Resource Team
Lesa Warrick
Resource Teacher, Primary and Lower Elementary
Lesa Warrick had a passion for working with children from an early age. She is a seasoned teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the District of Columbia and Master’s Degrees from George Washington University and St. Louis University. Also, she received her sponsorship for her National Board Certification in Teaching from American University. Ms. Warrick worked for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation while attending undergrad. This gave her an opportunity to work with students from Pre-K to high school age. After graduating from undergrad, she was hired as a middle school resource teacher at Stuart-Hobson Middle School. She remained at Stuart-Hobson until joining Capitol Hill Montessori@ Logan in August 2011. As the Resource teacher, Ms. Warrick wears many hats. Her primary responsibility is to assist students who need additional support in academic specialized instruction as well as students who need transitional support. In addition, she works with mandated DCPS programs such as TeacherMate to assist 1st grade students who are learning to read. During her personal time, Ms. Warrick loves listening to gospel/spiritual music, reading information rich materials, spending time with family, working with the youth group at church, traveling, trying new vegetarian foods and volunteering. Ms. Warrick credits much of her personal growth and success as an educator to what she learns from the children and the feedback she receives from their parents. She sees the opportunity to work with children as a gift and a blessing.
Aleshia Holmes
Resource Teacher, Elementary
Ms. Holmes was born and raised in Washington DC. She graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelors in Sociology and Criminal Justice. As an educator, she loves to share her experiences with children and to help each child reach their full potential. She loves that when working with students, she learns new things about herself. Aleshia believes that with each student she inspires, they inspire her as well. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Holmes loves the outdoors! She loves hiking, camping, and fishing. She also loves sports – particularly kickball, which she plays. Ms. Holmes has served the CHM community for six years. She has a passion for special education, and she seeks to help every student with needs reach their full potential, guiding them to strive towards a bright future.
Melissa Duane
Resource Teacher, Middle School
Ms. Duane is originally from Sydney Australia but moved to the DC area during her childhood. She earned her BA at Concordia University in Montreal Canada and has a masters degree in Special Education with a focus in Learning Disabilities from American University. Throughout her career, Melissa has taught at area schools including the Lab School of Washington and Capital City Public Charter School. Ms. Duane enjoys the small group and one on one work with students who benefit from reteaching, additional practice and creative, multisensory ways to learn grade level and other academic skills. She is passionate about supporting students to succeed both academically and socially within the school environment. During her free time, Melissa enjoys reading both fiction and non fiction. She values time with her family and friends, cooking, eating out when she can, and learning new skills.
Jeanine Johnson
Reading Specialist
Ms. Johnson is a native of Mount Vernon, New York. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from The University of the District of Columbia and an MA in Education in Reading from Bowie State University. As Capitol Hill Montessori’s reading specialist, she enjoys seeing students accomplish their goals. Teaching reading allows her to see students grow as readers and critical thinkers. It also allows her the opportunity to promote the joy of reading in order to keep kids reading. As a child, Jeanine loved to be read to and enjoyed reading many of the classics. She wants to instill a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Johnson enjoys riding her bike. It gives her a sense of freedom and keeps her moving.
Kareen Lazarre
Math Specialist
Ms. Lazarre was born in NYC and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She holds a BA in Mathematics from Concordia University, an MBA from Saint Peter’s University, and a Master’s of Art in Teaching Mathematics from American University. As a Math Specialist, she enjoys leading her students to make real-life connections. Her ultimate goal is to get her students excited about learning, develop their talents, and build their confidence and esteem in Mathematics. Ms. Lazarre is fluent in French and Haitian Creole. In her free time, Ms. Lazarre enjoys cooking. She often expends her palate by experiencing new restaurants. She also enjoys traveling, cycling, and long walks in nature.
Ben Steinberg
Instructional Coach
Born and raised in Montgomery County MD, Mr. Steinberg has made a career working in schools in the region. He graduated with a bachelors degree in political science and economics from Towson University, and later completed his masters degree in education from Johns Hopkins University. In Baltimore, Mr. Steinberg taught social studies to students in a credit recovery program, helping high schoolers who were overage and undercredited earn a high school diploma. Ben came to Capitol Hill Montessori (CHM) in the Fall of 2014 as a founding science and math teacher of our middle school program. In the summer of 2015, Ben completed the AMI orientation course in Adolescent Montessori Education at the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Ohio. In his tenure at CHM, Mr. Steinberg has transitioned to teaching middle school mathematics and serving as the school’s instructional coach, supporting all strong teaching and learning practices schoolwide. An avid recreational biker, Ben enjoys staying active by getting outdoors. In his free time, Ben enjoys gardening, painting, and playing music.
Cathy Wu
School Psychologist
Ms. Wu received her Masters training in the field of applied behavioral analysis in the early 90s from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and practiced as an ABA therapist for children with Autism. She also received her advanced graduate studies in Urban School Psychology from Howard University and has been working for DCPS as a school psychologist since 2007. Cathy has a wonderful family with two grown-up sons. She likes gardening – especially growing organic vegetables. During the summer and fall, her family is almost self-sufficient with fresh vegetables on their dining room table. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and children.
Marion Price
Montessori Specialist
Ms. Price has been a witness to the magic of Montessori education for over 20 years! Originally from Toronto, Canada, she earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and went off to Japan to teach English. After discovering Montessori education for her own child, she earned primary and AMI elementary Montessori diplomas, a Master of Education degree from Loyola University Maryland, and has taught Montessori from preschool through elementary in Canada, Japan, Virginia and DCPS. Ms. Price believes not only that the Montessori method can bring out the full potential in every child and instill a love of learning, but that many children can also benefit from individual support integrated with Montessori. She has trained in the Orton-Gillingham method to support reading and writing and has pursued professional development in brain science and culturally responsive teaching. Ms. Price is thrilled to be joining the dedicated team at Capitol Hill Montessori where every child is loved and respected. During her free time, she loves reading, spending time with family, and hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail.