On Oct. 23, The Woods Academy in Bethesda held a cocktail reception honoring 14 faculty and staff members who have given 20 or more years of service to the school. The event was one in a series of events planned to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. Since 1975, The Woods Academy, an inclusive Catholic community, has been preparing boys and girls.
Friday’s event was attended by hundreds of current and former faculty and staff members, current and former parents, and alumni. All came to honor the lasting legacy of the late Alis Aimone, 1st grade teacher from 1980 to 2005; Kate Burke, 7th and 8th grade math teacher since 1995; Carol Dyer, art teacher from 1977 to 1997; Joanne Gerber, Montessori Preschool director and teacher since 1986; Judy Higgins, librarian from 1987-2010; Anu Iyer, Montessori Preschool teacher from 1987-2015; Lorraine O’Keefe, receptionist and archivist from 1975- 2011; Yvonne Pelaia, French teacher from 1977-2012; Kathy Piwko, 7th and 8th grade language arts teacher and high school placement coordinator since 1984; Gerardo Saucedo, a member of the facilities team since 1994; Birgitta Shay, 2nd grade teacher from 1984-2003; Barbara Snyder, director of admissions from 1989-2010; Suzie Tomlinson, special events coordinator since 1991; and Mary Worch, 4th grade teacher from 1987-1991 and Head of School from 1996-2011.
Forty-five percent of the current faculty and staff have worked at The Woods 10 or more years.