At Carlisle School, we are a family where faculty and staff share care, compassion, and support with one another and our students. Continue reading to get to know our team.
School Administration & Staff
Gracie Agnew, Head of School Ms. Agnew’s choice of the field of education as her career was prompted by her love of and passion for reading and the world that it opened for her. She chose to major in English at Winston-Salem State University where she received her BA degree and began teaching in order to fulfill her desire to instill in others that same passion. She earned her MA degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Although serving as a classroom teacher at the secondary and college level, a middle and high school administrator, as well as a central office administrator has brought her much joy, it is her current role as Carlisle’s Head of School that she treasures. She considers it an honor to work with excellent teachers and administrators, to partner with involved parents with the goal of providing all students in her charge with a premier education.
Cynthia Anderson, Student Services, Human Resources Mrs. Anderson graduated from Radford University with a B.S. in elementary education and special education. She retired from Henry County Schools after 33 years of service where she worked as a teacher, an educational diagnostician, and a coordinator. Teaching is her passion and her mission is to instill a love for learning in all her students. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing the piano.
Mrs. Bailey joined the school in 2008 along with her son Jaycob. She is known by the little ones as Ms. Sandy and has been the lower school assistant for eleven years. She was recently promoted to Admissions to help the Carlisle Family grow. She thinks the best part about Carlisle is the lifetime bond you make with the students and their families.
Melinda East-Brightwell, Athletic Director and Registrar Mrs. Brightwell brings a vast amount of experience to Carlisle from many different platforms. After traveling the country and spending 5 years working trackside with NASCAR she ventured into the technology world. Acting as a regional sales account manager for one of the country’s leading Microsoft partners, she focused on new customer acquisition and revenue growth. When her oldest child entered school in 2010, the opportunity presented itself for Mrs. Brightwell to join the Carlisle family. She earned her MBA from Averett University in 2005 and she takes great joy in seeing the successes of Carlisle students from Lower School through graduation.
Sherri Coles, Lower School Administrative Assistant Mrs. Coles has been a member of the Carlisle family since 2009 when her son started preschool. He is now currently in Upper School. She also has a daughter that is in Lower School at Carlisle. Mrs. Coles started as a substitute teacher for the school in 2011. She has now taken on the role as the lower school administrative assistant. Mrs. Coles loves being a part of the Carlisle family and especially loves all of the children.
Neil Easley, Director of Institutional Technology Mr. Easley completed the Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Science in Network Security program with ECPI University. He is experienced in deploying PCs, troubleshooting network issues, and overall IT administration. Mr. Easley is married, with four boys, ages ranging from 13 to 20 years old. His favorite sport is golf, and he enjoys watching college and major league baseball.
Beth Gammons, Director of Middle and Upper Schools Mrs. Gammons earned her B.S. in Mathematics Education in 1999 from Averett University and then earned her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007. She taught in Rockingham and Henry Counties for four years before beginning her career at Carlisle in 2004. Mrs. Gammons began as an Upper School mathematics teacher until 2012 when she became the Middle School Director. By being a part of Carlisle School, Mrs. Gammons has fulfilled her lifelong dream of teaching students and working with faculty to create an outstanding learning environment that is second to none.
Mandy Horsley, Public Relations Coordinator Mrs. Horsley earned her B.A. in Communications and Fashion Design from Radford University in 2002. She has worked in the education field since graduating from college in various capacities. She is married and a proud parent of two sons attending Carlisle.
Caroline Johnston, Director of Development Mrs. Johnston joined the Carlisle Family as Director of Development in August 2021. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) with a BA in History. She is the proud parent of a future Carlisle Chief and is excited to play a key role in expanding the school’s fundraising and development programs to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for generations of students to come.
Sarah Marshall, Lunchroom Manager Mrs. Marshall attended Regis University in Denver, Colorado earning a B.A. in Communications. She worked as a paralegal for Discover Card in Chicago before moving to Martinsville. Her husband and all three of her children have attended Carlisle School.
