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 25 years and she and her husband, Christopher, have five children, including three who have launched and two who went all the way through CHLG. Martha enjoys walking and running around Capitol Hill, taking trips with the family to see their older children, hanging out at Cheverly Pool during the summer, and watching her teenage boys play sports. Martha and her family worship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
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 has been overjoyed with the preschool and now the K-8 program. She and her husband, Jamey have lived on Capitol Hill for over 16 years and have a daughter who is involved at CHLG. Sara Beth is a busy volunteer at her church (NCC), coordinating a variety of children’s activities and teaching Sunday School each week. In her pre-kid life, she was a Project Manager and Information Technology Consultant for KPMG and BearingPoint. In her free time, she maintains a healthy obsession with Tennessee football and all things orange.
Angela Henson, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Middle School Administrator
Bachelor of Science in Education, The University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
Middle School Administrator
Bachelor of Science in Education, The University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
A native of Georgia, Angela has lived on Capitol Hill for the past 14 years. Her teaching experience includes K-4 classrooms in both public and private schools in Georgia, where she also first developed an interest in the Charlotte Mason and Classical teaching methodologies. Angela has been a parent at CHLG since 2012 and came on staff in 2014 after working at a local church as the Children's Ministry Coordinator. Angela and her husband Jamie have four children spanning preschool to college, and their family attends Waterfront Church. When she's not at CHLG or chauffeuring children to and from activities, you can find Angela riding her bike around this beautiful city, hosting friends on her front porch, or working out in the gym in her alley which she shares with neighbors.
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.
Jennifer Beilman, Middle School History
Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL
Bachelor of Arts in Business, University of Akron, Akron, OH
Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL
Bachelor of Arts in Business, University of Akron, Akron, OH
Jen began homeschooling her four boys in 2014 and teaching history and world geography to middle school students in 2016 (seeing history come alive for her students has become one of her favorite things)! Jen also has a passion for sharing the gospel and learning about other cultures, and these passions combined when the Beilman family had the opportunity to live abroad for four years in Vienna, Austria where they assisted in church planting. After their return to the states they joined Church of the Advent in DC where her husband is an Assistant Pastor and Worship Director. Outside of the classroom Jen still loves traveling and God has continued to bless their family with some amazing excursions. While she is thrilled to spend time with her crew of boys on hikes, at sports games, or navigating foreign Metro systems, she is equally delighted when the house clears out and she gets to quietly sip English Breakfast tea and turn on a history documentary.
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, 5th / 6th Grade Math,
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
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
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.
Beth Hibert, Middle School Science
Master of Science in Teaching: Middle School Language Arts, Liberty, University, Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Science in Church Music, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL
Master of Science in Teaching: Middle School Language Arts, Liberty, University, Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Science in Church Music, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL
Originally from north of Chicago, Beth has moved fifteen times since she began following her soldier husband around almost thirty years ago. Beth and her husband have raised three children, all of whom she homeschooled through middle school. A fluent German speaker, Beth has five years of classroom teaching experience, working with both middle and high school students in the subjects of Math, Language Arts and Science. She is grateful for the privilege and opportunity to come alongside parents at CHLG to assist them in exploring the wonder of God’s creation with their students. Beth’s happy places are with her family, on a bicycle, and in a classroom – she really loves being in a classroom! Beth and her husband attend Christ the King Anglican church.
Brittany Kalenak, 7th/8th Grade Math, Middle School Biblical Studies
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!
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.
Abby Lyons, Fourth Grade
Master of Education, George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Ethnic Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Master of Education, George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Ethnic Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Abby is married to Ezekiel (Zeke), and they have two sons, both of whom attend CHLG. Abby began teaching 4th grade at CHLG in 2018 when their family moved from Japan to Capitol Hill. Abby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Ethnic Studies from Oregon State University and a Master's Degree in Education from George Fox University. Abby was a stay-at-home mom for eight years, and prior to that worked at The Christian Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii teaching 4th/5th grade. Abby loves seeing a classroom community thrive in friendship, learning and spiritual and personal growth and she also enjoys the process of preparing her students for the middle school transition. Abby and her family worship at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro.
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.
Vickie Horton, Second Grade
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, OK
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, OK
Vickie loves to create a positive learning experience for each child in her classroom. She hails from Oklahoma and has been teaching in public and private schools throughout the U.S. for the past 30+ years, and also homeschooled her two youngest sons in lower and upper elementary when the family lived in Germany, so she fits right in at CHLG! She is the wife of a military chaplain and also enjoys her role as a grandmother. Her pastimes and hobbies include stationary biking, volleyball, pickleball, hiking, camping, crafts, cooking and baking, and riding with her husband on his motorcycle. Vickie and her husband worship at Annandale Calvary Church of the Nazarene.
Kiersten Urch, First Grade
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
BA in Sociology, Minor in Religious Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
BA in Sociology, Minor in Religious Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Originally from Orange County, CA, Kiersten moved to Virginia for college in 2013 and now lives in Arlington. Kiersten enjoys teaching ESL (she’s been doing it since High School!) and engaging in ministry work (she worked in campus ministry after her graduation from UVA and also spent a year helping run a children’s outreach ministry in Spain). In the classroom Kiersten enjoys building students’ confidence and curiosity and is always looking for ways to be creative and imaginative with early literacy lessons. In her free time Kiersten loves to take walks with friends, find new cozy coffee shops, and create art. Kiersten attends Union City Church.
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.
Yolanda Johnson, Pre-K 4/5 Teacher
Master of Education in Elementary Education and Moderate Disability, Lesley University, Boston, MA
Master of Theological Studies, Palmer Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL
Master of Education in Elementary Education and Moderate Disability, Lesley University, Boston, MA
Master of Theological Studies, Palmer Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL
Originally from Glenside, Pennsylvania, Yolanda moved to DC to work at a local church and eventually marry her then fiancé, Marlon. Since living in DC, she started volunteering with an educational program which eventually led to her earning her M.Ed and becoming a teacher. She loves connecting with children, teaching them about the love of God, and coming alongside them as they learn and grow in the classroom. Yolanda has four children who attend public and private school, and in her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, visiting art museums with her husband and traveling with her family. Yolanda and her family attend National Community Church.
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 seniors in High School)! Amy has been married to Josh for 18 years and they have two children, one of whom is growing and learning at CHLG. They also have two dogs who are 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.