Faculty & Staff:

Elementary Team

	Mira Cole *Elementary Teacher* *Kindergarten* Mira Cole received both her Bachelors degree in Psychology (with an emphasis on children) and her Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education in 2006. Mira was raised by a family of educators and has taught in preschool and elementary school classrooms. This will be Mira's third year at CDS as she returns to teach Kindergarten. She is a loving teacher who believes whole heartedly in differentiated instruction. She is a natural with children and brings out their best. Mira's daughter, Aiyana, will be in first grade at CDS this year.
	Lynn Hewson "Nana" Elementary Assistant Teacher Kindergarten After a successful career in graphic arts, Nana has worked with children as a nanny, daycare supervisor, and instructional assistant. Lynn relocated to Central Virginia in 2001 so that she could be close to her grandchildren. This is Nana's third year as a loving member of the CDS team.
	Karen Minor Elementary Teacher First Grade Karen has a Masters Degree in Education from James Madison University. Her graduate studies focused on Early Childhood Education. Karen has taught elementary education for seven years using a variety of contemporary educational models. She has been an active participant in a host of elementary education seminars and workshops and has served as a consultant for several educational programs in the Charlottesville area. Karen is very excited to be a part of CDS's exceptional teaching team. She also believes passionately in teaching with proven and innovative practices, embracing diverse learning styles, and fostering a positive learning environment. Karen is the proud mother of three sons.
	Carla Hutchins Elementary Assistant Teacher First Grade Carla has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from N.C. State University . She has years of volunteer experience working with children of all ages in the classroom, tutoring and as a book buddy. When her youngest daughter started kindergarten last year, Carla began working as a substitute at CDS in all classes. She is excited about joining the CDS faculty as a teaching assistant in Karen Minor's first grade classroom. Karen is thrilled to have Carla's enthusiasm and organizational skills.
	Karin Reed Elementary Teacher Second /Third Grade Karin received a Bachelors degree from Gettysburg College and a Masters in Education from Trinity College. Karin came to CDS last year with 11 years of experience in a variety of public elementary school classrooms. In 2006, Karin received the Golden Apple Award that honors outstanding teachers in the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities. Karin has a gift for reaching children and is passionate about her profession.
	Lucy O'Dell Elementary Assistant Teacher Second /Third Grade Lucy O'Dell received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Longwood University in 2008. She is a Charlottesville native who hopes to ignite a joy of learning, service, and wellness in her students. She joins CDS and is excited to work with Karin Reed in the Second and Third Grade classroom.
	Michelle Lockwood Elementary Teacher Upper Elementary (4 th , 5 th , 6 th Grade) Michelle is excited to join the CDS team this year. Her talents are well known by several CDS faculty members. She received her BS in Biology from UNC-Wilmington in 1995 and her Teaching Credentials from Colorado University at Boulder. Before entering the teaching profession, Michelle was a field biologist, naturalist, and environmental educator in a number of states and inspiring settings. She has worked with children and schools throughout Central Virginia over the last eight years. Michelle's 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son will attend CDS.
	Jan Breeden Elementary Extended Day Teacher Jan has taught both preschool and elementary students. Prior to joining CDS, Jan worked as the Director of an afterschool enrichment program. Jan is loved by her students and is dedicated to fostering children's self-esteem. She embodies CDS's belief by recognizing each child as an individual. Jan was a nurse prior to entering the world of education. Jan was born and raised in Charlottesville and is the mother of a teenage son.
	Preschool Team
	Carla Moody *Preschool Teacher* *Two Year Olds* Carla is excited to begin her third year at CDS. A versatile teacher, Carla has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado (with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.) She and Mrs. Moore create a learning environment in which CDS's youngest preschoolers can explore the world around them and express themselves through music, language, movement and art. She believes in using a variety of materials that engage children in the learning process, inspire creative thinking and allow for the investigation and expansion of ideas. Carla's daughter, Jenna (10), is entering the 5 th grade at CDS.
	Rita Stratton-Moore Preschool Assistant Teacher Two Year Olds Rita received her Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia . As a social worker, Rita worked with a diverse range of children and families while enhancing parent/child relationships. After having two children of her own, Rita's interests shifted to education. She has been teaming with Ms. Moody in their incredible two-year-old class for several years. Rita is a kind, patient and warm member of our faculty. Children just love being around Mrs. Moore. Rita is the mother of two children, Will and Grace, who are both enrolled at CDS.
	Townley Cole Preschool Teacher Two/Three Year Olds After graduating from The College of William and Mary, Townley began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Newport News Public Schools. When she and her late husband, Malcolm, moved to San Rafael, California, they founded Janus School, a private preschool through second grade, which they operated for eighteen years. Upon returning to Virginia, Townley was the founding director of The Salvation Army Child Care Center for Homeless Children in Charlottesville. She has also worked as a teacher in the Albemarle County Afterschool Program and as director of Trinity Episcopal Child Care Center. For the past four years Townley has worked as a preschool teacher at the Malcolm W. Cole Child Care Center. Townley brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for early childhood education. Her proudest accomplishment is that of parent to her amazing children, Mira, Andrew, and AJ, and her granddaughter Aiyana.
	Jaime Kuykendall Assistant Teacher Two/Three Year Olds Jaime was a big contributor to CDS last year as a frequent substitute. The faculty recognized her talent with children and is thrilled to have her full time as a teaching assistant. Jamie has an Associates degree in Education and is on her way to obtaining her Bachelors in Education this Spring. She is thrilled to be working with Townley Cole.
	Patty Peterson Preschool Teacher Three Year Olds Patty is certified in child development and has over 20 years of experience teaching preschool. Patty is kind, loving and patient with children and adults. She is extremely creative and has endless energy that she selflessly gives to CDS day after day. Her daughter, Sam, is enrolled in the Upper Elementary Classroom.
	Erin Lawson Preschool Co-Teacher Three Year Olds Erin Lawson is a graduate of the University of Richmond. She has worked with children for over ten years coaching and teaching swim lessons. Erin loves teaching in the classroom and is working towards a second degree at Mary Baldwin. Erin is very excited for another year with Patty!
	Betsy Grinnell *Preschool Teacher* *Pre-Kindergarten* Betsy earned a degree from Vanderbilt University in Special Education and a degree from Meredith College in early childhood education. She taught for ten years in North Carolina classrooms. She is returning to the Pre-K team this year after a successful 2007/2008 school year. Betsy is the mother of two children, Owen and Maggie.
	Erin McDermott Preschool Teacher Pre-Kindergarten Erin earned a Master's degree in Teaching from the University of Virginia. She came to CDS with strong recommendations form the faculty at UVA and teachers around Charlottesville. Last year, Erin lived up to her reputation and was a wonderful pre-kindergarten teacher, which she will teach again this year. She is patient, kind, loving and exciting when she works with children. Erin also enjoys making jewelry, which she sells at the Charlottesville Farmer's Market.
	Trecia Gunnoe *Preschool Assistant Teacher* *Pre-Kindergarten* Trecia Gunnoe joins Charlottesville Day School as an assistant preschool teacher. She obtained dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and English followed by a Master's Degree in English as a Second Language. Trecia and her familycome to Charlottesville from Cary, NC where she worked as an assistant preschool teacher in the four year old class. She is very excited to be in Charlottesville with the opportunity to spend her days teaching the preschoolers at CDS. Trecia and her husband have one daughter, Leah, who attends CDS.
	Susan Talbert *Preschool Teacher* Transitional Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten Susan has taught language arts at both public and private schools in the community. She is excited to have her three children-- Tony, Danny, and Gaby--enroll at CDS this year. She loves to share her excitement for literature with children of all ages. This year, she will teach the Transitional Kindergarten class.
	The Specialists
	Amy Buddington Spanish Specialist Amy holds a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Virginia and received her teaching licensure through Mary Baldwin College. She worked in the Albemarle County schools as a Spanish Teacher before taking time off to be home with her children. Amy has a daughter in the Elementary program and a daughter in the Preschool program. Her Spanish program includes age-appropriate songs, games, stories, poetry, and art.
	Rebecca Butler Elementary Curriculum Specialist Becky is a graduate of the University of Virginia and has been teaching in the Charlottesville area for more than twenty years. Becky has taught preschool, kindergarten, first, second, third, and fourth grades and has been recognized as a Master Teacher in the areas of reading, language development, and mathematics. She has worked as a Science Specialist for preschool through fourth grade. Becky believes in preparing students for the global market by developing their confidence and skills. Becky, who raised her two children in the Charlottesville community, returns to CDS this year as a reading, math and curriculum specialist.
	Angela Kelly Music Specialist Angela is an accomplished educator with more than 16 years experience teaching young people not only how to play music, but how to love it. She holds a degree in Music Education from the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. Angela has a busy performing career as a professional flutist and has founded flute choirs in the local community. She believes strongly in the power of music to impact young lives. Angela returns, again, this year as our Music Specialist. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Angela also offers one-on-one flute lessons at CDS.
	Lauren Moriarty IT and Library Specialist Lauren returns this year to CDS as the IT/Library Specialist. She is a resource for our faculty and students for everything ranging from tech support to technology instruction to library exploration and research. Lauren has an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and a B.A. in Literature and Language from the University of NC-Asheville. Previously, Lauren worked in technology at Wake Forest University, The Darden School at UVA, and for the Vice President of Research at UVA. Lauren is the mother of two boys enrolled in the CDS Elementary program, Ian and Connor.
	Tamara Murray Art Specialist Tamara graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago. She has been a practicing visual artist for twenty years. She is married and has two children. She has spent many hours volunteering in their respective classrooms. Tamara returns as our Art Specialist. Tamara creates a curriculum centered on art history. She offers an art experience with access to a variety of materials and techniques. This experience encourages the students to express their individuality and build their self esteem. Tamara is also a professional artist.
	Margaret Newcomb Music Specialist Margaret is well known to the Charlottesville community as a result of her 20 year tenure as principal flute with the University Orchestra. She holds an undergraduate degree in music education and a master's in performance. She is founder of the Shenandoah Recorder Society which offers educational programs for Charlottesville area schools and co-founder of the Blue Ridge Chamber Music Camp, celebrating its 5th year, with Angela Kelly. She maintains a private studio for beginning piano students, and flute and recorder students of all ages. Ms. Newcomb joined CDS in October 2007 where she continues her life long commitment to educating the whole child through the arts.
	The Administrative Team
	Stacey Bruns Head of School Stacey has always had a clear vision and talent for educating young children. Her prior mentors have recognized this quality by, among other honors, naming her the outstanding student in the University of Virginia's Masters of Teaching program, naming her the first-year teacher-of-the-year for the Hanover County school system, placing her in leadership positions early in her career, and promoting her to Assistant Head of School at a successful private preschool and elementary school in California. Before proposing and founding Charlottesville Day School, Stacey was the leader of a preschool in Arlington, Virginia. Stacey is the proud mother of two CDS students, Jack (7) and Jane (4).
	Annelise Lucas Administrator Preschool Director and Upper Elementary Teacher Annelise earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis. She then received her teaching credentials and Master's of Education in Administration and Supervision from Chapman University in California. She has taught at a variety of levels, from preschool through high school and has been passionate about each. Throughout her teaching career, Annelise was given administrative responsibilities, including developing curriculum and classroom management strategies. Annelise is looking forward to growing as an educator, administrator, and parent at CDS. Annelise's talents and hardwork have been crucial to CDS's beginning. Annelise is the proud mother of three children: Logan, Jorun, and Jake. Jorun and Jake are enrolled at CDS.
	Rebecca Berlin Administrator Admissions, Policy and Evaluation Rebecca holds a B.A. in English and American Government from Georgetown University, a M.A. in Special Education from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Policy and Evaluation from the University of Virginia. Before joining CDS, Rebecca was the Senior Vice President at CaseNEX where she oversaw the development and implementation of professional development programs with school districts, state departments of education, and universities. She has taught preschool and elementary school in special education and other classrooms. She has also served as an educational evaluator for infants and young children. Rebecca has worked with teacher education programs and federal grants at the University of Virginia and George Washington University. She has co- taught courses at the University of Virginia and has presented extensively on early childhood education and special education at the local, state, and national level. Rebecca's two children are enrolled at CDS. Thomas is a first grader and Samantha is a two-year-old Cub.
	Dave Bruns Executive Director Dave earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the College of William & Mary. He practiced law for leading law firms in San Francisco and Virginia. Dave was recently recognized by Richmond Magazine as one of Virginia's best young lawyers. He and his wife lead the effort to form the vision, philosophy and mission of the school. Last year, in addition to his time in the classroom, Dave worked on governance, development, admissions, human resources and financial issues for the school. This year, Dave will be primarily focused on working with the Board on the school's long-term facilities needs but will continue coaching chess, baseball, and basketball and being a resource for the faculty. Dave is the proud father of CDS students, Jack (7) and Jane (4).
	Kimberly Kotarski Administrative Assistant Kim earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in sports medicine. She brings great organizational skills to our office and keeps us running smoothly. Kim is a dedicated worker who manages to have relationships with the faculty and children while working diligently in her “fish bowl” in the front of the school. In recent months, Kim became a licensed aesthetician and a notary.