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Faculty & Staff Directory
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Office of the President
Senior Leadership
Human Resources
Admissions
Academics
Student Services
AFJROTC
Athletics
Technology
Medical Staff
Maintenance
Housekeeping
Finance
Advancement
David C. Wesley
President
Office of the President, Senior Leadership
Alex Odom
English
Academics
Allison Bushman
Flight and Ground School Instructor
Academics
Amy Harriman
Director of Upper School Admissions & Financial Aid
Admissions
Andrew Harriman
Social Studies
Academics
Barbara Boyd
Housekeepr
Housekeeping
Bonnie Ferrebee
Lead Housekeeper
Housekeeping
Brian Kelly
Director, Unmanned Systems Lab (Drones)
Academics
Brittany Zivic
Student Billling/Payroll
Finance
Chad Byrd
Science
Academics
Charles Plauger
Math & Science
Academics
Cheryl Funkhouser
Finance/Advancement Coordinator
Finance, Advancement
Chris Peter
Assistant Principal; Social Studies Teacher
Academics
Chris Ryder
Driver
Student Services
Christine Bennett
Academic Executive Assistant/Registrar
Academics
Cindy Wenzel
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Clay Clinedinst
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Connie Richards
Clinical Counselor
Academics, Medical Staff
Corinna Cousineau
Supervisor
Student Services
Cynthia Michael
Math
Academics
Daniel Ricci
Systems Administrator
Technology
David English
Director of Student Life
Student Services
Derrick E. Leasure
Assistant Dean
Academics
Don Williams
Director of Support Services
Maintenance, Senior Leadership
Eunice Oyungu
Director of Finance
Finance, Senior Leadership
Frank Carlucci
Aerospace/Humanities
Academics
Frank Sullivan
Athletic Director
Academics, Athletics
Gabrielle Miles
Learning Support Specialist
Academics
Irina Bosworth
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
James Taafel
English
Academics
James Kelley
Middle School Teacher
Academics
Jenna Cilley
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Jennifer Sweeney
Student Life Supervisor
Student Services
Jenny Walton
Alumni Engagement Coordinator
Advancement
Jessica Moore
English Teacher/Humanities Chair
Academics
Jim Payne
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Joe Ellis
Housekeeper
Housekeeping
John Casserino
Mentor
Academics
John Lacombe
Director of Information Technology
Technology
Karen Moxie
Director of Student Services
Student Services
Ken Cho
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Kenesa Haffer
Student Services Administrator
Student Services
Kevin McCann
French
Academics
Krista Burgos
Nurse
Medical Staff
Krista Peacock
Director of Human Resources
Human Resources, Senior Leadership , Office of the President
Lauren Bassichis
Student Life Supervisor
Student Services
Leila Lehman
Winchester Van Driver & Weekend Duty
Student Services
Lisa Hopson
Housekeeper
Housekeeping
Louis Massett
Director of Advancement
Senior Leadership , Advancement
Lynette Lane
Biology & AP Environmental Science
Academics
Mary Cook
Art Teacher
Academics
Mary Gamache
Director, College & Career Counseling
Academics
Mary Kuehl
English
Academics
Melissa Grove
Academic Administrative Assistant, Middle School
Academics
Melissa Riley
Housekeeper
Housekeeping
Michael DeMato
Music, Chorus & Digital Piano
Academics
Michael Myers
Math
Academics
Michele Freiwald
Chief of Staff
Senior Leadership , Office of the President
Mike Ramos
Vehicle/Plant Maintenance
Maintenance
Misti Walters
Director of Photography
Academics
Monica Kaufman
Accounts Payable
Finance
Pam Cole
Director of International Recruitment & Middle School Admissions
Admissions
Rebecca Crouse
Chief Nurse
Medical Staff
Regina Flook
Student Life Supervisor
Student Services
Robert Brower
Renovations
Maintenance
Ronald Henry
Supervisor of Maintenance
Maintenance
Ryan Koch
Flight Instructor
Academics
Sam Eshelman
Cadet Life Supervisor
Student Services
Stephen Latham
German
Academics
Stephen J. Pederson
Uniform Sales
Student Services
Steven Rice
Housekepper
Housekeeping
Stephanie Wagner
Computer Science
Academics
Sung Chu
Vice President and Director of Enrollment Management
Admissions, Senior Leadership
Tammy Ricketts
Student Life Supervisor
Student Services
Taylor Vazquez
Physical Education
Academics
Tiffani Lusson
Manager, The Jackets Nest (school store)
Finance
Thomas Dahlinger
Security/Night Supervisor
Student Services
Todd Freiwald
Director of Student Engagement
Academics
Tom Laourdakis
Supervisor of Grounds
Maintenance
Tony Ballard
Middle School Principal
Academics, Senior Leadership
Tracey Ramey
Dean, Instructional Leadership & Innovation
Academics, Senior Leadership
Tyler Andersen
Athletic Trainer
Athletics
William Churchwell
US Weekend Duty/Security
Student Services
David C. Wesley
Allison Bushman
Education:
- B.S. Aeronautical Management Technology – Arizona State University
Amy Harriman
Amy joined the Randolph-Macon Academy team in the summer of 2004. She has loved working in the admission department and meeting new families to share great success stories that she has witnessed throughout her time at R-MA. Amy oversees the Upper School admissions process
Amy has personally welcomed hundreds of students to R-MA. She also works with families throughout the financial aid process, counseling them with accurate options and expectations. Her years of experience also includes assisting high performing students of the Falcon Foundation.
Her husband, Andy, is an alumnus of R-MA and an R-MA social studies teacher.
- R-MA Mentor
- Yellow Jackets Football Announcer
Education:
- B.S., Towson University
An R-MA graduate, Andy (โ82) returned to โThe Hillโ in 2004 and served as a Middle School Social Studies teacher and a dorm counselor. In 2005, he made the switch to the Upper School and has taught Modern World History, US Government, and 20th Century Warfare. In addition, Andy has coached several sports at R-MA and is currently the head swim coach and assistant girlsโ soccer coach.
His family has its roots in New England, but Andy was born in Okinawa, Japan and was raised in Southeast Asia. He traveled the world extensively throughout his childhood; living in Japan, The Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. After high school, he spent a couple of years studying history in Athens, Greece while attending the American College of Greece before returning to the US to complete his academic studies. Andy lives on campus with his wife, Amy Harriman (R-MAโs Director of Admissions & Financial Aid) and their son, Campbell.
- R-MA Class of 1982
- R-MA Mentor
- National Social Studies Honor Society Advisor
- Freshman Team Co-Advisor
- Yellow Jackets Varsity Football Announcer
- “Mandatory Fun” band member
- Head Coach Swimming
- Assistant Coach Girls Soccer
Education:
- B.A., History-Keene State College
Awards:
- 2020: Coach of the Year
- 2014: United Methodist Church Exemplary Teaching Award
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2014: Faculty of the Year
-
2010: Mentor of the Year
- 2007: Team of the Year
Bonnie was born and raised in Clark County and her family moved to Warren County during her high school years. She then attended Lord Fairfax Community College specializing in home hospice care.
After 18 years working for a local retirement home community, Bonnie joined R-MA has the Housekeeping Supervisor in 2012.
Brian Kelly
Brian is a former Entertainment Executive, CEO, Award-winning film-maker, writer and journalist with a proven track record of successes in developing creative strategies for major television networks and studios. Brianโs history of leading media organizations with operational and strategic planning responsibility led to the production and distribution of a diverse portfolio of successful film, television and digital content distributed worldwide. While Brianโs career highlights include senior staff positions with major television networks, and leading several major market creative services firms, his most significant personal accomplishment has been mentoring a long list of successful media executives who began their careers under his leadership. In 2007, while working as a senior executive at Discovery Communications Brian began his pioneering efforts in the use of drones for the collection of aerial imagery for television and film. Two years later he launched one of the first companies in The United States to receive an FAA exemption for the commercial use of drones for television and film production. Brian leveraged his companyโs โfirst-inโ position in commercial UAS services into multiple vertical markets including construction, emergency response management, agriculture and UAS flight training. In 2016, Brian launched National Drone Services — a UAS services company and training facility offering a broad curriculum of creative and industrial drone training. Today, Brian is the Director of The Unmanned Systems Lab at Randolph-Macon Academy where he applies a lifetime of personal and professional experience to the challenges of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Chad arrived at R-MA in 2017 to teach Chemistry and AP Chemistry with a background in nanosurfaces, kinetics and statistical, experimental design. Jessica, his wife of 25+ years, and he have two children, a son attending UVA and a daughter about to finish high school. He enjoys joining his family in whitewater rafting, canoeing and hiking adventures and traveling across the globe to see the world. He tinkers and builds in his spare time, which has led to the start of a Do-It-Yourself workshop at R-MA.
- R-MA Mentor
Education:
- Ph.D. Chemical Engineering-Virginia Polytechnic and State University
- M.S. Chemical Engineering-West Virginia University
- B.S. Chemical Engineering-West Virginia University
Charles has taught Physics and Mathematics since 1996. He began his teaching career in the public school system, and moved to private school upon his arrival in Virginia in 2010. He joined the R-MA team in 2018, and has taught at both the Upper and Middle Schools. His baseball experience in college supports him in coaching, and he enjoys being available for tutoring in the evenings. Charles lives with his wife and family in Woodstock, VA.
- R-MA Mentor
- Varsity Baseball Head Coach
Education:
- M.Ed., Educational Leadership-Regent University
- B.S., Physics-Frostburg State University
Chris Peter earned his B.S. in history from Shenandoah University, has a National Advanced Goalkeeping Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), and a Virginia State โEโ and โFโ coaching license. Mr. Peter is the Assistant Principal at the Middle School, teaches world history and global quest and coaches the boyโs varsity soccer team. When heโs not telling stories to inspire a love of history or on the soccer field coaching, he might be fishing, hiking, biking, or spending time with his wife, Katherine Debord-Peter and their young daughters, Charlotte and Maggie.
- R-MA Mentor
- Head Coach: Middle School Boys Soccer
Education:
- B.S. Shenandoah University
Christine Bennett
Christine Bennett came to R-MA in 1997. Her experience in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller has enabled her to handle multiple projects and schedules for a variety of constituents. In the R-MA Academics Department, Christine coordinates the inner workings of the Academic Office and communication among many academy offices. She is the first smiling face that students and families see when they visit. If anyone has questions Christine is the go to person on R-MA institutional knowledge.
Christine is the parent of a 2008 graduate and now the grandmother of a handsome boy and beautiful girl who will hopefully one day join her at R-MA.
Cindy Wenzel is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Certified Personal Trainer since 2009, a Board Certified Massage Therapist, and Warren County Parks & Recreationโs Gymnastics Coordinator since 1998. Her passion for coaching young athletes comes easily as she grew up in an Athletic Directorโs home where sports was the heartbeat of her family. Her father served in the Army and would be very proud that she works at R-MA. In April 2019 Cindy began her R-MA career as an Upper School CLS.
โI encourage young leaders to never stop at good and to always strive for their best.โ As an SLS at the Middle School Cindy seeks to make a positive impact with this group.
โ I enjoy their level of energy!โ
โGod blessed my life to be Mom to Emylou & Grandma to Mila. They are both Deaf and have made me fluent in Sign Language. I live on campus with my newly adopted cat, Lorde Fawkes.โ
Education:
- Virginia School of Massage
- American Council on Excercise
Clay Clinedinst was born and raised in Shenandoah County, graduated from Central High School, went on to pursue a Bachelorโs Degree from Ferrum Junior College and graduated from Eastern Mennonite University. He has spent time in the military and has since found his calling in working with children.
Most of Clayโs career has been focused on children. He has worked with kids at the Tempe Center and Grafton School as well as with social services and child protective services.
Sixteen years ago, Clay was approached about a dorm leader opportunity… and has never looked back. Clay likes working with kids because he says that it โkeeps you young.โ He is well-equipped as a dorm supervisor because he grew up in a big family; now he is part of the โR-MA family.โ
Education:
- B.S., Camping, Recreation and Youth Ministries-Eastern Mennonite College
Connie Richards
Connie came to R-MA in February, 2005. Connieโs primary responsibilities are as the R-MA Clinical Counselor, as well as serving as the contact point for the Academyโs Care Team. Her primary area of focus in providing mental health therapy has been working with children and adolescents. Connie is a licensed clinical social worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and also enjoys teaching. She teaches one section of AP Psychology and R-MA and is an adjunct instructor at Shenandoah University, where she teaches General Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. Additionally, she also has a small private practice in Front Royal. Connie has been married to her husband, John, for 25+ years, and has two wonderful children. She takes advantage of the area and its beauty by enjoying hiking, gardening, and just being outdoors. Now that her children are grown, she enjoys quiet evenings at home reading and spending time with her husband and animals.
Education:
- Ph.D., General Psychology-Walden University
- M.S.W.-Virginia Commonwealth University
- B.A., Psychology-George Mason University
Corinna was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. After working in the travel industry for over 20 years, she moved to the United States to marry her husband Larry in 2012. Shortly after the wedding, she and Larry came to R-MA. Corinna has been the Weekend Student Services Supervisor since 2014 and also serves as a substitute teacher, an Advanced Placement test proctor and tutor in German language.
Education:
- OSZ in Wirtschaft und Verwaltung (Germany)
Cynthia came to R-MA in the fall of 1993 from Dayton, Ohio. As a proud Buckeye, she has spent the majority of her time in Virginia trying to figure out why snow is such a big deal here. Cynthia has been a teacher in the Mathematics department serving as the Department Chair in addition to teaching Algebra and Geometry. In her time at R-MA, she coached the swim team for 18 years and served as an assistant coach in nearly every team for girls. She has served as a sponsor for the Honor Council, National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, reading, listening to music and visiting family and friends in Ohio.
- R-MA Mentor
- Freshman Team Co-Advisor
- Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) Advisor
Education:
- M.S. Education – University of Dayton
- B.S. Education – Miami University
Awards:
- 2012, 2006: R-MA Mentor of the Quarter
- 2010: Northern Virginia Daily’s All Area Boys Swimming Coach
- 2009: R-MA Coach of the Year
- 2009: R-MA Coach of the Winter Season
- 2007: Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter’s Air Force Association Teacher of the Year
- 2004: R-MA Teacher of the 2nd Quarter
- 2002: R-MA Parents Association’s Teacher of the Year
Daniel Ricci joined R-MAโs Technology Department in 2020. Daniel has a wide variety of experience in the I.T. field, and enjoys using his knowledge and skills to solve problems and improve system efficiency and user experience. Outside of R-MA, Daniel takes care of his two rescue dogs White German Shepherd named Jax and her puppy, Bowser. Danielโs background also includes experience with safety and security, and he is an active volunteer with a local law enforcement agency.
David English
Dave English is a retired law enforcement officer, Army veteran and an R-MA alumnus from the class of 1989. Dave is from Virginia, but returned to R-MA, in 2018, to assist with the Baseball program. When the position of Director of Student Life was vacated, Dave jumped at the opportunity to return to R-MA full time. When asked about his background, Dave said, โHaving a non-traditional resident life background has been a positive — Having a myriad of life experiences coupled with an understanding of unique challenges cadets faceโฆhaving been a cadet before, is invaluable!โ
Daveโs investment in R-MA is deep as his father (class of 1960) and son (class of 2023) are tied to the legacy.
Having played football and baseball in college, Dave continues to pass on the life lessons of teamwork, hard work, and commitment. Outside of R-MA, Dave has three teenage children, coaches travel baseball, is a private pilot, and an avid outdoorsman.
Education:
- B.A., Criminal Intelligence-American Military University
- M.A., Management-American Public University System
Derrick came to R-MA in 2008 after serving ten years as a history and geography teacher and Dean of Academics at Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California. His education career, however, began at The University of Arizona College of Education where he served as an administrator for an inner-city outreach program.
Derrick earned a Bachelorโs Degree in History from The Ohio State University and a Masterโs Degree in History from The University of Arizona. His professional affiliations are with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the National Association for the Social Studies. He is also a member of and current president of the Front Royal Rotary Club.
He is married to Michelle Cantlebary, and they have two children, Grant (R-MA Class of 2024) and Elena.
- R-MA Mentor
- Head Coach: Golf
Education:
- M.A. The University of Arizona
- B.A. The Ohio State University
Don Williams
Don was born and raised in the Winchester area. He taught middle and high school instrumental music for 13 years, and spent 21 years as a public and private school administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Don coaches Cross Country and Track & Field teams at R-MA – still running every day with each team! He enjoys drum and bugle corp competitions, long distance running, reading and is an avid golfer.
