Meet the Teachers

Carolyn Balch started her career as a high school physics teacher and taught in NJ and Kenya before entering the field of museum education. She spent ten years at the Smithsonian Institution, where she wrote science education materials and ran teacher workshops. She left the workforce when her children were born. Later, her family helped start a school, and she taught there for five years as the middle school science teacher. Now she writes full-time, as the author of Engaging Science Labs. When not working on some type of science experiment, you can find Carolyn engaged in some type of handwork—her newest hobby is shoemaking,

Janine Buser is passionate about guiding children to reach their full potential as individuals, students, and in their love of the Lord. She is a graduate of Georgetown University with a first career in government affairs. After homeschooling for 20 years, she found a new calling in early childhood education. Janine also is the DC Metro Volunteer Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

Maggie Dean has a passion for developing things. Whether that's friendships, gardens, dreams, or students, she loves coming alongside people to be curious about discovering God's narrative in the stories He writes with our lives. After graduating from Christopher Newport University (BS Biology/Spanish minor), she has spent 10 years in youth ministry and teaching but has found that she is particularly passionate about middle school aged students. Some of her other delights include unstructured time to rest, pray, write, bike, or cook.

Tess graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor's in Social Work. She has a passion for building relationships and a desire to see all of God's creation flourish--plants, streams, students. She has worked with refugees from all over the world and most recently has served as the community minister at her church. When not at work, you can find her baking sourdough, knitting, curling up with a good book, or looking for the best spot to watch the sunset with her husband.

Laura loves supporting the individualized needs of students to help them reach their full potential in academics, social-emotional skills, and spiritual well-being. She served as a special education teacher and Administrator in both the private and public school sector. Laura and her family served as missionaries in Chicago for seven years where they supported those who were marginalized and in need of the love of Jesus. Currently, she serves as the Next Generation Pastor at Calvary Church in Annandale, VA, where she is walking in her calling to lead the children's and youth ministry. She loves spending time with her family, playing games, being active outside, and doing ministry together.

Dinah Steele has an undergraduate degree both in Art and Music from Covenant College, as well as a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Northcentral University. She has taught children ages 2-9 years in many different learning settings and has found her sweet spot teaching K/1 and Boots & Roots with Redemptive Education. Dinah finds delight in watching her students live into the people that God has created them to be. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys watercolor painting, gardening, making home herbal remedies and spending time with her family.

Kristen Tamulonis is excited to teach the 2nd and 3rd graders at Scent of Water this year! She loves teaching phonics, reading books with her class, and giving students lots of opportunities to create and imagine. Kristen has taught Kindergarten, first grade, and preschool for the past twelve years and has a Master’s Degree in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. In addition to teaching, she enjoys directing children’s musicals, reading, spending time outside, and volunteering at church and summer camps.