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Hey Y’all! My name is Madison Bailey! I am a new bride and a published author of a short novella called Ambush! I love to read, write, play cornhole, and watch bad reality TV (omg, love is blind cracks me up)! I am most excited about teaching 3rd grade at Westwood Hills this upcoming year and meeting students excited about learning!!😊🙌🏻😊🙌🏻😊

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My name is Matt and this is my first year teaching! I did my internship and degree in North Carolina at UNCW where I got my degree in history and Secondary Ed. I’m excited to get my career started in a district that cares deeply about their teachers.

One fun or unique fact about me is I was the mascot when I was in high school. Yes it was hot and no I would not do it again.

To relax I enjoy spending time with friends and family or taking a walk outside

This school year I am excited to get to know the school, community, and students as I take on my first year teaching. I’m looking forward to going to games and doing extracurricular things whenever I can!

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Hello! My name is Madison Sweitzer and I am about to start my first year teaching at William Perry Elementary. I am going to be a second grade teacher, which is the grade level I completed my student teaching in! I graduated from Mary Baldwin University in December with my Bachelor degree and I am currently working on my Masters Degree there. I am originally from Oakland, Maryland, but I enjoyed being in Virginia that I relocated! A fun fact about me is that I have my Amateur Radio License and I have had it since I was about 7 years old. It has been a great opportunity, it even led to me meeting an astronaut! In my free time I like to be outside or read books. This year I am excited to meet my students and build connections with them, but also with my 2nd grade team!

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I am a 5th year teacher beginning my second year of teaching Pre-K. I will be working at Wayne Hills Preschool Center. I am a graduate of Virgina State University and Mary Baldwin University.

A fun fact I like is that the Spanish Armada that attempted to overtake Renaissance England was lead by an Orange Grove owner who was friend to the King instead of a real admiral. This likely helped lead to the expeditions failure.

I love to read to relax in the evening.

I am excited to get involved in Wayne Hills' culture. The dress up days are something I'm looking forward to!

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Hello! My name is Jordan Tate and I am a first year art teacher at Wenonah Elementary School! I graduated James Madison University in 2024 with a studio art degree and my art education licensure.

Fun fact:

I was born in Clovis, New Mexico and moved to Virginia when I was in fourth grade!

When I am feeling stressed out, sitting down and watching a movie with the important people in my life always help me. Also, I enjoy painting and drawing on my free time.

I am excited for my first year of teaching. I feel the art room is a safe place for students and I am excited to help them explore their own artistic expression.

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Hi!

My name is Faye Griffith and I am a first year teacher at William Perry Elementary School! I have been apart of Waynesboro schools my entire life and am super excited to start another chapter of my life in this community! To relax I like to hang out and watch some of my favorite shows! something I am super excited for this upcoming school year is getting to meet my students and watch them grow academically!

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I am currently finishing my MAT Elementary Education at Mary Baldwin University.

A fun fact about myself and a that I love being in the mountains.

To relax I enjoy listening to music or podcasts.

I am excited to meet all my kindergartners and their families.

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1. This will be my 12th year teaching. I previously taught English in grades 6-11, but will be teaching 6th grade Math this year at KCMS.

2. I have visited 21 countries and hope to add a few more to the list!

3. I have 3 kids under the age of 6 (including 2 year old twins), so relaxing doesn’t happen too often. 😅

4. I most recently taught 11th grade, so I’m really excited to return to my middle school roots and teach 6th grade. It’s such a fun age!

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My name is Graceyn Craig and I’m a SPED teacher at Berkeley Glenn. I’ve been with BG since November of last year! I’m excited for the beginning of the school year and getting back with the kiddos!

I have a 5 year old daughter, Emberly! She’ll be joining the BG family this coming year as a Kindergartener! And she is SO excited.

Also I’m pretty obsessed with Taylor Swift!!

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Hello! My name is Makaila Napier, this will be my first year teaching and I am so excited to start in 5th grade at William Perry Elementary School! I graduated in December from Radford University and am pursuing my Masters degree.

One fun fact about me is that I love to travel and have been to many places, my favorite being Paris, France! I love to read and be with my family in my free time. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, reading, and trying new things.

I am super excited to get started and develop relationships with the students. I also am excited to collaborate with the other grade level teachers to create the best learning experience for students!

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Me, my husband Matt, and our dog Piper.  

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Hello,

My name is Jennifer Landes, and I will be a Reading Specialist at Kate Collins Middle School. I began my teaching career by homeschooling my own children and then teaching English in Augusta County Public Schools at both the middle and high school levels. I then completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from UVA with a Reading Specialist endorsement.

One fun fact about me is that I love karaoke and dancing.

To relax, I like to kayak and hike.

I look forward to serving the students, staff, and families of the Waynesboro community. 😀

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My name is Lorissa Urtz. I formerly taught in New York State; grades 6th and 2nd. This year I am teaching 3rd grade at William Perry!

I am a “retired” military spouse (my husband has retired), and our family has decided to finally settle down around the Waynesboro area.

During my down time, I enjoy camping and being outdoors with my children (husband too, I guess). I also enjoy reading a good book, when I get the time!

I am excited to teach in a diverse setting and getting to know more about various cultures/ backgrounds of the students of Waynesboro.

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I have been an elementary school teacher for the past 7 years, this is my first year with Waynesboro Public Schools. I am so excited to be joining William Perry as a 4th grade teacher! I am a beach bum at heart and lived on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for the past four years. However, my mountain roots returned me back to my family in Charlottesville. Whenever I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy reading or binge watching a good show! I am so excited to meet new faces this year and get to know everyone!

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1. I am working as an English teacher at Waynesboro High this year! This will be my second year teaching and I’m so excited to be at Waynesboro. I received my Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, where I majored in Secondary Education and English.

2. One important fact about me is that I have two cats that are brother and sister. Their names are Artemis and Apollo and they’re my buddies! You can see their cute faces in the top pic on my post.

3. To unwind, I take walks, spend time with my husband, watch movies, read, and write.

4. This year, I am most excited about getting to work with the students, families, and professionals at Waynesboro schools.

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My school picture from when I was student teaching in Missouri!

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Hi! My name is Olivia Henkel and I am starting my first year of teaching at William Perry Elementary School in 5th grade. I am super excited to start my career and look forward to meeting my students very soon.

I grew up in a military family and have lived in a variety of states. My family and I are from the Philadelphia area. After Pennsylvania, I lived in New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Florida. I moved to St. Louis, Missouri for college and now live in Charlottesville, VA. I love to experience new places and have loved moving around my whole life.

To relax, I love to read and listen to music. I listen to most genres and love to read both fiction and nonfiction. I love to spend time with friends and family and enjoy trying new restaurants and exploring. Since I’m new to the area, there’s still a ton to explore!

I’m most excited about building great relationships with my students and learning alongside them everyday. Positive classroom rapport is my main priority and is something we will work on everyday. I can’t wait for the first day of school! :)

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My teacher bestie in Chesapeake! (I’m on the right!)

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Hi everyone! My name is Cassidey Chrisman and I began my teaching career in Chesapeake. This will be my fourth year teaching and I’m very excited to be teaching 5th grade at William Perry!

I am from the area and graduated from Riverheads High School in 2016. During my time at Riverheads I was a three sport athlete and played volleyball, basketball and softball. I attended EMU where I played softball for four years and graduated with my Bachelors in Elementary Education in 2020.

During my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, read, go to the gym, watch sports, and go to the beach!

I am excited to build relationships with my students and help them have an amazing school year!

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1. Hello, my name is Helen Harris. I usually tend to go by my nickname Lena. I am starting my first year of teaching at Kate Collins Middle School. I will be teaching 6th grade math and 7th grade science.

2. I spend most of last year traveling in Europe for school. I was able to visit Cyprus and Greece on a school trip, as well as study at Oxford University for a six week program. I then was able to hike the Scottish highlands for 2 weeks. For the remainder of the year, I spend the fall semester in Belfast, Ireland attending St. Mary’s University College. If you couldn’t tell, I adore travel and meeting new people.

3. I am a huge book nerd and always find it relaxing to make a cup of tea, curl up in a fluffy blanket, and open a book.

4. I am so excited to get the know my students and colleagues this upcoming year. I can not wait to build relationships that last a lifetime.

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Hello! I’m Angie and I am from Waynesboro, VA. I graduated from Bridgewater College in 2012. I’ve worked at Wayne Hills Preschool since October 2017 as an instructional assistant. Over the years, I’ve learned that my heart is in special education. This will be my first year as a special education teacher.

A fun fact about me is that I am working in the school that I started school in when I was young. I spent half my kindergarten year at Wayne Hills while they were building William Perry Elementary school.

To relax, I like to read, spend time with my pets, and hang out with my boyfriend in Madison County.

I’m excited to meet my new students this year and see their growth.

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Hi! My name is Lauren Skidmore- I’m a fifth year teacher! I have taught in Harrisonburg city for the past several years with experience in everything from kindergarten to fourth grade. I am so excited to teach math in 6th grade this year and help kids explore (or discover!) their love of math!

I have two cats- Artemis and Calcifer- that are the absolute craziest little guys. They bring me a lot of joy so it’s okay.

I love reading! Fantasy, mysteries, and thrillers are my favorite. Recently I discovered the joy of audiobooks and they make cooking/cleaning a lot more enjoyable.

This school year I am excited to help students develop academic and social/emotional confidence. The relationships and community we build are truly the backbone of what school is, and I know our kids will amaze and impress us every day.

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A picture from my recent trip to the VMFA for the Samurai Armor exhibit! 

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Hi! I am joining Waynesboro as a kindergarten teacher at Berkeley Glenn. I am so excited to get in there and enjoy my 15th year teaching!

Did you know that if you see a rainbow at a waterfall, you might get to see a rainbow circle? They’re really cool!

I have many hobbies that I enjoy: painting, reading, playing piano, singing, going out to shows and concerts and festivals, cooking, and nature walks are all activities I enjoy in my downtime.

I am super excited to meet my class. I look forward to discovering each new name, dream, and journey into learning!

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A photo of my sister (Nikia) and I after climbing a mountain in Costa Rica for vacation.

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Hello everyone, my name is DeShinta Gary. This year will be my first year teaching at Kate Collins Middle School! I am originally from Philadelphia, PA but came to Virginia to pursue my career in teaching at Mary Baldwin University. This year, I graduated from Mary Baldwin University with my Masters in Arts of Teaching English (6th-12th).

A fun fact about me is that I can solve a few Rubix cubes under 5 minutes. My lowest record is under 2 minutes on the standard cube. I love solving puzzles that are challenging or frustrating. I learned this skill using YouTube videos in my sophomore year of college.

Some of my favorite things to do to relax are reading, writing, spending time with friends and exploring new areas. Recently, over the summer I began walking around the community to learn more about Waynesboro.

One thing I am excited about for my first year is learning more about my students and the school community. I strongly believe that the classroom environment begins with the rapport between the teachers and their students.

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Hello! My name is Malinda King, and I am thrilled to be joining WHS as a 9th grade English teacher. I am originally from Harrisonburg but have spent the last eight years living and teaching in Kansas. I completed my undergrad in English education at Eastern Mennonite University and my master’s at Emporia State University with an emphasis on gifted special education.

While at EMU, I spent a semester studying in China which fueled my love of travel, learning about other cultures, and trying new foods.

In my free time, I love to read, work on craft projects, and spend time with my husband, Riley. We have two senior chihuahuas named Missy and Snickers.

I am excited to get to know students and become involved in the Waynesboro community: it is wonderful to be back in the Valley!

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I received my M.Ed. in Counselor Education with an Emphasis in School Mental Health Leadership from UVA in May 2024. I was a School Counseling Intern during the 2023-2024 school year at Wenonah Elementary. I am happy to be splitting my time between Wenonah Elementary and Berkeley Glenn Elementary this year. As an intern, I started a few new programs for students and families and I hope to expand those to create more opportunities for our community. I am excited to be spending time at both schools and looking forward to creating many new connections with students, staff, families, and the Waynesboro community.

My fun fact is that this summer my bucket list got a bit shorter. I went skydiving!! It was an amazing experience and I recommend it to anyone who needs an adrenaline rush.

I enjoy reading psychological thriller books or binging a tv series to relax. I also enjoy cooking new dishes and relaxing by the pool in the summer.

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¡Hola a todos, estoy feliz de estar aquí! This is my first year as a Spanish teacher with Waynesboro, and I’m quite excited. I have a Master’s Degree in Education (Educational Psychology + ESL) and for the last three years worked with Albemarle County in their EL and International Department.

In my free time I enjoy photography, gardening, reading, and spending time with my son, Kingston (13), and our two cats, Poppy and Feather. I like to relax by the pool and go local county lakes.

I’m excited to get to know my students, families, and new work colleagues. I’m also looking forward to growing alongside my students as we focus on language learning and development. I hope to encourage students to confidentially speak Spanish and grow in their curiosity of different Spanish speaking countries and communities.

¡Vamos a tener un buen año escolar!

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Hello my name is Reagan Thomas. For two years I was the Deaf department science teacher at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. This year I will be at Waynesboro High School teaching Chemistry and Earth Science. I was a student-athlete at UVA where I studied chemistry and was a member of the women’s rowing team.

I began learning American Sign Language in high school and received my interpreter’s license this summer. In my spare time, I enjoy coaching youth sports, such as lacrosse and goalball. I also enjoy rebuilding cars with my brother.

I am thrilled to be teaching Chemistry this year and so excited for my students to learn from many lab experiments.

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Kat Withers - KCMS Graphic Design Teacher 

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Kat Withers - KCMS Graphic Design Teacher 

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Hey hey! My name is Kat Withers and I will be teaching the new graphic design elective at Kate Collins Middle School. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands—I come with a BFA in Graphic Design from James Madison University and 7+ years of design experience in a variety of mediums.

Believe it or not, I used to make memes for a living. Additionally, and probably more professionally, I have a background in nonprofit work, luxury goods, and social media marketing for the gaming industry. All groups were provided with some design service or another, whether brand building, web development, print works, ect. You name it, and (outside of animation) I’m your gal!

Favorite games include: Skyrim, The Sims, and a new hyperfixation of mine—GOT Conquest.

I am forever excited about teaching this school year! For me, this is actually a full-circle moment as my design journey first began in middle school. Can’t wait to share the ins and outs of my favorite subject!

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Hello! My name is Elisabeth Dhillon! I am a flutist, musician, French speaker and teacher. I attended Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and graduated with a double degree in flute performance and instrumental education with a minor in French. After graduating from LU, I was hired to teach band and French at William Monroe High School. Since my first year in teaching, I have: taught private studios, performed as a professional flutist, and have taught in both the Greene County and Harrisonburg City public school systems. During these teaching years, I received my Kodaly certification and my master’s degree from JMU in music education. I am delighted to be teaching world culture and language at KCMS and French I at the high school.

This summer, I have learned how to fish with my two sons that are six and nine and I now get excited about fishing with them. I filleted my first fish last week! In my free time I love to garden and cook!

I am thankful to be joining such a dynamic, talented and kind team of educators and administration. The warmth that I have been showered with makes me feel like I already belong.

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Hello, my name is David Cianci! I was born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs. I decided after graduating from High School to go down south and attend James Madison University. I recently graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management along with minors General Business and British Communications & Media Studies. Starting this summer of 2024 will be my first year at Waynesboro High School teaching Independent Living and Hospitality & Tourism.

A fun fact about me is that I have to visited more countries than states in my lifetime thus far. I have been to over 25 countries and less than 20 US states.

In my free time, I spend my time relaxing by sitting on my deck overlooking the woods in my back yard reading a book or hanging out with friends & family.

I am excited about joining Waynesboro High School in 2024 teaching in the CTE department to my students who have chosen to take my classes and learn as much as I can offer them as their teacher to take into the rest of their life with them.

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Hello my name is Sean Hensley. I have been teaching for 26 years on both the high school and collegiate level. This is my second year at WHS. I believe that success breeds success and that all students deserve a great education!

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My name is Dee Jones. I have been teaching for 20 plus years. (Staunton City) Middle School has been my heart. Love the small town and close community feel. Love watching old movies and westerns. Love listening to music,reading,and watching sports to relax. Developing positive and pleasant relationships with students and colleagues.

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Roller skating in a 1990’s decorated roller rink

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This is my 18th year of teaching and I’m so excited to begin my first year at Westwood Hills teaching 5the grade Language Arts.

My family loves adventures!!! So far this summer, we’ve been to a demolition derby, seen monster trucks, and my son participated in mutton bustin’. If there is something to explore, we’re all about it.

I love to read, craft, or go hiking to relax.

I am excited about learning alongside my students. They are my teachers just as much as I am theirs.

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My name is Megan Paradise and I am a school counselor at Waynesboro High School. I graduated with my MA in School Counseling in 2021 and I am going into my fourth year as a school counselor. I am very excited to be working at Waynesboro Public Schools!

A fun fact about me is that I grew up in Ohio, attended college in North Carolina, and have now lived in Virginia for 6 years.

I relax by spending time with my friends and family.

I am really looking forward to meeting and getting to know the students at Waynesboro High School!

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Hello, I will be teaching 4th grade at William Perry Elementary. This will be my first year teaching and I am very excited to be apart of the Panther family. I have coached girls basketball at Waynesboro High School for 5 years. I love to collect and care for plants, so to relax I like to repot my plants or do any type of plant management.

I’m excited to meet the kids I will be teaching and I’m very happy to continue to put my efforts into the growth of the Waynesboro community.

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Cheryl Martin Reading Specialist William Perry

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Cheryl Martin Reading Specialist William Perry

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Hello, everyone! I’m Cheryl Martin and I am thrilled to be at William Perry Elementary this year, where my teaching career began many years ago! This is my 31st year of teaching. I taught for 13 years previously in Waynesboro as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, taught preschool with the Head Start program for 2 years, and I’ve been a reading specialist in Augusta County for 15 years. I have one son, who is my greatest gift and accomplishment.

A fun fact about me is that I enjoy doing Christian motivational speaking at my church and at local community events. I have also traveled to 49 of the states in the U.S.

I enjoy reading motivational and uplifting books, listening to music, singing in my church choir, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.

I’m most excited about being back to Waynesboro, being back to William Perry, working with a fabulous team, and even being in the exact same classroom as I was several years ago!

It also brings tremendous excitement to my heart to try my absolute best to make a positive difference in the lives of our students academically, socially, and emotionally. My ultimate hope is to inspire students to become all that they are created to be!

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Hello! My name is Logan Dwyer. I graduated from Lynchburg College in 2010 and moved to Yuma, Arizona in 2012. In Yuma, I was a first grade teacher for six years and an instructional coach at the high school level for six years.

A fun fact about me is that I love to watch tennis but have two left feet and I am not a very good tennis player 😅.

To relax, I like to spend time with my family and friends!

This school year I am excited to get to know all my students and the staff at William Perry.

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My two girls, Frankie (three-legged cat) and Phoebe (social butterfly dog)

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1. Howdy, I’m Brianna Squizzero! I recently graduated from James Madison University, and am so excited to join the Kate Collins team! Prior to accepting my position, I worked as a preschool teacher in Harrisonburg, a music specialist in Colonial Heights, and completed a teacher preparation program in high school.

2. Cats meow at you because they view themselves as your baby.

3. I like to read, hike, bake, travel, and spend time with my friends.

4. I’m so excited to get to know and build relationships with my students! I enjoy being at the front of the classroom and making jokes and making history fun and relatable to my students - and I’m excited to see them learn, grow, and feel confident in the material I teach.

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Greetings,

I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan and Arizona State University. I sincerely believe that people are our greatest resource and it is important we invest in them.

Fun Fact: I am an only child.

To relax, I play Magic: the Gathering, enjoy athletics, and love spending time with my family.

I am excited to build relationships with my colleagues and students in an effort to make everyone the best we can be.

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I graduated from William & Mary in 2021, majoring in Linguistics and Public Health. I received my Master’s in Speech Pathology from Radford University this past May and will be working as a Speech Therapist for Wenonah Elementary and Waynesboro High. Having grown up in Waynesboro Public Schools, I am excited to give back to the community that helped raise me!

