Smore logo
remove_red_eye 2.3K
page background

Montgomery Blair High School

Instructional Leadership Team, 2023-24

MontgomeryBlair High SchoolInstructional Leadership Team, 2023-24
zoom_out_map

Three Keys to Success!

Montgomery Blair High School Leadership Team are administrators and school leaders who represent each school department, staff, and students' programs and initiatives. This dedicated group of educators develop the school improvement plan, instructional focus, and meet regularly to review students' achievement, social-emotional supports, professional development, and schoolwide programs.
zoom_out_map

Renay Johnson, Proud Principal

Mrs. Renay Johnson has worked in Montgomery County Public Schools for over 30 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, and Johns Hopkins University, Mrs. Johnson has served as a teacher, School Counselor, Resource Counselor, Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, and in 2011, after 77 years of male leaders, she became the first woman principal of Montgomery Blair High School -- the largest high school enrollment in Maryland with over 3200 students and 320 staff members!


Mrs. Johnson is a recipient of the 2019 Takoma Park United Unsung Hero Award, 2018 Silver Spring Links, Leadership Award, 2018 Every Girl Can Ambassador Award, 2017 Montgomery County Media Association, Nancy Walker Award, 2016 Alpha Kappa Alpha, Outstanding Community Service Award, 2015 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, and the 2013 National Board Certified Teachers Network Principal of the Year.


Mrs. Johnson serves on Montgomery County Public Schools Advisory Committees and she is an Instructor at McDaniel College, Graduate Programs. She is married to James and they have two adult children, Jamie and Jordan. She is excited to begin her 13th year as the leader of Montgomery Blair High School. Go Blazers!

zoom_out_map

Eileen Heiss, Principal's Administrative Secretary

Eileen Heiss has been in MCPS for almost 15 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, going to the beach and most importantly, spending time with her new granddaughter Ruby!

zoom_out_map

Brenda Barrera Mercado, Acting Assistant School Administrator

Ms. Barrera Mercado has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 11 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and culture and a Master of Education from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). She was named Teacher of Promise of her class, an award the Maryland State Department of Education gave. She completed her teaching Master’s practicum internship at Montgomery Blair High School. Ms. Barrera Mercado has experience teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has also worked as a college professor for Montgomery College, teaching Spanish to medical professionals and other degree-seeking undergraduate students. She has worked for public and bilingual charter schools in the District of Columbia. Ms. Barrera Mercado has been a mentor teacher for University of Maryland teacher interns. She enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students. Ms. Barrera Mercado lives in Montgomery County. She is married to Carlos and has two children, Steven and Alessandro.
zoom_out_map

Aaron Bernstein, Assistant Principal

Mr. Aaron Bernstein has worked for MCPS since 2014 and as an educator for 21 years. He has earned two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, a Master’s in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Hood College. He began his career in the non-public sector working as a science teacher for students with emotional disabilities. After joining MCPS, he went on to work as 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 first 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 and their cat. He’s excited to join and be a part of the proud Blair community.
zoom_out_map

Adriana Burgos-Ojeda, Assistant Principal

Ms. Adriana Burgos-Ojeda is entering her 18th 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 BA in Spanish Literature from Bryn Mawr College, a Master of Library Science with a concentration in School Library Media 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.
zoom_out_map

Rahman Culver, Acting Assistant Principal

Rahman Culver (he/him/his) is a proud Blair and STEM Magnet Program alumnus who has served as an educator for nearly 15 years. As a former Takoma Park resident, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American Studies from the University of Maryland in 2001. Prior to teaching, his career in the nonprofit sector focused on educational equity and organizational effectiveness, working with national organizations such as College Summit and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has served Blair as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, and the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator. Culver is certified in secondary and special education and holds a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. He enjoys celebrating his Blazer roots with his spouse, also a Blair alumna, and their three children.
zoom_out_map

Peter Ostrander, Magnet Coordinator

Mr. Peter Ostrander has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 27 years. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Prior to working in MCPS, Mr. Ostrander taught math, science, and computer science in California, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. He joined MCPS in 1995 as a computer science teacher at Takoma Park Middle School. After eight years at TPMS, he became the coordinator of the newly created magnet programs at Roberto Clemente Middle School and then a program supervisor with the Division of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction before joining Montgomery Blair High School as the magnet coordinator thirteen years ago. He enjoys baseball, geocaching, and license plate collecting. You can find Mr. Ostrander in room 351 – the door is always open.
zoom_out_map

