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Welcome New Faculty and Staff!
Gonzaga is thrilled to welcome several new faculty and staff members to the community for the 2023-2024 school year. If you see these new faces around Eye Street, be sure to say hello!
Teaching Faculty
Teaching Faculty
Ms. Molly Flynn
Art Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Education: B.A., Juniata College
Career background: Taught at San Miguel School for 1 year and St John’s for 11 years.
Why she loves teaching: “I love that every day is different and the kids continue to surprise me with their creativity, sense of humor, and talent. I’m looking forward to working with Gonzaga’s amazing students, teachers and administrators!”
Mrs. Marianne Gallagher
Religion Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Highland, Maryland
Education: Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology (ThM), Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Career background: “I have taught Theology in high school for 40 years and have been involved in Jesuit education for over 30 years, having taught at Boston College High School and Georgetown Preparatory School. I also write about Jesuit /Ignatian history, mission, pedagogy and spirituality. Most recently, as Special Advisor to the Jesuit Curia for Ignatian School Projects, I have contributed to curriculum development for both students and new faculty for the Jesuit Curia, the Jesuit Conference, the Jesuit Schools Network and Educate Magis. In addition, I am presently a member of the USA East Province Apostolic Planning Advisory Board.”
On why she loves teaching: “I enjoy the opportunity to bring a student to a new or deeper understanding of what it means to be a person of faith and moral character, and who will, in time, welcome the opportunity to serve the greater good.”
Ms. JoEllen Gray
Math Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Crofton, Maryland
Education: B.A., Mathematics, St Francis University; M.A., Catholic School Administration, Catholic University
Career background: “I taught at Elizabeth Seton High School for 26 years before coming to Gonzaga. During the first 16, I taught all levels of math; in the last 10, I introduced and developed the school's engineering program, and taught both math and engineering.”
On teaching: “I love, love, love math, and I feel lucky that my job is to share that with others. I love to get students talking about math and helping them to find the fun of working through and solving hard problems.” 
Mr. Tyler Nye
Classics Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Education: B.S., University of Scranton; M.A., Cardiff University; M. Phil., Trinity College Dublin
On Jesuit education: “I attended a Jesuit high school and a Jesuit undergraduate university. As a result, I am a firm believer in, and a product of, the Jesuit mission of teaching both the mind and the soul.”
On teaching: “I believe that learning a new language is a skill which lasts a lifetime and I enjoy guiding students along that path. I look forward to bringing my expertise in Classical and Modern Philology to the young men of Eye Street!”
Mr. Timothy O’Shaughnessy
Social Studies Teacher
Social Studies Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Madison, Connecticut
Education: B.A., Political Science, Loyola University Maryland; M. Ed., Secondary Education, The George Washington University
On coming to Gonzaga: “I am looking forward to connecting with students and sharing my love for all things history! I am committed to the mission and values of Gonzaga and hope to help students understand what inspires them the most, while having fun at the same time.”
Hometown: Madison, Connecticut
Education: B.A., Political Science, Loyola University Maryland; M. Ed., Secondary Education, The George Washington University
On coming to Gonzaga: “I am looking forward to connecting with students and sharing my love for all things history! I am committed to the mission and values of Gonzaga and hope to help students understand what inspires them the most, while having fun at the same time.”
Mr. Douglas Pielmeier ‘83
Social Studies Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: District Heights, Maryland
Education: B.A. and M.A., History, University of Maryland
Career background: Twenty-seven year veteran teaching social studies at Virginia Public Schools
On returning to Gonzaga to teach: “It will bring a wonderful blend of memories and possibilities, offering me the opportunity to bring my experiences and passion back to Eye Street while at the same learning from colleagues and students.”
Dr. Robert Van der Waag, Ph.D.
Religion Teacher
Arrived on Eye Street in January 2023
Hometown: Huntington Station, New York
Education: B.A., Georgetown University; M.T.S., Duke University Divinity School; Post-Masters Certificate in Leadership and Administration, The George Washington University; Ph.D., Duquesne University
Career background: “With twenty-two years in Catholic education as a teacher, professor, and administrator, I also serve as the President and co-founder of CampusVision Productions—a multimedia company. My mission as a Catholic school educator aligns with Gonzaga's goal of forming men with and for others, guided by the school's Jesuit charism.”
On teaching: “There is no greater reward than helping students become all that God intended them to be. “
Staff
Ms. Amy Ciccone
College Counselor
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Newport, Rhode Island
Education: B.A., English and Secondary Education, Rhode Island College; M.A., English and American Literature, Georgetown University
Career background: “I began as an English teacher—I taught for nine years in three different schools, in Cape Cod, Baltimore, and Bethesda (at Georgetown Prep). While at Prep, I decided to move from the English department into college counseling. I was a college counselor at Prep for two years before becoming the Director of College Counseling at Stone Ridge in Bethesda, where I served for ten years. I then became the Director of College Counseling at The Field School in DC for six years, before coming to join the fabulous team at Gonzaga.”
On working in college counseling: “I love working with students on their college essays, helping them to find their unique voices and stories that will make their college applications come alive.”
Mr. DeAndre Davis
Learning Specialist
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Smyrna, Delaware
Education: B.S., Special Education, University of Delaware; M.Ed., University of Delaware
Career background: “I spent the past four years teaching and coaching in Alexandria City and Loudoun County, Virginia–two years as a high school Autism program teacher and two years as an elementary Special Education teacher.”
