Montgomery Blair High School

Mr. Monteleone has worked within Montgomery County Public Schools for 28 years and has served as assistant principal of Paint Branch High School, principal of Richard Montgomery High School, and most recently as a district administrator. Mr. Monteleone was the Montgomery County Council of PTAs Principal of the Year in 2016 and the Washington Post Montgomery County Principal of the Year in 2020.

Eileen Heiss has been in MCPS for 18 years, all of them in the Main Office at Montgomery Blair. Eileen was previously in the banking industry in customer service and she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Maryland. In her free time, Eileen enjoys cooking, eating, gardening, going to the beach and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren Ruby and Miles!

Dr. Nicole Allain is beginning her 30th year of education and her 18th year in Montgomery County Public Schools. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching Leadership from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and a Doctorate in Education Administration and Policy from Howard University. Most recently, Dr. Allain served as an Executive Director at the central office level. She is ecstatic to be returning this year to Montgomery Blair High School as an assistant principal to support teaching and learning. When she is not working, you can find her running or spending time with her very precocious 12-year-old son, Joshua.

Ms. Barrera has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 15 years.A proud Salvadoran and first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about expanding access to opportunity and empowering multilingual learners to reach their limitless potential. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and culture and a Master of Education from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), where she was honored as Teacher of Promise by the Maryland State Department of Education. In addition, she holds a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership from Hood College. Prior to joining Blair HS as the World Languages Resource Teacher, she taught at Springbrook HS and served as the English Language Development Content Specialist at Earle B. Wood MS. Ms. Barrera also worked as a college professor for Montgomery College, teaching Spanish for medical professionals and other degree-seeking undergraduate students. Ms. Barrera has worked for public and bilingual charter schools in the District of Columbia. Ms. Barrera has been a mentor teacher for University of Maryland teacher interns. Ms. Barrera lives in Montgomery County and enjoys going to the theater, listening to music, and spending time with her family. She is married to Carlos and is the proud mother of three boys: Steven, who will be attending Middlebury College in Vermont; Alessandro, her spirited six-year-old; and Mikel, her joyful three-year-old.

Mr. Aaron Bernstein has worked for MCPS since 2014 and as an educator for 24 years. He has earned a Master’s in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Hood College. He worked as the Alternative I teacher and Dean of Students at Northwood High School, and then Resource Teacher for Social Emotional Special Education Services at Richard Montgomery High School. This will be his fourth year as an Assistant Principal at Montgomery Blair. Mr. Bernstein is an active volunteer in the community with Hugh O’Brian Youth, enjoys running, cooking, watching ice hockey, and travel in his free time, as well as spending time with his wife, twin boys, and their cat. He is proud to lead and serve the Blair community.

Adriana Burgos-Ojeda is entering her 21st year in Montgomery County Public Schools, having served as a Library Media Specialist at Newport Mill Middle School and Kennedy High School before joining the team at Montgomery Blair High School as an Assistant Principal in 2017. She holds a Master of Library Science from Drexel University, and a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership from Hood College. Outside of work, she is passionate about running, reading, yoga, food, and family. Ms. Burgos is thrilled to continue leading, learning, and growing as a part of the MBHS community.

Mr. Zimmerman is entering his 21st year MCPS and 24th year in education. He is a proud alum of University of Maryland where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He earned his Master’s in Teaching at Bowie State University as well as his graduate certificate in administration from Towson. Prior to Blair, Mr. Zimmerman taught math for four years at Silver Spring International Middle School. He begun his admin career at Newport Mill where he worked for four years. In addition, he spent 7 years at White Oak and 4 years at Wheaton as an assistant principal before joining Blair HS. In his free time, he loves baseball, Star Wars, golf, the beach and all things New York sports. Go Knicks!

