Meet Our Faculty & Advisory Board

Meet our distinguished group of teachers, academic advisors, college counselors, and advisory board. We’re honored to have a committed, caring, and prestigious group of people working daily with our students and leading our school.

Our Administration

Alison Mistretta

Head of School

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; Master of Arts in Education; Instructional Leadership Certificate

“At the end of every day, students’ personal and academic success is my utmost goal. This includes developing and maintaining a student-centered learning environment to ensure every student is reaching their greatest potential. I believe in facilitating each student’s social and intellectual growth by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, open communication, and the desire to make an impact on every student. There is no greater honor than to be part of shaping our future generations’ paths.”

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Dr. Maria Coyle, LPC

Associate Head of School

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Master of Arts in Counseling; Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling; Certified School Counselor

“My areas of research and interest are adolescent development, school counseling, and online education. I have had the privilege of working for George Washington University since 2009. It was an honor to be asked to join the inception of this amazing school. We began in January 2011, and it has been a rewarding journey filled with growth, dedication, and the joy of seeing both the students and the school flourish. Here’s to many more years of educational excellence!”

Our College Counselors

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Lisa Bell

Lead College Counselor

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Minor in English; Master of Arts in Education; Certified Teacher & College Counselor

“I have worked in education since 2005, and specifically postsecondary counseling since 2016. My extensive professional experience includes teaching pre-K through adult students across disciplines, academic advising and success coaching, and military member educational guidance both stateside and abroad, among other roles. I’m an active NACAC member and have participated in numerous conferences and symposiums. In particular, the College Board Forum, Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions, NACAC National Conference, and Naviance National Conference. 

I’m from Maryland and have spent most of my life stateside, although I also lived overseas for more than 10 years. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, participating in a neighborhood book club, and frequently volunteering with a local animal rescue.”

Kristen Smith

Kristen Smith

College Counselor

Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Master of Science in Counselor Education

“I have worked as a school counselor since 2007 in a variety of levels and school settings. I joined GWUOHS as a school counselor in 2020. My passion lies in helping students develop and reach their academic and personal goals, and I love being able to do this on a daily basis! I live in Madison, North Carolina, with my husband and son. I love to cook, enjoy watching sports, and being outside!”

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David Mendler

College Counselor

Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance (K–12)

“I am very proud to be a member of the GWUOHS staff. I grew up and currently live in the Washington, D.C., area. I received my Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University (NYU). I am passionate about supporting high school students to reach their postsecondary goals. I have been a college counselor at GWUOHS since 2020.”

Our Academic Advisors

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Krista Wyatt

Lead Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Arts in English, Music, and Secondary Education

“In 1996, I began my education career as a high school English teacher. Over the next ten years, I taught 9–12th grade and AP® English Literature. I moved to the virtual classroom in 2009 to teach English at an online charter school. In 2011, I began teaching at K12 International Academy. Then, in 2019, I joined The George Washington University Online High School as their first full-time academic advisor. I am the lead academic advisor and continue supporting students and their families.”

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Darys Andrea Nieves

Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages; Child Development Credential; Certified Spanish Teacher

“I’m a Colombian American educator and mom. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in world languages and had the opportunity to serve as an interpreter for the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2011. My career started in early childhood education and then transitioned to all grade levels after receiving my Spanish K–12 teaching license. Since then, I have been in the field for more than a decade. 

Throughout my career, I have also served as a student mentor and curriculum developer. It has been a blessing to contribute to the personal and academic growth of the students I have met through the years. 

In my personal time, I enjoy going to trails, spending time at the beach with my family, or just discovering new places! On the other hand, some of my creative outlets include photography, video editing, and presentation design.”

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Michele Hunolt

Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Science in Sociology; Master of Science in Psychology

“I have worked in education since 2007 in various roles, which include higher education admissions and retention services, high school counselor, and part-time adjunct faculty. During this time, I received various awards, including Staff Member of the Year and New Professional at a Two-Year College issued by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). I am passionate about helping students succeed and achieve their secondary and postsecondary goals.

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Laura Nielsen

Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science; Master of Science in Media Science; Post-Grad in Education, Endorsement in Special Education (Behavioral & Social-Emotional)

“I have been in education since 1992 and have worked in K–12 education since 2013. I have also been a visiting professor for Chamberlain University since 2020, where I was nominated and selected for an award for compassionate care. While I’ve taught students of many ages, my favorite grades are middle school!

Over the years, I’ve consulted for and designed a variety of educational programs in both public and private schools and worked with hundreds of students. The students I’ve met and stayed connected with along the way are truly the biggest highlights of my career.”

