Rev. Marc Boston

Children’s Book Author and Chaplain, University of Virginia Medical Center

Marc is a father, husband, children’s book author and ordained interfaith minister. He has three daughters and a beautiful wife who inspire him every day. His academic background is in psychology and theological and ministerial studies. His mission is to create stories that emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion and reflect on topics surrounding definitions of family values and self-empowerment. He also writes about conscious parenting and self-discovery on his website and is currently completing his required Spiritual Education & Enrichment courses in preparation for admission to the Unity Ministry program.

Dr. Rossanna Breau

Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech Department of Psychology

Rosanna Breaux is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Child Study Center, both part of the Virginia Tech College of Science. Her research focuses on the social-emotional and academic functioning of children and adolescents, particularly those with ADHD. Her research also seeks to better understand the role of parents in the development of emotion regulation abilities among children from the preschool years through emerging adulthood. Dr. Breaux’s research focuses on the social, emotional, and academic functioning of children and adolescents, particularly those with ADHD. She is also interested in understanding the role parents play in shaping children and adolescent’s social-emotional development, with a focus on emotion regulation. Additionally, Dr. Breaux is working to evaluate and disseminate the RELAX intervention, which targets emotion dysregulation and interpersonal conflict in adolescents.

Sherry Bryant, MaEd.

Head Curator of Learning + Engagement at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

A native of Newport News, VA, she earned her B.A. in History and English Literature and a Masters in Education from the University of Virginia. She taught secondary social studies education (including U.S. history, government, and civics and economics) in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. During her time as an educator, Bryant prioritized integrating strategies that addressed the inclusion of marginalized narratives into history and social studies curricula. After leaving the classroom, Bryant designed and supported programs and outreach efforts at Youth-Nex, the UVA Center to Promote Effective Youth Development, including facilitating a Youth Advisory Council. She is passionate about designing and implementing engaging learning experiences and cross-curricular professional development opportunities that center and highlight Black histories and lived experiences for all ages in Charlottesville and Albemarle.

Amy David

Early Learning Specialist at ReadyKids

Amy has been working in the early childhood field for over 20 years and serves as Early Learning Specialist at ReadyKids of Charlottesville. She has served in varying roles from lead teacher to program director at a variety of educational institutions for young children. David has earned her Child Development Credential (CDA), the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. She truly enjoys working with the adults who work with children, helping them see the tremendous impact they have on development. Music has always been extremely impactful on her life and she tries to incorporate it into all of her training workshops. She is a certified Kindermusik & Musikgarten teacher.

Helen Dunn, Ph.D.

Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer at Albemarle County Public Schools

Dr. Helen Dunn is a seasoned communications professional with expertise in strategic planning, media relations, and community engagement. As the Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer for Albemarle County Public Schools, she leads initiatives to streamline communication processes and strengthen connections across the division. Helen’s role includes crafting impactful messaging on topics such as safety measures, budget transparency, and policy updates while advising school leaders on navigating sensitive issues. With global work experience and a talent for innovative solutions, she has implemented strategies like advisory committees and enhanced communication technologies to drive knowledge and engagement. Committed to growth, Helen is pursuing her APR accreditation and mastering new skills, all while balancing life as a mother of five and a devoted dog owner.

Janine Kenna Dozier

Executive Director at Virginia Discovery Museum

Janine Kenna Dozier has been Executive Director of the Virginia Discovery Museum since2015. Under her leadership, the museum has doubled its annual admissions, organized partnerships with 64 area community agencies and renovated 100% of its physical space, including its historic carousel. Prior to moving to Virginia in 2012, Janine worked in financial services and consulting, where her clients ranged from GE to UNICEF. Janine serves in a volunteer capacity at several educational organizations and is a graduate of Yale University. Janine’s innovative approach to community engagement and her commitment to creating meaningful educational experiences have been recognized with the 2022 Charlottesville Community Leadership Award.

Jay M. Gillenwater, M.D., FAAP

Medical doctor at Pediatric Associates and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Jay Gillenwater is a Charlottesville native who began his academic journey at the University of Virginia, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then pursued research in Seattle, Washington, before earning his medical degree at the University of Washington. Following medical school, he completed his pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina. After practicing pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, he transitioned to academia in 2000, joining the faculty at the University of Virginia. In 2016, he brought his expertise to Pediatric Associates. Dr. Gillenwater enjoys working with patients across all age groups, with a particular interest in developmental milestones and cardiology. Outside of medicine, he is a devoted husband and father to four children.

Frances Greenstein, LPC, LMFT

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), New Beginnings Family Counseling Services

Frances Greenstein has provided therapeutic services for over 30 years in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her background and training are in Structural Family Therapy, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and most recently, in Fierce Love/Core Self Therapy (CSRT). She has worked in a variety of settings over the years including outpatient therapeutic work, behavioral supports and counseling with families with children with autism and a wide range of special needs and challenges and intensive in-home counseling program serving multi -problemed families with multi-generational issues with goals to strengthen parenting skills, achieve personal growth for all involved and stabilizing the family unit.

