General Information
First Grade Teachers
Margie Caccia, Rachel Friedenberg, Bridget Sullivan, Jackie Gutierrez, Jessica Parnell, Katie Clark (Barisano),
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Margaret Caccia
Mrs. Margaret Caccia is so happy to be part of the Steuart Weller Elementary team this year! She is excited to be teaching first grade, and is looking forward to working with six and seven year olds who will share her passion for reading!
Mrs. Caccia holds a BA degree in Political Science and English from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Education from Marymount University. Previously, she taught first grade at Potowmack Elementary in Potomac Falls, and was an Assistant Teacher at the Montessori School of Herndon. Before a second career in teaching, Mrs. Caccia was involved in politics and Federal policy as an appointee at The White House and in the Federal agencies.
Mrs. Caccia has lived in Loudoun County 18 years with her husband Ralph Caccia and two children (now grown and gone!). She looks forward to meeting the families of Steuart Weller!
Bridget Sullivan
Mrs. Sullivan is so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! This will be her fifth year at Steuart Weller. Mrs. Sullivan moved to Virginia in July of 2007 with her family. She loves to spend time with her husband, her three children, and Moose, the dog, and Twinkle, the cat. Together they love to road trip (and stop anywhere historical), watch movies and NASCAR, play games, and read (her personal favorite!). Mrs. Sullivan completed her education at California State University at Northridge and the University of LaVerne in California. She holds a teaching credential from both California and Virginia, and a Master’s Degree in Education. Her teaching experience is as diverse as her students'. In California, she taught kindergarten, first, and fourth grades. While overseas, she taught sixth grade in a Department of Defense Dependent School. She taught kindergarten in Loudoun County before joining the charter Weller staff. Mrs. Sullivan looks forward to an outstanding year to come!
Katie Clark
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I am thrilled to say this is my 4th year teaching at Steuart Weller Elementary. Most importantly I am thrilled to be your teacher. I recently got married over the summer in Charleston, South Carolina and became a "Clark." My husband and I received the opportunity to travel to Italy over the summer which was relaxing, remarkable, and a very memorable experience.
It was a lifelong dream of mine to become an elementary school educator. I am originally from Evansville, Indiana where I attended the University of Southern Indiana. I received a degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement all while playing on the University's soccer team. I began my teaching career as a third grade teacher in the state of Indiana. I like to get to know all of my students individually and integrate a variety of lessons at the level they will understand. I have a vibrant attitude and passion for kids. I love to see their eyes light up when they have learned something new. In my free time, I love to read, play sports, vacation, and spend time with my family and friends. I cannot wait to leave an ever-lasting impression as an elementary school educator.
Rachel Friedenberg
I am thrilled to be your first grade teacher! This will be my second year as a first grade teacher here at Steuart Weller. Previously, I worked at Steuart Weller as a resource teacher for two years before moving to Damascus, Syria where I taught Kindergarten at the Damascus Community School. Upon my return stateside, I was ecstatic to find another opportunity to teach here at Steuart Weller.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in early childhood from Austin Peay State University and a master’s degree in Education from Saint Mary University. I have previously taught first and fourth grade in Kentucky.
I am married to a member of the military and have been fortunate to be able to travel and live in many different places stateside as well as overseas. We have four children, one that has graduated from a Loudoun County Public School and three that currently attend Loudoun County Public Schools. My family enjoys “Friday night movie night”, roasting marshmallows, playing games and participating in outdoor activities (sports, exercise). I have a passion for learning new things and I am delighted to have the opportunity to inspire that same passion in my students. I think it is important to meet students where they are and provide opportunities that challenge them to be the best they can be academically as well as personally. Together we can accomplish great things!
Jackie Gutierrez
I feel truly blessed to be teaching the children of Steuart W. Weller Elementary. It is my honor to empower students to reach and exceed their academic goals while also showing students their importance in our class community, the Garden. I have recently moved to Virginia with my family, which includes my husband, my three children Shelby 19, Sophia 14, and Jack 11. My family along with my two dogs are the cornerstone of my life. We have many journeys and stories to share. In Texas I earned my degree in Education with a specialization in Biology from the University of North Texas. I have received my certification in both Virginia and Texas in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language. I am beginning my 15 year teaching with 13 years in first grade and 2 years teaching preschool aged students at a Reggio preschool. My greatest accomplishments as a teacher are my students. I recognize my students for who they are and who they can be. I convince them with a soft voice and a lot of joy that they can achieve their dreams. My students have so much to offer the world and l show them the world is waiting for them. I am so excited to welcome in the newest children to the Garden.
Jessica Parnell
Ms. Parnell feels so lucky to be teaching first grade at Steuart Weller Elementary this school year. The youngest of four children, she has lived and studied in three different countries throughout her childhood and college. She feels ready to take on a group of diverse learners by treating each student as an individual, yet all part of our classroom family. She loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and help take care of her family's three dogs! She also loves music and dancing. Ms. Parnell graduated from the elementary and special education program at the University of Delaware with a minor in disability studies and a certificate in the Spanish language. As a graduate of Broad Run High School, she is looking forward to impacting the new generation of Loudoun learners.