In middle school, I started making birthday cards. Since then, I have learned how to make more elaborate box cards and carss that resemble mini scrapbooks. I love how each card is unique and gives me the opportunity to personalize it for the recipient!

To relax, I like to go on long walks, spend time outside, and play with my two cats (Pemberley and Luna).

This year, I am looking forward to learning more about each of my students and supporting them as they work towards meeting their speech and language goals!

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My name is Sarah Fauber and this is my 21st year teaching! This is my first year teaching in Waynesboro City! I have taught preschool, 2nd, 3rd and worked as a reading coach. This will be a new adventure as a Special Education Teacher and I can't wait to begin this part of my professional journey!

A fun fact about me is I have performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC! I was also my music major for awhile when I went to JMU and was an MRD. Music continues to be a very important and large part of my life.

To relax, I spend time with my family and spend time outside, read, but especially baking!

I am most excited about this new school year to build relationships with students and new colleagues and especially to watch student grow and learn! It will be very exciting to be a part of the Waynesboro family!

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Hello! I’m Nicole, and I’ll be teaching 3rd grade at Berkeley Glenn Elementary. I taught 2nd grade for two years in Culpeper before moving to Waynesboro.

Something fun I’m trying to do is visit all of the National Parks in the U.S. I have only visted four so far, but I’ll be visiting more throughout the year!

I’m so excited to read books to my students this year and share my love of reading with my class.

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I am returning to WHS to teach psychology/human services and whatever gaps need filling. I spent 20+ years in child protection and mental health before joining WHS in 2015. My family moved to Kenya in 2019 for missions work and returned to the states at the end of 2023.

Fun fact: my four children are fluent in Swahili and as much Kenyan as American.

The quiet outdoors is my world of relaxation. If not the quiet outdoors, I am a lifelong basketball guy and have learned to love soccer (the world’s game).

I am excited to get back to the classroom and learning students and being a part of their future.

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My name is Brad Yoder and I am in my first year of teaching special education at Kate Collins Middle School. I previously taught physical education in the Indianapolis area and got my start in education as an instructional aide at William Perry here with Waynesboro Public Schools. I am also currently getting my masters in special education at Radford University.

A unique fact about me is that I worked 35 different jobs before finally finding my calling in education and I’ve lived or worked in about 15 different states. I grew up on a dairy farm in a town of 300 people and have lived in a city of 3 million residents and lived in all sizes of towns, cities, and villages in between.

In my free time I love spending time outdoors with my sons, camping, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, playing sports, traveling. I also enjoy running and listening to podcasts to hear new perspectives.

I am really excited about getting started this year and getting to know my students and their families and making my classroom a fun, exciting environment where students enjoy their learning.

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Hi! This year I will be working at Wenonah as a special education teacher serving students in kindergarten through third grade. This will be my 8th year teaching, but first in this role.

Fun fact: one of our labs is a bomb detection dog that helps ensure everyone's safety on UVA grounds.

To relax I like to go on walks with my family.

I'm excited to meet new families and students!

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Hi everyone! I'm passionate about connecting young people to food, farming, and nature and I'm thrilled to be joining the Waynesboro High School team this year as an agriculture teacher. In total this is my fourth year teaching (was formerly an 8th grade English teacher) but I've been working as an outdoor farm-based educator for the last 6 years at Project GROWS, so I have been working with WPS students, teachers, nutrition staff, admin, and central office for a long time.

Fun fact, I went to the same high school as Pharrell Williams (but waaay after him haha)! I love this fact because I'm also a singer. I lead music at church and sing in several bands in Harrisonburg.

I spend about four hours a week in Bikram yoga where the room is heated to 105 degrees (this explains why I like farming too!) Yoga is how I stay strong for teaching outside!

Very excited about the Waynesboro Education Farm and all the good things happening there and can't wait to bring my classes there to learn outside!

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I am Lisa Cash

I have been a Special Education teacher for 30 years. I have taught at elementary school, middle school and high school. I love the challenge Special Education brings to me

My unique fact is I love history

I relax by digging in the dirt in the dirt of my flower beds.

I am most excited about returning to the high school level as this is where I developed my love for Special Education.

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I am a special education teacher who retired from Albemarle County Public Schools. Many of the students I worked with have multiple physical cognitive challenges.

I spent most of my elementary school years living in India, as the daughter of missionary parents.

Listening to music and dancing are some of ways I unwind.

Every school year I look forward to having new adventures with a new group of students.

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1. Hey, I've been at Virginia Institute of Autism for the last 3 years while finishing my degree at Western Governors University. I'm glad to be at Kate Collins teaching 8th Grade Science!

2. Fun fact: Did you know that the Earths diameter was first calculated in roughly 240 BC by Eratosthenes by comparing shadows at two locations.

3. I play video games and tabletop RPGs. Specifically strategy or RPGs for games and DND for tabletop. Also, my kid is adorable.

4. I am most excited about sharing my excitement about science with my students this year.

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This is my eighteenth year teaching, and I will join the staff at WHS as a 10th grade English and Journalism teacher. A fun fact about me is that I am a certified yoga instructor, and I love sharing the joys of mindfulness with kids and colleagues. To relax, I enjoy cooking with farm-fresh foods, hiking with my nine-year-old son and husband, and READING! I am excited about getting to know the incredible students at WHS!

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Hello! I’m Kristi and this will be my second year teaching 7th grade Math at Kate Collins Middle School. I had the opportunity to teach last year as a long term substitute teacher.

A fun fact about me is that I am a 3rd generation teacher and originally from the Cincinnati, Ohio area. My favorite way to relax is spending time with my boys, reading and traveling. I am most excited this school year to meet the rising class of 7th graders.

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Hello. I’ve had the privilege of working with students in the classroom for the past 26 years. I’ve taught 3rd-5th grade, middle school math and science, and high school science and English. I love working with all ages. This year I am so excited to be transitioning from the regular classroom to being the Library Media Specialist at Berkeley Glenn Elementary.

Fun fact- I have two rescue dogs Lucy and Allie. Allie is in training to be a therapy dog.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, knitting, being outdoors, listening to podcasts, and of course reading.

I am most excited about building new relationships and reading to students every day.

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Q1: This will be my first year teaching at WHS! I have a bachelors in social work and a background instructing exceptional learners at Pygmalion School in Staunton.

Q2: I love the outdoors! Hiking, camping, and kayaking are some favorite activities.

Q3: For self-care I enjoy spending time with my many cats and my many plants.

Q4: I am excited to build relationships with new and returning students and to help guide them toward positive self growth.

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My name is Katie Roller Schulz-Ditchen, this is my 28th year teaching. I grew up here in the Valley and have deep roots here, but I moved away for about thirty years. I was a junior ambassador for the U.S. at Soviet Space Camp. I am passionate about supporting inclusion.

My husband and I foster siblings sets with disabilities, and so far we have fostered around sixty children and teens of all ages. We have seven grown children, including two Educators. We enjoy creating sensory-focused play spaces for the children we foster and have a large indoor sensory playground in our conservatory/ greenhouse which children can enter via a secret passageway inside an antique wardrobe. The conservatory also houses many varieties of plants and serves as an aviary for our bird rescue.

I love to create and to read and to write and to paint. In my spare time, I work as a consultant helping museums and other spaces and programs (inclusing the U.S. Space Camp) to become more fully accessible and inclusive. I also renovate vintage Airstreams and houses with my family.

I am thrilled to be part of the preschool special education team at Wayne Hills! This picture is of my own preschool class at Mary Baldwin in theearly 1970s. My twin brother and I are in the front row.

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Hello! I am a fairly new to WPS. I am very excited to be teaching my first full year as a 4th grade teacher at Westwood Elementary School! I accepted my teaching position last October, so I only taught three-fourths of the year. In total this will be my third year at Westwood.

I live Waynesboro with my daughter, Beth, who will be in sixth grade at Katie Collins. We have two dogs, Rosie and Doc, and a ferret, Bandit.

When I’m not working, I enjoy watching my daughter learn karate, spending time outdoors, making wreaths, and cooking new recipes.

I’m very excited to meet my students and be apart an amazing community to help our students grow!