This year, 11 beloved faculty members are retiring from their profession or embarking on new adventures after 20+ years of service to Flint Hill. Take a moment to read about their remarkable contributions to our community and the lasting impact they’ve had on generations of Huskies.
Since 1990, when Flint Hill School became the independent institution we know today, Fred has been its unwavering cornerstone, the last remaining teacher from that pivotal time. His impact on generations of students, alumni, parents, and colleagues is immeasurable, solidifying his place as a true legend.
Fred’s classroom was where serious scientific passion and lighthearted fun seamlessly coexisted. Students recall his infamous “caveman dance” to remember stop codons and his dubious claim of being a leprechaun. As Allie Fellows ’15 shares, “My dad had Mr. Atwood and I had Mr. Atwood. He looks exactly the same, with the same passion. I’m starting to believe his leprechaun story!”
Fred’s commitment extended far beyond teaching. A “plank owner” who helped build Flint Hill from the ground up, he attended countless school events, cheering on Huskies and showing his care for all aspects of their lives. His passion for both science and faith led him to establish the school’s chapter of Fellowship of Christians in Universities & Schools (FOCUS). He started the Northern Virginia Teen Bird Club, fostering dialogue and inspiring countless young ornithologists, some even joining him on life-changing expeditions to places like the the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, and Tanzania.
As Fred embarks on his well-deserved retirement, his dedication to teaching, mentorship, and boundless love for science will continue to inspire. His colleagues and former students, many of whom pursued science careers because of him, celebrate a teacher who made learning fun and interesting and instilled the value of humility. Read more about Fred’s 35 years of unparalleled legacy at Flint Hill.
Tracy Peterson has been a beloved member of the Flint Hill community for 25 years. In her early years, she served as Assistant Division Director in the Middle School and coached lacrosse — but her true forte has always been her role as a kind, effective, and thought-provoking English teacher. She possesses a rare ability to genuinely connect with her students and advisees.
Her masterful teaching, thoughtful comments on student writing, and the warm, welcoming environment she creates in her classroom have consistently drawn students in. She fosters a love of reading and discussion that often grows into lasting friendships.
“Ms. Peterson makes it really easy to take part in her class. I know I can voice my opinions in a respectful way. She’s so nice and kind about everything,” shared Ethan Butcher ’26, a student in one of her English seminars.
Tracy has a gift for teaching the art of public speaking. Her earnest, authentic style and talent for storytelling served as a powerful model for her students, helping them find their voices and gain confidence in expressing themselves. She memorably led a series of creative writing and camping trips along the Colorado River — unforgettable experiences that former students still talk about a decade later.
Beyond the classroom, Tracy was deeply committed to making Flint Hill a better place. She consistently brought back insights from conferences and professional learning opportunities to help raise awareness around equity and inclusion. Her thoughtful and quiet advocacy helped move important conversations forward — and left a lasting impact on the school community.
Whether teaching Middle School or leading AP English Literature courses in the Upper School, Tracy brought the same brilliance and infectious enthusiasm to every lesson. Her English classes are the stuff of legend — spaces where students feel safe, seen, and inspired. Tracy’s passion for reading and writing is truly contagious, and her absence will be deeply felt. Flint Hill simply won’t be the same without her.
Since 2001, Coach Jody Patrick has been a foundational force within our school community, leaving an indelible mark on countless student-athletes. During her 24 years at Flint Hill, Jody served as Lower School P.E. Teacher and Department Chair and has coached virtually every sport imaginable, guiding women’s basketball, field hockey, tennis, and lacrosse teams to triumph. She remains the winningest and longest-tenured Girls’ Varsity Basketball coach in school history, leading her teams to five state tournament finals.
Jody’s legacy shines brightest in her fierce advocacy for women’s athletics, a passion deeply rooted in her own trailblazing experiences with Title IX. Her impact is so profound that in 2024, Flint Hill established the Jody Patrick Spirit Award in her honor. As its inaugural recipient, she powerfully reminded us that, “Title IX is only as strong as its supporters… Pass it forward, Huskies!” Coach Patrick was recognized by our community as a Driving Spirit Award recipient in 2016.
As Jody steps into her next chapter, she prefers to call it “passing it forward” instead of retirement, a word she points out many cultures don’t even have. This thought process aligns with her belief in opening doors for new voices to inspire and teach students. We’re incredibly grateful for Coach Patrick’s unwavering dedication and the profound legacy she leaves behind. Her passion for advocating and empowering young athletes will continue to inspire us all for years to come.
For over two decades, Adam Rice has woven himself into the very fabric of our community, a constant presence as a dedicated coach, inspiring leader, and trusted advisor. He’s guided countless Huskies across many sports, including two incredibly successful runs as the Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse coach.
Beyond his coaching expertise and deep knowledge of the game, Adam had a special way of mentoring and empowering his players. He built strong, trusting relationships, always leading with integrity and character. Even while juggling schedules, coordinating referees, and managing the daily logistics of practices and games, he made sure that Flint Hill athletics was a profoundly positive experience for everyone involved. Adam had a gift for putting both students and coaches in positions to feel successful, no matter their skill level or win-loss record. He kept the focus where it belonged: on learning, having fun, being a great teammate, and getting better every single day.
While his primary roles were in athletics, many would argue that Adam’s most important impact came as an advisor and study session leader in the Middle School. He possessed an incredible ability to forge respectful and genuine relationships with young adolescents, truly appreciating the vulnerability of that period of life and connecting with them on a personal level. The lasting impact of those connections was evident every time he stepped into the Upper School, as former advisees would immediately flock to him for a high five and a quick catch-up.
We are grateful to Adam for his tireless mentoring, his dedicated coaching, and his remarkable gift for building relationships. We wish him all the very best in his next steps, knowing his influence will continue to be felt by so many Huskies.
Chris Cook arrived at Flint Hill in 2003, ready to spark curiosity as a 5th and 6th grade science and math teacher. Early on, his love of project-based learning led him to team up with two colleagues to create something unforgettable: a custom-built wind tunnel where students could launch and test rockets they’d designed from 2-liter bottles — an ambitious project that perfectly captured his hands-on teaching style.
Each spring, Chris would set up his mission control area on the softball field, and students would launch their rockets into the air one by one as they enthusiastically learned about space science. His innovative approach to teaching began years before Flint Hill introduced the Innovation Department, and it was a natural fit when he became the first Middle School Makers teacher. Chris put every inch of the Makers’ classroom to use, and, under his instruction, students designed and created unique projects, often repurposing recycled materials in imaginative ways — like transforming parts from old noise-making toys into inventive musical instruments.
One of the most meaningful projects Chris led with his Makers students was their work with Magic Wheelchair — a nonprofit that transforms wheelchairs into imaginative Halloween costumes. Together, they built incredible creations, from a Star Wars-inspired vehicle to a giant Washington Nationals baseball cap on wheels, and even a storybook-worthy princess carriage. Chris’s mentorship extended far beyond the Makers classroom, as he coached soccer, baseball, and softball, and joined students on unforgettable adventures — including a dogsledding expedition in Maine. He’ll undoubtedly continue to mentor and innovate for years to come, and his colleagues and students at Flint Hill will miss him dearly.
During her 21-year tenure at Flint Hill, Emma consistently fostered a vibrant and nurturing environment where young learners thrived. She shaped young minds as part of our Kindergarten team before finding her long-term home in the 2nd grade, a role she has made her own for the past decade.
Known for her dedication, Emma is often one of the first to arrive at school, ensuring her classroom is thoughtfully set up each day. She carefully crafted every lesson to maximize student engagement while building crucial foundational skills. From early literacy and numeracy to problem-solving and critical thinking, she laid the groundwork for her students’ future success. Emma’s stations were a model of student-centered design, meticulously prepared with materials to ensure each lesson ran smoothly and met every student’s needs. Yet, her philosophy extended far beyond academics, always prioritizing ample time for play, outdoor exploration, and essential physical activity.
Beyond the walls of her classroom, Emma was a beloved member of the Lower School faculty, celebrated for her signature wit and humor. Whether it’s a team rep meeting or a divisional gathering, her quick humor often leaves the room in tears of laughter.
Her former 2nd graders fondly recall the unique experience of having their “first British teacher,” her patient guidance through challenging math problems, and the playful banter surrounding her “not smart” board. Their reflections consistently echoed a universal sentiment: “She always cares about us, no matter what.” Emma’s unwavering commitment to her students’ well-being and her ability to inspire joy in learning will be deeply missed by the entire Flint Hill community.
It’s the end of an era at Flint Hill School as we celebrate the remarkable 20-year tenure of Debbie Ayers, a presence instrumental in the growth and development of numerous students. Ms. Ayers first joined us as an Upper School Learning Specialist, lending her expertise in humanities content. Her passion for education then called her to the history department, where she developed innovative curricula for both core and elective courses.
For the past decade, she has served with distinction as Assistant Director of the Upper School and Academic Dean. In this important role, she supported students’ academic progress, acting as a watchful mentor who understood the nuances of each student’s journey. She carefully advised their course selections, ensuring they chose paths that challenged and engaged them while fulfilling academic requirements. Debbie was known for her proactive approach, always tracking student progress and stepping in with timely assistance to catch students before they stumbled, fostering an environment where every student felt seen and supported. Her significant contributions to the school community were recognized with a Driving Spirit Award in 2013, a testament to her meaningful impact.
Debbie’s true essence, transcending her various positions, is as the heart of the Upper School, affectionately known as its “mom.” Colleagues, students, and parents alike have consistently felt they could turn to her, knowing she would offer a compassionate ear and boundless patience to help solve any problem. She cultivated an atmosphere of trust and accessibility for everyone in the community. Her steady hand has helped generations of students navigate their intellectual pathways through our hallways and we are a better institution because of her unflagging dedication.
After 17 years of dedicated service, Flint Hill bids a warm and heartfelt farewell to Bridget Montagne, our extraordinary Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in Austin, Texas. Since arriving in 2007, Bridget has brought a rare and impactful blend of development expertise and executive management to every corner of our community. Her skill set was shaped long before Flint Hill — including her time as scheduler and executive assistant to former President George H.W. Bush — where precision, foresight, and grace under pressure were part of the job. Those same qualities have made her an invaluable presence at our school.