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Chelsea Crawford

Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education

“After graduating from the University of Georgia, I began my career in education in 2013 as a high school social studies teacher in Georgia. From 2013 until 2018, I taught U.S. and world history to high school students and served in various roles, including world history content specialist, U.S. history content specialist, softball coach, and mock trial coach. In 2018, I began my online teaching journey as a world history teacher and content leader for a Georgia-based virtual school. This is when I realized the incredible benefits of online education. In the fall of 2020, I was given the opportunity to pursue my passion for working more directly with students as an academic advisor for The George Washington University Online High School and have been a member of this team ever since!”

Natalia Giraldo

Natalia Giraldo

Academic Advisor

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Education; Master of Science in Education & School Counseling

“I began my career as an educator in 2015 and have cultivated my experience as a school counselor and academic advisor for high school and college students. The George Washington University Online High School community has taught me so much and continues to inspire me to keep growing in my craft. My guiding philosophy stems from Carl Rogers’s idea of unconditional positive regard. I view myself as a facilitator of your success and support you through the highs and lows of high school. High school is a learning experience, and we are here to guide you on your journey and provide you with the tools needed for success. Welcome to GWUOHS; we are happy you are here!”

Our Faculty

GWUOHS English Teachers

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Lucas Humphrey

Lead English Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in English; Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education


“I began teaching English online in 2012, after four years of teaching public school in a standard and hybrid setting. I’ve been in this setting ever since, and truly feel that it is my niche in education. I obtained my BA (English) and MA (Teaching) from Georgia College and taught public school in Georgia until 2014, when I joined GWUOHS. Since then, I have taught several of our English courses, including the Rhetoric course I built in 2014–2015. Along with teaching, I also lead the Gaming Club, Finer Things Club, Magic of Animation Club, and Writing Lab.”

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Elizabeth Kamerzel

English Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature; Master of Arts in Secondary Education, Curriculum, and Instruction

“I started teaching in 2006, and I’ve been teaching online since 2007. I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania but now live in Northwestern Louisiana. Over the years, I’ve taught students all over the country and the world. I enjoy reading almost everything and anything, watching television and movies as often as possible, hiking wherever and whenever I get the chance, and working out every day, usually by dancing. I believe that we can all find immense power and joy in the spoken and written word and that my job as an educator is to teach my students how to wield that power and find that joy.”

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Danielle Moore

English Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in English & Secondary Education; Master of Arts in Humanities

“I started my career in 2005 as a high school English teacher in Silver Spring, Maryland. In 2008, I left Maryland to become a reading specialist at a technology high school in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2011, I started my virtual teaching career at K12.”

GWUOHS History Teachers

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Dan Kelly

Lead History Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in History; Master of Education in Secondary Education

“I have been teaching at GWUOHS since 2017 and have loved every minute. Personally, I am a big sports fan, mainly soccer, football, and basketball. In my free time, when not engaged in one of those sports, I prefer to read non-fiction U.S. and world history books.”

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Amy Wiles

History & English Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; Certified Teacher

“I am an avid lover of the arts and education! I began teaching in 2007 after completing my Early Childhood through 4th Generalist Teacher Certification at Southern Methodist University. I now also hold teaching certifications for ELA, journalism, history, and ESL. I have been teaching in the online classroom since September 2012, and I love it here!

At GWUOHS, I enjoy teaching several social studies classes as well as English elective courses. I also enjoy sponsoring many clubs, including Model United Nations, Mental Wellness Club, and the Performing Arts Club.

Outside of school, I try to find time with my busy family of four as we try new dining spots, travel to unique places, attend a favorite band’s concert, or I’m happy to relax by myself and read a good book or work in my flowerbed.”

GWUOHS World Language Teachers

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Ashleigh Darby

Lead World Language Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish; Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies; Certified in Spanish & ESOL

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish; Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies; Certified in Spanish & ESOL

“I am a passionate and dedicated Spanish teacher with a strong commitment to fostering my students’ love for language learning. Since starting my career in virtual and international education in 2008, I have had the privilege of working with students of various ages and backgrounds from all over the world. In 2013, I was voted Teacher of the Year, and in 2014, I began teaching in international private schools overseas, both in-person and virtual. My diverse experiences in education have taught me the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive virtual classroom environment where every student can thrive. I believe that education can change lives; therefore, I am dedicated to helping my students reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my family.” 

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Alejandra Paul

Spanish Teacher

Bachelor of General Studies; Master of Hispanic Studies; Texas Teaching Certificate in Spanish, Grades 6–12

“I started teaching Spanish in 2006 at Auburn University while earning my master’s degree. I fell in love with teaching and started teaching Spanish at the high school level once I graduated. I moved to Houston, Texas, and taught at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory for 8 years. I then moved to online education, teaching at an online public school for a few years before I moved to GWUOHS in 2020. I am married and have two beautiful children. I am originally from Peru, but I have lived in the United States since 2004. I love traveling and spending time with my family.”