Tracy Pettis-Jones, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Tracy Pettis-Jones has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for twenty-six years. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Norfolk State University, Master's Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Administration Certification from George Washington University. She has worked as a Special Education teacher at RICA and White Oak Middle Schools and as a teacher and administrator at Paint Branch High School for 17 years. Most recently, Tracy was the Acting Principal at Paint Branch High School. Tracy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school. She is married to Gary and has three adult children and a 15-year-old daughter. Tracy enjoys reading and family road trips. She looks forward to serving the Montgomery Blair High School community.
zoom_out_map

Ramona Washington, Assistant Principal

Ms. Ramona Washington has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for sixteen years and is beginning her thirty-second year in education. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Gettysburg College, a Master’s of Education from Bowie State University, and her Administration Certification from Towson University. Ms. Washington has worked as a program assistant for at-risk youth and a high school counselor in Prince George’s County Public Schools. She served as the resource counselor at Wheaton High School, and Acting Assistant Principal at Paint Branch High School. Ms. Washington has been a Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) in various schools throughout MCPS, including her most recent assignment at Montgomery Blair High School.

In her free time, Ms. Washington enjoys volunteering, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and traveling. She’s the proud mom of two young adult children. She looks forward to continuing to serve the Blair community as an assistant principal.

zoom_out_map

Dr. Andrew Fields, Business Administrator

Dr. Andrew Fields’ leadership role changes in 2023-24 to the title of School Business Administrator. For the past 7 years, Dr. Fields was our Staff Development teacher. This year, however, he will oversee 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.

zoom_out_map

Leslie Blaha, Staff Development Teacher

Ms. Leslie Blaha is our new Staff Development Teacher. Leslie has worked at Blair her entire career – twenty 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, and eventually becoming involved in union work as a building rep, EFR, and member of the MCEA Board of Directors.

Leslie is a National Board-certified teacher who enjoys helping other candidates navigate the process. Last year, Leslie was our testing coordinator. She made the administration of thousands of tests run as smoothly. Leslie loves being a part of such a diverse community that highlights amazing students’ talent. She is incredibly excited to take this next step as Blair's Staff Development Teacher.

zoom_out_map

Jacqueline Armstead-Thomas, Fine Arts Resource Teacher


Mrs. Jacqueline Armstead-Thomas is beginning her 12th year at Montgomery Blair and her 16th year in Montgomery County. Along with being the Resource Teacher for the Fine Arts Department, she also teaches all four levels of Digital Art. 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. In her after-school hours, Mrs. Armstead-Thomas is the co-sponsor for the National Art Honor Society and the assistant coach of the Co-ed Varsity Volleyball team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, reading true crime, and snuggling with her two cats. 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.

zoom_out_map

Rita Boulé, Blair Athletic Specialist

Rita Boulé has been in MCPS for 28 years as an athletic specialist, teacher, coach, and academy lead. She spent the first 17 years at John F. Kennedy High School where she coached 44 teams including boys and girls varsity soccer, basketball, and softball, before coming to Montgomery Blair to be the Athletic Specialist. This is her 12th year at Blair as Athletic Specialist. She also teaches the New Coaches Seminar for the county, is chairperson of the MCPS Coaches Committee, and serves on the Equity and Social Justice committee. She is the District 2 (MCPS) Representative for the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA). She is very proud of the Blazer Athletics program and all of its success in both academics and athletics. In her free time, she highly enjoys the outdoors, being physically active, traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, landscaping, cooking, and learning.

zoom_out_map

Crystal Brown, Mathematics Resource Teacher

Mrs. Crystal Brown has been teaching in Montgomery County Public Schools for 18 years and is entering her 8th year at Montgomery Blair High School. She has a B.S. in Pure and Applied Mathematics from Howard University, a MAT in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Certificate in Administration from McDaniel College. One thing she loves and values, just as much as teaching, is learning. She is pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University. Crystal is married to Christopher Brown and has two children, Kennedy and Kendrick. She enjoys spending time with her family, hand lettering, and styling natural hair in her spare time. She is excited to serve the Math Department and collaborate with the dynamic leadership team at Montgomery Blair High School.

zoom_out_map

Michael Burnell, Elected Faculty Representative

Michael E. Burnell is an accomplished educator, counselor, athletic administrator, and coach in the field of educational and career counseling. He has worked in Montgomery County, Prince Georges County , and the District of Columbia in areas of high affluence and Title 1 schools. He brings experience and wisdom being dual certified as classroom teacher and a professional school counselor. For over two decades, he has worked with administrators, parents, students, coaches, local officials of various cultured backgrounds where his career encompasses the diverse Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area. As an African American man, born in the city, raised in the suburbs, schooled at Howard University, and receiving his masters degree from a top 20 academic program at George Washington University, Michael brings a unique, socio-political perspective to his work. Today, Michael continues to follow his passion of teaching Advanced Placement classes, counseling students and athletes as they prepare life, leading clubs, and coaching multiple sports at the secondary level, while working to unify school officials and parents of various backgrounds for the common goal of inclusion and success for every family.
zoom_out_map

Maxim Kenyi, Elected Faculty Representative

Mr. Maxim Kenyi is entering his second year at Montgomery Blair High School as a Social Studies Teacher. He holds a BA in Political Science, and a MA in Secondary Special Education. Outside of work, he is passionate about sports, learning, culture, food, and family. Mr. Kenyi is thrilled to continue leading, learning, and growing as a part of the MBHS community.

zoom_out_map

Emily Callaghan, Social Worker

Emily is a clinical social worker and a proud Montgomery Blair alumna! She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology-Social Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Emily has provided intensive counseling services in the MCPS system for the past 5 years. In her sessions, she aims to provide students with the tools to promote and improve their motivation, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and personal aspirations. She believes that individuals of all walks of life have the capacity to make positive changes. In her free time, Emily enjoys gardening, watching horror movies, hiking, and traveling the world with her husband. She’s happy to be “back home” at Blair.
zoom_out_map

Sarah Fillman, Communication Arts Program, Blair Publications Coordinator


Ms. Fillman is beginning her 21st year as a teacher, all of which have happened at Blair. She received a B.A. of English Education from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), 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. In addition to teaching, Ms. Fillman runs a photography business. She is married to another teacher in the county, Kevin Corpuz, and together they have three cats, Bentley, Cooper and Poppy, and two dogs, Penny and Watson. Her love for animals extends to her volunteer work for City Dogs and Kitties Rescue DC as an adoption counselor. Ms. Fillman looks forward to continuing her equity work in the upcoming school year.

zoom_out_map

Donna Franklin, Financial Specialist

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 is looking forward to continuing to serve the Montgomery Blair High School Community and hopes to retire from Montgomery County Public Schools and Blair in four years.
zoom_out_map

Jody Gil, Elected Faculty Representative

Jody Gil is one of three Elected Faculty Representatives proudly representing Blair's amazing teaching staff! Blair is literally her home away from home, having taught here for all but her first year in MCPS. Jody begins her 21st year as an ESOL teacher, working with the best EML (ESOL) department in the county. She is always thinking outside the box to best reach, teach, and address the unique needs of our English language learner student population. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from George Washington University, as well as National Board Certification. Additionally, she is pursuing a second Master's degree in Equity and Excellence in Education at McDaniel College, having finished the certificate program this past spring. When she's not working, Jody loves riding her Peloton bike, running, taking her miniature schnauzer Otto on walks, visiting her crazy nephews in her hometown, Columbus, Ohio, cooking, reading, and traveling.
zoom_out_map

Tess Hiller, ESOL/ELD and Reading Resource Teacher

Mrs. Tess Hiller is entering her 16th year at Montgomery Blair High School. She has been leading the Reading Department since 2015 and the ESOL 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 13 and 5. She enjoys running, yoga, reading, and coffee.
zoom_out_map

Kati Holmes, English Resource Teacher


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.

zoom_out_map

ReBecca Hughes, Social Studies Resource Teacher

Ms. ReBecca Hughes is beginning her thirteenth year in education, having 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. Ms. Hughes has experience in both public school settings (MCPS and PGCPS) as well as alternative settings where she supported adjudicated youth. She holds a BA in History and 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. Outside of work and being a lifelong learner, she enjoys traveling (seven continents, 42 countries, and 50 states), reading, going for walks/hikes near and around water, the summertime, live music, writing/performing poetry, and quality time with family and friends. She looks forward to finding more ways to celebrate students at Blair and the phenomenal Social Studies department staff this year.