- R-MA Mentor
- Chess Club Sponsor
- Coach: Cross Country
- Coach: Track & Field
Education:
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Administration-Virginia Tech
- M.M.E.-James Madison University
- B.M.E. with Performance Certificate-Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music
Eunice Oyungu
Eunice brings more than 15 years of experience of Financial Management for private education institutions for both domestic and international families. She is passionate about meeting people and making meaningful connections, while helping people succeed to meet their goals. Eunice loves hanging out with family and friends, singing, listening to music, books, walking and of course watching Hallmark Movies!
Education
- M.B.A., Finance-Northeastern University
- B.S.. Business Administration/Accounting-United States International University-Africa
Frank Sullivan
Frank has been at R-MA since 2007 where he has served as a coach, teacher, mentor. In 2009 he became the Athletic Director. He truly enjoys working with students within the athletic realm and seeks to help students reach their potential. Prior to joining the team at R-MA, Frank taught and coached at schools in New England and Florida. Frank has been married to his wife, Pamela, for 23 years and they have two children. When not working Frank enjoys spending time with his family.
- R-MA Mentor
- Head Coach: Varsity Football
- Head Coach: Varsity Wrestling
Education:
- B.S. Physical Education – University of South Florida
A New York native, James Taafel has lived in Virginia since 2001, when he attended R-MA. After graduating in 2005 as a proud alumnus, James then attended Dickinson College, where he graduated with a degree in Law and Policy. James has worked at the Academy since 2011, where he teaches English and a Sociology/Criminology elective. James coached Speech and Debate for many years, and is currently an enthusiastic coach for R-MAโs Cross Country and Track teams.
- R-MA Class of 2005
- Speech and Debate Coach
- International Club Advisor
- “Mandatory Fun” band member
- Assistant Coach: Track and Field
- Assistant Coach: Swimming
Education:
- B.A., Law and Policy-Dickinson College
Jenna Cilley grew up in a military family with three younger brothers. After training to become a youth pastor at Liberty University, she spent a year in England working for Tees Valley Youth for Christ. She joined the R-MA team as a CLS in August 2020 and loves serving and mentoring the upper school girls at Turner Hall. She also helps plan fun campus events and weekend field trips.
Education:
- B.S., Youth Ministry Christian Leadership-Liberty University
Jennifer Sweeney holds a bachelorโs in English Education, but has spent most of her working life as an editor and behavior modification specialist. She became interested in behaviors after her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She is married with three children, two cats, a dog, and a grandcat. She has lived in far too many places to count, but thinks this part of Virginia is one of the most beautiful places sheโs been. Her hobbies include reading, needlework, jewelry, and history.ย She enjoys the energy and uniqueness of the middle-school aged kids, and looks forward to helping them grow and learn in this unique environment.
Education:
- B.A. Tulane University
Jim Payne
Jim Payne has always enjoyed working with people, and that led him into a variety of counseling positions and Christian ministries and includes being a volunteer for mission centers in the inner-city of Richmond, VA, and a youth minister for churches as far south as Emporia, VA.
โI grew up in the suburbs of Richmond, VA, playing league sports like football and baseball.ย But, I also spent a lot of time on my grandparentsโ farm in Louisa County, Virginia and was taughtย how to milk a cow and grow my own food!โย These experiences enable him to relate to many students as the Night Officer-in-Charge.ย
At R-MA, Jim has taught Computer Applications, Comparative Religions and Social Psychology.ย He is currently the pastor of a small church just outside of Front Royal.ย Some of his personal hobbies include reading and playing board games, especially chess and checkers.ย He is also an avid movie fan, his favorites being the Star Wars series and vampire movies.
Education:
- M.Div.-Baptist Theological Seminary or Richmond
- B.S., Psychology-Virginia Commonwealth University
- A.A.-J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
After graduating from the Air Force Academy, John’s work within the U.S. Air Force and the defense consulting sector comprised of over 30 years of operational and acquisition experience in Aerospace and Command & Control. He also served as an AFROTC Detachment Commander, training the next generation of Airmen while instructing college-level academics across a variety of disciplines. Over the last seven years, John has worked at R-MA as a teacher of AP Physics, Honors Physics, Programming, Astronomy, and GIS. He lives with Carri, his wife of 31 years, and is the father of three adult children, Jacob, Anna, and Ethan.
- Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
- R-MA Mentor
- Assistant Coach: Middle School Cross Country
Education:
- M.Ed., Secondary Science Education-George Washington University
M.S., Rhetoric and Technical Communications-Michigan Technological University
M.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics-Stanford University
B.S., Astronautical Engineering / Engineering Sciences, USAF Academy
John Lacombe
Bio:
- Assistant Coach: Varsity Football
Education:
- B.S. James Madison University
Karen Moxie
โI was born in Front Royal and has lived here all my life.โ
Karen Moxie is the Director of Student Services and has worked at Randolph-Macon Academy for 42 years. โR-MA is the only place I have ever worked. I have loved working here and treasure all the friendships I have made to include everyone I have worked with, parents/guardians and of course all the students that I have worked with.โ She loves watching sports and spending time with her family and dog, Brody
Kenesa Haffer
Kenesa Haffer moved to Front Royal when she was 2 years old and has been living here ever since. She has worked at R-MA for over 20 years. She initially worked in the Academics Office and moved over to Student Services in October of 2014. โI love spending time at the lake with my family and I love to read. Fun fact – I am a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan!!โ
Kevin began his teaching career in Berlin, Germany where he taught English as a Second Language for many years and pursued a graduate degree in Modern European History at Humboldt Universitaet. He also taught for half a year in Paris before returning to the U.S. to pursue a doctorate in French literature, where he also taught both French language classes and Western Civilization classes to undergrads while earning his degree. Kevin subsequently spent five years teaching high school French in North Carolina. He devotes his free time to music, books and movies.
Education:
- Ph.D. French Fiterature-New York University
- B.A. History-UMass, Amherst
Krista Peacock
Lynette Lane
Lynette came to R-MA from Tennessee (via Wyoming and Savannah) in 2018. She brings 30+ years of teaching experience and a love of travel and hydroponic farming. She oversees the hydroponics farm and teaches science classes. Lynette has two doodle companions, Simon and Tucker, and all three enjoy traveling in a self-built camper van during the summer. The Western U.S. is their favorite destination. Lynette has a daughter in Richmond and has come to love Northwest Virginia. She now calls this part of the world “Home”.
- R-MA Mentor
- R-MA Hydroponics Lab
Education:
- M.S. Life Science – Louisiana Tech University
- B.S. Science Education (Biology/Physics) – Louisiana Tech University
Mary Gamache
Mary Gamache came to R-MA after serving on active duty with the Air National Guard for over 26 years. While in the ANG, Mary advised and provided technical expertise to the Air Surgeon’s staff and guidance to ANG Medical Units on staffing, training and organizational development. After serving two years as an Air Force JROTC instructor, the Richmond native moved to the position of R-MA’s College Counselor. As R-MA’s College Counselor, Mary has found her niche that combines a dream career with a well-developed talent; counseling students in regards to their college choices and future careers. “This is my joy. I love listening to students’ dreams and helping them discover their interests and talents and coaching them in achieving their goals.” In pursuit of making herself the best possible resource for R-MA students, Mary has visited more than 150 colleges. Her college counseling efforts with more than 500 students over the last decade have resulted in graduating classes with 100% acceptance and an average of $6 million in merit scholarships each year. In her free time, Mary enjoys traveling throughout the world and “glamping” in her Airstream trailer.
- Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.)
- R-MA Mentor
Education:
- M.S. Human Resources Training and Development – National Louis University
- B.S. in Organizational Management – Bluefield College
Mary hails from upstate New York. She moved to Virginia 13 years ago to coach lacrosse and teach. Since then, she has spent her time at various local private schools. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with friends and family, competing in long distance races, and quilting.
- R-MA Mentor
- Head Coach, Middle School Girls Basketball
Education:
- B.S., International Relations and East Asian Studies, Japanese Concentration-Connecticut College
Melissa Grove
Bio
Michael DeMato
A native New Yorker (born and raised in Bayside, Queens), Michael moved to Front Royal to take the Choral Director position at Randolph-Macon Academy in August 2010. Having studied music at Loyola College in Maryland and music education at New York University, Michael has found his musical niche at R-MA. In addition to teaching music and assisting in R-MA Spiritual Life, he is married and a father of four, an avid runner, and the lead guitarist/backup vocalist/keyboardist for the local cover band, Mandatory Fun.
