The following are new teachers at Botetourt County Public Schools for the 2020-2021 academic year:
Erika Barlow (7th grade English at Read Mountain Middle School): “Having grown up in New Hampshire, I love Botetourt County because it reminds me so much of home! My first eight years of teaching were spent commuting to Franklin County where I taught fourth grade English Language Arts. The most memorable experience I shared with my fourth graders was when I coordinated with the local Humane Society to bring dogs for my students to read to. I am firm believer that dogs make everything better! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, being out in nature, or reading. Lastly, I am most excited this year for making the transition from elementary to middle school!”
Beth Howson (Physical Education at Buchanan Elementary School): “Hi! My name is Beth Howson, a Buchanan resident and parent of two beautiful children. I love to be outside hiking, camping, swimming, gardening, skiing – you name it! As a collegiate athlete I found success doing what I love, and after years of working internationally in e-commerce, I decided to return to school to pursue my teaching degree. I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness, and now more than ever feel it’s important for children to learn the skills to lead a healthy life; mentally, physically and socially. I’m most excited about getting to know each and every student at Buchanan and making PE fun for everyone!”
Savannah Stuple (Special Education K-1 at Buchanan Elementary School): “I’m Savannah Stuple. I’m from Botetourt County, and I graduated from James River High School in 2015! Since then I have been learning everything I can about how to care for, teach, and advocate for those who have disabilities. I received my Associate’s degree from Virginia Western in 2017, and I received both my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Special Education from Radford University in the spring of 2019 and spring of 2020. Some of you may be familiar with my sister, Adrianna Stuple. Adrianna has both Down syndrome and autism, and she has been my inspiration throughout my journey. I am honored to give back to my community through teaching what I have learned to those around me. I am most excited to meet my students, parents, and colleagues! Let’s go, Bobcats!”
Melissa Barnard (Special Education at Lord Botetourt High School): “I am a graduate of Lord Botetourt and Hollins University with 13 years experience in education. I live in Fincastle with my husband and two sons. In my spare time I like experimenting with new recipes, reading, and exercising. I am excited to be back in a high school setting and to be working in English classes again!”
Tyler Turner (Economics and Personal Finance and Multimedia Web Design at Lord Botetourt High School): “I was raised in Botetourt County and am a 1999 graduate of LBHS. I previously worked in the financial private sector for eight years before changing to a teaching career. This will be my 11th year teaching, and I am excited about the challenge of a new year.”
Trent Kincer (Mathematics at James River High School): “I has been teaching the area’s middle and high school students for the past eight years. A Roanoke native, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Mathematics from Roanoke College, where I also participated in the teacher licensure program. I am looking forward to joining the BCPS team, and meeting the students in the James River community. On the weekends you can find me spending time with my family and cheering on the Hokies.”
Mark Ingram (Special Education at Greenfield Elementary School): “My name is Mark Ingram. This is my eighth year working in education. I’ve worked as a teacher in Alleghany and Roanoke County, as well as in the state of Alaska. My hobbies are drawing, riding bicycles, and spending time outdoors.”
Anne Ranson (School Counselor at Lord Botetourt High School): “I am originally from Missouri, but have lived in Salem for 25 years, and most recently Northern Virginia for the past four years. I am thrilled to return to the Roanoke Valley with my husband and two goldendoodle dogs. I enjoy hiking, reading, watching movies/Netflix and spending time with my husband and kids. I have worked as a teacher, a school counselor and as a counselor in private practice. I thoroughly enjoy helping students through life challenges and encouraging them to be successful academically, socially and emotionally. This year I look forward to figuring out creative ways to connect with my students, both virtually and in person, as we all navigate this unique and unprecedented school year. I look forward to my first year as an LBHS Cavalier!”
Kim Etter (Special Education at Cloverdale Elementary School): “My name is Kim Etter. I have 13 years of teaching experience. My hobbies include reading, camping, and spending time with my family. I am so excited to share my passion about reading instruction and providing a quality education for all students to meet the challenges they will face in an ever-changing world.”
DeAnthony Muse (Special Education at Central Academy Middle School): “My name is DeAnthony Muse and I am a Northside graduate. I attended undergraduate school at the University of Richmond and graduate school at Concord University. I enjoy studying the Bible, hiking, working out, and trying new foods. This school year will be exciting to me because it will be my first year teaching. However, I look forward to navigating all of the challenges this year will bring and making an impact in children’s lives.”
Leann Alford (Special Education at Read Mountain Middle School): “I am Leann Alford, originally from Salem. Our family moved to Botetourt in 2012. I am married and have two daughters at James River High School. I taught middle school math and English in Rockbridge County for eight years, before moving on to teach Special Education in Roanoke City for three years. I am excited to join the RMMS team.”
Chance Henry (Special Education at Lord Botetourt High School): “Hello! My name is Chance Henry and I am super excited about returning home. I graduated from Lord Botetourt in 2015 and am teaching there for the following school year. I played baseball at LB and also in college when I attended Roanoke College. After I was done playing I coached for two years at Roanoke College. I love all things sports, specifically baseball, basketball, golf and coaching. I am looking forward to returning home and teaching children how to be a good person while doing their best.”
Terri Turner (6th grade English at Read Mountain Middle School): “I am so excited to be at Read Mountain Middle School teaching sixth grade English. I am ready to share my passion of teaching with my new students this year. Previously, I taught for 11 years in Roanoke County Public Schools and I am happy to transition to Botetourt County Public Schools. During my free time I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my husband and two kids at home.”
Ashley Matre (Special Education at James River High School): “I’m Ashley Matre. I have been teaching for five years in Special Education in the high school setting. I currently live in Botetourt County with my husband and two children, who attend elementary school in the district. Our interests include spending time with family, our dogs and taking care of our chickens. This year I am excited to get to know the staff at James River and meet and bond with my new students.”
Kate Stevens (Agriculture at James River High School): “Hello! My name is Ms. Stevens, and I am so excited to be teaching agriculture at James River High School this year. I graduated from Virginia Tech in May, so this is my first year in the classroom. One of my favorite things to do is spend time outside – identifying trees and playing with my dog, Sassafras. I am really looking forward to meeting our students and discovering creative ways to dive into agriculture with them.”
