The St. Columba's Nursery School Board of Governors is empowered by the Vestry of St. Columba's Church to oversee the business of the Nursery School and to safeguard the School's mission. The Board is composed of up to fifteen voting and four ex officio members including the Rector, Warden, and the Head of School. 

Meet our 2024-2025 Board of Governors

Alice Goodman, Chair "As a member of St. Columba's parish for more than three decades and as a member of the BOG for three years, I see the Nursery School as an intimate connection, and a huge asset, to the parish and community.  For over 60 years, St. Columba’s Nursery School has lived up to its mission - and more.  The approach to play-based learning and development, outside activities, inclusion of children with challenges, the level of parent engagement and the quality staff make the Nursery School unique.  As a member of the BOG, I enjoy supporting Kate Murphy, the teaching team and staff, the clergy, and my fellow BOG members, as we continue to innovate and grapple with the challenge of education in a Covid/post-Covid environment.  Every week brings new issues but also fresh and novel solutions and answers.  I feel honored to work with such a creative and dedicated team." 

Caroline Handorf, Vice Chair "St. Columba's is a uniquely nurturing place. As students, my children spent each day deeply engaged in the meaningful "work" of childhood - play - with adults who appreciated and celebrated their individual gifts. The loving teachers are deeply attuned to the needs and abilities of each wondrous being in their care and provide the support and opportunities to help each one grow to be their best self. Every time I step foot on the playground or in the school, I think, "THIS is what childhood should be." Messy, colorful, friend-filled, secure, joyful, caring: every child should be so blessed to be here. I'm grateful that my children had the opportunity to attend SCNS and that is why I serve on the Board."

Sam Le Blanc, Treasurer "I serve on the Board for two reasons.  More than twenty years ago, at a very difficult time for me, my family started attending St. Columba’s.  We found a warm, nurturing community that accepted us.  Through many family changes, St. Columba’s served as an anchor for our family.  The community, the spirit, and the physical space have all been instrumental in our lives.  I want to make give back to the community and ensure those elements are actively available for new members.  Secondly, my children benefited from attending invigorating and caring pre-schools.  I strongly value and advocate for schools with the educational approach and mission of SCNS.  As much as possible, I want to contribute to the continuation and good stewardship of SCNS so that it will serve our community for a long time."

Anne Murphy, Secretary “St. Columba's has a great nursery school, thanks to the smart and caring people responsible for running it.  As a new member of the Board, I look forward to working with this terrific group to see how we can make the school even better.”

Judy Brinckerhoff "Our precious 9 month old daughter was admitted to the Burn Unit at Children’s National Medical Center after a scald injury.  She underwent skin grafts to her hands, legs and feet and was discharged after a two month stay shortly before her first birthday.  She (and we) endured a year of often painful physical and occupational therapy.  As Lucy thrived and we began to look beyond the trauma,  our family needed a community of faith, compassion, guidance, and respect.  Experts advised that we find a fully supportive environment.  We had no idea how Lucy would positively respond to the mindful teachers, giggles, chatty dramatic play, sing a-long circles, Teddy Bear Picnics, Halloween Parades, birthday parties, and the power of the swing that “flies to the sky.”  St. Columba’s Nursery School accomplished a miracle.  We loved St. Columba’s so much that we named our first puppy “Columba.” A brick memorializes our two daughters on the pathway that leads to the playground.  We live in AU Park and Clarke has been a member of the parish for over 30 years.  I attend Holy Trinity Catholic Church and fill a non-parishioner role on the Board.  I am a decorated veteran of the United States Navy Nurse Corps and after retirement I began a second career as a school nurse in Washington DC independent schools.  Retired again (and for the last time) I am fully committed to children’s health promotion and injury prevention.  I cherish opportunities to visit the nursery school, meet the faculty and staff, engage with parents and watch the students proudly unzip their jackets and pack up their Friday bags." 

Blair Farr "As a local pediatrician (who was born & raised in DC), I’m excited to join the board of a school that prioritizes child development and that offers services to children who need a little extra help catching up." 

Carol Graves "When my own daughter was born, my husband and I researched preschools in New York, where we lived at the time, until we found one that focused on the whole child, rather than a rigid pre-academic curriculum.  That nursery school (and a subsequent pre-school kindergarten that Erika attended later) taught through loving care, nature study, field trips, play, and experiential learning activities.  Parental participation was encouraged, and I was often in the classroom and very involved in the parent teacher associations and fund-raising activities.  The philosophy of these two schools appears to be similar to that of the St. Columba nursery school, which increases my interest in serving on the nursery school board."

Kristin Moore, Ph.D. is a member of St. Columba's and a senior scientist at Child Trends, studying trends in children's well-being. She led a team to develop a measure of "Healthy and Ready to Learn" among children ages 3-5 for states and the nation. Her granddaughter attended the St. Columba's Nursery School.

Lori Sostowski

Shannon Thomas

Michael Weitzner

Ron Wisor

Brendan Woodbury

Ex officio: Rev. Ledlie I Laughlin, Rector; the Senior and Junior Wardens of the Vestry, and Head of School, Kate Murphy.