zoom_out_map

Adrian Kelly, Security Team Leader

Mr. Adrian Kelly has worked for MCPS for 23 years, 20 at Montgomery Blair High School. He worked as a paraeducator for five years and a security assistant for the last 15, as well as the JV Football head coach (2005-2012) and JV Lacrosse coach (2007-2012). Adrian has a great knowledge of the Blair students and community not only from his extensive work experience but as a proud Blair alum. He is excited to continue serving the Blair community as the Security Team Leader. Adrian attended Bowie State University and is married to Yolande; they have two awesome children: Adrian Jr. and Asia. He enjoys family, sports, exercise, and travel.

zoom_out_map

Andrea Lamphier, Media Specialist

Ms. Andrea Lamphier has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools since 2000, and at Montgomery Blair since 2003. Previous to working for Montgomery County Public Schools, she worked as a Librarian at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda for several years, and before that, worked in Washington, DC, at the International Monetary Fund’s Joint Bank-Fund Library. Ms. Lamphier holds bachelor's degrees in political science and English from the University of Houston, a Master of Science in Politics and Government of Russia from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Library Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Lamphier is the mother of two adult children and has the world’s most wonderful dog. Her favorite things outside of work are reading, seeing live theatre and concerts, travel to see family, and binge-watching historical series. Andrea's years at Blair have given her insight into applying her work in librarianship and better serving students from a wide diversity of backgrounds, needs, and interests.
zoom_out_map

Paul "Tony" Mensah, Resource Teacher of Special Education

Tony Mensah is entering his fifth year at Blair and his first year as Special Education Resource Teacher. He spent his first four years at Blair as a Special Education Teacher, Co-Teaching Algebra 1 and US History. Mr. Mensah has a political science degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and a juris doctorate from the Catholic University of America (CUA) Columbus School of Law. He was a Division One men's basketball player while attending UMBC. After graduating from CUA, Mr. Mensah practiced law for 19 years before changing careers and entering the field of education as a special education teacher. In 2020, Mr. Mensah became the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Blair. He is married with two children.
zoom_out_map

Robert J. McMahon, Jr., Health and Physical Education Resource Teacher

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.
zoom_out_map

Dora Santiago-Gonzalez, Acting World Languages Resource Teacher

Dora Santiago-Gonzalez is starting her 27th year with Montgomery County Public Schools, but her passion for teaching started when she was a little girl in Puerto Rico. Her formal education in teaching started when she completed her Bachelor Degree in Education and Spanish at the University of Puerto Rico. She later moved to Iowa where she completed her Master Degree in Special Education. Prior to working in MCPS Mrs. Gonzalez worked as an elementary school teacher in her native Puerto Rico where she had the incredible opportunity to give back to the school and community who formed her teaching philosophy. Her main goal as an instructor—regardless of grade level—is to provide her students with a safe and inspiring environment that allows them to grow in all aspects of their lives beyond the classroom. In the almost three decades she has been part of the MCPS community, Mrs. Gonzalez has worked in different areas of education: developing curriculum for the Spanish for Spanish courses, sponsoring the Spanish Honor Society and serving as the first coordinator of La Esquina Latina in Silver Chips, our school newspaper. Most of all, she has truly enjoyed seeing previous student interns go on to have successful careers in MCPS. She is proud to have a part in guiding the teachers of the future. In her free time, she enjoys her five grandchildren, music, reading, baking and sewing.
zoom_out_map

Summer Roark, Science Resource Teacher

Ms. Summer Roark Thiero has worked in MCPS for 23 years. She started teaching in 1996 in Prince George's County. She began teaching in MCPS at Montgomery Blair High School in 1999. Ms. Roark was also a student at Montgomery Blair High School (better known now as "old Blair"). She received a B.A. in Chemistry from St. Joseph's University in 1995 and an M.A. in Secondary Education from Trinity University in 1997. Before becoming the Resource Teacher of the science department in 2007, Ms. Roark worked on curriculum writing teams for both the Matter & Energy and Forensics Curriculums. Ms. Roark was also the senior class sponsor and the JV soccer coach for three years. Ms. Roark was featured in Bethesda Magazine as one of the area's top teachers in September 2015. She is married to John Thiero, who also works for MCPS as a security staff member. They have two daughters, Cheyenne, age 12, and Tatiana, age 13.
zoom_out_map

