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, preceded by 10 years as an early childhood educator and director.

Carol has spent the last 20 years working in the assisted living industry as an operator, regional director, and the VP of program development for Sunrise Senior Living.  She was instrumental in the original design and implementation of the intergenerational program at Sunrise of Fairfax and Merritt Academy.  She was also responsible for the design, development and implementation of the Alzheimer’s program for Sunrise Senior Living.  She has served as the national spokesperson for Sunrise’s Alzheimer’s programs and as a faculty member of the Assisted Living Federation of America. 

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

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

School Counselor - Margarita Citarella

Margarita Citarella has served as the school counselor for Merritt Academy since July of 2004. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Universidad Javeriana, in Colombia. She also attended the Optimal Match Network Institute Program for six years and studied at the University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University and Marymount University. Prior to joining Merritt Academy she worked as a school counselor, school psychologist and the coordinator of a school optimal resource center. 

As a school counselor at Merritt, Mrs. Citarella provides counseling for all our students for academic and social issues. She conducts a guidance program called "Second Step" that promotes healthy social and emotional development. She is also responsible for school admissions (K-8th Grade) and the school-wide standardized testing program.

Email: margaritac@merrittacademy.org  Phone: 703-273-9289

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

Interim Preschool Director - Ashley Bengtzen

Ashley Bengtzen has served in the Preschool for nearly two years.  She received her bachelor's degree in Human Development from Eckerd College (FL) and completed her master's degree in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Child Law in 2006 from The George Washington University (DC).  She has taught in many different capacities, most recently in Washington, D.C. in a school for underprivileged children.  As Preschool Director, Mrs. Bengtzen conducts all assessments for admission and further transitions, coordinates the preschool curricula, and maintains student files. 

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