Administration
Principal
Mr. Jerson Malaguit is a transplanted lifetime Chicagoan who has come to Beltsville, Maryland after teaching in Maine, Georgia, and Colorado. During his collegiate years, he attended the University of Illinois, Andrews, La Sierra, and Newbold College in England before finally graduating Cum Laude from the University of Maine at Farmington. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Social Science from UMF and a Masters in Instructional Leadership from Southern Adventist University. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, traveling, and being with family. He is blessed with his wife, Kristi, and his three children. Above everything, his ultimate goal is to get each and every one of his students to know Christ better. A teacher-friend once told him that teaching was in many ways a missionary job. Once you take on that mindset, everything changes.
Vice Principal
Ms. Jeanne Marie Garcia is entering her 14th year at BAS. Her experiences range from teaching in small Adventist schools to being an administrator in NYC public schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education & Psychology; a master’s in Bilingual Education and a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration. Her hobbies include singing, watching sports (Go Yankees!), and spending time with family/friends. She is passionate about supporting the staff to provide a rigorous academic environment where students can reach their fullest potential and move forward in all that God calls them to do.
Teachers
Kindergarten
Ms. Alisha Green is an elementary education graduate from Oakwood University. and is beginning her third year teaching at BAS. Before moving to Maryland, she spent time teaching in South Korea. She has a passion to help our young learners seek Christ and learn of His word through our studies, actions and prayers.
1st Grade
Ms. Dileny De la Cruz is starting her fifth year at BAS. She completed her undergraduate studies at Andrews University and earned her master’s degree at the City College of New York. She has been teaching K-1 for the last nine years, and hopes to continue doing so until she’s an old lady. She’s passionate about helping students discover their best selves. She loves the outdoors and trying new things with her students. She’s a lover of God, her family, students and Starbucks.
2nd Grade
Ms. Susan Prins is entering her 24th year of teaching with 22 of those years at BAS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Washington Adventist University and a Master’s in Reading from Johns Hopkins University. She has always loved being around children and knew from an early age she wanted to work with them. Her favorite time in the classroom is seeing a concept “click” and watching the delight in a student’s face when it happens.
3rd Grade
From a young age, Ms. Leila Santos dreamed of becoming a teacher, and this passion took her to earn a degree in Education, a postgrad in Psych pedagogy, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Even with a vast teaching experience, this passion continues to grow in her. She feels honored to serve as an instrument used by God to help young minds reach their full potential, preparing them to be influential citizens in this world and for eternity.
4th Grade
Ms. Colin is embarking on her 14th year of teaching. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege to teach students from 1st to 5th grade. Tim Carruthers once said, “A good teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.” She looks forward to helping her 4th graders grow into confident, independent learners.
5th Grade
Ms. Brenda Johnson is a proud native of Cleveland, Ohio and a passionate advocate for Christian education. She is beginning her first-year teaching at Beltsville Adventist School. Recently she graduated from Oakwood University where she received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. Brenda has long embraced the calling to teach with purpose and compassion.
6th-8th ELA, 8th Grade Homeroom
Ms. Nadia Garmon is a proud graduate of Southern Adventist University where she recently completed a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is entering her fifteenth year of teaching. Her greatest goal is to cultivate a space where students not only grow academically but feel confident, supported and inspired to be their very best selves.
5th-7th Math, 8th Algebra, 6th Grade Homeroom
Ms. Zeman Feng graduated from Southwestern Adventist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Teaching. She is entering her fourth year at BAS. Ms. Feng enjoys learning new things and strives to be a lifelong learner. She loves outdoor activities, especially hiking. Her favorite Bible verse is, “Let everything you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14.
4th-8th Science/8th Math, 7th Grade Homeroom
Ms. Suzy LeBrun graduated from Southwestern Adventist University and has been teaching for 27 years. She is passionate about science and STEM education. Her hobbies include spicy food, insects, sports, and outdoor activities.
6th-8th Bible & Social Studies
Mr. Jonathan Gantt graduated from Washington Adventist University and started his teaching career in Maine. In 2016 he moved to Maryland where he taught at Takoma Academy. In 2020 he served as the youth pastor at Sligo SDA Church. In 2024, Mr. Gantt joined BAS. Whether teaching or pastoring, it is his passion to share the gospel of Christ and introduce people to Jesus.
Physical Education
Mr. Yoel Habtemariam, aka “Coach H”, is the physical education teacher and sports coach at BAS. Teaching is his calling and coaching is his passion. He enjoys playing all sports and spending time with family and friends. He believes in challenging students to be the best version of themselves and showing them that no matter what, God has their back!
Music
Ms. Robin Roys was born and raised in Maryland and teaches general music classes to grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition, she directs singing choirs, string orchestra, English handbells, ukuleles and hand puppets. She has been at BAS for 6.5 years. It is her mission to teach students how to praise God through music.
Resource Teacher
Ms. Jacqueline Dabney is a lifetime Marylander. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s in special education/learning disabilities. She is passionate about working with students who struggle and in leading them to reach their academic goals. She enjoys hiking and spending time with family.
Teaching Assistants
Ms. Samantha Pack is an alumnus of Beltsville Adventist School. This is her fourth year as a teaching assistant and school librarian. She has a passion for working with people and previously spent 10 years working with senior citizens. She enjoys finding creative ways to motivate, support and encourage her students as they navigate their first year at BAS.
Ms. Melissa Meneses is a lower grade teaching assistant at BAS. She has worked in childcare, education and marketing positions, among others. As an aspiring jack of all trades, she aims to help students to see the “big picture.” Ms. Meneses is always scheming up her next grand project and loves exchanging whimsical and ambitious ideas with her students. She is currently the visionary for a BAS School Garden and has students of all ages excited about how they can help.
Ms. Gabriela Villatoro Manzano known as “Ms. Gaby” by her previous Pre-K classes is excited to begin her journey at Beltsville Adventist School as the Kindergarten teaching assistant. She is currently working on her Early Childhood Education and Psychology degrees. She has a passion for all things craft-related and is always ready to help guide students in their learning and spiritual journeys.
Office Staff
Office Manager– Yolanda Johnson – YJOHNSON@BASCHOOL.ORG
Business Manager- John Anbiah – JANBIAH@BASCHOOL.ORG