2 Years
3/4 Years
Pre-K
1st Grade
2nd/3rd Grades
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Middle SchoolFaculty & Staff
Joanne Bookbinder
Kindergarten Teacher
Joanne Bookbinder earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studies of Women and Gender followed by a Master of Teaching degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia in December 2009. This will be Joanne’s second year teaching kindergarten at CDS. Joanne is fluent in Spanish and has had experience teaching the language. The Curry School of Education has provided Joanne with a plethora of opportunities to teach in different elementary schools. She is passionate about the teaching profession and enjoys seeing children actively engaged in their learning. Joanne is excited to be teaching the Kindergarten class this year at CDS!
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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. Johanna 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, Johanna is faculty member at the University of Mary Washington and teaches private lessons from her studio at home in Charlottesville. Johanna holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook where her mentors were Katherine Murdock, Mitchell Stern, and the Emerson String Quartet. She enjoys teaching violin and viola at Charlottesville Day School.
Jan Breeden
Elementary Assistant Teacher/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. She is loved by her students and is dedicated to fostering each child's self-esteem. Jan was a nurse prior to entering the world of education. Jan was born and raised in Charlottesville and is the mother to her teenage son who attends Emory and Henry College.
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Dave Bruns
Executive Director/Middle School Teacher
Dave earned a Bachelor of Arts 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 (11) and Jane (8).
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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 Master 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 (11) and Jane (8).
Amy Buddington
Spanish Specialist
"Señora B" is excited to be back for her sixth year teaching Spanish at CDS. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Virginia and earned her teaching licensure from Mary Baldwin College. She enjoyed working for Albemarle County as a Spanish Teacher at the high school level before finding her true passion teaching younger children at CDS. Amy has two daughters in the CDS Elementary program. Her Spanish curriculum includes age-appropriate songs, games, stories, poetry, culture, and art. Upper Elementary and Middle School students learn grammar and writing. Señora B also shares her love of cooking and baking with her Wednesday enrichment class for elementary students. In the afternoon, Amy works with the administrative team at CDS.
Mira Cole
Middle School Teacher
Mira Cole earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (with an emphasis on children) and a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education in 2006. Mira worked at CDS for five years before returning to Curry to pursue her PhD. She is currently in her 3rd year of the doctoral program and is extremely excited to be back in a classroom with children! She has missed the smiles, inquisitive minds, and eagerness of the CDS students and feels lucky to be teaching English and Humanities this year, two of her favorite subjects! Mira was raised by a family of educators. She is a loving teacher who believes whole-heartedly in differentiated instruction and educating the whole child. She is a natural with children and brings out their best. Mira has a 10 year-old daughter, Aiyana, and a 1 year-old son, Nathaniel.
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Townley Cole
3/4 Year Olds Class Teacher
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 seven years, Townley has worked as a preschool teacher. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for early childhood education. Her proudest accomplishment is being a parent to her amazing children, Mira, Andrew, and AJ and spending time with her granddaughter Aiyana and new grandson Nathaniel.
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Coro Cope
First Grade Teacher
This is Coro's third year teaching first grade at CDS. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Masters of Teaching degree in Elementary Education. While she was a student, she worked with the Curry School Foundation as a student representative to the board, fundraising and increasing student involvement in the school. Coro has also worked in other elementary schools in the Charlottesville area as a tutor and teaching assistant, and brings these experiences with her to CDS.
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Trecia Gunnoe
1st Grade Assistant Teacher
Trecia returns for her fifth year at Charlottesville Day School. She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and English followed by a Master of Arts 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. Previously at CDS, Trecia was the lead teacher in the Polar Bear classroom as well as assistant teacher in Kindergarten and First/Second grades. She is excited to be teaching enrichment and assisting in the elementary school. Trecia and her husband have one daughter, Leah, who attends CDS.
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Katie Hickson
Math and Language Arts Specialist, Technology Specialist
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 of 2010. This will be Katie's third year at CDS. For the past two years Katie has taught the Pre-Kindergarten class, and this year will be teaching math and language arts in both the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. She will also be serving as the school’s Technology Integrator, and teaming with both preschool and elementary teachers. Katie delights in sharing her creativity and enthusiasm for nature, all things art, and general love of learning with every student at CDS.
Meryl Kahn
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Meryl returns to Charlottesville Day School for her fourth 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 and working with Theresa.