- R-MA Mentor
- “Mandatory Fun” band member
Education:
- M.A. Music Education-New York University
- B.A. Concentration Music-Loyola University Maryland
Michael joined R-MA in 2020. He has taught a mixture of middle school and high school mathematics for the past 5 years. His teaching philosophy is to change the fixed mindset of students to a growth mindset. He believes that everyone has the ability to be a “math person.” Michael is a Les Mills certified group fitness instructor at Fitness Evolution here in Front Royal with advanced instructor status. He also has a background in high school theater, where he has been the assistant director and producer for three musicals and two one-act plays. Michael has a minor in Spanish and a goal of traveling to Spain and hiking the Camino de Santiago. He dotes on his dog, Kizzie, who has been with him since moving to Virginia from Pennsylvania in 2015.
Education:
- B.S.Ed., Secondary Mathematics Education-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Robert E. Cook Honors College Graduate
Bio:
Education:
Awards:
Pam Cole
Pam was born, raised, and educated in Northern Virginia. She worked as an accountant for 24 years prior to joining the admissions team. Both of her children graduated from R-MA where she has worked for the last 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, ballet, theatre, reading, gardening, and listening to music. Her favorite part of working in admissions is watching the students she has worked with achieve both growth and success.
Pam has also personally welcomed over 350 international students from more than 20 countries to R-MA. She also has extensive experience with Middle School admissions, preparing families for success early in their child’s education for Upper School preparation and University matriculation.
Nurse Rebecca Crouse has been a nurse for 9 years. She has worked previously in the hospital setting as a staff nurse. Most recently at UVA Novant Health Prince William Medical Center on the Intermediate Critical Care unit.
She is originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Front Royal in 2014. She loves the area and with two young children appreciates being able to work so close to home at a job that she enjoys. Having only joined the R-MA family September of 2020 she is looking forward to learning and growing with R-MA.
Education:
- B.S., Nursing Science-Fairmont State University
- AD., Dietary Management-Fairmont State Community College
Ryan is a flight instructor who has been part of the R-MA since 2006. He enjoys being involved in all aspects of aviation, most notably teaching students how to fly an airplane before most learn to drive a car. His favorite part of teaching at R-MA is seeing the excitement of each student who takes to the sky. When not flying or teaching Ryan enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two sons as well as unicycling, hiking and making things using a scroll saw.
- R-MA Mentor
Education:
- B.S. Aviation Flight Operations – Daniel Webster College
Stephen was born in Cheshire, UK, to an English father and German mother. Annual visits with his German relatives led naturally to studying German at Aston University, UK with a year abroad at Universitรคt Heidelberg, Germany. After working in Dรผsseldorf, Germany and Manchester, UK for several years, Stephen moved with his wife to Virginia in 1996 and started teaching at R-MA the following year. In addition to speaking German and French, he enjoys trying out new languages and immersing himself in different cultures, having traveled to nearly 50 countries across 4 continents. In addition to having a degree in psychology, he enjoys philosophy and spirituality, and leads clubs and seminars at R-MA on philosophy, mindfulness, and yoga.
- R-MA Mentor
- Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
- National German Honor Society Advisor
Education:
- Combined Honors B.S. in Honors German/Human Psychology-Aston University (United Kingdom)
Stephen J. Pederson
Stephen Pederson joined the aerospace program at Randolph-Macon Academy in 2007 after retiring from the United States Air Force with over 30 years of military service. Stephen has a passion for space and appreciates the college-prep process as his his two sons navigated the college application environment. This experience helps bring personal level of understanding which are both illustrated while he teaches students. His efforts have been recognized by the Air Force earning him the Outstanding Instructor Award four times. Stephen is now the Uniform Sales Manager. He continues to support the Aerospace Department as the Cyber Patriot coach and substitute aerospace instructor.
- Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.)
