Keren Belay attended the University of Maryland College Park and studied Information Science. She has an associates's degree in Computer Science from Montgomery College. This is her first year at Northwood. On her free time she enjoys playing tennis and reading a good book. 

Samar grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and completed high school under the British system (O- and A-levels). She came to the US for college and attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts with a major in Biochemistry. She developed a love of science in college and went on directly from Wheaton to MIT where she earned her PhD in Biochemistry. This is Samar's 4th year of teaching and 4th year at Northwood. Prior to Northwood and begining her teaching career, Samar worked for DC Public Schools for 5 years managing their STEM PLTW programs and FIRST Robotics teams across all of the DCPS high schools. More info to come!

Daniel grew up in a Navy family moving all around the world. He went to college at the University of Illinois for Biology and then did research at the National Institutes of Health. He attended the University of Maryland for his Masters in Teaching and officially joined the Northwood team in 2025. Outside of teaching Daniel is a fan of board games, hiking, and miniature painting.

Courtney has the best job in the world. She loves encouraging students to wonder about the world around them and find their own voices and passions. She loves leading students in outdoor ed activities and sponsors the food waste recovery program. In her free time, she volunteers at a local animal shelter, runs, maintains a fruit and vegetable garden and takes care of her pets and family.

Kristen is the RT for the Science, Technology & Computer Science department.  She studied for her undergrad in Natural Resources Management and her Master's in Environmental Planning at University of Maryland in College Park.  She started her teaching career in 2008 in Prince George's County and has taught both middle and high school science.

Mr. Ducre is a Morehouse College graduate, a former Army Captain, a father of two sons, and a husband who is married to Dr. Adriene King-Ducre PhD. He has taught here at Northwood High School for the past 9 school years. During his tenure at Northwood Mr. Ducre has taught both honors and General Biology as well as electives, Wildlife and Marine Biology, Forensic Science and Astronomy with Physics respectively. Additionally Mr. Ducre has been the Assistant JV Baseball Coach for 2 seasons and has sponsored a campus club. Mr. Ducre's goal, mission and quest as a teacher has always been to inspire his science students to be ready to conquer the world! 

Aura graduated from The National University of Colombia with a degree in Agricultural Engeenier. She worked for more than 10 years in research laboratories for the phytosanitary and genetic improvement of plants. Aura loves teaching and that's why she decided to start her career as a teacher at MCPS. Before to come to Northwood High School, Aura worked teaching Science to middle school students. 

Kelly graduated from the University of Maryland with an undergraduate degree in biology and a masters in education. This is her fifth year teaching at Northwood and her third year coaching the girls' soccer team. Outside of work, she enjoys playing soccer, baking, video gaming with friends, and spending time with her dog, Jake. 

In Steve's 20 years of teaching, he's taught multiple science subjects in MD and DC, grades 6-12. Part time, he is an instructor at the University of Maryland. He's motivated by helping kids build their knowledge and hone skills that will allow them to learn more about the world around them. In his free time, Steve enjoys performing improv, reading, watching Bravo reality TV, and walking his dog Linus with his partner Nick. 

More info coming soon!

Mr. Mana Graduated from the University of Manchester UK with a Bachelor’s Of Science Degree in Physics with a Focus in Mechanism Systems.  He also has a Master’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and Design and a Master’s Of Science Degree in Professional and Technical Education. Mr. Mana is a member of the Academy of Technology and Engineering and has professional qualification in Constructions.

Mr. Mana has 15 years of Experience Working as an Engineer and has taught at the University Level as a Part-Time Lecturer. This is his 6th year teaching at Northwood, his 8th year in MCPS, and his 21st year overall.

My Motto: Fail as First Attempt in Learning with a focus on Designing your own world 

Mr. Miller has taught at Northwood for 21 of his 28 years teaching. He has a bachelor's degree in Geology and another one in Science Education. He also holds a masters degree in environmental management. In his free time he enjoys gardening, painting, printmaking, playing guitar, bicycling and paddle boarding. 

Ms. Minneman is excited to start her eighth year teaching at Northwood! A Nationally Certified Counselor, she earned a BS in Math from Washington & Lee and an M.Ed in Counseling from NC State. Outside the classroom, Heather stays busy volunteering with NHS theater, sponsoring the Computer Science Honor Society and CyberForensics team, and coaching the NHS eSports team. She lives in Rockville with her husband, daughter, and a lively menagerie of pets (1 dog, 6 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and endless fish). When she isn't driving her daughter to softball practice, she occasionally finds time for reading, cooking, and sewing.  

This is Ms. Monroe's seventh year teaching at MCPS. She graduated from an MCPS school, Watkins Mill. She graduated from the University of Maryland for her undergrad and Towson for her Master's in Special Education. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and video games, crocheting, and decorating cakes. Ms. Monroe genuinely loves teaching and looks forward to the start of the school year each year. She has two cats and hopes to have a bigger house one day to fill it up with more cats. Ella habla español. Mis padres son de México y Ecuador.

Felipe graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a major in Biology and a minor in Marine Bio. He then moved to Georgia to be closer to his nieces and began teaching there. In 2022, Felipe moved to Maryland and began teaching here at Northwood. Outside of work, Felipe enjoys watching F1 races, playing soccer, and racing in competitive iRacing championships. He has two dogs, Snoopy and Rush, and got married in April of 2023! Currently, Felipe is working to grow the marine biology club at the school and has both a saltwater and a freshwater tank in his classroom that the kids are in charge of and is planning a trip to the Galapagos with EF Tour for the students to attend.

Annika has been at Northwood 3 years now, and now coaches volleyball for the Gladiators. Along with that, she co-sponsors the Robotics club! She's excited to create an engaging and welcoming chemistry classroom. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and playing board or video games with friends. 

Brian is his 4th year at NHS and 18th year teaching science. Brian attended the University of Maryland studying environmental science and later earned a Masters in Chemical and Life Science. He enjoys bicycling, cooking/baking, nature walks, travel, and spending time with family. He is passionate about chemistry and getting students to understand the connections the chemistry has to their every day lives.

LaGail holds a BS in Technical Management and an MBA. She also has a Senior Cosmetology license and has taught Cosmetology for 7 years and styled hair for 40 years. This is her 11th year of teaching with MCPS and her 12th year of teaching overall.

LaGail’s mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs by blending technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to learn, create, and grow with confidence. LaGail enjoys spending time with family, reading, cutting, and styling hair. She is currently transitioning to barbering.

Motto: Focus on the good!

Max Wright is currently in his 8th year at NHS. He has previously taught at BCC and Blake high schools. He holds a BSC in Industrial Technology from the University of Technology, Jamaica and a Masters in Workforce Education & Development from Illinois University in conjunction with the University of Technology, Jamaica. Mr. Wright also holds a Certificate in Administrative Studies from McDaniel College. Max enjoys flying drones, listening to reggae music, traveling and engaging in small car/gardening/engineering projects. Max is very happy to be a Gladiator and he looks forward to welcoming new members to the family like you. 

Sofia graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 2021 with a degree in Chemistry Education. This is her 5th year teaching at Northwood! She is excited about getting students interested in Chemistry. Outside of work, Sofia loves to run (has ran 1 marathon and wants to qualify for the New York and Boston Marathon), enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking, and going to concerts (would love new song recommendations)!