CHLG Faculty and Staff
Martha Herndon, Head of School
Preschool / Lower School Music Teacher
Master of Arts in Educational Foundations, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Bachelor of Music Education, Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK
Martha joined the CHLG teaching team in 2007 and became CHLG's Head of School in 2010. Passionate about spiritual, character, and academic formation, Martha's goal is to bring families together in a community of learning where students can benefit from professional classroom instruction in the Christian tradition while also having ample time to develop and learn at home. Martha has lived on Capitol Hill for over 30 years and she and her husband, Christopher, have five children, the two youngest of whom attended CHLG from preschool through 8th grade. The Herndons worship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, where Martha enjoys singing in the "choir" (which includes the entire congregation)! In her free time Martha also enjoys walking and running around Capitol Hill, taking trips to visit her grown children, and relaxing at home with a cup of herbal tea.
LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn profile
Sara Beth Arcara, Director of Admissions & Parent Engagement
Master of Public Administration, The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology and Family Counseling, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Master of Public Administration, The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology and Family Counseling, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Sara Beth became a member of the CHLG family when her son joined the Grasshopper class in 2010, and she joined the CHLG staff as the Director of Admissions and Parent Engagement in 2015. She and her husband, Jamey, have lived on Capitol Hill for over 25 years and have two children who both attended CHLG from Preschool - 8th grade. The Arcaras attend National Community Church where they volunteer often. In her pre-kid life, Sara Beth was a Project Manager and Information Technology Consultant for KPMG and BearingPoint. In her free time, she maintains a healthy obsession with Tennessee athletics, drinks coffee, walks around the neighborhood, and coordinates teenagers.
Molly Mitchell, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Middle School Administrator
Master of Arts in Teaching, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Middle School Administrator
Master of Arts in Teaching, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
A native of Arizona, Molly has called Washington, DC, home for the past 10 years. After earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University, she taught elementary school for several years (including teaching through a maternity leave here at CHLG) before moving into our Middle School. She loves walking alongside students in these important years as they grow in independence, curiosity, and confidence. Molly is excited to be part of the CHLG community again and looks forward to building strong partnerships with families and teachers. She and her husband, Bill, are active members of Capitol Hill Baptist Church and can often be found biking, running, or walking with friends around Capitol Hill.
Alyssa Webb, Director of Student Support
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Alyssa has lived in DC since 2002 and her teaching experience has spanned over 20 years. The community that CHLG offers has been a blessing to teach in, as well as parent in, over the years, and Alyssa and her husband are thankful their boys have had the opportunity to grow up in such a loving school environment. Prior to joining CHLG in 2012 as the kindergarten teacher, Alyssa worked with neurodivergent learners, an experience that transformed her life and her teaching in profound ways. Alyssa believes children are a tremendous gift from the Lord and are truly His beautiful design, and she is passionate about coming alongside families and teachers to see every learner supported and thriving. In her free time Alyssa enjoys creative projects, reading articles, photography, and all that DC has to offer. Alyssa and her family worship at National Community Church.
Angie Clement, Middle School Latin
Master of Arts in Teaching of Latin, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Bachelor of Arts in English, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Master of Arts in Teaching of Latin, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Bachelor of Arts in English, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Angie greatly enjoys sharing her love for the Latin language with the CHLG Middle School students. She has been teaching Latin to homeschoolers both as a classroom teacher and as a private tutor since 1996, and at CHLG since 2018. She and her husband have six grown children as well as fifteen grandchildren and counting (two of their DC grandchildren are students at CHLG). Angie is a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Gambrills, MD, where she is involved in the women’s and children’s ministries as well as helping with the St. Andrews homeschool umbrella group. She is thankful for a vocation of assisting parents in giving their children a quality and God-honoring education. Angie enjoys reading, knitting, gardening, and anything having to do with words.
Kristen Connell, Lower and Middle School Artist Studies, Middle School Music
Masters of Music in Vocal Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, Gordon College, Wenham, MA
Masters of Music in Vocal Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, Gordon College, Wenham, MA
Kristen is a Cleveland, OH native. After finishing her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Vocal Performance, she spent years performing in many musical theatre performances on both the west and east coast. She moved to DC in 2007 after getting married and began teaching Art and Musical Theatre at Capitol Hill Day School. After discovering CHLG for her oldest son, she is grateful to have sent all four of her children during various years of their preschool, lower and middle school years. She is enjoying being on staff teaching K-8 Artist Studies, Middle School Music and 5th/6th Grade Math. Kristen and her family worship at Waterfront Church DC.
