In every division at Mount Vernon, students are provided an environment in which they learn collaboratively while engaging in authentic, real-world work. At the same time, the School’s educators have the flexibility to create thoughtful learning environments, bringing creative techniques, rich experiences, and a visionary approach in and beyond the classroom.
Eduardo Milrud, Upper School
Head of iDiploma
Dr. Eduardo Milrud joined Mount Vernon after working five years at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design. Having earned a Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in Design & Innovation from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Milrud spent over two decades on new product development teams for global brands that include Moen, Bosch Siemens, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly Clark. His goal is to continue to develop the program’s breadth and depth with increased sensitivity towards social, economic, and technological change.
Over the past 8 years, Mount Vernon’s Innovation Diploma has become a leading national high school program focusing on innovation as a form of developing knowledge with tools applicable to every discipline. Dr. Milrud explains, “In the next few years, our team’s goal is to generate a more profound impact within our community, and worldwide, by enabling our students to realize the change they envision. Empathy, collaboration, and subject matter expertise are essential for success. We make sure our students feel very confident and comfortable in shaping the future.”
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Colette Johnston, Lower School
Grades 2 – 5 Maker, Design & Engineering Teacher
Mrs. Colette Johnston has been a tinkerer all her life. A self-proclaimed Jack of all trades, she is a master of many. Prior to joining Mount Vernon, Johnston owned a leather bag design company, making and selling her own creations. With exceptional crafting skills, she makes knives, sews, turns wood, and reupholsters mid century modern chairs. Additionally, Johnston has studied psychology, neurology, public speaking, and theology.
Excited to be a member of MV faculty, Johnston shares, “Once I saw the classroom and met with administrators, I knew I was going to enjoy being here. I was so excited by the prospect of autonomy and trust given to me to use my skill set to the fullest. This is everything I could have wanted. The Lower School schedule allows for students to spend an entire week with each Connections teacher which gives them plenty of time to prototype and work through problems. I want these students to develop a sense of agency towards the immediate problems in their lives where if they have a problem at home like a broken lamp or a leak in the pipes, they have the skills and the desire to fix it.”
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