Our Team

Merritt Groeschel

Merritt is Founder and Executive Director of SHC working to shape SHC programs, goals and vision for the future, building thriving futures and giving families tools to succeed in their communities. She is passionate about working with new members of the community, sharing local knowledge and a love of metro DC.

Kate Talbot​

Kate is Co-Founder and Director of Operations and Finance for SHC. When a friend invited Kate to help tutor English to resettled refugees, that she saw first-hand the challenges newcomers face extend well beyond language barriers. Every day Kate is inspired by the kindness, generosity and warmth of the people and families she assists.

Julie Kierski

Drawn to SHC's unique model of child-friendly English classes, Julie joined SHC as an English teacher. In her role as Tutor Education Coordinator she supports tutors in their one-on-one work with their tutees. She has taught English in the U.S.A., Cambodia, the Philippines, and online to students of all levels, from beginning to advanced. After serving in the U.S. Peace Corps as an English education volunteer, she got her Master's degree in Teaching ESL from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She is thankful to be a part of the community of diligent students, dedicated tutors, and committed staff at SHC.

Amal Abuldood

Amal is SHC's Early Childhood Enrichment Teacher and works with SHC preschoolers while their moms attend classes in our library program. Amal is lead teacher for the SHC online preschool program.   Amal dreamed of becoming a teacher, leading her to complete a 90 hour pre-service training for child care providers that work in a pre schooling child care setting.  Amal speaks Arabic as well as English.  Amal arrived in the US with her husband and two young sons as refugees, and she looks forward to becoming an American citizen, and helping other newcomers succeed in the US.

Shabnam Oria

Shabnam is the SHC Administrative Coordinator.  Shabnam worked as an office manager and administrative assistant in Kabul, Afghanistan, before coming to the United States in March 2020.  She speaks Dari, Pashto and Urdu and says: “I am super excited to work with you all and am looking forward to meeting you in person hopefully near in the future.”

Sarah Simmons

Sarah is a  Citizenship and English teacher for SHC.  She believes that education empowers families  to develop communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of American  culture.  For over 20 years, she has taught English, history, government, and art to teens and adults. Sarah holds two masters degrees in education and history as well as a certificate to teach ESOL. She enjoys creating classes that are fun and challenge students to think deeply and ask questions that cause ripples.

Susan Fox

Susan was an SHC volunteer tutor and classroom assistant for several years, and transitioned to become an SHC English teacher after completeing an Oxford Seminar Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL/TESL/TEFL).  Susan is a co-chair of her temple's Community of Action and a volunteer and advocate for South Lake ES in Gaithersburg, MD. Also an avid baker, Susan is always willing to brighten the day with cookies.

Sara Anderson

Originally a lawyer at the US department of Health and Human Services, Sara began a second career as a certified TEFL teacher after retiring from DHSS. She started volunteering with SHC after working with a family from Afghanistan sponsored by her church. She has taught English at the Lado International Institute, the Washington English Center. At SHC, she works closely with pre-literate English Language Learners. Sara enjoys working with families from different backgrounds.

Patty Jokiel

​Patty from Albany, NY joins SHC as a virtual English teacher.  She brings years of experience as an ESL and secondary English teacher.  Most recently, she taught refugees and immigrant students at a non-profit school in Albany.  Patty earned a Master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Southern Maine and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Education from the University of Vermont.  Patty brings compassion and enthusiasm to her classroom.