Executive Director - Carol Edelstein

Carol Edelstein has served as the Executive Director and VP, Sunrise Senior Living Education Foundation (SSLEF) since December 2006.  She received her bachelor’s degree in health services management from LaSalle University preceded by undergraduate studies in early childhood education at the University of Maryland.  Carol served as the assistant director at The Talent House Private School (now Merritt Academy) in 1986–1987, managed an infant & toddler center for 3 years, and taught preschool for 7 years. 

From 1987 – 2006, Carol worked in the assisted living industry as an operator, regional director, and the VP of program development for Sunrise Senior Living.  In her role with Sunrise, she was instrumental in the original design and implementation of the intergenerational program at Sunrise of Fairfax and Merritt Academy. 

Carol’s responsibilities as executive director include overseeing the SSLEF schools which include Merritt Academy, the Appletree School and First Steps Early Learning Academy.  At Merritt Academy she provides leadership for all programs, business operations and facilities.  

Email: carole@merrittacademy.org.  Phone: 703-273-8000

School Principal - Linda Potts

Linda Potts has been working at Merritt Academy for 13 years. She received her bachelor's degree in sociology/anthropology from Gettysburg College and completed her master's degree in education administration and supervision in 2006. She has held several positions at Merritt including Director of Education, middle school teacher (of multiple subjects),and Curriculum Director. 

As School Principal, Mrs. Potts coordinates the preschool, elementary and middle school curricula. She supervises after-school-activities, field trips, and instructional programs.

Email: lindap@merrittacademy.org  Phone: 703-273-2209

Preschool Director - Bev Linning

Please welcome our new Preschool Director, Beverly Linning.  She is from Scotland and brings over ten years of experience in the field of education including teaching preschool and elementary school; design, program and development and set-up of a new school in Pakistan; and extensive work in the area of staff training.  In her spare time, Beverly enjoys writing children's stories and running marathons. 

Email: beverlyl@merrittacademy.org  Phone: 703-273-4980

School Counselor - Kris Sanchez

Kris Sanchez worked for 16 years in the Pierre, SD, public school system as a middle school counselor conducting classes in careers, social skills, and strategies to help students make positive life choices.  Kris worked with classroom teachers and administrators on student issues and curriculum, and consulted with parents, teachers, and other professionals to help students succeed academically.

 

Kris graduated from South Dakota State University and received her master’s degree in education, with a major in guidance and counseling. As school counselor at Merritt Academy, Kris conducts life and social skills classes using the Second Steps program, administers admissions testing and group standardized testing, and works with administrators and teachers on individual and group student issues.

 

Email: kriss@merrittacademy.org     Phone: (703) 273-8000, ext. 132 or (703) 273-9289

   

Director of Accounting - Ann Dailey

Ann Dailey joined the Merritt team in December 2007.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, San Marcos and her Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.   Ann came to Merritt Academy from Sunrise Senior Living and brings over 14 years of experience in accounting.

Ann’s responsibilities as Director of Accounting include overseeing financial issues with the SSLEF schools which include Merritt Academy, Appletree School and First Steps Learning Academy. 

Fun facts about Ann:  She attended preschool at Merritt Academy when it was called the Talent House.  Ann is married and has a son, Jack, who will be attending Merritt in the fall.

Email: annd@merrittacademy.org  Phone: 703-273-7054