- R-MA Mentor
- CyberPatriot Coach
- Ham Radio Club Advisor
Education:
- M.S. Space Education – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
- B.S. Occupational Education – Wayland Baptist University
Awards:
- 2014, 2012, 2009: Air Force – Outstanding Instructor Award
- 2011: Air Force – Outstanding Instructor Award with Merit
Stephanie Wagner
From Charleston, SC, Stephanie and her family moved to Arizona, then Washington, and finally landed in Front Royal, VA in 2009. Stephanie began her teaching career in the public school system, and moved to private school to pursue her passion for computer science and robotic design. Stephanie currently teaches middle and upper school students Computer Science and Robotics classes, as well as working in the Hydroponics Lab. Stephanie enjoys her weekends on the soccer fields watching her two daughters and interior design projects.
- R-MA Mentor
- Assistant Middle School Soccer Coach
- FIRST LEGO League Coach
Education:
- B.S., Computer Science-College of Charleston
Sung Chu
Sung joined R-MA in March of 2020 and overseas enrollment and marketing initiatives for the Academy.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he completed his undergraduate degree in Montreal, QC and has lived in Rhode Island, New Jersey and California before moving to Virginia. He has traveled extensively for international education and makes it his personal mission to try a Coca-Cola beverage in every country he visits (his favorite version is from South Africa).
Sung enjoys playing the cello and resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, Dahye, and three year old son, Bennett.
Education:
- B.M., McGill University
Originally growing up in southern New Hampshire, Taylor Vazquez and his family moved up and down the East Coast during his younger years. He graduated from Washington High School in Jefferson County, WV and is a graduate of Shepherd University (WV). He joined the R-MA faculty in the summer of 2019, teaching physical education (PE) and health at the Middle School. Taylor coaches varsity football, varsity basketball, and varsity baseball at R-MA. Outside coaching and teaching, he devotes his time to his wife, Michaela, and his charcoal Labrador, Harper. When he does have some downtime for himself, he tries to spend it on the golf course.
- R-MA Mentor
- Assistant Coach, Varsity Football
- Assistant Coach, Varsity Boys Basketball
- Assistant Coach, Varsity Baseball
Education:
- B.S. Shepherd University
Tom Dahlinger is a native Virginian, an identical twin and a retired public education teacher with 31 years teaching and supervisory experiences.
โI love the sports of basketball and softball and have been an umpire and referee for both over the past 20 years. I love working with youth.โ
Tom is involved with the Hope Again Care center in Winchester, Virginia sponsored through the Winchester Church of God, as well as a member of the Gideons International. โI try to mountain bike when I can, though aging is making it more and more difficult.โ
Education:
- B.S., Early Elementary Education-George Mason University
- M.S.-Shenandoah University
Todd Freiwald
Tom was born and raised in New York. After serving in the United States Marines, he has enjoyed a life-long career in Arboriculture and Horticulture.
An outdoor enthusiast, recreational sailor and amateur beekeeper, Tom raised two children in Warren County. His oldest son graduated from Virginia Tech and teaches AP Chemistry. Hi daughter graduated with R-MA with Honors and is now enrolled at Virginia Tech.
Tony Ballard
Tony Ballard was born and raised in Upstate New York. He moved to Virginia in the fall of 2010 after being offered an elementary teaching position. Tony quickly realized how much he loved the Shenandoah Valley region and decided that he would make it his new home. He taught for five years in public education before taking the opportunity to teach at R-MA’s Middle School. While teaching, Tony received his certificate in Administration and Supervision from Shenandoah University. In 2017, he accepted the position of R-MA’s Middle School Principal. He resides in Strasburg, VA with his wife, Beth, and their daughter, Lincoln.
- R-MA Mentor
Education:
- Graduate Professional Studies Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Shenandoah University
- M.S. Ed., Walden University
- B.S., SUNY Oneonta
- A.A., Herkimer County Community College
Tracey Ramey
Tracey was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin, growing up loving the summers on Lake Superior. After graduating from university, she spent the next several years living and teaching in South Korea and traveling the world. While she has settled nicely in teaching and leading in the independent school world, she still loves to travel when she can. Her love of reading and Netflix take up much of her free time as well as walking and hiking with her 3 punky dogs.
- R-MA Mentor
Education:
- M.S. Curriculum and Instruction-University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- B.S. Elementary Education-University of Wisconsin-Superior
William Churchwell
Bio:
Education:
Awards: