Dr. Jerry L. Putt is currently the principal of Frederick County Middle School located just outside Winchester, VA. He has a rich background in education, having previously served as the principal of Daniel Morgan Middle School and as an assistant principal at John Handley High School. Before ascending to administrative roles, Dr. Putt was a dedicated physics teacher and football coach for 13 years. He completed his undergraduate studies in physics and mathematics at Lebanon Valley College, and his graduate work in educational leadership at George Mason University. His doctoral research at Shenandoah University focused on the impact of mental contrasting with implementation intentions on the goal attainment of middle school students.
Dr. Putt is a staunch advocate for public education, which he views as a crucial lever for social mobility. He is a proponent of a holistic approach to education, one that empowers each student to explore and develop their unique strengths. Dr. Putt’s educational philosophy emphasizes that our efforts in public education must be purposeful, inspirational, and student-centered. He is a proud product of public education and passionately believes in its transformative power.
Renée Dawson serves as a Director of Teaching and Learning | Community Connections and Programs in Loudoun County Public Schools with over 25 years of educational experience. Prior to her role as Director, she was the Principal of Brambleton Middle School, where she was dedicated to innovation in education, community partnerships, and student empowerment. Her undergraduate work began at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and at Eastern Kentucky University, where she received her undergraduate degree in French Education. She studied and lived in Paris, France, and Nîmes, France, as part of the Kentucky Institute for International Studies program through Murray State University. She received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree and most recently received her Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership from Shenandoah University. College and career readiness, innovation in education, and cultivating industry and community partnerships to equip LCPS students to be future-ready, drive her educational philosophy, and support the mission of LCPS to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Dr. Manuel De Jesus Gómez Portillo is an educator, researcher, life-long learner, and supporter of equal rights for all. Dr. Gómez Portillo was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at the age of 10, settling in the Northern Virginia area. He received a degree in Psychology from Radford University and a Masters degree in TESOL and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Shenandoah University. He has taught English as a Second Language and English as a Foreign Language in China and in Virginia. Currently, he is an Educational Specialist with Fairfax County Public Schools. In this role, Dr. Gómez Portillo supports over 43 schools and provides professional development and capacity building around equity and cultural responsiveness. His research interests include equity and cultural responsiveness, culturally responsive school leadership, family and school partnerships, Indigenous families from Latin America, and LGBTQIA+ allyship in educational settings.
Holly W. Stone is an educational leader currently serving as the Assistant Principal for grades 3 to 5 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Strasburg, Virginia. With a background in both teaching and administration, Holly is dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment for both students and staff.
Before stepping into administrative roles, Holly accrued over 12 years of invaluable classroom experience as a teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of student needs and effective teaching strategies. Following this, Holly served as an Instructional Coach, providing mentorship and support to fellow educators, and contributing to the professional growth of their colleagues.
In her current role as Assistant Principal, Holly leverages her experience to implement innovative educational programs, enhance school culture, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment conducive to learning. She is passionate about collaborating with teachers, parents, and the broader school community to promote the academic and personal growth of every student.
Holly holds a Masters of Elementary Education from Lubbock Christian University and a Professional Studies Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Shenandoah University.
With almost fifteen years of experience in education, Stephanie Worthley has developed a deep understanding and proficiency in special education, instructional leadership, and elementary school administration. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a certification in Educational Leadership. Stephanie’s passion for inclusive education has led her to implement innovative special education programs that cater to diverse learning needs. As an instructional leader, she has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative teaching environment, promoting professional development, and implementing effective teaching strategies. Her administrative skills are evident in her ability to manage school operations efficiently, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Stephanie’s dedication to her role as an Assistant Principal is reflected in her commitment to student success and her unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
Dr. Tony Ponton has spent 21 years in public education as a teacher and administrator. He is currently the secondary coordinator for Berkeley County Schools in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Prior to this role, Tony was the principal of Spring Mills Middle School for 4 years and also served as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge Middle School for 4 years. His real passion is teaching, and he had the opportunity to teach middle school English for 13 years at Hedgesville Middle School.
Tony earned his Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership from Shenandoah University and holds both an M.A. and a B.A. in History from Marshall University. He also earned his National Boards for Professional Teaching Standards ELA Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood.
Dr. Susan Corrigan has 27 years of experience as an educator. She taught Science and Mathematics at the secondary level, held the position of Department chair at several schools, and Assistant Principal at another. In 2012 she started a Department of Defense STARBASE Program in Winchester, VA. STARBASE is a premier Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program focusing on engaging and inspiring students in considering a future in a STEM career.
Dr. Corrigan has been an educator in Alabama, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, and at an International School in England. She has a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Alabama, a B.S. in Education from the University of Nebraska, a M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Jacksonville State University, and an EdD in Administrative Leadership from Shenandoah University.
Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed.D., currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Shenandoah University. He holds a Doctorate in Administrative Leadership from Shenandoah University, an M.A. in Teaching from Shepherd University, and a B.A. in History from West Virginia University. Dr. Taylor has a rich background in technology strategy, project management, and academic technology leadership.
In his current role, he serves as a strategic partner to all business units regarding technology innovation. He develops and implements comprehensive IT strategic plans that align with Shenandoah University’s mission, oversees technology infrastructure, and leads a team of IT professionals supporting the university community. In his 12+ years at Shenandoah, he has held several leadership positions, including Associate Provost for Academic Technology, Deputy Director of IT, and Associate Director of Software Services. In these roles, he has demonstrated expertise in enhancing educational technology and IT operations. Additionally, he teaches as an adjunct professor in the business school and education division, focusing on the integration of technology in the workforce.
Dr. Veronique N. Walker has served in P-12 educational leadership roles including associate superintendent, director, coordinator, and school counselor. She has been an adjunct professor in higher education, served as a community mental health counselor, and continues to regularly collaborate with community groups and organizations.
Dr. Walker has a Doctor of Education degree in organizational leadership and certification in administration and supervision from Shenandoah University; a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Marshall University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Shepherd University. Additionally, she is a licensed professional counselor, a national certified counselor, and holds several other certifications.
As a life-long learner, her professional focus is to empower others to disrupt the limitations that life experiences, self, and others may have used to hinder them. Most importantly, she values the trait of perseverance, for she has experienced that perseverance is the essence in fulfilling any desired goal.