Beth Sanchez, Academy Coordinator

Mrs. Beth Sanchez is entering her 20th 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 Academy Coordinator, she looks forward to working with the Blair community to enhance the high school experience by creating learning opportunities outside the classroom for all Blazers to explore their career interests. Beth enjoys traveling, camping, musicals, and playing board games with her family.
zoom_out_map

Kira Scott, SEIU Representative

Kira Scott (Curry) is a paraeducator/support to the Science Department at Blair High School. She has been employed with MCPS for 10 years and at Blair going on 7 years. She will assume the role of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Representative in the coming academic year. She is also ECA after-school monitor and supervisor. She is confident that all will quickly realize her ability to be the voice of the Blair Support Team.

zoom_out_map

Neha Singhal, Diversity and Inclusion Instructional Coordinator

Ms. Neha Singhal (she/her) is a social studies teacher, curriculum designer, workshop facilitator, and restorative justice coach with 15 years of experience inside and outside of the county. Prior to joining MCPS, she taught Asian American Studies at UMD and UMBC and worked as an immigrant rights organizer in the movement supporting justice for undocumented workers and families at the local, state, and national level. Over the years Neha has created curriculum for the county to upgrade Government & History courses with an antiracist lens, trained teachers on culturally relevant and equitable practices, and consulted with nonprofit organizations to deliver workshops on diversity and inclusion. With a strong focus on anti-oppression and liberatory practices, she brings an approach grounded in empathy and believes the process is as important as the outcome. Neha earned her M.Ed. in Social Justice Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also passionate about full-spectrum reproductive justice and serves her community as a birth doula and an accessible yoga instructor.

zoom_out_map

Makeyda Soriano, Resource Counselor

Mrs. Makeyda Soriano is entering her 10th year in Montgomery County Public Schools, having served as a School Counselor at Winston Churchill High School before joining the School Counseling Department team at Montgomery Blair High School as a Resource Counselor in 2019. She holds a BA in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Trinity Washington University. She holds a National Counselor Certification (NCC) from the National Board of Certified Counselors. Outside work, she is passionate about sewing/crafting, reading, the Varsity Blair POMS team, food, and family. Mrs. Soriano is thrilled to continue leading, learning, and growing as a part of the MBHS community.
zoom_out_map

Maria Tanos, Latino Achievement Coordinator

Maria Eugenia Tanos has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for six years. Before that, she taught in Virginia and overseas. Ms. Tanos graduated with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Culture and Journalism, and a minor in Latin American Studies. Later, she received her Master of Foreign Language Education with a focus in Latin American Literature from George Mason University, where she also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Ms. Tanos has been supporting the Latinx community in the DC Metro area in different capacities for many years. At Blair, she founded the Latinx Leaders Association Club, dedicated to support and bring leadership opportunities to Latinx students. Additionally, she teaches the Spanish Journalism class and works as a Faculty Advisor for La Esquina Latina, the Spanish language section of our school's Nationally recognized newspaper, Silver Chips. Ms. Tanos loves being part of the Blair community and cares about making a difference in the lives of all Blazers. In her free time, Ms. Tanos loves to spend time outdoors with her family and her two dogs. She also loves to volunteer in the community.
zoom_out_map

Karen Taylor-Boone, Career and Technology Education Resource Teacher

Mrs. Karen Taylor-Boone has been an educator for 22 years. For twelve years, Karen has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools as a classroom teacher. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern University, a MS of Education in Curriculum Assessment from Troy State and Educational Specialist in Special Education from Augusta State University. Karen's classroom experience is in the CTE Department for over 20 years and co-teaching in the Special Education Department in the area of Autism. Karen's vision or purpose as an educator is to facilitate a culture of learning and exploration that allows students to be risk-taking in a challenging yet physically and emotionally safe educational setting. All the while, preparing students for their next chapter in life beyond high school, including in the workforce, higher educational institutions, and his/her personal relationships. Karen has been married for 19 years to Nicholas. Together, they have two sons ages 13 and 17 years old. Karen enjoys spending time relaxing on the beach surrounded by family and friends.


Her favorite motto is "“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”

—Dr. Mae Jemison, first African American female astronaut

zoom_out_map

Montgomery Blair High School

Montgomery Blair High School is a nationally recognized award-winning high school located in Silver Spring, MD. Celebrating 86 years of tradition, pride & excellence! The mission of Montgomery Blair High School is to ensure that all students graduate equipped with the skills to navigate their chosen paths successfully.

Website: mbhs.edu
Location: 51 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-7200

Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter