Mrs. Lisa M. Dolinich

Hello!  I am Lisa Dolinich and this will be my 6th year as the Spectrum Teacher at Trailside Middle School.  I love being a member of the "pack". 

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a dual major in Spanish from Susquehanna University, a small college in Pennsylvania.  Who knew that Loudoun County would grow so much since the years I drove through here on my way to college? 

I have taught for 25 years in Loudoun County Public Schools.  I started out teaching 5th grade at Emerick Elementary and taught there for 5 years.  I began taking classes in Gifted Education and found that to be a passion of mine. I took classes for a certificate in Gifted Education through UVA.  I then went on to pursue my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education from George Mason University.

I opened up the FUTURA center at Countryside Elementary School and was there for 15 years.  I then decided it was time for a change and that I finally was old enough to "graduate" to middle school. That brought me to Trailside Middle School.  I have truly enjoyed working with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders as we pursue challenging projects and learning opportunities.  I can't wait to see my students discover new passions, overcome challenges, and take themselves out of their comfort zones over their time in Spectrum.  The best part is having the opportunity to watch my students grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the 3 years, I get to work with them in Spectrum.

I like to be involved in the school in many ways.  Currently, I am a Compass lead and Co-Adviser for the Student Council Association.  

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family.  My husband, Joe, is also a teacher in LCPS.  He teaches 5th grade at Tolbert Elementary.  My daughter, McKinley, is 12 and is in 7th grade this year!  We love to travel all over.  Every other year we return to Maine (where I lived for several years growing up) and enjoy visiting our friends and family from PA all the way through New England.  We also love going on cruises and are huge Disney fans.  (We named our puppy, Minnie, as she is a small fluffy black and white shichon.)  This summer we went back to Alaska after 15 years!  We named our daughter after Mt. McKinley (now Denali) as we loved the beauty of the last frontier. A few years ago, we ventured out west for the first time to explore "America the Beautiful" through our travels to some national parks- we hope to continue to venture out to more.  My favorite hobbies are reading, kayaking, and photography.  I take way too many pictures and never have enough time to get them organized in photobooks.  :)

I look forward to working with the Trailside Spectrum students and know we will have another "intellectually stimulating" year!