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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 served as interim the Principal Flute for the Charlottesville & University Symphony for seasons 2009-2010 and currently 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 strongly believes in the power of music to impact young lives. Angela returns for her seventh year as our Music Specialist at CDS. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Angela offers individual flute lessons at CDS. Visit angelakelly.net for more information on her work at CDS and in the community.
Kimberly Kotarski
Administrative Coordinator
Kim is a native to Charlottesville who graduated from the University of Virginia. She helps keep the administration office running smoothly as well as supporting the staff and parents in their day-to-day needs. In addition, Kim is a licensed esthetician, a notary, and mother to her two daughters, Camryn (3 years old) who is in the Panda class and Kiley (5 months old).
Michelle Lockwood
Middle School Teacher/Science Specialist
Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from UNC-Wilmington and teaching credentials from Colorado University at Boulder. Before teaching professionally, Michelle worked as a field biologist, naturalist, and an environmental educator with non-profit organizations. This is Michelle's 5th year at CDS and her 10th year in the classroom. She recently became a Master Naturalist and is excited to give back to her community and her students a love for the natural world. When she is not in the classroom with her students, you can find her staying active with her three children, who all attend CDS, and her husband.
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Annelise Lucas
4th/5th Grades Teacher
Annelise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis. She then earned teaching credentials and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree from Chapman University in California. She has taught at a variety of levels from preschool through high school and has been passionate about each grade. As Assistant Head of CDS, Annelise has assumed a wide range of administrative and teaching responsibilities. Her talents and hard work have been crucial to CDS's beginning. We are very excited to have Annelise in the classroom full-time again! She is the proud mother of three children: Logan (14), Jorun (8), and Jake (6). Jorun and Jake are enrolled at CDS.
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Mary Markle
3/4 Year Olds Class Assistant Teacher
Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi in 2009. In the subsequent 2 years, Mary served as an Assistant Director of Education and tutor at a Learning Center in Mississippi. This opportunity provided Mary with a wide array of wonderful experiences in education and working with children. This will be Mary's second year at CDS, and she is thrilled to continue teaching with Townley in the Panda Bear class.
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Theresa Miles
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Theresa is very excited for her first year as a teacher at Charlottesville Day School. Having spent much of the past year getting to know the community at CDS she can't wait to be working in the Grizzly classroom! Theresa graduated from James Madison University in 2011 with an Art Education degree, Pre-K through 12. During her time at JMU, Theresa served as the president of the school’s NAEA chapter while participating in the university’s Honors Program. Theresa completed a senior honors thesis, including a long-term study of a group of young students as they explored their creativity and the connection between art and learning in other subjects. Theresa is thrilled to begin working with the Grizzlies and grow with them as they make their own creative connections!
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Rita Stratton-Moore
2/3 Year Olds Class Teacher
Rita earned Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. As a social worker, Rita served 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 teaching in the Cubs classroom since 2006, when CDS opened its doors. Rita enjoys the amazing learning process, creativity, and joyfulness of two and three year olds! She is a kind, patient and warm member of our faculty. Rita and her husband, Eric, are the parents of two children, Will & Gracie.
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Jamie Morris
2/3 Year Olds Class Assistant Teacher
Jamie joined CDS in 2007 and returns this year as the Cubbie assistant teacher. She holds an Associate degree in Education and an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate. Jamie is well loved by children of all ages and enjoys teaching elementary enrichment classes in addition to teaching in the preschool program. Jamie is excited to return for a sixth year at CDS. Rita and Jamie make a dynamic, loving team for our Cubbie Bears!
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Tamara Murray
Art Specialist
Tamara earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts 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 sixth year teaching at CDS. She brings an abundant knowledge of the various fine art disciplines. With a great appreciation for each child's unique qualities, Tamara works passionately to enhance each student's ability to explore art-making independently.
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 of Virginia Orchestra. She holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master of Arts degree 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 6th year, with Angela Kelly. She maintains a private studio for beginning piano students, as well as flute and recorder students of all ages. In October 2007, Ms. Newcomb joined CDS where she continues her life-long commitment to educating the whole child through the arts.
Karin Reed
2nd/3rd Grades Teacher
Karin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College and a Master of Education degree from Trinity College. This is Karin's sixth year at CDS. Karin came to us with 11 years of experience in a variety of public elementary school classrooms, including Albemarle County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. While teaching in New England, she was the city of Worcester's nominee as Arts Educator of the Year for Massachusetts. In 2006, Karin received the Golden Apple Award that honors outstanding teachers in the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities. She was also recognized as one of Albemarle Family's favorites, in the category of teacher, for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011. In addition to teaching, Karin enjoys co-directing the CDS Theater Program. Karin has a gift for reaching children and is passionate about her profession. Karin has taught almost every grade level and is excited to return to CDS as a Second/Third grade teacher! Karin has two daughters, Ella and Izzy, who both attend CDS.
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Board of Trustees
Holly Hertberg-Davis
Chair
Holly Hertberg-Davis is an educational consultant specializing in differentiation of instruction, advanced curriculum, and effective professional development and teacher growth. She is a former professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education.
Candace Grierson
Past-Chair
Candace is a founding CDS Board member. Both of Candace's children attend CDS. Candace is very active in the Charlottesville community, works in Event planning and leads the CDS Development team.
Read Candace's "Case for CDS">
Carol Tomlinson
Honorary Trustee
Dr. Tomlinson is a professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education where she serves as Chair of Educational Leadership, Foundations and Policy. She is also a pioneer and expert in the field of differentiating instruction, a core principle in the CDS curriculum.
Duke Fox
Trustee
Duke is a native Washingtonian, graduating from UVA in 2004 with a major in history. Duke spent 10 years working as an Institutional Equity Salesmen for FBR Capital Markets in Boston and in Washington. Duke and his wife Alice returned to Charlottesville in 2009, and is currently working as the Vice President of Business Development for Red Light Management. Alice and Duke have two sons, Brooks and James. Brooks is currently enrolled at CDS and James will be soon.
Mindy Branch
Secretary
Mindy has been a stay-at-home mom for the past eight years. Before that, she spent many years in the government contracting business as a software program and requirements manager. Mindy is the graduate of Marymount University. She and her family relocated to Charlottesville over two years ago and have fallen in love with this community. She and her husband Matt have three children who attend CDS: Nathan (7), Rachel (6) and Jillian (2).
Chris Peper
Treasurer
Chris Peper is the Director of Operations at the Curry School of Education. He is a 1994 graduate of Colorado College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Chris is the husband of Michelle Lockwood and the father of three CDS students: Hayden (9), Townes (6) and Quinn (4). Chris has been a faithful volunteer at CDS for the past four years, serving as the PTO Co-Chair for two of those years. Chris is a strong supporter of the CDS Mission and his background in finance and operations will serve the board well.
Renee Fischer
Past-Chair
Renée is a physician of internal medicine and partner at Internal Medicine, Ltd in Charlottesville. She has been practicing medicine for fourteen years. She is a graduate of Boston College and SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. Renee's three children attend CDS.
Read Renee's "Case for CDS">
Peter Wiley
Trustee
Peter is a native of Central Virginia. He joined Frank Hardy Realty in 2005 and has been very active in the brokerage of farms, estates and historic properties in the Charlottesville area. Prior to becoming a realtor, Peter served as a Congressional staffer for a member of Congress and more recently as a lobbyist for the Venture Capital and Biotechnology industries in Boston and Washington DC. Peter's daughter attends CDS.
Brian Johnson
Trustee
Brian owns his own law firm which specializes in business transactions involving entrepreneurs and private companies in Virginia. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to his career in the law, Brian worked for six years as a commercial banker.
Rob Wise
Vice-Chair
Rob Wise is a complex litigation attorney with Bowman and Brooke. He has experience on Boards of other non-profits and fortifies the professionalism of our Board of Trustees. Rob is the father to Gus (Black Bear), Latane (Panda Bear) and husband of Sarah.
Read Rob's "Case for CDS"
Ellen P. Hench
Trustee
Ellen P. Hench is a doctoral student at the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education where she has studied extensively with Carol Tomlinson in the areas of Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners. She has also served as adjunct faculty for the School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies across the state of Virginia. She has also worked as a coach for teacher training in differentiation principles, practices, and skills in schools in southwest Virginia.
Ellen believes that a positive and productive school community recognizes and nurtures the individuality of each child and focuses on the growth and development of the whole child - mind, body and personal spirit. She has particular interest and passion for helping support school environments that foster social and emotional growth in tandem with academic learning. She and her husband Allen are the parents of two grown children, Stefan and Adriana.
Christie Reed
Trustee
Christie is an educational consultant specializing in case-based learning, experiential learning, and advanced curriculum, the co-owner of George & Henry, LLC, an exclusive dog boarding operation, and a mom. She has two sons. Her oldest is a Cubbie at CDS. Her younger son hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
