Faculty & Staff:

	Karen Minor Kindergarten Teacher 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 ten 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. This is Karen's fifth year at CDS. Karen is the proud mother of three sons.
	Coro Cope *First/Second Grade Teacher* This will be Coro’s first year working at CDS. Coro grew up in Charlottesville and received her Masters in Elementary Education along with her Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Virginia in 2010. While at the Curry School of Education, she served as the student representative to the Curry Foundation Board, working to bridge the gap between students and the board. Being from Charlottesville, she has a strong connection to and an abiding love for this community, and is thrilled to be able to work as a teacher and give back to such a wonderful place. Her time here has allowed her to work in a wide variety of elementary school classrooms throughout the city, and she takes these experiences with her as she joins the CDS community. Coro’s own passion and enthusiasm for learning is her greatest strength in the classroom, and she cannot wait to share these with her students!
	Karin Reed Second/Third Grade Teacher Karin received a Bachelors degree from Gettysburg College and a Masters in Education from Trinity College. This is Karin's fourth year at CDS and came to us 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. Karin has two daughters, Ella and Izzy, who both attend CDS.
	Susan Talbert *Upper Elementary Teacher* This is Susan Talbert's fourth year at Charlottesville Day School. She worked several years in the insurance industry and wanted a more fullfilling and meaningful career. She completed her teaching program at Mary Baldwin College and taught both private and public schools in Charlottesville. Susan was excited about the philosophy at CDS and joined our team. Susan has three children Tony, Danny and Gabby. Danny and Gabby are currently students at CDS and Tony graduated last year. Susan loves to inspire students and to make a difference in our community.
	Michelle Lockwood Science Specialist Michelle is excited to be back again this year supporting science explorations in the classrooms. She received her BS in Biology from UNC-Wilmington and her teaching credentials from Colorado University at Boulder . Before teaching professionally, Michelle worked as a field biologist, naturalist, and an environmental educator with several non-profit organizations. When she is not sharing her enthusiasm for science with her students, she enjoys the outdoors with her husband and their three children and going down waterslides. Her 7 and 4 year old are enrolled at CDS.
	Barbara Boehm Assistant Teacher Kindergarten Barb came to us very highly recommended by others on our faculty and is working with the Panda Bear class this year. She is an easy-going, sincere and gentle person. Barb loves and nurtures children. She has been a preschool teaching assistant for many, many years. We are thrilled to have her working with the elementary students this year.
	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.
	Lauren Funk Preschool Teacher Cubs Lauren comes to CDS with over 12 years of classroom experience in public and independent schools. She has taught at a variety of levels from preschool through high school and embraces the joys and challenges of every learning stage. She is delighted to be part of the CDS team and to be working with preschoolers in the Cubs class! Lauren’s educational talents have enabled her to serve in the classroom as well as in school leadership roles as a head teacher, administrator, and mentor to pre-professional teachers. Lauren received a Bachelors degree from Juniata College and is working on a Masters in Education at University of Virginia. Her sense of humor and engaging style allow her students to feel comfortable taking risks in their learning. When she isn’t teaching, tutoring or coaching, Lauren meets with clients as a professional organizer. Lauren is the proud mother of two children: Lydia (12) and Sam (5).
	Rita Stratton-Moore Preschool Assistant Teacher Cubs Rita received her Bachelors 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. Her primary focus was to enhance parent/child relationships and interactions. After having two children of her own, Rita became actively involved in their education. She has been the Cubs Teaching Assistant since 2006, CDS’ first year. She is a kind, patient and warm member of our faculty. Rita is the mother of two children, Will & Gracie. Gracie is a 3rd grader at CDS.
	Townley Cole Preschool Teacher Panda Bears 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 six years,Townley has worked as a preschool teacher. 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.
	Jamie Kuykendall Assistant Teacher Panda Bears Jamie returns this year as a preschool assistant teacher. She has an Associates and Bachelors degree in Education. Townley and Jamie make a dynamic team.
	Patty Peterson Preschool Teacher Brown Bears 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.
