Great Seneca Creek Elementary School

Ms. Katie Buffano

Hi! My name is Katie Buffano and I am excited to be joining The Creek! This will be my 13th year teaching. Previously, I taught kindergarten, 3rd, and 4th grade at Farmland Elementary in Rockville. I grew up in Frederick and graduated from the University of Maryland. I love to read and craft to relax. When I am not doing those things, I am with family and friends going to baseball games and hanging out.

Ms. Irena Hall 

Hi! I'm Irena Hall and I am thrilled to be teaching fifth grade at The Creek! This will be my fifth year at GSCES and my ninth year teaching! I received my Bachelor's degree at University of South Florida and recently earned my Administrator's certificate and Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Hood College. I started my teaching career at Wilson Wims Elementary School in Clarksburg, MD and have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. My husband and I live in Clarksburg MD with my twin daughters, Jasmine & Hailey, and our son, Alex. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling, hiking, concerts, and spending time with my family.

Ms. Juliet Jung

Hello! I'm Juliet Jung and I am excited to join the 5th grade team at The Creek! I have been a teacher in MCPS for the past twenty-one years where I have taught 1st, 3rd, 6th-8th and have spent the last fourteen years teaching 5th grade at Little Bennett ES. I received my Bachelor's in Elementary Education from The University of Maryland, College Park and my Master's in Technology in Education from Johns Hopkins University. My husband and I will be moving to Darnestown, MD in the fall with our two daughters, Lia and Alina, and two sons, Nicolas and Luke. Outside of teaching and being "Mom," I love to read, spend time with friends and family and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Ms. Kim Echtencamp

Hello! My name is Kim Echtenkamp and I am honored to join The Creek’s 5th grade team! I am coming from Rock View Elementary School in Kensington, MD where I taught 4th grade for the last 5 years. I am originally from the midwest where I taught kindergarten, first grade, and 3rd-5th grade reading. I live in Gaithersburg, MD with my husband and our daughter, Harper. I love reading and browsing books to find new, great literature. When not reading, you can find me visiting family and friends, exploring nature, and all that this lovely area has to offer!