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Chelsea Rye Brueder

French Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish; Master of Arts in French

“I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Auburn University, where I earned bachelor’s degrees in both French and Spanish. I love languages and decided to continue studying at LSU, where I earned my master’s degree in French. While studying at LSU, I taught undergraduate French at the university and fell in love with teaching. After graduation in 2015, I began teaching high school Spanish and French (levels 1–5 AP/IB) in a brick-and-mortar high school and was hooked! I love teaching at GWUOHS.”

GWUOHS Mathematics Teachers

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Diane Zieman

Lead Mathematics & Science Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Physics Education with a Minor in Math

“My teaching career started in the mid-1980s. I have experience in the brick-and-mortar classroom, small group instruction, tutoring, and, most recently (since 2014), in the virtual classroom. The virtual classroom at GWUOHS is one of my favorites. I love working with the staff and amazing student body. When I am not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family and volunteering at my church.”

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Dr. Delmon Moore

Mathematics Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics; Master of Science in Educational Administration; Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership; Certified Teacher in Mathematics, Grades 6–12; Certified in Educational Leadership

“I am a proud educator, originally from North Carolina, but I also spent many years living in Maryland and now proudly reside in Georgia. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my master’s degree from the University of Scranton, and my doctoral degree from Argosy University. I am a proud husband to the most amazing wife and a father of four wonderful children! I enjoy traveling, playing and watching baseball, listening to and playing music, enjoying time with family watching movies, spending time on the lake on boats and jets skis, as well as playing pool, ping pong, and darts!”

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Jill Rodman

Mathematics Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies; Master of Education in Online Instruction

“After working as a teacher in a traditional school setting for 6 years, I decided to try out the world of online education. I have been teaching online since 2017, and I love the opportunities that I have had to grow and learn! I love having the chance to meet students and families from all over the world and support them in their educational goals. In 2023, I  obtained my master’s degree in online education to further my knowledge and skills of how to best teach and support my students. George Washington University Online High School is a great place to be and I look forward to many more years of being a part of this family!”

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Christy Teague

Mathematics Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

“I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, where I was involved in youth group, chorus, softball, swim team, and track and field. I went to the University of Georgia, where I got my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. During my time at UGA, I was a pole vaulter on the track and field team. After graduating in 2009, I began teaching at a high school in Forsyth County, Georgia. I taught in a brick-and-mortar school until 2016, when I began my online teaching career. I discovered a new passion for teaching online and found my home at GWUOHS in 2020. I have enjoyed discovering new ways to connect with students from all over the world and love the sense of community we have here at GWUOHS. I live in Forsyth County, Georgia, with my husband and our daughter, two sons, and two golden retrievers. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, going to the lake, and watching our kids play baseball and softball. I look forward to getting to know all my students and families here at GWUOHS!”

GWUOHS Science Teachers

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Dr. Whitney Keaton

Lead Science Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education; Master of Science in Chemistry; Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education Research

“I began teaching in 2003 as a chemistry teacher in a public brick-and-mortar school. I worked there for nine years, becoming the science department chair and earning my master’s degree. I also worked as an adjunct professor of chemistry at a community college, teaching in-person and online courses. This is where my love of online education began. In 2012, I began working as a science teacher at GWUOHS and have worked here since. I earned my PhD while teaching at GWUOHS, and I’m also involved in the professional development and education of other teachers, both pre-service and in-service. I’m very passionate about science and online education and am proud to join the GWUOHS family. I live in Virginia with my husband and our three daughters.”

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Patrick Kulp

Science Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training; Master of Education in Secondary Education

“I began teaching at GWUOHS in 2020 and seek to bring passionate and energetic teaching to our school. Prior to my time as an educator, I spent 1,250 clinical hours in emergency rooms, primary care facilities, and physical therapy clinics. I use this valuable experience in my everyday teaching to help students connect to their learning. Outside of my teaching career, I enjoy spending time with family, watching college football, and golfing.”

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Elloree Everett

Science Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Biology; Master of Arts in Teaching

“I began teaching in 2016 and since have taught in both seated and virtual classrooms, and I love the community we can build in a virtual school. I utilize lots of outside resources in synchronous sessions and share new scientific research from around the world each day. My master’s thesis focused on incorporating next-generation science standards into content through hands-on learning for student-led science experimentation and problem-solving. My educational philosophy is that science is relatable, accessible, and fun, and my role is to support students in finding their passion and place in the content.”

“It is an honor to work with The George Washington University Online High School Board to support the school, staff, and students.

Each year since GWUOHS was founded, the leadership and staff have prioritized a commitment to build meaningful relationships with our students and families. This creates a strong sense of community where all students are supported in reaching their potential. I am excited about what the future brings as we continue to prepare students to contribute significantly, responsibly, and respectfully in a global society.”

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