Bianca Johnson

Community Engagement Coordinator at Charlottesville City Schools

Bianca Johnson currently works as the Coordinator of Family Engagement and Restorative Justice in Education at Charlottesville City Schools. In addition to her work at CCS, she is also a Restorative Justice Facilitator for Central Virginia Community Justice. Over the years, she’s earned degrees and certificates in Communications, Human Services Counseling, and most recently, Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership, which have all helped her as she continues in the “heart work” of the community. In her spare time, she enjoys catching up on her favorite tv shows and spending time with her dog, Kona.

Leah O’Connell, MaEd

Owner of Leah O’Connell Photography and Founder of the Photo Fuel podcast

Leah O’Connell is a distinguished family photographer and Mom of three based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with nearly two decades of experience capturing authentic family moments. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, which complements her passion for teaching and mentoring fellow photographers. Leah’s work has been featured in notable publications such as Heartful, Harvard Magazine and Click Magazine, highlighting her expertise and recognition in the field. In addition to her photography, she offers educational resources, including mentoring and group coaching, to support and inspire other photographers in their artistic and business endeavors.

Chef Malik Poindexter

Recipient of the Golden Apple Award in 2022, Malik Poindexter is a dedicated educator, musician, and director with deep roots in the Charlottesville community. He currently serves as the Culinary Arts Teacher at Albemarle High School, the Percussion Instructor at Monticello High School, and the Director of the Albemarle County Indoor Percussion Ensemble. A proud alumnus of Monticello High School, Poindexter was an active member of The Marching Mustangs, playing on the Monticello Drumline for three years (bass and snare) and serving as Drum Major during his senior year. He holds a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of Virginia. In 2017, he founded the Albemarle County Indoor Percussion Ensemble, bringing together talented percussionists from Monticello, Albemarle, and Western Albemarle High Schools. As a percussion instructor, drill writer, and show designer, Poindexter is passionate about fostering musical excellence and creativity. His work not only inspires students but also strengthens the local music community.

Leslie M. Scott-Jones

Curator of Learning + Engagement at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Leslie M. Scott-Jones is an actress, director, author and playwright who joined JSAAHC in 2017. She studied theater education at VCU and has been writing, acting, and directing since her teens. The world premiere of her first play, Desire Moments, was part of the 2014 Capital Fringe Festival. She has gone on to write several plays, novellas, and short stories. Book Ends, her first full-length novel, hit the shelves in early 2016. Leslie has been active in Charlottesville community theater for over a decade. She is the Artistic Director of the Charlottesville Player’s Guild at the Heritage Center and was the architect of CPG’s completion of producing the entire August Wilson American Century Cycle. Her second full-length play, Thirty-Seven, was produced as part of CPG’s 2021-22 season. Leslie is the CEO of EvelynMartin LLC, an artist development firm in Charlottesville. She is mother to two children and Mimi to two grandsons.

Megan Smead

Children’s Librarian at JMRL

Megan Smead is the Children’s Services Manager at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. Her role at the library includes collection development, regional program planning, school and community outreach, and supporting early literacy initiatives. She is passionate about helping kids develop a love of reading and learning, and is dedicated to supporting children and families to meet their information needs. Megan has worked in libraries big and small, leading storytime, providing book recommendations, and helping library patrons solve problems and find information. Prior to graduating with her Master of Library Science degree from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, she worked in biopharmaceuticals developing medicines to treat autoimmune diseases. Megan enjoys crosswords, playing and watching soccer, running, dabbling in crafty hobbies like embroidery and calligraphy, spending time with her friends and family, and of course, reading (especially listening to audiobooks!). She lives in Charlottesville with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Jessica Taylor

Chief Executive Officer at Piedmont Family YMCA

Jessica Taylor serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Piedmont Family YMCA in Charlottesville, Virginia. Under her leadership, the YMCA has expanded its youth development and community outreach programs, focusing on inclusive access to fitness, childcare, and after-school activities. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from James Madison University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Virginia. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all underscores her dedication to building a stronger, healthier community.

Juandiego Wade

Mayor of Charlottesville and Community Advocate

Juandiego Wade is the current Mayor of Charlottesville, Virginia, elected to the City Council in November 2021 and unanimously named Mayor on January 2, 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from Norfolk State University and a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia. Before his mayoral role, Juandiego served four terms on the Charlottesville School Board, including positions as Chair and Vice Chair. His extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of ReadyKids, 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, and the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, where he currently serves as Chair. In 2019, he received the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award from the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding contributions to the community. His goals are centered around bringing people together to address critical issues in the community.

Scotty Williams

Health Advocate and Fitness Educator/Owner Camp4Real

Scotty Williams is the founder/owner of Camp4Real and taught elementary physical education at Meriwether Lewis School for 15 years and high school summer PE for six years. His passion for nutrition, fun fitness and overall wellness drives his work. He was a winner of the 2011 Golden Apple Award, the 2013 Virginia Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, and the 2015-16 Virginia and SHAPE Southern District Dance Teacher of the Year. Scotty was also honored as a National Healthy School Hero by Action for Healthy Kids in 2017 and was named to the 2019 class of Charlottesville’s Finest by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He is also a presenter and keynote speaker at physical education conferences across the nation and is the US Coordinator for Omnikin.