Jessie Duffield

Teaching Assistant & PreK After School Teacher

Jessie Duffield graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2023 with a B.A. in History. She is passionate about history and education and has spent the last 3 years working in the education departments of history museums in North Carolina and Virginia. Most recently, she was a member of the Education and Visitor Programs department at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello working frequently with student and family programs.

Prior to her work in museums, Jessie spent many years teaching horseback riding lessons to students PreK-12 in Virginia and Canada. Jessie is so excited to join the Peabody community and share her love of learning with students. When Jessie is not in school she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her cat, Babs.

Olivia Montañez

First Grade

Olivia Montañez earned a B.S. in Psychology and Spanish Language and Literature with a minor in Cognitive Science from Villanova University. While completing her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Virginia, she gained experience teaching 2 – 6-year-olds through an Early Childhood Teaching Fellowship at St. Anne’s-Belfield School and elementary students for McGuffey Reading Services. Her studies and work have shaped her approach to creating engaging, developmentally responsive learning experiences that foster curiosity and a love of learning. Having lived in Spain and France, she values the role that language and culture play in helping children understand the world and build meaningful connections with others. As a Charlottesville native, Ms. Montañez appreciates the hiking trails, history, and culinary landscape our city offers. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, traveling, and trying out different coffees and pastries at cafés.

Charles Rudnick

Head of School

Charles Rudnick became Head of School in 2026 after ten years at Dedham Country Day School (DCD), a PreK – Grade 8 school located just outside Boston. Charles served as DCD’s Chief Advancement Officer and Director of External Relations, where he worked very closely as a senior leader and trusted advisor to the Head of School and participated in all strategic decisions and Board meetings. During his tenure at DCD, Charles built a highly collaborative advancement team that prioritizes community building; he also served as a Middle School teacher, leading a popular history course for eighth grade students. Charles earned a B.S. in history at Harvard College and a law degree from Georgetown University. Charles and his wife Ilyse have two children.

Brianne Rice

First Grade

Brianne Rice earned a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She also maintains a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in Elementary Education (PreK–Grade 6). Her decade of teaching experience spans preschool through first grade in both public and independent school settings. Most recently, Brianne served as a preschool teacher at Little Explorers Discovery School, where she balanced play-based learning with structured routines to prepare children for kindergarten success. Prior to this, she taught kindergarten and first grade at Red Hill School in Albemarle County and spent five years teaching First Grade at Haycock Elementary School in Fairfax County. She has also provided individualized tutoring support in reading and mathematics for young learners. Brianne’s professional strengths include building relationships, promoting social-emotional learning, as well as fostering student academic achievement.

James Reeves

Fourth Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

James Reeves earned his B.S.C. in Psychology from the University of West England and his Certificate of Education from Plymouth University. James has most recently taught 5/6 Social Studies at the Cross Schools in Bluffton, SC. Prior to Cross, James held various teaching positions in Grades 4 – 6, including positions at the Westhill Institute in Mexico City and the Singapore International School. He has taught using an I.B. approach and has developed a dynamic creative writing curriculum for Middle School. James is an avid runner and horticulturist. He and his wife, Emma, have relocated to Charlottesville from South Carolina.

Francie Weinberg

School Counselor

Francie Weinberg holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in PK–12 School Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. A licensed school counselor with over a decade of experience spanning public and private K–12 education, Ms. Weinberg blends professionalism with warmth. By leveraging executive functioning strategies, mindfulness, and the science of learning, she helps students achieve their unique personal and academic goals. Outside of her professional role, Ms. Weinberg enjoys traveling to places where she can practice speaking Spanish, reading with her book club, and volunteering with kids in need alongside her emotional support American Bulldog, Rosie.