Dr. Andrew Fields is entering his fourth year as the MBHS School Business Administrator. Since 2013, Dr. Fields has served MBHS in various roles, including teacher (2013-2014) and Staff Development teacher (2015-2022). Currently, he oversees business and accounting operations at MBHS, allowing staff and students to continue their focus on the teaching and learning process. Dr. Fields has previously served as an administrator at several schools in Montgomery County, including Robert Frost Middle School, Albert Einstein High School, Damascus High School, and Gaithersburg High School.

Mrs. Jacqueline Armstead-Thomas is beginning her 16th year at Montgomery Blair and her 20th year in Montgomery County. Along with being the Resource Teacher for the Fine Arts Department, she teaches all four levels of Digital Art and Animation. Mrs. Armstead-Thomas holds a BA in Graphic Design and Business from West Virginia Wesleyan where she played D2 volleyball, and a master's degree in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Armstead-Thomas is married and has one son who is a Senior at the University of Delaware. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, reading true crime, and snuggling with her two rescue cats Pennywise and Conti. Blair has one of the best Fine Arts departments in the county and Mrs. Armstead-Thomas cannot wait for students to share their talents with the Blazer community.

Ms. Leslie Blaha has worked at Blair her entire career – twenty-four years and counting! Leslie started as a ninth-grade Matter and Energy teacher with an extremely supportive cohort of teachers. She has tried to pass that feeling on to the rest of the staff at Blair, first as the science department social coordinator, then a mentor teacher, becoming involved in union work as a building rep, EFR, and member of the MCEA Board of Directors, and finally as staff development teacher for three years. Leslie is a National Board-certified teacher who enjoys helping other candidates navigate the process. Leslie loves being a part of such a diverse community that highlights the skills and talents of our staff and students and is excited to go back to her roots as a science teacher while continuing to help out with testing and social activities!

Rita Boulé has served in MCPS for 30 years as an athletic director, teacher, coach, and academy lead. She spent 17 years at John F. Kennedy High School, coaching 44 teams—including varsity boys and girls soccer, basketball, and varsity softball—while also coaching club soccer for 8 years. She later joined Montgomery Blair High School as the Athletic Director. Originally from upstate New York, Rita is a fan of the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and Montreal Canadiens. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, staying active, traveling, reading, landscaping, cooking, and spending time with her large family, including 24 nieces and nephews. She is deeply proud of the Blazer Athletics program and its success both on the field and in the classroom.

Mrs. Rosa Eaton is entering her third school year at MBHS. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and has held leadership positions for over seven years. Mrs. Eaton is the SEIU Local 500 Union Representative, dedicated to empowering the support staff who keep Montgomery County Public Schools running every day. With a deep commitment to workplace fairness, she partners with MCPS employees to protect their rights, enforce contracts, and build a stronger voice on the job. Mrs. Eaton is a proud mother of five children. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, going on hikes, watching movies, and reading a good book. Mrs. Eaton is proud to advocate for the dignity, respect, and futures of Montgomery County’s dedicated public school support staff workforce.

Ms. Fillman is beginning her 24th year as a teacher, all of which have happened at Blair. She received an M.A. of Education in Human Development from The University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in Equity and Excellence in Education from McDaniel College. Ms. Fillman is a National Board Certified Teacher and received the Board of Education Award for Distinguished Service to Public Education Award in 2019. She is married to another teacher in the county, Kevin Corpuz, and together they have a daughter, Everly, and three cats and two dogs. In addition to teaching, Ms. Fillman runs a photography business and loves to travel, cook, and garden.

Ms. Franklin has worked for MCPS for twenty-five years. She started as a Head Start Assistant at Broad Acres Elementary School and jumped right to high school working in the Media Center at Montgomery Blair in 2001. Ms. Franklin has been the Financial Specialist at Montgomery Blair since 2004. Though she is a graduate of Northwood High School, she has become a Blair Blazer and fully embraces the Blair community. She is married with two adult children and two precious granddaughters. She enjoys going to listen to live bands and spending summer vacation with her children and grandchildren. She looks forward to continuing to serve the Montgomery Blair High School Community.