Neal Meyer, Lower School Director Mrs. Meyer graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Immediately upon graduation, she began graduate-level coursework at Averett University and met the necessary requirements for certification in elementary education. While attending Averett University, she trained under Dr. Bethany Tucker, developer of Tucker Signing Strategies for Reading. Mrs. Meyer was hired by Dr. Tucker to lead and teach the strategies to other aspiring educators at Averett University and students in the Danville Public Schools. Mrs. Meyer began her 25-year teaching career in Danville Public Schools in 1994. She joined Carlisle School in 2003 as a preschool teacher. In 2008, she transitioned into the position as Lower School Director, giving her the opportunity to fulfill her dream of leading a team the most dedicated and skillful educators in the region. The extraordinary children, parents, and faculty that comprise the Carlisle community, are a privilege for her to serve. They are inquisitive, compassionate, and resourceful, and they provide Mrs. Meyer with learning opportunities of her own each and every day.
Amy Parikh, Director of Finance Mrs. Parikh received her Bachelors Degree from the University of West Georgia in 1998. After completing her degree, she began her career as an auditor with the state of Georgia, then moved into general financial accounting. In 2007, she and her family relocated to Southern Virginia where she ventured into the fields of education and volunteerism, but she always returned to the field of accounting. Prior to assuming the position of Director of Finance in 2017, Mrs. Parikh worked for several organizations in the South Boston – Halifax County area, while also acting as treasurer for The Prizery in South Boston and the Paul Jones Cotillion Club in Halifax. Mrs. Parikh is married with two children.
Robin Spencer, Middle School Administrative Assistant Ms. Spencer has an Associate, Arts & Sciences General Studies Degree from Patrick Henry Community College. She joined the Carlisle School family in 2013, bringing with her over fourteen years of administrative experience along with a love for the school and its children. In her time at Carlisle, she has also been a host parent for International students, sharing her home with students from around the world. This experience has been very valuable for her and her family. Ms. Spencer’s son came to Carlisle in 2010 as a PS4 student.
Faculty
Susan Aaron, Director of College Counseling/Upper School English Instructor Mrs. Aaron has been involved with Carlisle School since 2002 when her son entered Kindergarten first as a parent volunteer, then as faculty, and for the past ten years as the College Counselor and faculty. She earned her B. S. in Education from UNC-G and her Master’s Degree in Education from UVA. Susan is also involved in the Arts at Carlisle School. She strives to instill in her students a passion for learning while helping them to find their voices and achieve their educational and collegiate goals.
Jamie Anderson, Grade 5 Teacher Mr. Anderson graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on General Education and Special Education. He has worked with students in multiple capacities for the last 14 years. He is a 5th grade teacher and is looking forward to helping his students grasp and apply new concepts.
Joshua Bires-Grodensky, Grade 3 Teacher Mr. Bires-Grodensky (Mr. B-G) holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Master of Science in College Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Mr. B-G started teaching at Smithfield Elementary School in Charlotte in 2015 before going to Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Mr. B-G loves spending time with his family and being outdoors. His son, Zander, is attending Carlisle School. He enjoys connecting with families and watching students prosper in their learning.
Mrs. Carter is an eclectic teacher in the Upper School that teaches in the fields of AP Psychology, AP Statistics, and Sports Medicine. She holds a Master Of Education from Averett University and Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Emory & Henry College. She started coaching volleyball at Carlisle in 2009 and loved it so much that she pursued her Master’s and started teaching in the same year in 2010. She teaches from the philosophy that your “health is your wealth” where mind and body are taught simultaneously to promote the well-being of the whole student.
Judy Dashoff, Middle & Upper School Art Teacher, Fine Arts Department Chair Mrs. Dashoff has taught at Carlisle for many years. She has three daughters that are all Carlisle alumni. She tries to instill a love of art in her students and encourages them to develop confidence in their own ability to be original and creative.
Lindsay Favero, NBCT Upper School Spanish Teacher Mrs. Favero is a National Board Certified Teacher and teaches higher-level Spanish courses. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Radford University and a Bachelor of Arts from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She loves the well-rounded education offered by Carlisle School, where students are encouraged to excel in academics, the arts, general stage presence, and athletics.
Linda Gibson, Middle and Upper School History Teacher, History Dept. Chair Mrs. Gibson teaches eighth grade United States history, AP Modern European History, and US Government. She earned a BA degree in history from Wake Forest University. She came to Carlisle in 1989 when her daughters were students. Like many other Carlisle parents. Mrs. Gibson believes that the Carlisle faculty prepared her children well for college and beyond. She thinks that Carlisle is able to attract strong faculty members because of the inspirational leadership of administrators, the example of dedicated faculty colleagues and the intellectual demands of the students. Emerson said the first rule of education is “Respect the pupil.” Carlisle students benefit from individual attention and remember the teachers who love their subjects and offer unstinting support while encouraging active learning and critical thinking. Our teachers respect students’ individuality and self-image and help them reach their personal bests through self-discipline and daring.
