Hi, I’m Marlena!
For over 15 years, I’ve thrived at the intersection of teaching, curriculum design, and leadership, driven by a simple belief: great education transforms lives. My journey has taken me from Swiss international schools to classrooms in Washington, D.C. Every day, I collaborate with teachers to refine their craft—whether through classroom observations, coaching sessions, or designing professional growth initiatives.
A Duke-trained educator with a global perspective (thanks to my time teaching in Switzerland and directing an International Studies Program in Florida), I blend rigor with warmth. My shelves hold awards like the Love of Teaching Award, but my real pride comes from students’ "aha!" moments and watching fellow teachers flourish.
Credentials
Education
Williams College, MA
Lesley University, MA
Duke University, NC
Harvard Graduate School of Education, MA
Awards
Teacher of Promise Award
Love of Teaching Award
Licenses and Certificates
• North Carolina Standard Professional II Highly Qualified- Social Studies 9-12
• Instructional Leadership Certificate, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• College Board Advanced Placement Human Geography Educator
• Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project Educator
• Positive Discipline Educator
• Facing History and Ourselves Educator