Joined the Board in January 2020

Reason for being on the School Board:

I’m on the Charlottesville School Board to be a voice for Black and Brown students who aren’t reaching their full potential under our current system. I am here to be an advocate for those who don’t feel they have a voice at the table.  I know what it’s like looking in from the outside and wondering how, when, and why decisions are made.  I’m here to be an advocate for transparency and equity in our schools.

Personal information:

I grew up in Richmond, and I attended public schools both there and in Arkansas.  I know what it’s like to attend schools that are poorly funded and maintained.  I also know that amazing teachers and support staff can change the trajectory of a child’s life.  Also, with over 15 years of human resources experience, I am uniquely suited to work with our community and schools to affect positive change.

Joined the Board in January 2022

Reason for being on the School Board:

During my time as an employee of public schools, I recognized a disconnect between those making decisions on behalf of schools and the professionals who were left to implement them. I believe that my experience in the classroom and in leading a building will help ground division decisions in the day-to-day realities of teaching and managing a building, while keeping a progressive eye to how we can make systemic change to benefit all members of our community. I believe deeply in the ideals of public education and the role our schools can play in positively impacting our community.

Personal information:

I have called Charlottesville home since 2003 when I came to UVA as an undergraduate student studying in the School of Education. Upon graduation, I taught at Monticello High School in Albemarle County for six years before moving into administration. I served as a middle school assistant principal and then as an elementary school principal before switching to my current career in real estate.

Joined the Board in January 2016

Reason for being on the School Board:

Through my work as a clinical psychologist, I have had extensive experience with area school systems, courts and social services.  When my children were students, I was an active parent in PTOs and  booster organizations at Burnley-Moran, Buford, and CHS. My Board service is a continuation of that commitment to Charlottesville’s schools. I value community engagement as a way to improve our quality of life.

Personal information:

For thirty years, I have served as a clinical psychologist, and for twelve years, I was a faculty member of the Curry School of Education.  In addition to serving as a parent-leader at three Charlottesville City Schools, I have held leadership roles on professional and community boards, as well as with the Charlottesville Democratic Party. I am a fan of Charlottesville’s rich local music and theater scene and an active member of Congregation Beth Israel synagogue. Other interests include reading, friends, and spending time in Chautauqua, New York. I continue to improve my skills at Mah Jongg and cooking with local vegetables.

Joined the Board in January 2018

Reason for being on the School Board:

I am grateful to serve on the School Board bringing and offering my unique perspective and experiences as a parent who has worked throughout the years to advocate for my child who has unique needs.  I feel I have a great sense of how to collaborate and engage with all team members and I feel I can offer that voice as well as my experiences to our community and children who may need that extra support.

Personal information:

I have been a resident of Charlottesville since 1999.  I am a physical therapist and provide home-care services to our community.  I have one daughter who has attended Charlottesville City Schools (Burnley Moran, Walker Upper Elementary, Buford Middle School and is now at CHS).  I enjoy time with my family and daughter, good movies, outdoor sports, good music and reading in my spare time.

Highlights of your time on the Board:

Having just joined the School Board in January 2018, I can only say that the highlight has been learning about the schools and getting a better understanding of the incredible work done by school administration, staff, and my colleagues on the School Board.

Joined the Board in January 2012

Reason for being on the School Board:

The School Board is a natural extension of my advocacy work on behalf of children in our community. I want to ensure that all members of our community have a voice in our school system, that teachers feel valued and are supported appropriately and that our children are getting the best possible education.

Personal information:

I grew up in Albemarle County, graduated from Western Albemarle, Piedmont Virginia Community College and the University of Virginia (in addition to American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington D.C.). I work at Jones and Green, LLP a small civil litigation law firm downtown. I have three children, two are at Burnley Moran Elementary School. My husband, Chris Wiles, is an electrical engineer at a small company and has been a volunteer firefighter at Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department for more than ten years.

Joined the Board in January 2022

Reason for being on the School Board:

My vision is to build a school system that works for every student and to bring the community together to ensure student success. When I was a student, I experienced education trauma by being neglected, forced into overcrowded classrooms and not given a choice in my learning. Eventually, I dropped out of school. Today, I am a Charlottesville High School GED graduate and progressive educator working to ensure another generation of students don’t share my learning experience.

Personal information:

I am the youth entrepreneurship facilitator at Murray High School and Community Charter Middle School and was the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) 2020 Educator of the Year.