Jody Gil is one of three Elected Faculty Representatives proudly serving Blair’s dedicated teaching staff. Blair has been her home for nearly her entire MCPS career (all but year 1!)—this year marks her 25th as an ESOL teacher. She is known for her creative, student-centered approach to supporting English language learners and is a proud member of what she calls the best EML department in the county. This year she will be co-teaching in Science and English 12 with 3 of the best co-teachers at Blair! She will also be the Senior Class co-sponsor with Roxanne Fus for the 3rd year in a row. Jody holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from George Washington University, a second master's from McDaniel, and holds National Board Certification. Additionally, she's active in MCEA and serves as a High School Director on the Board of Directors. Outside of school, Jody enjoys riding her Peloton, SCUBA diving, spending time with her energetic nephews in Columbus, Ohio, watching Ohio State football, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Mrs. Tess Hiller is entering her 20th year at Montgomery Blair High School. She has been leading the Reading Department since 2015 and the ELD Department since 2019. Mrs. Hiller is an MCPS graduate. She earned her bachelor's degrees in history and secondary education from the University of Maryland, College Park, a Master of Science in TESOL from McDaniel College, and a graduate certificate in bilingual special education from George Washington University. Mrs. Hiller is married with two sons, ages 17 and 9. She enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and coffee.

Kati Holmes has worked at Blair for five years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her Master’s degree from George Mason University. Prior to working in MCPS, Kati taught English and served as On-Time Graduation Coordinator in Fairfax County, Virginia. She has also worked in Curriculum Development, both in FCPS and at the University of Maryland. Kati is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Pear Deck Coach who loves helping teachers learn new tech. She and her husband enjoy DIY house projects, rock climbing, and biking.

Ms. ReBecca Hughes has worked as a Special Education Teacher, Transition Support Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, and RTSE before her current role as the Social Studies Resource Teacher at Montgomery Blair High School. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Maryland (College Park), as well as graduate certificates in Educational Leadership, Equity and Excellence in Education, Career Planning and Placement for Youth in Transition, and Arts Integration. ReBecca is also a Blair parent, SGA Sponsor and one of the coaches of the Girls Varsity Flag Football team. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, going for walks/hikes near and around water, the summertime, live music, writing/performing poetry, and quality time with family and friends.

Dr. Sheri Massey has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 13 years and is new this year at Montgomery Blair HS. A former classroom teacher and university instructor, Dr. Massey earned her Ph.D. in Information Studies and Master of Library Science degrees from the University of Maryland College of Information Studies. She also received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Her interests include digital libraries for children, the information behavior of urban youth, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of school library media programs to promote learning.

Mr. Robert J. McMahon, Jr. has worked at Montgomery Blair High School since 2005. He started college at the University of Pittsburgh but finished as a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. After working for few years in the fitness industry in the Philadelphia area, Mr. McMahon earned his Teacher certificate from Ursinus College and moved to Maryland. He earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland and became the resource teacher of Health and Physical Education in 2012. Mr. McMahon has worked with the county to develop Weight Training curriculum, is passionate about leading an active lifestyle, and wants every student that takes Health and PE to learn to enjoy being active as well. He enjoys lifting weights, martial arts, biking, rollerblading, swimming, playing tennis, volleyball, skiing, and collecting. He resides in Silver Spring with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

Mrs. Beth Sanchez is entering her 24th year in Montgomery County Public Schools. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from York College of Pennsylvania in Secondary Mathematics. Her early experience as a math teacher opened her eyes to the disparities in education. This led her to pursue a Master’s Degree from John Hopkins University in Special Education. As Math Resource Teacher, Beth is passionate about creating a math department where all students have access to challenging, supportive, and engaging learning experiences. She looks forward to collaborating with Blair’s math teachers to strengthen instruction, support student success, and build a strong sense of community within the department. Beth enjoys traveling, camping, musicals, and playing board games with her family.