Sarah Ginter, Upper School Science Teacher Mrs. Ginter is a science teacher in the Upper School where she teaches Biology, AP/Dual Enrollment Biology, Dual Enrollment Anatomy and Physiology, and Dual Enrollment Microbology. In addition to teaching science courses, she also serves as faculty advisor to the Carlisle Chapter of the National Honor Society. Mrs. Ginter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a chemistry minor from Christopher Newport University and a Master of Science degree in biological sciences from Clemson University. She joined the Carlisle faculty in 2013 as a middle school science teacher and moved to the upper school in 2015. Mrs. Ginter believes in hands-on, interactive learning and strives to bring lab experiences to the classroom.
Tracy Guebert, AP Program Coordinator , Librarian Mrs. Guebert became part of the Carlisle family in 1995 when she was appointed head librarian. She has a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry from MacMurray College (Jacksonville, Illinois) and a Master’s of Science in Library Science from Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan.) During her time at Carlisle School, she has shared her love of books and reading and her belief that a child who reads is a child who succeeds. She also believes that the library is more than a place to find books – it is also a place to find answers. Information literacy and research skills have always been an integral part of her curriculum and in today’s climate of disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, their importance only increases. Mrs. Guebert and her husband are the proud parents of three Carlisle graduates: Ethan ‘09, Erich ‘12, and Emmie ‘17.
Ivey Gunn, Preschool 3 Teacher
Hunter Haskins, Middle School History Teacher Mr. Haskins is proud to be among the Carlisle School’s newest members for the 2021-22 school year. Holding both a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Roanoke College, Mr. Haskins is a passionate believer in the empowering role that studying history brings to the classroom. With experience in museum curation, applied and public history work, and historic resource management, he is ready to share and learn in the classroom and beyond.
William Inman, Lower School P.E. Teacher/Coach Coach Inman began teaching at Carlisle in 2017. He has a Physical Education degree from Averett University and is the head coach of the varsity baseball team. Prior to joining the Carlisle family, he was fortunate enough to play nine and a half years of professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and also the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lori Jones, Grade 1 Teacher Mrs. Jones has a B. A. degree from James Madison University. She joined the Carlisle family in 2004 when she accepted a position teaching kindergarten. After working with kindergarteners for six years, she moved to first grade in 2010. Mrs. Jones enjoys first grade because of the tremendous growth which takes place in each student during this important school year. She especially enjoys teaching her students to read. She believes, in the words of Kate DiCamillo, that “reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.”
Rhonda Kangas, Kindergarten Aide Mrs. Kangas came to Carlisle in 2008, first as a parent, then a parent-volunteer. Her love for children brought her to full-time employment at Carlisle as a Preschool 3 and 4 classroom aid. She held the position of classroom teacher for our Preschool 2 class for three years. Mrs. Kangas holds numerous certificates in Early childhood education. She has over 13 years of experience working with younger children and says she continues to love the work. Mrs. Kangas has one son, who graduated from Carlisle.
Rhonda Lord, Middle School Spanish Teacher Sra. Lord has taught middle and upper-division Spanish at Carlisle School since 2010. She received a B.S. in foreign language education from Bob Jones University. She seeks to instill in her students a love and appreciation for the Spanish language and culture. Sra. Lord enjoys interacting with her students not only in the classroom but also outside of class. She finds it especially rewarding when students choose to take higher levels of Spanish and even go on to use Spanish in their careers. Her desire is to make a difference and to be a lasting influence for good in her students’ lives.
Lorelei Maney, Upper School Teacher Mrs. Maney teaches Upper School Dual Enrollment AP U.S. History, Standard U.S. History, World History, and Journalism/Yearbook class. She moved to Virginia in 2007 from California, at which time she joined the Carlisle School family. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in History, and a Doctoral Candidate in Philosophy Degree, with a Major Field in Early Modern European History: Renaissance and Reformation, and Minor Fields in Modern European Intellectual History, and U.S. Cultural/Neo-Classical History from the University of California San Diego. Prior to moving to Virginia, she taught college for 14 years at UCSD in the Revelle Humanities program, California State University San Marcos, and Mira Costa Community College. Mrs. Maney has a clear understanding of what Carlisle Upper School students need to do in order to prepare for college, and her goal is to contribute to that preparation in as many ways as possible, as they make their journey.
