2023-2024 WPS New Team Members by Ryan Barber

Caitlin Adams 7th Grade Math at Kate Collins

2023-07-28 13:31:16 UTC

1) Hello, my name is Caitlin Adams and I am a first year teacher this year.
2) I grew up on a cow farm in Crozet, and love animals.
3) To relax, I like to watch Netflix with my cat. (Currently watching Suits)
4) I am excited about having my own classroom and getting a chance to know the kids!

Sarah Watson

2023-07-28 13:31:34 UTC

1. I teach first grade at William Perry Elementary!
2. I just got married this summer! I haven’t changed my name yet, but my married name will be Sarah Hinkle!
3. I love to re watch my favorite comfort shows! (Gilmore girls is what I’m re watching right now!)
4. I am the most excited to meet my first graders and their families, and become apart of my school community!

Felicia Bradley (KCMS)

2023-07-28 13:32:26 UTC

1. Hello all! I am joining WPS from a small private Christian school. This is my 6th year as an educator and I have taught varying subjects to grades 5-12, but my favorites include science and math! I’m excited to be spend this year teaching 6th grade science!

2. I was born in Germany.

3. To relax I like to read, travel, enjoy nature, and spend time with my family.

4. I look forward to building relationships with students and coworkers, and to finding new avenues to help students achieve their goals!

Karen Miller

kmiller33 — 2023-07-28 13:32:26 UTC

5th Grade Teacher @ William Perry. Fun time at Myrtle Beach with friends and family 🏖️ I will be returning to Africa next summer 🐆🐘🦒🦓🦏 I love reading/listening to audiobooks by my pool. I am excited to be back in the classroom after #%^* years🪼

Cadie Vena

2023-07-28 13:33:00 UTC

1. Hi! My name is Cadie Vena Reed, and I am teaching 8th grade English at Kate Collins Middle School.

2. My grandfather immigrated to the US from Argentina, and a goal of mine is to visit my family that still lives there.

3. I absolutely love to read any and all books. I also enjoy doing yoga and cuddling my cats.

4. I am so excited to meet the kids and learn about their stories. I am also looking forward to learning from my fellow teachers and becoming a better educator!

Ana Cabrera, ELL at WPES

2023-07-28 13:33:29 UTC

1. I have been working as a teacher for more than a decade. I hold a master’s degree in Inclusive Education and I love my profession.
2. I can speak 3 languages.
3. I like drawing.
4. My students!!! I want to see where I meet them and where they will be at the end of the school year.

Dawn Nay Art teacher WHS

2023-07-28 13:33:45 UTC

I am going into my 5th year as a visual art teacher. I really like the color green. Taking my dog for a walk helps me relax. I cannot wait to see my students surprise themselves with their creative abilities!

Destiny Johnson

2023-07-28 13:33:50 UTC

Hello! I have been in the education field for 9 years! I graduated from Ashworth College in Norcross, Georgia. I enjoy working with children who are unaware of their full potential and providing them with confidence and security!
In the beginning of my career I started teaching infant and toddlers then became a Head start teacher! Shortly after I gave management a try and became a staffing coordinator and lesson plan coordinator for 6 schools in culpeper. While I became a great leader I realized I missed children and began teaching sped! I am now a part of Kate Collins Middle School.

I love writing poetry and painting with my daughter! In my down time I love to read or work on puzzles. I am super excited to finally be teaching in a middle school that I once attended as a student! I am also very excited to build relationships with new students and other teachers.

Emma Peery

2023-07-28 13:33:55 UTC

My name is Emma Peery. I attended James Madison University and graduated in May with a Master of Arts in Teaching. I will be teaching kindergarten at Wenonah Elementary School. I worked at Wenonah last year, as I completed a practicum, student teaching, and a long term substitute position. A fun fact about me is that my mom was a kindergarten teacher for many years before continuing her journey in education and now works as the director of head start and will be working with students I could possibly teach. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at Smith Mountain Lake. This school year I am excited to continue building relationships with the students I have already taught, and building new relationships with my future students.

Chelsea Steinmann - 4th grade teacher at Berkeley Glenn

2023-07-28 13:34:30 UTC

Intro: I graduated from Brigham Young University in December 2022. I took over a 3rd grade class in Charlottesville City Schools from January to June. I am excited to be at Berkeley Glenn and teach in the community I live in.

Fun Fact: I lived in Japan for nearly 2 years. I love the language, the food, and the generosity of the people who love there.

What do you do to relax?: I love playing video games to relax. I usually play comforting ones that involve exploration, puzzle solving, and creating.

What are you excited about in the new school year?: I am really excited to teach in the community that I live in! It will be so fun to see my students around town.

2023-07-28 13:34:46 UTC

Latoya Diggs (6th grade SPED)

1. I’m a Waynesboro high school graduate and a Mary Baldwin Alum. I’ve spent 5 years as a behavioral specialist and counselor and this will be year 2 teaching special education!

2. I’ve been a varsity volleyball coach for 6 years at Waynesboro High school and a high school basketball official for 4 years! Tried out to be a college basketball official (D3 ODAC) this summer and will find out if I will be hired in the next couple weeks.

3. I like to listen to podcasts/music, ref, or spend time with friends or family!

4.) I’m excited to teach and help my community to be better & have all the nurture I have!

Lindsey Sobczak 3rd grade teacher at Westwood

2023-07-28 13:35:05 UTC

1. I spent three years as an aide in Augusta County school district and last year was my first year as a Waynesboro City employee. I am excited to spend my fifth year teaching 3rd grade at Westwood.
2. I have six children! Four bonus-kiddos and twin girls.
3. I like spending time listening to music with my husband to relax.
4. I am excited about getting to know my students and building relationships with them.

Ryan Blosser

2023-07-28 13:35:24 UTC

1. I am a writer, former child and family therapist, farmer, designer and educator. I am the farm educator with Waynesboro Education Farm and coaching basketball at WHS.

2. My grandmother spent her career as the secretary at Kate Collins and my grandfather taught and coached his entire career at Waynesboro High School.

3. Write and read poetry and fiction.

4. Developing new relationships with students and colleagues and integrating as many students/classrooms into the Waynesboro Education Farm as possible.

Courtney Bone 11th English Waynesboro High

2023-07-28 13:35:44 UTC

Q1: I am an English teacher entering year 10 of teaching. I love to teaching writing and believe strongly in encouraging positivity and self love in the classroom.
Q2: I began my teaching career teaching English in South Korea and spent years teaching and exploring countries in southeast asia.
Q3: I love to read do yoga and play guitar/piano.
Q4: I am excited to see students and explore some great books together.

Brooke (DiCicco) Pangle - Art Teacher at KCMS

2023-07-28 13:36:05 UTC

Hi there! My name is Brooke Pangle and this is technically my second year at WPS. I started at KCMS last year as a long term substitute and transitioned into the art teacher halfway through the school year. I have a bachelors in fine art and minor in communications. I am currently going back to school online at MBU to finish my licensure courses and get my masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

A fun fact is that my husband also works at KCMS and it’s been fun getting to know the students together (and have them tell on us to each other!)

To relax, I love going out into nature and taking pictures of birds or plants. It’s so calming! Otherwise, I love to make a create art or watch tv with my cats.

This school year I am so excited to start fresh and also take on yearbook here at KCMS! I love it here at KCMS and am so excited to continue here this year.

Welcome to all and good luck this school year!

Kemper Snyder - Kate Collins

2023-07-28 13:37:06 UTC

1: First Year - English!
2: I have a beautiful seven year old daughter! Her name is Korbyn!
3. A few things that relax me…
playing basketball, dancing with my daughter, weightlifting, puzzles, and most definitely listening to music!
4. Watching another childhood dream become reality!

Tracy Goodson

2023-07-28 13:37:07 UTC

This year, I am excited to serve as the library media specialist at Kate Collins. This is my ninth year as a librarian and year 25 total in education.

Next summer, my family plans to hike the Camino trail in Spain.

In order to relax, I love to read and exercise.

This new school year is extra special as I will work in the same building as my daughter and husband.

Savannah Mullen 5th grade William Perry

2023-07-28 13:37:15 UTC

This will be my first year teaching! I graduated from JMU this past spring and have been doing ABA therapy through out my college career.A fun fact about me is I enjoy pottery. I have a cat named Luna, she just turned 2 years old in June. To relax I like to do some self care such as face masks/skin care, a dip in the hot tub, or read outside.I’m excited about getting to know my students and making them more excited to come to school.

Naomi Wu (I-Chun)

2023-07-28 13:37:44 UTC

Math teacher Waynesboro High School
This is my first year teaching. I taught 12 years at JMU prior to this.

I am originally from Taiwan and I speak Mandarin and Japanese.

I like to travel and hang around with my friends and family.

I am excited to meet new students and colleagues this hear.

Hallie Crummett 4th Grade William Perry

2023-07-28 13:38:23 UTC

Hello! My name is Hallie Crummett, and I am a new fourth grade teacher at William Perry Elementary! A fun fact about me is that I have four cats at home! Something I like to do to relax is watch tiktok :) One thing I am looking forward to for the 2023-2024 school year is teach our fourth graders VA history in a way that amplifies all voices.

Somer Stone Westwood Hills Elementary

2023-07-28 13:38:26 UTC

1. I received my B.S. degree from ODU in Speech Language Pathology & Audiology with a double minor is Psychology and Special Education. I received my M. Ed. degree from UVA in Communication Sciences Disorders.

I did my clinical rotations in Albemarle County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Public Schools, and LEND which involved working with multiple professions to help diagnose complex ASD cases. I had the pleasure of being at 3 elementary schools and 1 middle school.

2. Fun fact: I have 19 plants and counting!!!!

3. I love to take a nap to relax my absolute favorite thing 😴 , watching a streaming show, reading fiction books, and taking mini travel adventures.

4. I am excited to finally not be a student! I'm excited to work with kids and build their self esteem regarding their speech and language abilities.

Piper Gary - music at BGES

2023-07-28 13:38:42 UTC

My name is Piper Gary. I am thrilled to be the new music teacher at Berkeley Glenn Elementary! This is my 21st year in education. For the last 18 years, I taught in Albemarle County Public Schools. Originally, I started as an instrumentalist (piano and clarinet), but over the last 20 years I have fallen in love with vocal music and enjoy singing with the Virginia Consort. I am a Michigan native (Kalamazoo!) but have lived in Virginia for a long time. In my down time, I enjoy running, long walks, hiking, traveling, visiting local wineries, going to concerts and shows, and watching movies! I currently live in Crozet with my husband, two teenagers, golden doodle, and orange tabby. I am so excited to be a part of a small school community where I can establish strong relationships with students, staff, and families! The arts have a way of really bringing people together! Looking forward to a wonderful year!

Maria Tangherlini

2023-07-28 13:39:27 UTC

I have been a teacher for more than 30 years in Argentina, and 20 of those years in public schools.
I'm here, in the United States, living with my family and I have 4 grandkids that are the Joy of my life. I love walking in the afternoon with my dog and doing the gardening.
I hope my new students enjoy my classes, in which they'll learn about the diverse culturas around the world, through diferent languages.

Nick Faircloth - Agriculture and Design Teacher at KCMS

2023-07-28 13:39:43 UTC

1 - I’m coming to teaching from a varied career in organic ag, design, forestry, carpentry, and outdoor leadership. Through my work, I’ve found a love and a passion for living in a way that’s connected to our communities and local environment, and I hope to pass that enthusiasm on to my students!

2 - I’m a new dad and love dancing with my little baby!

3 - I relax by working with my hands and cooking a meal for family and friends.

4 - I’m excited about starting a mounting biking club at the middle school!

Alexis Palmerino

2023-07-28 13:40:04 UTC

1.) Hi I’m Alexis Palmerino! I graduated this previous spring from Radford University. I am starting my first year teaching at Westwood Hills Elementary in 2nd grade and am so excited!
2.) I have two dogs, Charlie and Reese, who are my world!
3.) To relax I like to get outside whenever I can. Hiking Humpback Rock is one of my favorite things to do!
4.) I am excited about creating new relationships and not only helping my students prosper in content knowledge, but also in self confidence.

Will Blackburn-WHS ESOL

2023-07-28 13:40:16 UTC

I originally came from Stafford, VA, where I taught ESOL for 7 years. I love to show teachers new ways to work with EL students. I moved out here to get a house with my wife, who just graduated from MBU.

I like art and backpacking. I’m so happy to live right here in town, just minutes from SNP!

i’m so excited to be with this division- i’ve heard nothing but good things, even from former district teachers who have moved on.

Maureen Stonesifer WHS School Counselor

2023-07-28 13:40:49 UTC

I am a graduate of UVA’s school counseling program. This is my 8th year as a school counselor. I am passionate about participating in providing education as a means to success for EVERYONE.

