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PHSSA Staff

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Meet the Principal and staff for the 2010-2011 school year.

Principal

Mrs. Boyd

Pamela L. Boyd is serving as principal of PHSSA, Richmond’s first charter school and the first elementary charter school in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In her most recent administrative position, she served as the principal of Charles City High in Charles City, Virginia, for four years. As principal of Charles City High, Boyd was dedicated to a democratic approach respectful of the differences and talents of the students, while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.

Boyd brings a wealth of experience from the classroom and administration, and was most recently employed at Henrico, Virginia, at Fairfield Middle School in Henrico, Virginia, as a technology teacher. Prior to that she also served as dean of students, and as an administrator-in-training at Meadowbrook High School, Chesterfield County, Virginia. Boyd also spent 17 years in public education in Maryland and North Carolina.

Exceptional education students have always played a large role in Boyd’s education career. As an educator she was involved in IEP meetings and often taught exceptional education children. She found keeping abreast of current trends and research in exceptional student education was a crucial part of the goal of having all students with disabilities showing annual improvement in academic achievement. This combined with an in-depth knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and special programs on all levels of government allowed for constant progress to be made toward closing the achievement gap.

Pamela L. Boyd received her Masters of Education in Education Supervision and Administration from Virginia State University in 2005 and a Bachelor of Science, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1986.

Kindergarten
Ms. Dillon

From the time Ms. Dillon was a little girl, it was her dream to be a teacher. When her son went to college, she did too, and she reached her goal seven years ago. She loves spending time with her family on their farm, traveling and exploring new places, and learning from children. She’s very excited to be a part of Patrick Henry School!

Ms. Dillon has a Master’s degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a BA in Humanities from New College of California. She has a wealth of experience in Exceptional Education, multi-sensory learning, and thematic instruction across grade levels. A self-described “science nerd,” Gayle has served on the teacher advisory board of the Science Museum of Virginia, is a Certified Wetlands Instructor, and led the Children’s Engineering initiative at her former school.

Her interests also include the correlation of exercise to the brain, creating safe and civil schools, and restoring childhood connections to nature through land stewardship. Ms. Dillon has taught enrichment courses on clay animation, engineering, and energy exploration. She spearheaded a school recycling program, and mentored the Ecology Club. She has taught technology to colleagues, presented seminars, and was named her school’s “Teacher of the Year.” Ms. Dillon also participates in numerous community activities, and is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. Mrs. Dillon can also grow vegetables and knows one magic trick.

Mr. LaPradd

Creative, innovative, and inspiring instruction coupled with the passion for every child’s success have been the hallmark of Mr. LaPradd’s eleven year career in Early Childhood Education. An advocate for the power of education, he works diligently to share his knowledge with his students, parents, and other educational professionals.  Before joining PHSSA, Mr. LaPradd worked as the Lead Early Childhood Educator for PACE Even Start Family Literacy Program with Amelia County Public Schools in Amelia, Virginia. He was instrumental in developing the Early Childhood and Parenting Curriculums for the program. Mr. LaPradd also worked as a Kindergarten and Prekindergarten teacher with school systems in North Carolina. He was a founding faculty member of Vance Charter School, the first charter school in Henderson, NC. Mr. LaPradd is a workshop presenter for the Richmond area PBS Community Idea Station’s “Ready to Learn”, a program which provides workshops for parents and Early Childhood professionals on a range of topics from beginning literacy to healthy lifestyle choices for young children.

Mr. LaPradd holds a BS in Liberal Studies from Averett College. He is currently pursuing an MFA from Hollins University in Children’s Literature.  As a Nationally Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist, he has had the opportunity to work with the Virginia Department of Education as the Early Childhood representative on the VA Even Start grant selection committee, as well as a member of the review committee for the Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four-Year-Olds. He has also presented numerous presentations on various Early Childhood Topics at the local, state, and national level.

In addition to teaching, Mr. LaPradd is passionate about swimming, reading a variety of literature, spending time with his cocker spaniel, Rawlee, writing original children’s stories and many other creative endeavors. He is excited about the opportunities to share his knowledge and expertise with PHSSA’s students, faculty, and parents.

“Aspire to INSPIRE!”

Ms. Hines

Ms. Hines is a Richmond native and has been teaching in Richmond for the past 4 years.  She began her teaching career at William Fox ES, where she taught 4th grade math and science for 2 years.  Most recently she has been teaching 3rd grade at Blackwell ES. 

Ms. Hines was in the MFA program at VCU before transferring to the School of Humanities and Science.  She received her BS with a major in science and a minor in geography. Additionally she received her Masters of Teaching in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education.

She is excited to teach an integrated curriculum here at PHSSA. Through science, art and hands-on investigations she strives to excite and motivate her students.

First Grade

Mr. Carter

This is Mr. Carter’s eleventh year in Education. He is originally from Philadelphia, PA where he worked at a Charter School for three years prior to moving to Richmond, VA. He has also taught in Chesterfield County Public Schools. He currently holds a B.S in Elementary Ed. from Kutztown University and currently working on his Internship to complete his Master's in Charter School Administration and Leadership. He is excited to be a part of Patrick Henry. The integrated curriculum will provide the perfect platform for inquiry-based learning and students will be able to retain more information to prepare them for state exams.

Ms. Neylan
Mrs. Neylan has a BS in Elementary Education from St. Francis College in PA and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from VCU. She began her teaching career in Richmond city and has since taught Kindergarten through third grade in Goochland County for 22 years, mostly in first and second grades. She is very excited to be part of the staff at Patrick Henry and looking forward to the integrated curriculum at the school.  Mrs. Neylan has been involved with Destination Imagination as a coach and appraiser.  She has participated in many technology integration classes through Goochland County Schools.

Ms. Jordan

Second Grade

Ms. Hill

Ms. Hill graduated from University of Virginia in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.  Since graduating, she has been teaching at the primary level for six years and has also completed the requirements to earn her National Board Certification in Literacy. She is is enjoying working with the students and families of PHSSA this year to launch Virginia’s first elementary charter program. 

Ms. Medhurst

Ms. Medhurst is a highly qualified teacher who holds a Virginia PreK-3 Postgraduate Professional License. She earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University and undergraduate degrees in English and Sociology from Mary Washington College. Her six years teaching both first and second grade inclusion and regular education classes in an urban Title I school have provided a breadth of experience that has enabled her to form creative, applicable solutions to real life education challenges. This experience has also reinforced Ms. Medhurst’s belief that all students can learn and enlivened her passion to inspire students to set and reach ambitious goals. When she's not at school, Ms. Medhurst enjoys exploring the James River Park System with her fun-loving Labrador-mix Harrison or sweating it out as she trains for another half marathon. On rainy days, she is often found relaxing in a local coffee shop reading a good book or in her Westover Hills kitchen trying out a new recipe using fresh ingredients from the local farmers market.

Third Grade

Tomondra Peyton

Greetings, I am excited to join the PHSSA family! My interest in teaching began when I was just a child. My Kindergarten teacher (whom I still stay in contact with) had a huge influence on my beginning thoughts of wanting to become an educator. I clearly remember lining my dolls up around the kitchen table to play “school”. I have worked as a youth counselor, tutor, and mentor. During high school, I worked in several daycares, while taking early childhood classes toward my advance diploma. I attended Howard University where I studied English in coordination with Education. I then moved back home to begin my family and continued my education at VCU where I received my B.S. in Sociology and my Master’s in Teaching. I taught 1st grade in Richmond City, 3rd grade in Henrico County, and most recently worked as the director for a learning center in Henrico. I look forward to meeting and sharing my talents and love for education with each one of you and your families.

When I’m not with my “school families”, I am enjoying my husband and our 2 sons. We are a family of beach bums! We also enjoy supporting my son’s youth sports activities! In my spare time, I also enjoy writing, traveling, photography, modeling and event planning.  
Every new day in the classroom is a new adventure!
~2 teach is + 2 touch a life= 4ever ~

Fourth Grade

Ms. Belgrave

Fifth Grade

Ms. Santiago

I was born and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. As a child I loved going to the beach with my family. From an early age my parents planted in me the love for learning and helping others. I came to the US at age 21 after my husband joined the US Army.  I’ve lived in the US for 11 years, 10 of which I’ve resided in North Carolina, a state that has become my 2nd home.  I taught for 7 years in NC as an ESL and Elementary ED teacher. In Virginia I had the opportunity to teach Spanish at the Secondary level for a year.  I have a bachelor degree in English Education from the University of Puerto Rico and working to obtain my master in Elementary ED.  As a native Spanish speaker I love integrating Spanish into my lessons. My favorite thing in the world is spending time with my three lovely children which are one of the joys of my life after that reading and learning about history keep me entertained.  

Music Teacher

Heidi Taylor

Ms. Taylor has been a vocal instructor, musical director and performance coach for over 17 years. She holds a BS in Human Development from Brigham Young University, where she received a Musical Dance Theater scholarship. Performing opportunities have taken her to places all over the world including; China, Japan and Hong Kong. For ten years she was the director/owner/instructor of Singers Unlimited a performing arts studio which won the Utah Best of State award for Best Children’s Performing Group. The studio performed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, throughout the US, Canada, and aboard Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Ms. Taylor’s students have produced their own solo albums and appeared in all three High School Musical movies. In the summer of 2009, Mrs. Taylor sold the studio and relocated to Virginia for her husband Greg to pursue a degree in pharmacy. She is the Choral Director for Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School here in Richmond, teaches musical theater classes for JMSD of Hanover and maintains a private voice studio. Her two sons, Carter and Luke, have introduced her to the world of sports and she loves watching them at “rehearsal”….practice and the games with the long “intermissions”….halftimes. Ms. Taylor loves to hear the voices of the PHSSA students and looks forward to each time they enter the world of music together.   
 “Those who wish to sing always find a song” Plato

Art Teacher

Ms. Chamblin

Anne Chamblin is an artist and art educator with over 15 years of experience teaching art to people of all ages and abilities.

She holds a B.F.A in Painting and Printmaking and a B.A in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Anne has brought after-school art programs to many schools in the region and at the Visual Art Center. She believes that art serves as a rich soil that nurtures the total educational experience. Art is a part of everything.

Physical Education Teacher

Ms. Lister

Ariel Lister received her Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Health & Physical Education PK-12 from George Mason University. Then received her Master of Education (MEd) in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Virginia. She worked for the City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation Department for 12 years. While working for the Parks & Recreation Department, she worked as a camp counselor, a tumbling teacher, an after-school fitness teacher as well as helping with a variety of special events in the community.

Her goal is to help reinforce core subject concepts and topics that are being taught in the classroom, while helping students learn the skills necessary for performing a variety of physical activities and understand the benefits of achieving and maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

Guidance Counselor

Ashlee Easter

Home Sweet Home! Ashlee Easter remembers walking the halls of Patrick Henry, talking to friends and sitting in class learning from her most memorable teachers. It is a pleasure to be back at the place where she started her education with the opportunity to provide educational counseling to the leaders of tomorrow.  Ms. Easter holds a Master’s of Science degree in Counselor Education as well as a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She has worked directly with Richmond Public Schools as a Program Coordinator with Partnership for the Future (PFF), a nonprofit organization providing internship placement and college access to high achieving students. As the school counselor, Ms. Easter’s goal is to introduce the college-going culture to children of all ages and on all levels of academia.

Media Specialist

Mrs. Amy Gouldman

Mrs. Amy Gouldman is a teacher and certified media specialist.  She received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from James Madison University and her certification as a library media specialist from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She began her career as a teacher in Henrico County Schools and then moved to Chesterfield County Schools where she worked as an elementary library media specialist. 
Mrs. Gouldman is excited to fill the shelves in Patrick Henry’s library with the students’ favorite books.  Her favorite book characters are Peggy Parrish’s Amelia Bedelia and Ian Falconer’s Olivia.  Her favorite children’s book is The Watson Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis.  Her goal is to make the media center the hub of the school – a lively place where staff and students can read, think, research, and learn.

In her spare time, Mrs. Gouldman enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, and chasing after her three young children.

School Nurse
Emily Keyte

Emily Keyte received her BSN from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2009. Mrs. Keyte was originally working on becoming an Asian Language and Literature major after living in China for a year, but was then swayed by her mother, who is also a nurse. She began her nursing career working in mental health services with adults. After working with adults, she saw the importance of having strong, engaged, and active influences in a individual’s life when they are young. Mrs. Keyte believes that all children deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive in their school environment. This goal coupled with ensuring that students are safe and healthy at school is what she strives for every day. 

In her spare time, Mrs. Keyte enjoys hiking with her husband, Dave, spending time with her dogs, Scout and Speedy, sewing various objects, crafting, reading, learning how to play the ukulele, and roller skating.