	Alex Fitzsimmons Preschool Assistant Brown Bears
	Katie Hickson Preschool Teacher Grizzly Bear Katie Hickson graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Teaching degree in Elementary Education from the Curry School in May 2010. During her student teaching experience at Red Hill Elementary in Albemarle County she discovered she loved teaching preschool and is excited to be teaching the Transitional Kindergarten class at CDS this year. Katie is originally from Michigan where her love of the outdoors began and she maintains her interest in Virginia through hiking, photography, and playing outside as often as possible.
	Trecia Gunnoe Preschool Teacher Polar Bears Trecia Gunnoe returns for her third year at Charlottesville Day School as the Polar Bear lead teacher. During the 2009-2010 school year, Trecia was a kindergarten assistant teacher. In 2008, Trecia taught pre-kindergarten. She obtained dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and English followed by a Master's Degree in English as a Second Language from West Virginia University . She was an ESL instructor and a pre-school assistant in North Carolina before moving to Charlottesville . Trecia and her husband have one daughter, Leah, who attends CDS.
	Meryl Kahn Preschool Assistant Grizzly Bears Meryl returns to Charlottesville Day School for her second year as a preschool teaching assistant. A native of Charlottesville, Meryl has worked with preschool children in a variety of settings. She received her associate degree in early childhood development from Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA. While pursing her degree she interned at St. Paul’s Children Center in Stockbridge, MA. An avid sports fan, Meryl follows UVA sports and the Yankees. Meryl is very excited about the new school year.
	Mira Cole Polar Bears Afternoon Teacher 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. She just returned to the Curry School to pursue her PhD. Mira was raised by a family of educators and has taught in preschool and elementary school classrooms. This will be Mira's fifth year at CDS. 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 third grade at CDS this year.
	Jessica Barzell Preschool Extended Day Teacher
	Megan Rigdon Substitute Teacher Megan is so happy to be a part of the CDS team this year. She received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University in Baltimore , Maryland in May 2006. She has worked with children in various settings for the past ten years. Prior to CDS, Megan taught kindergarten for three years at a public school in Maryland .
	Tamara Murray Art Specialist Tamara received a Bachelor of Fine Art’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). In addition to teaching, Tamara has been a practicing fine artist for over 20 years. She shows her work locally as a painter and is a member of the Bozart Gallery, the Charlottesville Virginia Watercolor Guild and various other art associations. This will be Tamara’s fifth year teaching at CDS. She brings an abundant knowledge of the various fine art disciplines. With a great appreciation for each child and their unique qualities, Tamara works passionately to enhance each student's ability to explore art-making independently. After a year away, Tamara is happy to be returning to the CDS family.
	Amy Buddington Spanish Specialist "Señora B" is back for a fourth exciting year of Español at CDS! 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 two daughters in the Elementary program. Her Spanish program includes age-appropriate songs, games, stories, poetry, culture, and art. Children learn Spanish the fun way!
	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. She currently serves as the Acting Principal Flute for the Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra. She also plays Principal Flute with the Virginia Consort and the Oratorio Society of Virginia. She is the director of several 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.
	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.
	Johanna Beaver Music Specialist Johanna Beaver began teaching in 1993 while pursuing her Master of Music degree in violin performance. Since then she has served on the faculties of the University of Virginia, Interlochen Arts Camp, Opus 118 Violin Program in New York, and the Stony Brook Pre-college. Ms. Beaver performs regularly in the Roanoke and Richmond Symphonies, The Oratorio Society of Virginia, Charlottesville Chamber Orchestra, and as a member of the Afton String Quartet. Currently, Ms. Beaver is faculty at the University of Mary Washington and teaches private lessons from her studio at home in Charlottesville. She is looking forward to her new position teaching violin and viola at the Charlottesville Day School. Ms. Beaver holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook where her mentors were Katherine Murdock, Mitchell Stern, and the Emerson String Quartet.
	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 (8) and Jane (5).
	Annelise Lucas Administrator Preschool Director Math Specialist 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.
	Dave Bruns Administrator 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. Dave is the proud father of CDS students, Jack (8) and Jane (5).
	Kimberly Kotarski Administrative Coordinator 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. Kim is also a licensed aesthetician, a notary and mother to her 1 year old daughter Camryn.