Blogs

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to becoming principal?  

I started my career as a special education teacher at E.C. Glass High School, where I taught for four years and also coached middle and high school volleyball for Lynchburg City Public Schools. After moving to Roanoke, I spent four years at Patrick Henry High School, three as a special education teacher and one as the department chair. During my final year there, I served as the testing coordinator while earning my administrative degree through Longwood University. From there, I became an assistant principal at Morningside Elementary in Roanoke City, where I served for three years. My passion has always been supporting students with disabilities, and my long-term goal was either to open my own school or become principal of one dedicated to that mission. When the opportunity at Rivermont Southwest came along, it felt like the perfect fit. This truly is my dream job, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity. I’ve loved every single day since joining this amazing school.  

What makes you excited about this new campus and being principal here? 

I love helping people and being part of something meaningful. Rivermont Southwest is filled with incredible staff who are deeply dedicated to our students. There’s such a strong sense of teamwork and commitment here, and I’m excited to see the great things we’ll accomplish together. This year, we’re focused on continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of our students, families, and local school districts while also helping our staff to continue growing professionally.  

What do you love most about working in special education?  

There’s truly never a dull moment in special education. Every day brings something new and unexpected. I love seeing our students grow and celebrating their progress, no matter how big or small. Building meaningful relationships with students and their families is what makes this work so special to me. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back, hear about students’ continued success, and know that my team and I played a role in helping them get there.  

What’s your leadership style?  

My leadership style is very hands-on and collaborative. I believe in jumping in alongside my team and would never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. I value partnership, open communication, and making sure people feel heard, supported, and appreciated. My goal is to create a positive environment where people enjoy coming to work and feel part of something bigger than themselves.  

What do you envision as a successful year, and where do you see Rivermont Roanoke Southwest in a year from now?  

A successful year means low staff turnover, strong professional growth, and an increase in students successfully transitioning back to public school. I want Rivermont Southwest to continue earning the positive reputation it deserves as a place that school districts, families, and staff speak highly of and want to be part of. I see us continuing to grow, strengthen relationships with our community partners, and be recognized as a school where students truly thrive.  

What’s a fun fact about yourself that not many people may know?  

One fact that people might not know about me is that I was once considering a career as a marine biologist. I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries and beauty of the ocean. One goal I hope to accomplish in my lifetime is becoming scuba certified and having the chance to cage dive with Great White sharks.