Mr. James Schafer is one of Blair's Elected Faculty Representatives, where he serves as an advocate for staff and a liaison between staff and administration. He has spent the entirety of his 24-year teaching career at Blair. He has taught a variety of physics and math classes and currently teaches within the Magnet program. He earned his bachelor's degree in physics and applied mathematics from the College of William and Mary. He earned his master's degree in administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Schafer is also a National Board Certified Teacher in physics. Additionally, he is an MCPS graduate. When not at Blair he enjoys being in the outdoors and on the water spending quality time with his family.

Ms. Smith is a dedicated educator with 20 years of experience in the field. Her background is rooted in both special education and science, which has allowed her to develop a unique approach to teaching that meets the diverse needs of students. She is deeply passionate about community service and the impact it can have on shaping a brighter future, and values family as the cornerstone of our lives. Beyond the classroom, she find joy in all things water-related and cherishes spending time with friends. She look forward to collaborating to create a positive and enriching learning environment for our students. Let's make this a fantastic year together!

Coming soon!

Mrs. Karen Taylor-Boone has been an educator for 25 years. She holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Assessment from Troy State University and an Educational Specialist degree in Special Education from Augusta State University. Her vision is to create a rigorous yet emotionally safe learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks, explore, and grow—while preparing for life after high school, whether in college, the workforce, or personal relationships. Karen has been married for 21 years and is the proud mother of two sons, ages 16 and 20. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and working outdoors on landscaping projects. Her favorite motto is: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” —Dr. Mae Jemison, first African American female astronaut.

Michael Tomasulo is entering his second year at Blair as the Special Education Resource Teacher. He was previously at Springbrook High School as a special education teacher, during which time he co-taught English 9 and English 10, as well as taught sections of resource and Developmental Reading. Mr. Tomasulo is an MCPS alum himself, graduating from Thomas S. Wootton High School in 2009. Mr. Tomasulo attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English, as well as a minor in Psychology. He received his teaching certification from Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), and is currently working towards his Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in special education with a focus on multiple language learners through Towson University at the Universities at Shady Grove. In his free time, Mr. Tomasulo enjoys relaxing with his friends and family, as well as watching Netflix shows, such as Cobra Kai.

LeighAnn Uzamere has been an educator for 34 years, including 26 years with Montgomery County Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of New England. LeighAnn spent 10 years teaching English to middle school students before transitioning to professional learning, where she has spent the past 24 years supporting educators as a Staff Development Teacher at Silver Spring International Middle School and Walter Johnson High School and as an Instructional Specialist in Central Office. LeighAnn is married to Wellington, a math teacher at Springbrook High School, and is the proud mom of three amazing adult children. Wellington, Jr. is a 2017 Blair graduate and currently serves in the U.S. Navy. Antoinette works in communications for an architecture and development firm in Minneapolis, and Vivienne is entering her senior year at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she is studying accounting. Outside of school, LeighAnn enjoys walking, boating, and exploring all that the DC area has to offer. She is especially excited to be joining the Blair community and looks forward to getting to know each member of the staff, learning from the expertise already woven throughout the school, and collaborating to create an outstanding learning environment for every student.

Coming soon!

Marta Woodward has taught AP Biology, On-Level and Honors Biology, Advanced Biology, Astronomy With Physics, Cell Physiology, and Neuroscience at Blair over the 14 years of her teaching career, all at Blair. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who currently serves as the Academy Coordinator at Blair. Prior to her teaching career, Marta worked in clinical research as a data manager for HIV therapy clinical studies. She also took some years off work to raise her three boys. Those boys are now 25, 23, and 20 years old. Marta is married to Mark, a federally employed attorney, and lives just a few minutes away from Blair in Silver Spring, MD. She loves and knows the community shared by Blair students and couldn't imagine teaching anywhere else!

51 University Blvd East

Silver Spring, MD 20901-2451

(240) 740-7200

https://mbhs.edu/