Leadership at Seton

Dr. Lisa Grillo '89

President

Dr. Lisa Maria Grillo is the proud President of Elizabeth Seton High School, her alma mater and the school that shaped her into the woman and leader she is today. As the first laywoman and woman of color to lead the school, Dr. Grillo brings over 30 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and scholar. Her journey in education spans the classroom, central office, and the academy. She has served as principal, assistant superintendent, and chief human resources officer in large urban and suburban school districts, and as a professor at Howard University and the University of New Mexico. 

Dr, Grillo’s research focuses on the leadership experiences of Black and Latina women, and she is deeply committed to developing culturally responsive and empowered women leaders. As President of Seton, she leads with intention, anchoring in faith, community, and a vision for innovation that honors the school’s rich legacy while preparing young women for a dynamic future.

A native Washingtonian and proud Afro-Cuban woman, Dr. Grillo earned her B.A. and M.T. from the University of Virginia and her doctorate from Howard University. She resides in Bowie, Maryland, where she cares for her mother and lives out her calling to lead with faith and service.

Maureen McDonough

Principal

Maureen McDonough currently serves as the Principal of Elizabeth Seton High School for the 2025–2026 school year, following her role as Interim Principal during the 2023–2024 school year and then being named full-time Principal school year the 2024-2025.  With close to 20 years of leadership experience in Catholic education, she brings a deep commitment to student development, academic excellence, and the promotion of core values rooted in the Seton mission.

She began her career at Elizabeth Seton in 2007 as a Health and Physical Education teacher before taking on progressive leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of Students, Assistant Athletic Director, and Dean of Students. In these positions, she was responsible for implementing restorative disciplinary practices, supporting student behavior and academic accountability, leading schoolwide initiatives, and fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and families.

From 2018 to 2021, she supported the Dean of Academics in various capacities, including the development of a new school schedule, oversight of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and mentorship of both students and new faculty. Her administrative experience reflects a balanced approach to both student life and academic operations, with a particular strength in collaborative leadership.

In addition to her leadership roles, she has been deeply involved in school-wide initiatives and professional accreditation processes at Elizabeth Seton High School. In 2016, she served as the Internal Coordinator for the Middle States Association Re-accreditation Process, overseeing the school’s self-study, coordinating faculty input, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

She also contributes to the broader educational community as a Visiting Team Member for the Middle States Association, a role she has held since 2017. In this capacity, she visits peer institutions to evaluate their academic and organizational effectiveness as part of the accreditation process.

Since 2014, she has served as a Class Moderator, supporting student leadership, coordinating class events, and fostering community among students.

She holds a Master of Science in Administration from Trinity Washington University (2015), a Master of Arts in Physical Education and Athletic Administration from East Carolina University (2000), and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Maryland, College Park (1998).

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Maureen enjoys staying active and working on her physical fitness. A proud Maryland native, she loves cheering on her beloved Terps, Ravens, and Orioles. In her free time, she also values spending quality time with family and friends.

Christopher Conlon

Director of Academic Innovation

Christopher Conlon brings over two decades of experience in administration, teaching, and leadership to his role in advancing academic innovation at Elizabeth Seton High School. With a background that blends educational leadership and project management, he has consistently championed integrity, diversity, and excellence in every institution he has served.

He has held key leadership roles including Interim Principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Glen Burnie and Assistant Head of School, Director of Program, and Director of Athletics at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis. His accomplishments include implementing International Baccalaureate programs, enhancing campus security protocols, and overseeing robust academic and athletic initiatives. Earlier in his career, Conlon taught Conceptual Physics, Honors, and AP Chemistry at St. Mary’s High School, where he also coached swimming teams to competitive success, reflecting his ability to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

Conlon has also contributed his expertise at Gilman School and Savannah College of Art and Design, holding roles such as Science Department Chair, Instructor of Physical Education, and Head Coach of Swimming and Diving, where he led teams to national championships. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences and Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University and holds MSDE Administrator I & II certifications. Outside of education, he enjoys golf, baking, biking, swimming, and fishing.