Brittany Kalenak, Middle School Math
Master of Science in Economics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Public Administration, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Master of Science in Economics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Public Administration, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Bio Coming Soon!
Tiffany McClain, Middle School Bible
Master of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany is a California native who has called Washington, DC home since 2010. In 2020, Tiffany began homeschooling her four children, a journey that deepened her love for learning and teaching—especially the opportunity to walk closely with them through God’s Word. Their family joined CHLG after several years of homeschooling, and it has been a delightful transition. Prior to CHLG, Tiffany worked in various education related roles including managing grants and research at the local, district, and federal level as well as working alongside schools, educational non-profits, and Christ-centered after-school programs serving students in under-resourced communities. Tiffany is especially passionate about teaching youth about God’s Word and considers it a joy and privilege to help shepherd middle school students as they grow in both faith and understanding. Tiffany and her family attend Mercy of Christ Fellowship Church, where her husband, Jeremy, pastors. She is grateful to be part of such a vibrant and Christ-centered community at CHLG—a place of warmth, encouragement, and genuine fellowship.
Jamie Tanner, Middle School Language Arts
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: 4th-8th grade Language Arts, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: 4th-8th grade Language Arts, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Jamie is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, and has lived on Capitol Hill since 2021. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, and felt called to teach Middle School after volunteering with her church's youth group and teaching a middle school girls Sunday School class. The 2023-24 school year will be her fourth year teaching and her second year at CHLG. Jamie is married to Garrett, who is the College and Missions Minister at Waterfront Church DC. In her free time Jamie enjoys walks around the city, traveling, and relaxing at home with her two cats.
Molly Moore, Middle School History
Master of Arts in Secondary Education, American University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in History, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Master of Arts in Secondary Education, American University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in History, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Molly first came to CHLG as a parent in 2022 and joined the CHLG staff in 2025. Prior to coming to CHLG she spent two years "roadschooling" her four kids during the pandemic when her family hit the road in their RV. Years prior she taught high school history at Dunbar High School in DC. Additionally, she spent the last 15 years as an education consultant, working with districts across the country to improve their human capital systems so the students who need them the most have access to great teachers. She and her husband, Joe, and their four kids live in the Hillcrest neighborhood of DC and attend Grace Mosaic. When not adding to her timeline that is reliably encircling one of the ceilings in her classroom, house (or RV), she can be found running, hiking, fishing, camping, looking for shark teeth and full moons, or generally finding a way to get outside with her family.
Hannah Watts, Middle School Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX
Hannah moved to Washington, DC two years ago to help with the ministry at Waterfront Church DC, where her husband, Jeff, is the student minister. Jeff and Hannah have two girls, one of whom is growing and learning at CHLG. Hannah came on staff with the Middle School teaching team in 2025 and has been excited to take her passion for teaching into this new role. Teaching was always a big part of her job as a nurse (Hannah worked in a Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit for six years). Whether it was working with patients, families, or training new nurses, teaching was always a part of her day, and now she's enjoying using those skills in the Science classroom. In her free time, she loves exploring the DMV with her family, especially visiting historical sites and trying out new local coffee shops. At home, some of her favorite moments are relaxing with her husband, Jeff, and their aussiedoodle Duke, and watching movies once the girls are tucked into bed.
Susan Welker de Ruz, Fourth Grade
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Susan was born and raised in Central Florida, but moved to Washington, DC with her husband and 4 sons in 2016. She has homeschooled her four sons for 10 years (including one who is currently at CHLG), taught Spanish at various schools, worked as Young Lives Coordinator in Northwest DC for Young Life, and has enjoyed teaching 4th grade at CHLG since 2024. In her spare time Susan enjoys hiking, traveling, cheering for fútbol and football, and cooking. She and her family worship at Northwest Community Church in Crestwood.
Danielle Bedlion, Third Grade
Lower School Head Teacher
Master of Education, Instructional Technology, The University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Lower School Head Teacher
Master of Education, Instructional Technology, The University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
For the past 20 years (10 of them at CHLG) Danielle has created learning environments where students can work collaboratively to explore inquiries, strengthen weaknesses, and develop loving relationships. She is a devoted follower of Christ who seeks to show grace and love to her students, family, and neighbors. Danielle and her family attend Grace Mosaic Church in Brookland. She and her husband Duncan have 3 sons, the youngest of whom is learning and growing at CHLG. The Bedlions love living in a historically famous city filled with so many unique adventures, and they especially enjoy taking their boys to the local parks, museums, and on weekend hikes.
