Empowering students with language-based learning differences
Welcome Letter
About
Since opening our doors in 2006, Siena has empowered students with language-based learning differences to thrive — not just in school, but in life. Our graduates have gone on to become engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators. They frequently share that Siena changed the trajectory of their lives.
That’s because success truly starts here.
From day one, Siena's mission has been bold and unwavering: to provide a learning environment where students are truly seen, deeply understood, and expertly taught. We specialize in working with bright, capable students who learn differently — and we give them the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to succeed.
We start early, with an intentional program beginning in Grades 3 and 4 that focuses on:
- Early intervention that makes a lasting difference
- Self-advocacy skills that build confidence
- Multisensory reading instruction
- Individualized support and growth
As our elementary students become middle and then high school students, they experience firsthand our dedication to ensuring that they learn to celebrate their strengths and unlock their rich potential through rigorous, responsive instruction and adaptable tools and strategies. We help them discover how they learn best, and we tailor our approach to ensure they don’t just keep up — they excel.
What truly sets Siena apart is our faculty and staff. At our Northern Virginia and Silver Spring campuses, your child will be surrounded by a team of passionate educators who are experts in dyslexia and language-based learning differences. More importantly, they believe in your child’s potential. They consistently recognize how creative, important, and innovative our students are and are relentless in helping them through innovative dyslexia education. Learn more here about our dedicated faculty and staff.
Families who join our community often say they finally feel a sense of relief and hope. For the first time, their child is not only learning but thriving, excited to go to school each day, and beginning to dream big.
If you're looking for a school that strives to meet your child where they are and help them grow in ways you may not have imagined, you're in the right place. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself!
Erik Heyer, Founder and Board Chair Jilly Darefsky, Ed.D., Executive Head of School
Meet Siena's Leadership
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Jilly Darefsky, Executive Head of School, is a member of Siena’s founding team and a highly experienced educator and school leader. Dr. Darefsky holds a Master's in Specific Learning Difficulties from Middlesex University and a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Mind, Brain, and Teaching at Johns Hopkins University. Furthermore, she earned a B.A., with honors, in English Literature with Psychology from the University of Surrey, a Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia from Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University College. Recognized as an Outstanding Teacher of Dyslexic Students, she has dedicated her career to working with students with language-based learning differences. Having undertaken roles of director, secretary, and vice-president on the Board of the DC Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, she has also served on the Board of the Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center. Dr. Darefsky is also a member of the Middle States Domestic Schools Advisory Committee.
Why I Work At Siena: The faculty and staff's dedication to Siena's mission is unparalleled. It is inspiring to work with professionals who collaboratively partner to create an environment in which students thrive.
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Jennifer Betts, Head of School — Northern Virginia Campus, is an experienced educator and school leader. She has worked for over 30 years in independent and public school education, including 15 years as Lower and Middle School Principal at The Howard School, in Atlanta, GA, a school for children with dyslexia and similar language-based learning differences. Most recently, Jennifer was Head of K-12 at The New School in Fayetteville, AR, where she oversaw the growth of the high school to its first graduating class, coordinated school accreditation, and expanded programs in STEAM and the arts. She holds an M.Ed. from Harvard University and a B.A. from Wells College with a major in Political Philosophy and a Minor in Education. Jennifer has completed programs for certification in school leadership (GA) and coaching (NY); she is also an IDA-DC Board member and Mentor with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Why I Work At Siena: Teaching and learning are my passion. Finding a school like Siena that puts self-discovery, self-advocacy, and neuroscience at the heart of students’ experience feels like I won the lottery!
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Katie Douglas, Head of School — Silver Spring Campus, is an experienced educator with a passion for creating learning environments that expand possibilities for all learners. With over 16 years of experience in independent school education, Ms. Douglas holds a Master’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus on special education and English language learners from The George Washington University. Furthermore, she earned a B.A. in sociology from Haverford College and completed the certificate in advanced educational leadership at Harvard University. Ms. Douglas has participated in several programs designed to enable school leaders to problem-solve issues of equity and justice. A lifelong learner and tireless advocate for education that engages and nurtures every child, Ms. Douglas believes deeply in the potential of students who learn differently.
Why I Work At Siena: because I believe in the limitless potential of students who learn differently. I also believe in communities that value people first and recognize the immense heart and skill it takes to be an effective teacher.