Fun fact: I use sarcasm as a coping mechanism.

To relax, I like to do yoga or other exercise, cook, read, or hang out with my dogs. I also like to travel.

I am looking forward to fostering positivity and creating connections.

Erika Morris, Lead School Counselor at Waynesboro High School

2023-07-28 13:41:24 UTC

1. I’m entering my 11th year as a school counselor. I actually started in Waynesboro as an elementary school counselor at Westwood Hills then to Fluvanna County as a high school counselor. Back again for round two! I went to Virginia Tech so Let’s Go Hokies and received my Master’s right down the road at Radford University.

2. I’ve driven across the country from Virginia to California!

3. I love to hang with friends, pool or beach in the summer, and discover new things to do and visit in and around Charlottesville.

4. I’m most excited to be reunited with my students I had at Westwood Hills! The students I started with in kindergarten are seniors this year!! Full circle moment! <3

Keri Doise

2023-07-28 13:41:31 UTC

I am beginning my 18th year of teaching at Berkeley Glenn Elementary in the First Grade. I am so excited to be here! Teaching students to read is my passion, and I love building classrooms where kindness and empathy are our cornerstones.

A fun fact about me is that I have two dachshunds, Bella and Tris, that have been in Virginia longer than have. They are enjoying this beautiful weather!

I love to read! I also enjoy exploring the area, especially the outdoors.

I am super excited about meeting my students and getting to know them and their families to have a fabulous year!

Brooke Leverett

2023-07-28 13:41:42 UTC

Art Teacher at Waynesboro High School

As an educator, I value giving students a safe space to create art that also encourages connection and interaction. I believe meaningful conversation should be a part of creating art, and that getting to know your peers will lead to better creative ideas. I have high but reasonable expectations, and my goal is for all students to meet their highest potential.

I use humor in all aspects of life, and I love to make people laugh. My sense of humor is probably most comparable to Chandler Bing from friends, and yes I use humor as a defense mechanism.

To relax I love to read fantasy books and to hang out with my dog Willow.

I am SO excited to teach art this year at the high school level because I have so much artistic knowledge that I want to share. I want to promote creativity in the classroom so that it flows over into every aspect of life.

Kaela Henon - Special Ed Teacher @ WHS

2023-07-28 13:42:15 UTC

I graduated from Radford in 2022 with my Bachelors in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Special Education and completed my Masters this past May in Special Education: General Curriculum. I’m originally from Sterling, VA and did my student teaching for my undergrad at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton! I lived on the campus during that time as well.

A fun fact about me is I have 13 tattoos!

I love to read or weightlift to help me relax, although i wouldn’t do both at the same time.

I’m excited to co-teach with my colleagues and meet the students as well as help students achieve their goals!

Mike Jennings

2023-07-28 13:43:11 UTC

I am career switcher after spending approximately 30 years in the construction industry, I decided to become a teacher. I am starting my tenth year teaching.

I am excited about the opportunity to help students reach their potential.

Fun facts former NCAA lacrosse official; former Ice hockey official
Pedaled my bike across North Dakota and Montana. This included riding “The Going to the sun road” in Glacier National Park.

To relax I like to spend time with my family and grandkids, and spend time in my shop doing woodworking products and biking

Ashley Riddle 8th Grade Science

2023-07-28 13:43:39 UTC

1) Good morning! My name is Ashley and this is my first year teaching! I will be here at Kate Collins as an 8th grade science teacher 😃

2) I love baking and creating new recipes for my family and friends! I am currently learning how to create character cakes!

3) I love sitting down with a good cup of tea and a new book 😁

4) I'm excited to create fun activities and games for my students to help them learn while keeping them engaged.

Zach Goolsby

2023-07-28 13:46:39 UTC

Hi, My name Zach Goolsby and I will be the special education teacher in the CLM classroom at Westwood Hill Elementary. I graduated from Radford with my Bachelors and my Masters. A fun fact about me is that I broke my finger on a pineapple. I enjoy hiking, going on walks with my dog, hanging out, and playing board games. I am super excited to show everyone how smart and capable my students are!

Coach…

2023-08-03 14:00:53 UTC

Glad to have you this year! Looking to get this thing headed in the right direction 👍🏾

2023-08-03 14:03:37 UTC

The kids are lucky to have you…wishing you a fantastic year!
Coach S