Bridget’s journey at Flint Hill saw her serve in many pivotal roles within our Advancement team. She was a quiet force working tirelessly behind the scenes, holding titles such as Director of Alumni Relations, Director of Parent Relations, and Director of Stewardship, all leading to her most recent position as Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects. In each capacity, she supported our Board of Trustees and multiple Heads of School, ensuring their efforts seamlessly furthered Flint Hill’s mission and core values. Her deep commitment was recognized in 2019 when she received the Driving Spirit Award, a testament to her profound contributions.
For years, Bridget’s steady hand and insightful guidance have been instrumental in steering the school’s strategic initiatives. Her attention to detail and support have empowered countless projects and strengthened our community from within. She truly has been a loyal guardian of Flint Hill’s purpose. Her legacy of quiet strength, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication will continue to resonate throughout Flint Hill.
Jim Bour arrived at Flint Hill in 2015 and immediately began building a strategic and effective security team. He initiated or improved upon numerous security mechanisms used on Flint Hill’s campuses today. His familiar voice has often been heard through loudspeakers and walkie-talkies, alerting the school community during fire drills, shelters-in-place, and ALICE drills. Jim implemented essential resources like the Red Crisis Procedures Book and introduced now-commonplace terms like “rally points,” which have become second nature to teachers, staff, and students alike. From daily activities to major events, Jim provided a strong, steady security presence through his consistent leadership and tireless commitment.
Jim brought laser focus to the safety and well-being of everyone in the building. Whether it was a routine drill or simply reminding someone to wear their visitor badge, he approached every detail with the seriousness it deserved — and helped the rest of us do the same. His presence made people feel secure.
“I know that sometimes security people can be daunting or intimidating, and I never felt that with him,” said Jack Hoel ’18. “He was always reassuring, and I always felt lucky to have him there.” Jim even inspired Jack and a classmate to create a product in his name — the Bour-dar — for a class project. The Bour-dar was meant to activate when Mr. Bour was near. “It was half satire, but it was half that you really did feel like he was always around. He represented a lot of different things, and one was that you were always safe.”
Of course, with a career that included years in federal service, Jim’s serious demeanor — and that unmistakable watchful gaze — became something of a legend. When asked about the intimidating looks, he’d always say with a laugh, “I can’t turn it off.”
Jim’s work toward building a high level of security has been crucial in laying a solid foundation that will continue to be built upon long into the future.
With her calm and insightful presence, Adjoa Burrowes served as a cornerstone of our Lower School art program for six years. She created a truly special space where every student’s creativity could not only flourish but soar. Her teaching philosophy was centered on honoring each child’s unique artistic process. She understood the power of thoughtful exploration, never rushing, and always allowing ample time for ideas to take shape across various mediums. She elevated the Lower School art program, integrating techniques that encouraged students to engage with hands-on, three-dimensional work, and helped them expand their artistic horizons far beyond traditional formats.
In addition to leading a vibrant classroom, Adjoa is also an accomplished mixed media artist and published author. She has illustrated over 17 picture books and is a proud member of the BADC Collective (Black Artists of DC). Her work commands regional and international respect, gracing significant collections across the United States and around the world, including the Banneker-Douglass Museum of Culture and History, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Library of Congress, and the Musée Artcolle in Plémet, France.
A deeply respected educator, Adjoa brought genuine professionalism and a heartfelt commitment to lifelong learning to everything she did. She remained actively engaged in the broader artistic community, constantly growing her own practice and inspiring collaboration among her colleagues. This passion fueled a rich variety of creative approaches in her classroom, where every student had the opportunity to experience success — and the simple joy of making art. Her gentle guidance, steady support, and gift for helping each child discover their inner artist left a lasting and deeply appreciated mark on the Flint Hill community.
Over her five years in the department, Liz has made many valuable and lasting contributions to the Flint Hill mathematics community. A statistician by trade but a teacher by nature, Liz’s infectious energy and passion for mathematics and problem-solving were evident in all her work at Flint Hill.
Whether teaching AP Statistics classes or managing countless math competition teams and contests, she consistently engaged students at the highest levels of the math program with wit, care, and enthusiasm. Liz has a remarkable talent for bringing out the best in those around her. Her warm and nurturing nature provided an almost maternal guidance and sense of stability to her students and colleagues. Through a perfect blend of high expectations and supportive encouragement, she inspired everyone to strive for improvement each day. Her leadership and collaborative efforts in the department contributed significantly to curriculum development, and she served as a strong advocate for students, providing opportunities for them to learn, enjoy, and appreciate mathematics outside the classroom.
Liz’s commitment to her craft included becoming a math modeling coach and an AP reader in 2017, which quickly established her as a respected name in competition and statistics teaching circles. While Liz plans to spend time with her growing family, she will be missed at Flint Hill for her sense of purpose, sense of humor, guidance, and, above all else, her faithful commitment to excellence.