz Center for Youth and Family in Washington , DC as an individual and group therapist. For the past four years Dr. Lamb has worked as a psychologist with the Johns Hopkins University ‘s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Family Study, interviewing multi-generations of families with OCD. Dr. Lamb specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders. In addition, she has interest and experience with psychoeducational assessments, social skills groups, and school consultations, for children from pre-school to high school age.
Christopher Waddell, The Waddell Group, is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, and has dedicated his career to helping employers provide financial education, group retirement and insurance solutions, and business continuity plans; and to providing his clients with financial guidance for more than two decades. Many of his clients are multi-generational families, with complex investment, risk management and estate planning issues. Prior to affiliating in July 2007 with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Mr. Waddell was managing principal with Waddell & Reed, Inc., where he supervised 24 financial advisors in the Mid-Atlantic area. He regularly appears in national and local media, including Business Week, CNBC, Comcast CNN, CNN MONEY, and Financial Planning magazine. In June 2011, he completed the Autism Speaks Triathlon in Poolesville, MD to raise funds for autism research, his seventh annual Run for Autism starting with the 30th Marine Corps Marathon in 2005. He is past president of the Autism Society of America Northern Virginia Chapter and incoming president of the Arlington Special Education PTA. Waddell graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English. Together with his wife, Theresa, the Waddell’s have three boys, two with Autism.