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!

More coming soon!

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 environmental club. 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 8 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 fourth year teaching at Northwood. Outside of work, she enjoys playing soccer, baking, video gaming with friends, and spending time with her dog, Jake. 

In Steve's 17 years of teaching, he's taught multiple science subjects in MD and DC, grades 6-12. 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 18 of his 25 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, painting, printmaking, playing guitar, bicycling and paddle boarding. 

This is the beginning of Heather's 5th year teaching at Northwood. She graduated from Washington & Lee University with a BS in Mathematics and an M.Ed from NC State University in Counseling and she is a nationally certified counselor. She lives in Rockville with her husband, 12 year-old daughter, 2 dogs, 6 cats, 1 guinea pig and more fish than she can count. Between driving her daughter to softball practice, volunteering with the theater here at NHS, teaching and being the club sponsors for the Computer Science Honor Society, and the CyberForensics team and coach for the NHS eSports team in the newly created Montgomery County eSports league, she doesn't have much time for her usual hobbies: reading, sewing and cooking. 

This is Ms. Monroe's fifth year teaching at MCPS, her first year at Northwood! She has graduated from an MCPS school. Ms. Monroe is currently working on her Master's in special education. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and video games, crocheting, and decorating cakes. Ella habla español. 

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. Last year he moved to Maryland and began teaching here at Northwood. Outside of work, Felipe enjoys watching F1 races, playing soccer, playing video games, and fishing. He has two dogs, Snoopy and Rush, and got married in April of 2023! 

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 starting his first year at NHS and 16th year teaching science. He previously worked at middle and high schools in Prince George’s County. Brian attended the University of Maryland studying environmental science and later earned a Master of Chemical and Life Science. He enjoys bicycling, cooking/baking, nature walks, travel, and spending time with family. He is excited to become part of the Northwood community. 

More info to come!

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 University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in 2021 with a degree in Chemistry Education. This is her 3rd year teaching and at Northwood! She is excited about getting students interested in Chemistry. Outside of work Sofia loves to run (has run 3 half marathons 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)!