English Department Staff

Vickie Adamson Resource Teacher
(301) 649-2856 Vickie_P_Adamson@mcpsmd.org
B.A. UCLA; M.A. UCLA
I spend so many hours here at Montgomery Blair; it's like a second home. Is that weird, or what? I love teaching, so it’s a great way to spend time. I have published one novel, The Color of Love: A Romance in Black and White, and I am making notes for a possible second attempt. One of Mrs. Adamson’s pet peeves is talking about herself in the third person…

Keith Anderson
(301) 649-2856 Keith_G_Anderson@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Vasser College; M.A. Binghamton University
Mr. Anderson is incredibly happy to be working at Blair. He was born and raised in New York City, and confesses a fierce loyalty to the Yankees and all things New York-related. To satisfy his craving for the city life, he’s been living in downtown D.C.

Pamela Bryant
(301) 649-2863 Pamela_E_Bryant@mcpsmd.org
B.S. Boston University; Teacher Consultant (‘05) University of Maryland Writing Project
This year marks my 11th year at Blair and, at least in part, my enthusiasm for teaching continues because each summer, since its inception as a site, I have the great fortune to be a facilitator at the University of Maryland Writing Project’s Summer Institute. The Writing Project is the most brilliant and edifying staff development model with which I have ever been involved and the best graduate class I have ever taken. It has truly renewed my lease on teaching. In my spare time (isn’t that an oxymoron for a teacher?) I sing, travel, read, and attend plays and concerts.

Kate Bullard-Sisken
(301) 649-2856 Mary_K_Bullard-Sisken@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Indiana University; M.A. Indiana University
I like to bike, run, and swim. And to beat the traffic, I ride my bike to school every day.

Lisa Cannon
(301) 649-2856 Lisa_W_Cannon@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Middlebury College
I have enjoyed teaching 11th grade English at Blair for the past 20 years. In another life, I have worked as a legislative assistant, a speechwriter, and a co-founder of a Quaker elementary school.

Adam Clay
(301) 649-2856 Adam_Clay@mcpsmd.org
B.S. The Pennsylvania State University; M.A.T. Towson University
I am excited to be teaching ninth and twelfth grade English this year. 2009 was an amazing year for me as I got married, achieved National Board Certification, and had the pleasure of working with many outstanding students. I cannot wait to see what this year brings.

Erin Conley
(301) 649-2856 Erin_E_Conley@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of North Carolina at Wilmington; M.A. University of Maryland
In addition to teaching at Blair, I enjoy playing and watching sports, especially basketball and football. My other interests and hobbies include traveling, hiking, fishing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Christine Denny
(301) 649-2856 Christine_Denny@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M.Ed. University of Maryland
When I’m not teaching 10th and 12th grade English at Blair, I am usually out coaching the JV girls lacrosse team, watching college football (GO TERPS!), or reading novels.

Mark DeStefano
(301) 649-2856 Mark_P_DeStefano@mcpsmd.org
B.A. James Madison University
I like to spend my spare time with my wife, my daughter, and my dog – in that order. Between my father, my uncle and me, there is over 50 years of teaching experience in MCPS. Include my wife, and that number jumps to over 60 years.

Michelle Edwards
(301) 649-2856 Michelle_L_Edwards@mcpsmd.org
B.A. SUNY-Buffalo; M.Ed. University of Maryland
I was born and raised in New York, and I absolutely love museum culture, travel, dancing, reading, music, and the arts. I enjoy teaching at Blair and use every opportunity possible to incorporate all forms of multiculturalism in the classroom.

Joseph Fanning
(301) 649-2856 Joseph_M_Fanning@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M.B.A. University of Notre Dame; M.A.T. Salisbury University
I thoroughly enjoy serving as the adviser to Silver Chips, Blair's nationally recognized student newspaper. In that capacity I get to work with a truly exceptional student staff.

Sarah Fillman
(301) 649-2856 Sarah_G_Fillman@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Columbia Union College; M.Ed. University of Maryland
If I'm not at school teaching 10th and 12th grade English or coaching cheerleading, I'm probably exploring in another country or watching Lost and So You Think You Can Dance.

Majy Gibboney
(301) 649-2856 Majo_M_Gibboney@mcpsmd.org
B.S. Syracuse University; M.F.A. USC
Over ten years ago, I began my journey as an English teacher. I find this job to be the most rewarding, creative and challenging experience I've ever had--other than being a parent. I teach CAP 10, as well as 11th and 12th Grade Honors. In my spare time, I write/rewrite, run after my son, hang out with loved ones, practice Bikram Yoga, and add notes to the section of my brain reserved for Great and Not So Great Ideas.

