Bullis Voices Podcast

Tenth-Grade Dean Dr. Amanda Ross shares how she helps sophomores build confidence, belonging, empathy, and independence during a pivotal year of high school. She discusses her “invisible crown” philosophy, the importance of relationships, service learning, Model UN, leadership, and the whole-child approach that helps Bullis students grow into the best versions of themselves.

Ninth-Grade Dean and Upper School English teacher Christin Felt sits at the center of one of the most important transitions in a student’s Bullis journey. In this episode, she shares what makes the move from Middle School to Upper School uniquely challenging—and what students actually need to succeed. The conversation explores habits, self-advocacy, and the social and emotional shifts that define ninth grade, along with the systems Bullis has in place to support students and families along the way. Christin also reflects on her work leading Women’s Leadership trips to Costa Rica and how those experiences shape her approach to helping students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.

Beloved Bullis teacher Dr. Duruhan Badraslioglu shares how he creates science classes that students remember long after they leave. From hands-on experiments to real-world connections, his classroom is a place where curiosity drives learning. In this episode, Dr. B reflects on what makes science exciting, how he continually reinvents his courses, and what students gain when they’re encouraged to test, question, and discover for themselves.

Dance and movement teacher Kashi Barrett brings joy, creativity, and deep care to her work with Lower and Middle School students at Bullis. In this episode, she talks about how movement helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and work together as a team. The conversation explores her journey in the performing arts and education, the philosophy behind her classroom, and how discipline and freedom come together in the creative process. Along the way, Kashi reflects on the growth she sees in her students—and the iconic flash-mob dances that have become beloved moments of celebration in the Lower School community.

Upper School Math Department Chair and 12th Grade Dean Caitlin Zolet brings humor, empathy, and high expectations to everything she does at Bullis. She shares what it takes to make math feel approachable—and even fun—while building a classroom culture where students feel capable of taking risks and working through hard problems. Caitlin also reflects on how years of coaching field hockey have shaped her leadership, what serious horseback riding has taught her about discipline and partnership, and how she helps seniors make the most of their final chapter—building community, staying present, and leaving Bullis confident and ready for what’s next.

Head of Upper School Dr. Celeste McDaniels, Ph.D. joins Bullis Voices to share how the Portrait of a Graduate comes to life in the Upper School—from classrooms and labs to studios and community spaces—as students learn to think clearly, communicate confidently, and meet challenges with empathy and purpose.

In this episode of Bullis Voices podcast, Head of Middle School Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears talks about the culture he’s building at Bullis—where students feel known, traditions bind grades together, and meaningful challenge is part of every day. He shares how interdisciplinary inquiry makes learning feel real, how feedback and productive struggle work for 11–14-year-olds, and how the division partners with families so growth is visible at home. Joe also reflects on the whole-child experiences he champions—time outside, creative exploration, and thoughtful challenge—and how those passions shape a Middle School that’s alive with purpose.

Upper School English Department Chair Amanda Lombardo—a Bullis teacher for nearly two decades—shares what a great “normal” day looks like when high expectations and genuine fun live side by side. She discusses helping students find an authentic voice and truly listen across differences, the relationships that change lives, and what matters most as communication keeps evolving. Amanda also offers a parent’s perspective—two alumni (Nathaniel ’21, William ’25) and a current senior (Abigail ’26)—on how English builds skills, confidence, and community across the Upper School.

Lower & Middle School Theatre teacher and Middle School Arts Department Coordinator Chelsie King shares how she builds ensembles where students feel seen, safe to take risks, and grow as artists—and as people. She talks teaching philosophy, influences, her journey in theatre and education, the craft behind notes and rehearsal, how she fits at Bullis, and what students learned performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this past summer. A joyful, rigorous look at theatre at Bullis.

Lower School leader Dr. Katy Smullen joins host Mark Riffee to unpack how Bullis students transform mistakes into growth. They dig into Responsive Classroom routines that create psychological safety, how inquiry-based learning invites try–fail–try-again cycles, and the language teachers use in the moment—plus how Bullis partners with families so the “why” is clear at home. A practical, heart-forward look at rigor and joy in early learning.