We are pleased to announce the Maureen McGuire Myers Fellows for 2026.

Lucy Bradley, Lower School Fellow, Supervisor, and Tutor
Lea Foti, Middle School Language Practitioner and Tutor

Supporting educators to become effective diagnosticians for students with language-based learning differences

Lea and Lucy will enroll in the remote Assessment Course with Dr. Melissa Farrell through the Stern Center for Language and Learning, beginning in September 2026 and focusing on interpreting formal and informal assessments to bridge the gap between language, literacy, and cognition.

The course will support their work guiding educators through the Orton-Gillingham Academy certification process and mentoring them in writing comprehensive student profiles. 

Lea and Lucy will bring back enhanced diagnostic skills to enhance their tutoring practice, communicate more effectively with families, and a stronger ability to develop interdisciplinary remedial recommendations that help students with language-based learning differences thrive.

 

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Esther Long, Upper School Language Practitioner and Tutor

Building an inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive community

Esther will attend the Cultural Competency Lab for Teachers, facilitated by Rosetta Lee, in August of 2026. The program will provide hands-on training to strengthen Esther’s skills in developing affinity groups, developing inclusive classroom strategies, and mentoring colleagues.

The program directly supports Carroll’s mission to embrace diverse strengths and identities, ensuring each student receives what they need to thrive, and Esther will bring her experience back and apply it as the official facilitator of the Mosaic Club, the Upper School’s affinity group for students of color. 

 

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Megan Mendenhall, Middle School ELA Educator

Deepening meaningful classroom engagement through the whole-child approach

Megan will attend the Responsive Classroom Course for Secondary Educators this August. This research-based training provides strategies for building strong classroom communities through social-emotional learning, proactive classroom management, and positive teacher-student relationships.

Megan will strengthen her classroom management toolkit and deepen her ability to create a psychologically safe learning environment. Responsive Classroom practices—such as collaborative rule-setting, interactive modeling, and relationship-centered routines—will help educators support students in taking academic risks and building confidence.

 

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Megan Saunders, Middle School Science Educator

Connecting with peers in the field to bring new ideas to science education at Carroll

Megan will attend the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference in Boston in March 2027. This national gathering brings together science educators from across the country to share research, instructional strategies, and innovative approaches to science education.

Participation will provide opportunities to learn from peers, engage in professional dialogue, and bring new ideas back to the classroom, strengthening instruction and supporting students as confident, curious learners.

 

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Julia Schleppi, Middle School History Educator

Helping neurodivergent learners connect and thrive

Julia will attend the International Conference on ADHD in December, hosted by ACO, ADDA, and CHADD. The conference gathers educators, researchers, and ADHD community members to share research, strategies, and emerging practices under the theme “Connect, Learn & Thrive.”

Julia will deepen her understanding of neurodivergence, gain practical classroom strategies, and develop an expanded “ADHD toolkit” to help students thrive academically and socially. As both an educator and adult with ADHD, she will bring insights back to the Middle School team to strengthen support for neurodivergent learners.

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Sawyer Thompson, Upper School Multis Educator

Fostering creativity, problem solving, and student engagement

Sawyer will attend the NUVU Summer Program for Educators at MIT. This program emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that integrate Art and Technology, offering strategies to inspire creativity and deepen student engagement.

This program will allow Sawyer to collaborate with peers, develop innovative projects, and explore new curriculum design approaches. Sawyer will be able to offer enhanced personalized, creative learning experiences for students while strengthening cross-disciplinary connections in the Upper School. 

 

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About the the Maureen McGuire Myers Endowment Fund for Faculty Professional Development

The Maureen McGuire Myers Endowment Fund for Faculty Professional Development supports professional learning at Carroll School. The fund was established by Stewart Myers, parent of Alex Myers ’91 – in recognition of the  transformative impact of Carroll School educators. Stewart named the fund and the fellows after his late wife, Maureen McGuire Myers. An active volunteer at Carroll, Maureen served as President of the Parent’s Association while Alex was a student and then as a Trustee for 15 years.

Read about our past fellows here:

2025 Fellows

2024 Fellows

2023 Fellows

2022 Fellows (Plus, an update)