Susan Glick
(301) 649-2856 Susan_I_Glick@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M.A. University of Maryland; M.A. Johns Hopkins University
I am a writer of children’s books. I currently have four books published, and I will have a picture-book published next year.

David Goldberg
(301) 649-2856 David_B_Goldberg@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland
I’m excited to begin another year of teaching freshmen at Blair High School! When I’m not searching for the closest Waffle House in the area, you can find me talking about The Wire, Battlestar Galactica, or the Washington Wizards.

Michele Gross
(301) 649-2856 Michele_B_Gross@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M. Ed. University of Maryland
Though I am a Jersey girl at heart, I really enjoy the energy down here in the D.C. area. When I am not taking advantage of all of the free things going on in Washington, I can usually be found at a concert, baking delicious goodies, or trying to win the Guinness World record for fastest talker.

Michael Horne
(301) 649-2856 Michael_J_Horne@mcpsmd.org
B.S. University of Scranton; M.A.T. American University
Time sure does fly - I can’t believe I’ve been at Blair now for over a decade! When I'm not teaching or coaching the varsity girls’ lacrosse team, you'll probably find me playing ice hockey, catching the newest movie or some live comedy, or rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sandra Ivey
(301) 649-2856 Sandra_R_JacobsIvey@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M.Ed. University of Maryland

Tammy Jeral
(301) 649-2856 Tami_S_Jeral@mcpsmd.org
B.A. SUNY-Binghamton; M.A.T. SUNY-Binghamton
I have taught English, ESOL and Drama in New York, Boston, and Jerusalem. I have also enjoyed directing teen theater for the past 20 years.

Lauren Nestuk
(301) 649-2856 Lauren_Nestuk@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Elmhurst College; M.A.T. National-Louis University
I enjoy movies, music, books, television, and travel.

Kelly O'Conner
(301) 649-2856 Kelly_N_O'Connor@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Catholic University; B.A. University of Maryland; M.A. The Shakespeare Institute
I teach theatre and 11th grade English and direct the school plays and musicals. My interests include literature (reading and teaching it), travel, the theatre, and Latin and Scottish dancing.

Miriam R. Plotinsky
(301) 649-2856 Miriam_R_Plotinsky@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland; M.A. George Washington University
Though I while away a majority of my waking hours at Blair, I spend any remaining time enjoying the company of my husband and son and appreciating the finer things in life, namely the Indianapolis Colts (go Indy!), trips to warm climates, nights at the opera, and American Idol.

Brandi Pundzak
(301) 649-2856 Brandi_L_Pundzak@mcpsmd.org
B.A. University of Maryland (English Language & Literature; Secondary Education)
My graduate studies in education have focused on minority and urban education, so Blair is a perfect place to teach. I enjoy gardening, cooking, camping, and hiking with my family.

Catrina Rollins
(301) 649-2856 Shelly_Rollins@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Columbia College; M.A. University of Central Florida
I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Dana Simel
(301) 649-2856 Dana_Simel@mcpsmd.org
B.A. UNC-Chapel Hill; M.Ed. Boston University; Ph.D. Ohio State University
I have wonderful students in the CAP 9 and English 9 Bridge courses who teach me something new every day. I love being a teacher because no two days are alike. In my "spare time", I teach in the graduate program at American University, and enjoy spending time with my family and pets.

Judy Smith
(301) 649-2856 Judith_A_Smith@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Radcliffe College; M.A.T. Harvard University; Ed.D. Harvard University
I really enjoy teaching here at Blair, with its incomparable diversity and experiences. In my spare time, I love watching films, reading, and attending concerts and plays.

Lauren Termini
(301) 649-2856 Lauren_Termini@mcpsmd.org
B.A. SUNY-New Paltz; M.A. Johns Hopkins
I feel blessed to be able to teach English in such a diverse learning community. I collect books of all kinds and love to travel. I am a huge Miniature Schnauzer fan. I have one named "Rosebud," and hope to have one or two more in the future.

Maria Tokic'
(301) 649-2856 Maria_C_Tokic@mcpsmd.org
B.A. American University
I am interested in cooking, computer graphics and piano playing. Lately, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful granddaughter and traveling whenever I can.

Mary Wild
(301) 649-2856 Mary_C_Wild@mcpsmd.org
B.A. Chestnut Hill College; M.A. American University (301) 649-2856 Mary_C_Wild@mcpsmd.org I
I like to write, worry, and practice yoga, not necessarily in that order.