On joining Gonzaga: “I am looking forward to experiencing the Gonzaga community as a whole, while being a consistent asset to supporting Gonzaga students within their studies and growth as young men. What I enjoy the most about teaching is supporting my students and watching them grow and achieve small victories throughout a school year.”
Mrs. Tracy Dodge
Director of Information Systems
Arrived on Eye Street in March 2023
Hometown: Franklin, Massachusetts
Education: B.A., Hamilton College; M.Ed., University of Pennsylvania
Career background: “Immediately before joining Gonzaga, I was the Associate Registrar for Systems & Strategy at Georgetown Law School. Prior to that, I spent ten years at Washington International School (WIS), most recently as the Director of Student Information and Registrar. I oversaw the school’s education management systems and student data privacy efforts. Before going to WIS, I spent ten years in higher education, advising student leaders and running co-curricular programs at institutions including American University and Harvard Law School.”
On joining Gonzaga: “When I visited Gonzaga, everyone I met was so welcoming and enthusiastic about their work and the school's mission. I was excited to become a part of that community!I love to help improve schools, and therefore support students, by effectively managing data, leveraging technology and developing meaningful policy.” 
Mr. Robert Horan ‘12
Assistant Director of Educational Technology
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Springfield, Virginia
Education: B.A., Communication Media Production/ Criticism, George Mason University; M.Ed., Blended and Digital Learning in Schools, George Mason University
Career background: “I was a member of Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps during the 2016 - 2017 school year and most recently worked at Bishop O'Connell High School as an Educational Technologist and AV Teacher.”
On coming back to Gonzaga: “I am excited to be coming back to Eye Street! I am looking forward to working with students and faculty on projects in the Innovation Commons. I love when a student has an 'aha moment' when learning a new skill. I love guiding students through projects and encouraging them to share their creations with the school community.”
Ms. Narasha Lynch
Athletic Trainer
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Education: B.S., Kinesiology/ Exercise Science, Brooklyn College; M.S., Athletic Training, James Madison University
Career background: “Before Gonzaga I did clinical rotations with Harrisonburg High School’s football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, and cross country teams. I have also done clinical rotations with JMU’s field hockey, men’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s cross country, women’s swim and dive and women’s track and field teams.”
On joining Gonzaga: “I am passionate about what I do because I get to rehabilitate students back to participating in their favorite sport and doing the things they love. I am excited to be a part of a community that holds such strong values and instills these values in their students.”
Ms. Andrea Mask
Social Worker
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Education: B.A., Hampton University; M.A., Hunter College
On joining Gonzaga: “Prior to coming to Gonzaga, I worked as a respite counselor, a middle school counselor, and served in AmeriCorps. I am looking forward to joining this community, where I hope to combine and incorporate my passions for mental health and sports.”
Ms. Emily Murray
Librarian
Arrived on Eye Street in November 2022
Hometown: Quantico, Virginia
Education: B.A., College of William & Mary; MLIS, Catholic University of America
School hub: “I love working in the library because it's such a versatile space, providing community engagement, academic resources, entertainment, and local history all at the same time.”
Fr. Patrick Nolan, SJ
Director of Campus Ministry and Ignatian Identity
Director of Campus Ministry and Ignatian Identity
Arrived on Eye Street in June 2023
Hometown: Massapequa Park, New York
Education: Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Boston College; M.Div., Boston College; M.A., Social Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago; B.A., History, Loyola University Maryland
Career background: “Before entering the Jesuits in 2008, I worked for seven years in the corporate sports marketing industry. As a Jesuit, I have taught and served at schools in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia and most recently at Boston College High School.”
On coming to Gonzaga: “I'm looking forward to being part of a great team in Campus Ministry and working alongside passionate colleagues. I'm also looking forward to getting to know our students and their families through our retreats, liturgies, and service experiences.”
Hometown: Massapequa Park, New York
Education: Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Boston College; M.Div., Boston College; M.A., Social Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago; B.A., History, Loyola University Maryland
Career background: “Before entering the Jesuits in 2008, I worked for seven years in the corporate sports marketing industry. As a Jesuit, I have taught and served at schools in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia and most recently at Boston College High School.”
On coming to Gonzaga: “I'm looking forward to being part of a great team in Campus Ministry and working alongside passionate colleagues. I'm also looking forward to getting to know our students and their families through our retreats, liturgies, and service experiences.”
Mr. Vince Rizzo
Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Arrived on Eye Street in August 2023
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Education: B.A., Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights, John Carroll University
On coming to Gonzaga: “I am extremely excited to join a community that has such strong roots in its Jesuit mission. After spending the last eight years in Jesuit institutions in the Cleveland, Ohio area, I am looking forward to immersing myself into the Gonzaga community.”
Why Campus Ministry: “My interactions with those who worked in Campus Ministry really shaped me when I was a student. I look forward to building community at Gonzaga as well as in the greater DC area through shared experiences.”
Why Campus Ministry: “My interactions with those who worked in Campus Ministry really shaped me when I was a student. I look forward to building community at Gonzaga as well as in the greater DC area through shared experiences.”
Mr. Aaron Shepperd ‘10
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Arrived on Eye Street in June 2023
Hometown: Washington, DC
Education: B.A., Government, University of Virginia
Career background: Spent one year as a member of Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps before joining the staff at the Washington Jesuit Academy
On coming back to Gonzaga: “I was a member of Mr. Battaile’s first accepted class of students at Gonzaga. I am excited to be back home and to be a part of building the future classes of Gonzaga. I'm thankful to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Celebrating 200 Years of Jesuit Education in the Nation's Capital