Teresa Martin, Pre-K4 Teacher Mrs. Martin has a B.A. Degree from Longwood University. She joined the Carlisle School family in 2010, bringing with her twenty-three years of experience, love, and passion for young learners. She enjoys the whole child learning opportunities that Carlisle encourages. Mrs. Martin teaches her students to be empathetic toward others and to strive to be helpers. Her favorite quote by Helen Hayes that she instills in her students is, “ The expert in anything was once a beginner.” She challenges her children to experience new ideas and not to befearful of trying. In her time at Carlisle, she has also been a host parent for International students, sharing her home with students from around the world. This experience has been very valuable for her and her family. She is also an advocate of the arts and sports. She has enjoyed having the opportunity to help with dance recitals, paint parties, cheering sports teams, teaching summer camps, and participating in a variety of other Carlisle projects. Mrs. Martin’s son came to Carlisle in 2014 and played soccer and golf for the Chiefs before graduating in 2016.
Greg Morrison ’02, Upper School English Teacher Mr. Morrisonreturned to Carlisle School in 2013 to teach Upper School English and several electives. He has a B.A. in Anthropology from William & Mary, and he earned his Master’s Degree in English from Hollins University. Gregory has also written for many publications, including the Los Angeles Review of Books. He hopes to give students the same experience that he had during his time at Carlisle: a small community where teachers were free to help students find their own passions.
Sherry Moschler, STEAM Coordinator; Lower School Art Teacher Mrs. Moschler has been a part of the Carlisle family since 2004. She holds a B.A degree in Art from Averett University and earned teacher licensure for grades K-12th grade. She has a daughter Lindsey who is a 2017 graduate of Carlisle school and a son Luke who is a 2020 graduate. She loves sharing her love of art with her students and helping them discover their inner artist.
Cindy Nease, Grade 1 Teacher Mrs. Nease graduated from Radford University with a B.A. degree in Speech and Telecommunications. She received her teaching certificate in grades K-4 and her Masters in Education from Averett University. She retired from Martinsville City Schools after 33 years of service where she was the reading specialist, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and taught grades 1-3. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis and fly fishing. She looks forward to creating a Kindergarten classroom that is enjoyable, creative, and challenging.
Meredith Nicoletti, Middle School English and History Teacher Mrs. Nicoletti holds a B.A. degree from Averett University. She is the parent of a Carlisle alumnus and has two children who are students at Carlisle. She loves reading and helping her students.
Katina Pettit, Grade 4 Teacher Mrs. Pettit has a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech and a Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. She has worked in teaching and administration in Henry County and Patrick County for many years. She and her family are lifelong Hokie fans and you can find them at Lane Stadium during football season. She also enjoys gardening and is an animal lover. Her daughter, Kaylee, has been a part of the Carlisle family since PreK-4 and is a driving force of being part of the Carlisle family. Carlisle is a school that fosters academics, character, and personal growth in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Shannon Reynolds, -Upper School Teacher Mrs. Reynolds earned her B.S. in Political Science with a double major in English and a minor in Professional Writing from Virginia Tech in 2004. She began teaching at Bassett High School in 2005, and she taught at Magna Vista High School as well. Mrs. Reynolds started teaching Carlisle in 2016, and she has enjoyed all aspects of being a part of the Carlisle family.
Christy Richardson, Upper School Science Teacher Mrs. Richardson joined the Carlisle family in 2018 along with her three sons. She has a Microbiology and Cell Science degree from the University of Florida and is the Underwater MATE Robotics Team Mentor. Before coming to Carlisle, she taught in the Rockingham County Schools District for five years. Inspiring creativity and a passion for innovation in her students is what fuels her teaching.
Hillary Robinson, Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Robinson teaches earth and environmental science, life science, and physical science. She studied at Averett University earning a Bachelor of Science in biology. She has a passion to instill a love of science to all students. Mrs. Robinson loves the education that Carlisle School offers because each educator strives to develop the whole child.