Walter Bitner

Music (PreK – Grade 8)

Walter Bitner earned a B.A. from Charter Oak State College, (CT) and certification to teach K-12 general, vocal, and instrumental music from the state of Tennessee. Walter has been an active performer since childhood and is skilled in a wide variety of genres, including classical and early music, rock ‘n’ roll, and jazz. His experiences include teaching K-8 music, dance, and theatre at private schools in metropolitan New York City, Florida, and Nashville; teaching piano and directing the choral and orchestral programs at Nashville School of the Arts (the city’s public arts magnet high school); and founding and directing Nashville’s eclectic Music City Youth Orchestra. Walter also directed Education & Community Engagement teams for two symphony orchestras, and he has been a featured speaker on music education, equity, and inclusion at regional, national, and international conferences.

Leah Montgomery

Fourth Grade Math and Science

Leah Montgomery earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia, her teaching certification from Mary Baldwin University, and her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from UVA’s School of Education and Human Development. Ms. Montgomery is also a certified Trauma-Sensitive Yoga instructor and loves bringing mindfulness and movement to her classroom. Ms. Montgomery has taught and provided academic support and enrichment to students across public and private schools from elementary through middle school for over 15 years, cultivating a classroom culture that promotes curiosity, a willingness to take risks, an appreciation for diversity, and a love of learning. When not working alongside students, Ms. Montgomery enjoys spending time outdoors with her high-school aged son, exploring new hiking trails, vegetarian cooking, practicing yoga, and all things in and on the water.

Tara Montgomery

School Nurse

Tara Montgomery, BSN, RN, NCSN, is a Nationally Certified School Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. She brings experience in inpatient care at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, outpatient services at the UVA Cancer Center, and telehealth nursing. As Peabody’s school nurse, Tara is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can learn and play, while promoting health and wellness in engaging and proactive ways.

Waki Wynn

Athletic Director

Waki Wynn serves as Peabody School’s Athletic Director and Middle School boys’ basketball coach. A native of Charlottesville, Mr. Wynn is a realtor and attended Albemarle High School and played football while attending Virginia Union University. He has also been involved in youth sports for many years, including coaching Pop Warner football and AAU basketball, coaching the number one 15-and-under USBA basketball team in the nation in 2009. Mr. Wynn has been involved in many community activities over the years, from co-founder of the African American Reflector newspaper, to serving on the board of the Young Black Professional Network.

Traci Wynn

Resource, Enrichment, and Service Learning

Traci Wynn holds a B.S. in psychology from James Madison University. She is an Enrichment/Resource Specialist at Peabody School, and chairs the Peabody Diversity Committee. She is also the coordinator of the middle school service-learning program. Ms. Wynn was an Instructional Assistant in Albemarle County Public Schools for three years, where she taught individual pupils as well as small groups of elementary level students in a variety of academic subjects, and where she was also responsible for the regular supervision of groups of students in the classroom and during other times throughout the school day. She is participating in the Peabody School Cohort for Gifted Education through the Curry School at the University of Virginia. She is the proud mother of a Peabody alumnus.

Afolake Wilson

Second Grade

Mrs. Wilson graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 with a degree in History and Studies in Women and Gender. Following her educational pursuits, she gained valuable experience teaching students of all ages, from preschool to high school. In 2010, she returned to UVA to earn her Masters of Teaching, obtaining endorsements in elementary, special, and gifted education.

She joined the Peabody faculty in 2013 as a second grade teacher, where she distinguished herself as an expert in classroom management, creating a productive and welcoming learning environment for her students. Her dedication to fostering empathy and community among students is a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy.

Mrs. Wilson has spent the past two years coordinating our Peabody Teaching Fellowship program, sharing her commitment to education with the next generation of teachers. In this role, she worked closely with graduate students to help them earn their teaching credentials and develop the skills necessary to create a positive and inclusive classroom experience.

Mrs. Wilson is happy to return to the classroom this year in second grade.

Rita Taylor

Head Custodian

Anne Kinsley

Math Specialist

Ms. Kinsley earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the College of William & Mary and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She has taught middle school math and science in both public and private schools in the Charlottesville area for more than thirty years. Ms. Kinsley enjoys working with students who are already comfortable thinking mathematically and seeking challenge, as well as those who have not yet experienced the excitement (and improved self-confidence) that mastery of mathematical concepts can bring. When not teaching, Ms. Kinsley spends time reading, gardening, and working on craft projects, usually in the company of her three dogs. She plays mah jongg every chance she gets.

Cat Gilbert

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant & K – 8 After School Teacher

Cat Gilbert is a 2019 graduate from George Mason University (Magna Cum Laude) with a BFA in Theatre with a Concentration in Acting and Directing. She grew up in Charlottesville and graduated from The Covenant School (2015). Cat has performed in over 50 theatrical productions in the tri-state area and has been working as a teaching artist since 2016. Her main areas of focus are acting for stage and screen, Shakespeare studies and performance, and makeup artistry and design. She adores reading to children, inspiring them to explore the magic of story-telling, and encouraging young minds along their own literary explorations. Cat is a huge mental health advocate and encourages kindness and empathy in each classroom.

Robin Fox

Kindergarten

Robin Fox teaches Kindergarten and previously served as Peabody’s Academic Success Coordinator. Robin graduated from Cornell University in 2007 with a degree in psychology, concentrating on cognitive neuroscience. In 2009, Ms. Fox received her Master’s in Teaching from the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Prior to joining Peabody’s faculty, Robin taught at Woodbrook Elementary School in Albemarle County for four years. Robin presented “All the World’s a Stage: Sparking a Love of Shakespeare in the Primary Grades” at the 2017 conference of the National Association for Gifted Children. Robin has also received a “Best Teacher” award in multiple years of the Family Favorites Edition of Charlottesville Family BLOOM magazine.

Matt Wyatt

Music (Grades 4-8)

Matt Wyatt graduated with honors from UVA with a B.A. in Music and has worked professionally as a musician for over 20 years. His primary goal as a teacher is to help students develop well-rounded musicianship through practices that they find inspiring, exciting, and relevant. Mr. Wyatt incorporates listening, singing, percussion, ukulele, songwriting, and recording technology into the classroom. He performs as a drummer/percussionist with Humberto Sales, West of Wyatt, and Beleza and works as a freelance music producer and sound engineer.

Rhonda Saunders

Drama/K – 8 After School Teacher

Rhonda Saunders has taught Drama and directed the Spring Musical at Peabody School since 2018. She received her B.A. (Honors) in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Kent, Canterbury UK, specializing in directing. She received her Postgraduate Certificate of Education at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In addition to teaching in schools, Rhonda has taught and directed youth theater for ages five to adult, has run a daycare and preschool, and has worked as an actor, director and set designer. Rhonda was Head of Drama and teacher of English at Langley School in Norfolk, UK for five years, where she taught the full range of theater skills, from acting to lighting, and script analysis to puppetry, in addition to serving as an examiner for A Level Theatre Studies.

Erica Roth

Lower School Spanish

Erica Roth earned a B.A. in Spanish Literary and Cultural Studies at Occidental College. She earned an M.A. in Bilingual Bicultural Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where her thesis work focused on culturally relevant pedagogy and multicultural curriculum design and led to an award for her work titled Reflections, Creating a Culturally Relevant Classroom. Erica’s passion for language learning stems from her study and work experiences in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Spain. While in Spain, Erica taught English and supported bilingual education programs in three schools, including public elementary and high schools and a private language institute. Erica was awarded a fellowship in the Klingenstein Summer Institute at Teachers College in 2016, and she received a National Geographic Educator certification in 2019, the same year her former school named her recipient of the Lower School Teaching Excellence award. In her free time, Erica can be found exploring Charlottesville or traveling with her husband, daughter, and Boston terrier.

Stephanie Parr

Art (K – Grade 8)

Stephanie Parr holds her B.A. in Fine Arts and her Master’s Degree in Education from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Prior to joining Peabody, she spent 13 years in New Orleans teaching art to students in K – Grade 8 in two independent schools. She has a passion for color and texture, and works in a variety of media including printmaking, painting, and ceramics. When she is not teaching or creating in her studio, Ms. Parr can be found working in her garden alongside her chickens and basset hound or in the kitchen baking up a delicious pie.

Chris Haske

K-4 Technology Teacher

Chris Haske received his B.A. in Studio Art from Whitman College and his Masters in Art Education from NYU. He taught art at Peabody School for eight years, then taught art and design at the International School Moshi in Tanzania for a year. Mr. Haske has returned to Peabody School as the K-4 Technology teacher, bringing his love of making and figuring things out. He also teaches middle school arts and enrichment courses that blend art and technology. Chris and his wife Ruth have two lovely daughters, Maia and Noa.

Soma Hannon

Technology (Grades 5-8)

Somasundari Hannon has a B.A. in Computer Science and English from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Game Design and Development from Bradley University. They have experience working as a programmer and recently made the shift to education. Soma just moved to Virginia this fall with their cat, and in their spare time enjoy writing, drawing, and playing video games.

Séverine Frémy

Lower School French

Séverine Frémy, a native of France, holds a Master’s of Education from the National School of Education in France, and a Bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature and Civilization. Mme Frémy arrived in Virginia in 2013 through a teachers exchange program to help facilitate educational partnerships between schools in Charlottesville (CHS, Buford, CATEC) and schools in the Besançon school district. Previously, Mme Frémy taught in France for 12 years at all levels, from lower school to mainly high school. She taught French in the UK for three years and, in Virginia, at the University of Mary Washington. Mme Frémy first contacted Peabody School in 2015 to start and coordinate the French Exchange program with Vauban Middle School in Belfort, France. She has extended the program to 3rd – 5th grades with École Victor Hugo in Belfort. During her free time, Mme Frémy loves dancing, hiking, cooking, learning Italian, practicing yoga, reading, and traveling.

Jason Fargo

Physical Education

A graduate and student athlete of Longwood University, Mr. Fargo holds nationally recognized youth soccer coaching licenses. His passion for working with children is apparent in his 10 years of prior experience in coaching youth soccer with children of a variety of ages and abilities. Mr. Fargo uses sport and physical activity to build self-confidence in each child to help guide the learning of life skills. He enjoys soccer, golf, snowboarding, any beach activity, and spending time with his family.

Emmie Wright

Middle School Spanish

Emmie Wright holds a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Anthropology from Washington and Lee University. She earned her M.A. in Spanish from the Middlebury Language School, finishing her last summer in Guadalajara, Mexico. She has spent a number of years teaching both middle and upper school Spanish in Charleston, SC, New York City, and Charlottesville. She took time off from teaching to stay home with her two children, both of whom attend Peabody. In her free time, she loves to travel with her family (especially to Menorca, a small island off the coast of Spain), garden, read, and run.

Heather Miller

Fifth Grade Math

Ms. Miller received a B.A. in history from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University Teachers College. She has taught several different age groups but has a particular passion for teaching math to students in the upper elementary grades. Ms. Miller has taught at private schools in Connecticut, Ontario, Manhattan, Charlotte, and Barcelona. She has served as both a homeroom teacher and as a learning support specialist. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her adult children, hiking, reading, yoga and relaxing with her two cats.

Maryline Meyer-Pollock

Middle School French

A native of France, Ms. Meyer-Pollock earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and her Master’s Degree in Information and Communication at the University of Nancy, France. Prior to joining the Peabody School faculty in 2000, Ms. Meyer-Pollock taught middle and high school students in Lorraine, France for several years and is certified by the French National Education System (with a CAPES) in modern literature. She is recognized annually by L’Association Americaine des Professeurs de Francais (AATF – American Association of Teachers of French in Virginia) for her students’ performance on the National French exam, a challenging French contest. Outside of school, she enjoys country living, hiking, gardening, volunteering at the SPCA, and singing in the Pollocks, a local rock band.

Amy Lastinger

Outdoor Education

Amy Lastinger, our Outdoor Educator, earned a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from North Carolina State University and a Master’s in Science Education from The University of Texas, Austin. Her experiences include working at a wildlife conservation center in Florida, teaching 7th-grade science in Texas, and serving as the program coordinator for environmental science classes at Green Adventure Project. Amy served as our Middle School science instructor at Peabody from 2016-2024 and teaches several arts and enrichment classes. Amy has been recognized several times, most recently by the Charlottesville Climate Collaborative, for her educational leadership in environmental education.

Jess Harrison

Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies

Jess Harrison joined the 7/8 team as our Social Studies teacher in 2026, after teaching 5th grade humanities at Peabody for three years. Jess earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Louisiana State University, and an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Illinois where her graduate work focused on the ancient Maya. Jess earned a Master’s in Teaching from Louisiana State University, where her graduate work focused on teaching history through primary sources (her action research project was titled, “Exploring Indigenous History through Historical Inquiry: Filling the Gaps with Primary Source Documents.”) She taught 6th-12th graders in public schools in Louisiana and Illinois, including 6th Grade Social Studies, and AP Human Geography and European History. In her free time, Jess enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband, baby, and two dogs.

Colleen Fennessy

Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Math

After six years as Peabody School’s music teacher, Colleen is joining the Middle School Math Department for the 2023-2024 school year. Colleen received a B.A. in both Music and Math from the College of William & Mary and serves as the Minister of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Charlottesville. Colleen will likely find a way to stay involved in music at Peabody.

Henry Chin

Fifth and Sixth Grade Science

Henry Chin is a proud Peabody alumnus (‘15) and was awarded the first Peabody Fellowship in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Certification in Biological and Environmental Conservation from the University of Virginia, where he is earning his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. While an undergrad, Mr. Chin served as a substitute teacher at Peabody School and led a research team for his Distinguished Majors project studying the health and restoration of tallgrass prairies through cross-cultural exchange with high school students and leaders from the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate in South Dakota. He is excited to bring his background in wildlife conservation, field research, and transformative educational experiences to Peabody. He is a certified Type 2 wildfire fighter and a member of UVA’s Forestry Club and Parkour Club, and when he isn’t working in the classroom or the lab, he can be found removing vines from trees, bouldering, playing strategy games, or entertaining his hermit crabs and rescue cats.

Kristopher Chain

Seventh and Eighth Grade Science

Kristopher Chain received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Louisiana Tech University before working as a Developmental Biology and Genetics researcher at Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Chain received his Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Virginia where his graduate work focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle during exercise and disease. He teaches Middle School Biology and Physics.

Ben Brinkop

Sixth Grade Humanities

Mr. Brinkop has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Augsburg College and an M.A. in Educational Psychology (with a focus on Gifted and Talented Education) from the University of Connecticut. He joined the Peabody faculty after 10 years teaching gifted 3rd-5th graders at the Sage School in Foxboro, Massachusetts. When not teaching, he enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.

Amanda Beresford

Seventh and Eighth Grade English

Amanda Beresford holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Brown University and a M.Div. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Harvard University. She spent time working in healthcare chaplaincy and ministry, focused on children, youth, and families. Prior to joining our Middle School faculty in 2025, Ms. Beresford was a Peabody parent, Peabody Class Seminar teacher, and Peabody Teaching Fellow. Outside of school, Ms. Beresford enjoys family time, singing, reading, and yoga.

Jennifer Strong

PreKindergarten

While completing her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Strong worked with children and families as both an advocate and a teacher. Recognizing a need for specially tailored, culturally sustaining educational experiences for exceptional preschoolers, she returned home to Charlottesville to earn her endorsement in Gifted Education through the master’s program in Educational Psychology at the University of Virginia. She launched the Peabody PreKindergarten program in 2008. Her love for animals and stories is woven into every aspect of Peabody’s magical preschool experience. As the parent of two Peabody alumni, Ms. Strong has a deep appreciation for the expectations of the Peabody School community, and she has received multiple “Best Teacher” awards in the Family Favorites Edition of Charlottesville Family BLOOM magazine.

