Meet the Teachers
DR. PAT MITCHELL
Hayfield High School Theatre Director
psmitchell@fcps.edu
Pat Mitchell has been the High School Theatre Arts Director at Hayfield Secondary School since the 2015-16 school year. He previously taught at Yorktown High School, H-B Woodlawn Secondary, and Holmes Middle School. He attended George Mason University for his BA in Theatre, the University of Virginia for his M.Ed. and completed his Ph.D. in Education Leadership at George Mason University in the fall of 2018. He has worked professionally with the Keegan Theatre in Washington D.C., and Synetic Theatre in Arlington. He is a proud graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools and passionately believes in the importance and positive impact that theatre education can have on students. He is an avid fan of the Washington Capitals, Disney World, Christmas Lights, and Coffee.
MR. JOHN KOWNACKI
Hayfield Middle School Theatre Director jmkownacki@fcps.edu
John Kownacki is joining the Hayfield Dramahawks after 6 years in FCPS. Previously, John was the Theatre Arts director at Whitman Middle School and Liberty Middle School. With a Bachelor of Music from James Madison University and a Master of Science in Education from The City College of New York, John combines his academic background with real-world expertise to inspire and cultivate young talent. Before transitioning to education, John toured the country as a professional actor, working for such companies as Jean's Playhouse in Lincoln, NH, and American Family Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. While living in NYC, John directed several youth productions and worked as a musical theatre teaching artist before making his way home to Fairfax County. Outside of the classroom, he loves to experiment in the kitchen and enjoys spending time with his awesome dogs, Cricket and Birdie.