Margo Bolduc, Second Grade
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communications, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communications, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Margo joined CHLG as a parent in 2023, and came on staff as the second grade teacher in 2025. In college she originally majored in Education, but she shifted focus after a challenging but formative experience volunteering in inner-city schools. These experiences shaped her heart for children and she is grateful to God for leading her back to the classroom, this time with deep purpose, passion, and true potential to reach children’s hearts and minds. Margo is married to Nathan and their son, Wesley, is learning and growing at CHLG. The Bolducs have lived in Washington DC for over 10 years and worship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. In her spare time Margo enjoys reading, learning about nature, being outdoors, seeing live music and baseball, exploring new and interesting places, and being a Mom.
Emily Burgner, First Grade
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Elementary Education, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Elementary Education, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
Emily's family moved to the DC area from Texas in 2022 for her husband's job at The George Washington University, and Emily joined the staff of CHLG in 2025. She taught Second Grade for five years in Lubbock, Texas before becoming a mom, and she is very excited to be able to step back into the classroom. Emily and her husband Daniel live in Alexandria with their two children and attend Waterfront Church DC where she also works part time on the children's ministry team. In her spare time Emily most enjoys cooking for others as well as painting, reading, and crafting.
Heather Duncan, Kindergarten & After School Art
Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership, American University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership, American University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Heather is a native Oklahoman who moved to Washington DC with her husband and three children in 2017 to help establish Waterfront Church DC. She and her family live on Capitol Hill, where they enjoy visiting parks, walking their dog Henry, and eating at local restaurants. In the classroom, Heather creates open-ended learning opportunities for all learners to feel successful and independent and she brings her own creative twist to both the kindergarten and art classrooms.
Lauren Peterson, Pre-K 4/5 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Prior to joining CHLG as a long term substitute in 2024, Lauren's teaching experiences included helping to start and run Little Learners Playschool, which was a ministry of National Community Church for a number of years, and teaching preschool for a homeschool cooperative. Lauren is also a well loved and long-time childcare volunteer at NCC, where she and her family attend (some parents won't leave their kids in childcare unless she is there)! Lauren is married to Jonathan and they have four very tall sons who are all champion swimmers. The Petersons live in the Brightwood neighborhood and have lived in DC for 25 years. In her free time Lauren enjoys photography and drinking delicious coffee in the early morning.
Erin Voglezon, Pre-K 4 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Public Relations with a minor in Electronic Studio Art, Howard University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Public Relations with a minor in Electronic Studio Art, Howard University, Washington, DC
Erin moved to DC from Southern California, where she was born and raised, to attend Howard University. She felt called to make the DMV her home and eventually met and married the love of her life, and they now have two wonderful boys together, both of whom attend CHLG. Erin worked as a Children's Ministry leader and as a homeschooling mother before coming to teach at CHLG. Her heart is to learn and grow in the knowledge, grace, and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and she loves the opportunity to teach these same principals to her students! Erin enjoys traveling, ethnic foods, and baking (especially cookies and bread)! Erin's husband pastors their church, Hillandale Baptist Church, in Adelphia, MD.
Stephanie Walters, Pre-K 3 Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Stephanie is a native Marylander who has always enjoyed working with children, both professionally and through various children's ministries such as Sunday School, VBS, church nursery, and homeschool groups (and she also has 19 nieces/nephews so far)! Her favorite things to do in the classroom include games and otherwise organized silliness, and she also loves the opportunity to guide her students in learning to love the Lord and one another. In her spare time Stephanie enjoys hikes, board games, audiobooks, fires, and clear night skies. Stephanie worships at Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bowie.
Amy Snead, Pre-K 2/3 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Early Childhood & Special Education, Gordon College, Wenham, MA
Amy has been teaching for twenty-one years, from infants to tutoring middle schoolers, from Malibu, CA to Washington, DC. She has lived on Capitol Hill since 2010, and has taught at CHLG for most of her years in DC (she taught our first Kindergarten class and those students are now in college)! Amy has been married to Josh for 18 years and they have four children, one of whom is growing and learning at CHLG. They also have a dog, Jersey, who is well known and loved by the CHLG community! Amy enjoys coffee, being outside, and spending time with family and friends. Amy and her family worship at Cherrydale Baptist Church in Arlington.