Emily Steppe

Second Grade

Emily Steppe graduated from Guilford College in 2008 with a B.F.A in Painting and a double minor in Art History and Religious Studies. She earned her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University and has been teaching since 2011 in various grades ranging from preschool to 5th grade. Ms. Steppe has specialized in gifted education since 2012 and joined the Peabody faculty in 2017 as a third grade teacher. She transitioned to teaching second grade at Peabody in 2021 while continuing to foster a classroom culture of growth mindset, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. Her teaching philosophy is centered around cultivating empathy, kindness, and real life executive functioning skills in the student community. When not working alongside students, Ms. Steppe enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, cooking, listening to music, and going on hikes with her dogs.

Stephanie Scarpinato

Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade Math

Stephanie Scarpinato earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from Towson University in Elementary Education, and has the Gifted Education endorsement through Virginia State University. Mrs. Scarpinato has taught for more than 25 years in different capacities including grades 2-5, as a gifted resource teacher in Harford County Public Schools in MD, and in a center-based gifted program in the Chesterfield County Public Schools in Virginia. After four years teaching fourth grade math and science at Peabody, she has moved to Middle School and will be teaching math to her former students! In her free time, Mrs. Scarpinato enjoys furniture restoration, crafting, reading, and spending time with her family, and looks forward to exploring bee keeping and other agricultural activities at her home in Scottsville.

Darlene Paulsen

PreKindergarten

A graduate of Lock Haven University (PA), Mrs. Paulsen earned a dual B.S. Degree in Elementary and Special Education with a Minor in Music. Prior to joining the Peabody faculty, Darlene taught for 31 years in public and private schools and retired in 2010. She was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in 1992 and taught in London for a year. She enjoys traveling to new places, walking on the beach, antiquing, and collecting quilts.

Paige Mattson

Third Grade

Paige Mattson earned her B.A. from the College of Charleston and her M.A.T. from American University in Elementary Education. Ms. Mattson holds a teaching license in the state of Virginia and recently completed her micro-credential in Culturally Responsive Teaching. Before coming to Peabody, she worked at Stone-Robinson Elementary and served in the Peace Corps. Ms. Mattson loves being outdoors, gardening, yoga, learning to play the ukulele and spending time at home with her husband, two boys, eight chickens, and six beehives.

Linjie Li

PreKindergarten Teaching Assistant

Ms. Li earned a Master of Teaching degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia and holds a K – 6 teaching license in Virginia. She completed her student teaching at Stone-Robinson and Jackson Via Elementary Schools, and worked as an assistant teacher at the University of Virginia’s Child Development Center. Ms. Li also has a Master of Science in Material Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology. With her bilingual and science background, Ms. Li is passionate about creating a curiosity-driven supportive learning environment.

Nicole Dreyfus

Fifth Grade Humanities

Nicole Dreyfus has joined the Middle School to teach Fifth Grade Humanities for the 2026-2027 school year. While she has loved her six years in Third Grade at Peabody, Nicole is excited for a new challenge and new curriculum. Nicole graduated from Bard College (NY) with a B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing, and earned her Master’s of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. She holds a teaching license for grades PreK-6 in the state of Virginia, and is also a certified and licensed teacher of Meditation, Hatha, Kundalini and Raja Yoga. Nicole loves learning new things, playing chess, working crossword puzzles, reading about everything, yoga, jogging, skiing, camping, snorkeling, creative writing, history, poetry, chemistry, art history, painting, travel, zoology, psychology, anthropology, volunteering, philosophy, theology, Halloween, mycology and pugs.

Ella Chin

PreKindergarten Teaching Assistant

A Peabody alumna (‘13), Ms. Chin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. Since graduating from Peabody, Ms. Chin has maintained a vibrant presence in our community. Throughout her high school and college years, she served as a substitute teacher, tutor, Camp Invention counselor, and Kids’ Night Out host. Her studies in language and culturally sustaining pedagogies have fueled her work at Peabody. She brings a richly diverse background in bilingual children’s theater, mindfulness training, and environmental stewardship to the magic of our PreKindergarten program – serving as both a nurturing caretaker and an inspiring teacher for our littlest learners.

Haley Atkinson

Academic Success Coordinator/Librarian

After four years teaching second grade at Peabody, Haley has transitioned to become our Academic Success Coordinator and Librarian. Haley graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Haley has nine years of experience as an educator focusing on literacy development and learning differences across a range of grades. She holds multiple teaching licenses, including Elementary Education, and has taught in a variety of schools. We are excited to have her in her new role! In her free time, Mrs. Atkinson enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with family.

Victoria Young

Director of Advancement & Community Engagement

Victoria Young joined the Peabody staff in 2011. Prior to her role in Advancement, Ms. Young taught 2nd – 5th grade, was Peabody’s first Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and also served as Assistant Head of School. Ms. Young received her Bachelor’s degree from UVA in 2007, her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in 2014, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University in 2015. Ms. Young was selected as an Education Fellow with Ecology Project International and has presented about Peabody’s innovative Arts & Enrichment program at the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Annual Convention. Ms. Young earned a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University in 2021.

Mary Lou Primm

Director of Admission & Marketing; Title IX Coordinator

Mary Lou Primm earned her M.S. in Counseling and her B.B.A. in Marketing and Spanish at The University of Memphis (TN). Mary Lou moved to Charlottesville in 2021 and enthusiastically brings to Peabody admission experience in a variety of independent schools, including boarding, visual and performing arts, faith-based, and single gender environments. Mary Lou and her husband are proud parents of two adult daughters. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks, hiking, needlework, and exploring Charlottesville.

Aimee Nolasco

Assistant to the Head of School

Aimee Nolasco received her B.S. at Radford University (VA) and Masters in Health at SUNY Cortland. She and her husband moved from Maui to Charlottesville when their daughter arrived in 2015. Aimee loves being a part of the Peabody community and enjoys working in the front office.

Nettie Lovet

Business Director

Nettie Lovet received a B.S. in Business and Accounting from the University of Phoenix. She has worked for small businesses as well as larger corporations for nearly 20 years, and has both accounting and operational experience. Ms. Lovet moved to the mountains of Virginia with her daughters in 2018. In her spare time, Nettie enjoys gardening, country living, dancing, and visiting the lake with her family.

McKenzie Harper

Assistant Head of School

McKenzie Harper earned her B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and her M.A.T. from Mary Baldwin University. She has taught a variety of grades in her career, including Grades 1, 4, and 6 in both public and private schools. Ms. Harper has two sons and in her free time can be found walking her three dogs, running, or reading from an ever-growing pile of wonderful books.

Lauren Funk

Director of Teaching and Learning

Lauren Funk has a B.A. from Juniata College, and has completed graduate coursework at both UVA and JMU. She has been an educator for more than 20 years, most recently teaching middle school English, high school English, and AP Literature & Composition. Prior to that, she served as a K-12 instructional technology resource teacher, and also managed a reading program at Venable Elementary School. Additionally, Ms. Funk has taught preschool and elementary classes in local independent schools and has also consulted with private clients on the college application process and academic coaching. She is participating in the Peabody School Cohort for Gifted Education through the Curry School at the University of Virginia. Ms. Funk is the mother of two Peabody alumni (Lydia, ’11 and Sam, ’19). Outside of school, she enjoys painting and crafts, cooking, and reading.

Kathryn Barker

Director of Information Technology

Kathryn Barker holds a B.S. in Spanish from Georgetown University, but has spent her career in IT in Washington, D.C. and Charlottesville, working in both business and education settings. When not at Peabody, she is usually hard at work on her farm.

Faculty & Staff Profiles