Monica Rogers, Teacher Assistant Mrs. Rogers served for 13 years in the Navy where she earned a Leadership Certificate. She started working at Carlisle School in 2004 as a Spanish teacher and currently also aids in Pre-Kindergarten 4. She has two children who have attended Carlisle School since Pre-K. Her daughter graduated in 2018 and her son is a current student.
Paige Saufley, Pre- K 4 Teacher Mrs. Saufley graduated from Longwood University with a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Environmental Studies. She received her teacher licensure from Mary Baldwin University. Mrs. Saufley has been teaching for over 25 years from the preschool to the college level. Before moving to Martinsville, she taught in Franklin County. Mrs. Saufley has two children who attend Carlisle School.
Shannon Spencer, Teacher Assistant Mrs. Spencer attended the University of South Carolina earning a B.A. in Public Relations. She started working at Carlisle School as a substitute teacher then began working full-time as a classroom aide and cafeteria assistant. She has helped with the second and third grades as well as preschool. Mrs. Spencer has two children attending Carlisle School.
Lynn Stone, Kindergarten Teacher Ms. Stone earned a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Intermont College and her Master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. She has taught in Henry County Public Schools for 30 years in 1st Grade and Kindergarten and 2 years with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (Ohio) as a Head Start teacher and teacher coach. “Kindergarten is my niche. I truly feel that Kindergarten sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and it’s my goal to give my “kinders” the best start possible. I want them to love school and learning. Early literacy and reading is my passion. “
Debra Sullivan, Middle School Math Mrs. Sullivan studied at the University of North Carolina Charlotte earning a B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in science. She then went onto study at the University of Massachusetts Amherst earning a Masters of Education (M.Ed) in Elementary Education. Mrs. Sullivan has also studied at Capella University earning her Education Specialist degree in Administration (Ed.S). She has taught in grades 2-8 in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia before she came to join the faculty at Carlisle school. Mrs. Sullivan has two daughters who attend Carlisle school and loves the well-rounded education and the caring environment that the school provides.
Casey Thompson, Grade 5 Teacher Mrs. Thompson graduated from Radford University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching. She continued her education further to earn a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading in 2007. Prior to coming to Carlisle in 2011, she taught in the Pittsylvania County School system. Mrs. Thompson has two daughters and a son. Her oldest daughter and son both attend Carlisle. Mrs.Thompson loves the small classroom setting and the family atmosphere that is felt at Carlisle.
Christina Tisdale, Guidance Counselor; Guidance Department Chair Mrs. Tisdale joined the Carlisle family in 1996. She earned her Bachelor’s’ degree from James Madison University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She also received her M.Ed. in Counselor Education at the University of Virginia. She serves as a guidance counselor for all grades at Carlisle, as well as SCA sponsor for lower and middle school. Additionally, she coordinates all MAP testing for grades K – 8. Mrs. Tisdale believes we all have a personal responsibility to ourselves and the world around us to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. A healthy psyche begins in childhood and is an integral part of any child’s education. She has enjoyed being part of our students’ growth with her student-centered and solution-focused counseling philosophy.
Laura Walker, Grade 4 Teacher Mrs. Walker graduated from Averett University in 2005 with a B.S. and then earned her Masters in Education in 2010. She taught in Pittsylvania County Schools for 10 years before joining the Carlisle Family in 2016. Mrs. Walker has two daughters in Lower School and loves the small, family atmosphere that Carlisle offers.
Mrs. Anne has been involved at Carlisle School since 2001. She has a B.S. Degree from Virginia Tech and works professionally in the theatre world, choreographing and directing productions throughout Virginia and North Carolina. At Carlisle School, she is the Director of Fine Arts and coordinates Lower School Music/Creative Movement/Productions, Middle School Drama/Dance and Upper School Musical Productions. She also is the proud mom to Scarlett Grace, an upper school Carlisle student. Her work and family are her passions, and she loves being a part of all three divisions at Carlisle School! She is also the director of the after-school dance program and the cotillion program at Carlisle School.
Maintenance Staff
Mike Washburn, Facilities Director Mr. Washburn joined the Carlisle Family in the Spring of 2019. He has over 30 years of experience as a Class A Contractor. Throughout much of his career, he has been self-employed and he worked at Ferrum College in Maintenance for five years. Mr. Washburn is married with three children and six grandchildren.
