Hi there! I am Ms. Kerry McGovern and I will be your child's 2nd grade teacher this year! I have my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Miami University and my Master's in Human Development from The University of Maryland. I grew up right down the road in Darnestown and now live in Rockville. This will be my 10th year teaching in MCPS but my first year at Kensington Parkwood and I am so excited to be joining the KP community. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade and can't wait for my first year in 2nd grade! It's going to be a great year! 

If you would like to help fulfill some of our classroom wishlist items, please click this link! Thank you! 

Hello! My name is Gabby Simala. It’s nice to meet you! I am very excited and ready to start another year at KP. I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. I completed my student-teaching internship at KP and have been working in second grade ever since! I also have a Masters in Instructional Technology from UMGC. I grew up and continue to live in Olney, MD. I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking with my mom, and listening & singing along to every type of music. My favorite getaway is Bethany Beach, DE.

Hi, KP families! I’m Michelle Sung and this will be my 8th year teaching overall, and my third year here at KP. I studied education at UMD and will earn my master's degree in Instructional Coaching this winter at Clemson U. During the pandemic, I took time off to be with my two young kids - one of whom is entering Kindergarten this year...so I'm an MCPS parent just like you! While I enjoyed spending that extra time with family, I missed the teaching profession very much. I fell in love with the KP community and 2nd grade team here and feel so grateful to get to come to teach here every day. When I'm off the clock, you can usually find me reading a NYT bestseller, chasing after my 5- and 4-year-old at a playground, or taking my Australian cattle dog out on a hiking adventure! 

Hello! My name is Kiersten Willis. I am very excited to start another year at KP! I have my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary Education. I taught for 11 years before taking time off to spend with our children and this is now my 6th year at KP! I live in the neighborhood and our children went here to KP! Our daughter Grace is now a freshman at The University of Georgia and our son Johnny is a freshman at Georgetown Prep. I'm looking forward to a great year! 

Hi! My name is Andrew Walker. I am thrilled to be your child’s 2nd grade teacher this year. I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. This will be my fifth year working at Kensington Parkwood, and my third year in 2nd grade. I have also taught 1st and 3rd grade. This year our class will also have an amazing student teacher from the University of Maryland, Ms. Chandler! I grew up in Mount Airy, MD and now live in Glenmont, MD. In my free time, I enjoy baking, gardening, hiking, swimming, going to the beach, kayaking, taking walks, being outdoors, and spending time with my friends. My favorite book is Wonder, my favorite color is green, and my favorite vacation spot is going to the beach. I am excited to work with you and your child this year! 

Hi everyone! My name is Emma Chandler. It’s nice to meet you! I am so excited to be teaching as an intern in second grade at Kensington Parkwood ES! I attend the University of Maryland, College Park and am completing a Bachelors in Elementary Education. I interned last year in KP in third grade! This is my first time working with second grade and I’m so excited to see what this year brings ! I grew up in Baltimore County, MD and now I live in College Park, MD while attending UMD. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, cooking, watching sports, going to the beach, taking walks, being outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family.