Melinda Jennings

Dean of Student Life

Melinda Jennings serves as the Dean of Student Life at Elizabeth Seton High School. Originally from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, she moved to Washington, D.C. in 2010 to begin her career in education, working in both higher education and early childhood settings. Over the course of twelve years, Melinda dedicated herself to supporting the growth and development of both traditional and post-traditional students.

In the fall of 2022, she expanded her educational journey by transitioning into secondary education, bringing her passion and experience to Seton's vibrant school community. At Seton, Melinda oversees all student clubs and organizations, supports faculty advisors, and works to enhance student culture and preserve meaningful school traditions. She is especially passionate about creating outlets for exploration and expression for all students, whether self-proclaimed introverts or extroverts – ensuring everyone has a place to thrive. Known for hosting student events and being a consistent, safe space on campus, Melinda takes pride in fostering a school environment where students feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. As a student-centered and holistic educator, Melinda is deeply committed to ensuring that all students have a well-rounded, meaningful, and authentic educational experience.

Melinda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Xavier University (OH) and a Master of Arts in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia.

Gina Miller

Director of the Counseling Center

Gina is the Dean of Counseling at Elizabeth Seton High School, an all girls Catholic high school located in Bladensburg Maryland. 

Gina has an easy going  nature which creates a welcoming and safe space for relationship building. Managing student affairs for over twenty two years Gina offers a listening ear, wise counseling, and a depth of spiritual knowledge. Her passion is connecting young people to resources that will develop them spiritually, academically, relationally, and personally.

A former high school girls basketball coach. Gina is a three time national champion with Riverdale Baptist School, and a county and state champion with Largo high school. 

Gina earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications with a minor in marketing from East Tennessee State University where she is a four year letter winner with the ETSU women's Basketball program. She was selected for the Athletes in Action (AIA) USA basketball team that toured China, Taiwan, and Macau during her junior year.

Gina received a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Regent University in 2012. Her goal is to develop a counseling service for athletes dealing with mental health issues.

At Seton Gina is the moderator of three clubs: the African Student Association, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Freshmen Student Government Association officers. 

Gina, a Maryland native, is an avid reader, loves to exercise, and treasures time with family especially her nieces and nephews.

Niki Geckeler

Athletic Director

Niki Reid Geckeler is a transformational leader and educator who has spent her career using basketball as a powerful platform to empower young women and drive holistic development. A proud graduate of Georgetown University (C’93), she began her professional journey as a member of Teach For America, laying a strong foundation in education, equity and student advocacy. Her early years as an educator continue to shape her leadership style—centered on mentorship, accountability and growth.

As the Senior Women’s Administrator at Howard University, she demonstrated her commitment to elevating women in sports and ensuring equitable opportunities for student-athletes on and off the court. A proven builder of championship cultures, Reid Geckeler brings over two decades of collegiate coaching and administrative experience to her leadership role at Elizabeth Seton High School. Her coaching résumé spans elite programs including Georgetown, Howard, Towson and Fordham, where she served as a head coach, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. She has developed All-Conference, Defensive Player of the Year and All-Academic honorees, while achieving 100% graduation rates and mentoring players who continued their careers professionally.

At Howard, she engineered one of the greatest turnarounds in program history—leading the Bison to postseason bids and back-to-back 20-win seasons. She also built nationally ranked recruiting classes at Georgetown and guided future WNBA talent, demonstrating her ability to identify, recruit and develop student-athletes at the highest level.

At Seton, Reid Geckeler champions the power of sport as a vehicle for leadership, education, and lifelong confidence. With a vision rooted in purpose and progress, she is deeply committed to creating pathways for girls through athletics, academic excellence and community engagement. She is widely recognized for her ability to drive meaningful community partnerships and service initiatives that connect student-athletes to causes greater than themselves.

Whether on the sidelines or in the boardroom, her leadership reflects integrity, intention and a deep belief in the potential of every young woman she serves. Her work continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in women’s sports—transforming lives and opening doors with every step.