Our Team
Kristin Carpenter, Founder
B.A. Louisiana State University
M.A. Georgetown University
M.A. George Mason University
Kristin founded Linder EC in 2008 to provide students and families with the supports they need to succeed in school.
Kristin is a developmental psychologist and balances working with clients at Linder with conducting academic research. She specializes in learning disabilities and developmental disorders. Her graduate work focused on cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, cognitive development, and molecular neuropharmacology. Kristin is a member of the MRES research team at George Mason University. She strives to stay current in neuroscience and psychological research, and to provide evidence-based interventions to Linder clients. A large part of her work involves helping families move the outside support Linder provides to in-school supports through 504s and IEPs. She is one of 450 people nationwide in the past ten years that have earned the Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law.
Kristin has been featured in interviews in Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and on radio shows about education. She was a One to Watch Under 40 in 2018, the Face of Educational Coaching 2017 and 2020, and Linder EC won the Best of Arlington in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the Best of Northern Virginia in 2017 for tutoring and education.
Kristin has two boys, Aubry (4) and Wesley (1). She is working on her first book, Intelligence, which examines how recent research on stress and epigenetics impacts our understanding of intelligence, and what this means for policy surrounding poverty and education. Kristin is currently training for the Mongol Derby 2021, which is the toughest and longest horse race in the world.
Carly Robb,
Chief Operating Officer
B.S. Washington and Lee University
M.Ed. The George Washington University
Carly has been serving students for almost 20 years – at the classroom, district, and federal level. Over the course of her career, Carly saw first-hand that education should not, and cannot be, a one size fits all solution. She is excited to be a part of the Linder community, working alongside students, families, teachers, and staff to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for all.
As a secondary math teacher, she taught everything from Algebra I to Pre-Calculus at HD Woodson High School, TC Williams High School, and at the SEED School, the nation’s first charter, college-preparatory boarding school.
She was able to pair her teaching experience with her business degree while working at DC Public Schools headquarters. This work focused on the operational side of the school system, building systems and increasing efficiencies for facilities and administrative functions. Prior to joining Linder Academy, Carly served as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Education at the US Department of Education.
Carly grew up in New Bern, North Carolina. She lives in Alexandria with her husband, Corry; her two daughters, Ellie (13) & Campbell (8); and her dogs, Maggie & Dolly.
Maria Duran, Hub Director
B.A. George Mason University
Certified Executive Function Coach
Maria recently graduated with honors, holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from George Mason University. Her academic journey was marked by an insatiable interest for understanding the human psyche. While in university, Maria engaged deeply with subjects ranging from cognitive psychology to child development, establishing a strong foundation for her current role.
Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between academic achievement and emotional well-being, Maria goes beyond conventional instruction. She encourages open dialogue, provides a platform for self-expression, and cultivates essential life skills such as communication, empathy, and resilience. Maria believes that a strong foundation in these areas equips students to excel not only academically but also in their personal and social lives.
Maria's future plans include furthering her academic journey. She is passionate about delving deeper into the intricacies of educational psychology, with an aspiration to pursue a master's or advanced degree in this field.