Faculty

Jamie Knorr

Jamie Knorr was a Social Studies teacher for three years at Charlottesville High School before starting Village School. He is certified to teach history, government, economics, geography, cultural anthropology, and psychology. Mr. Knorr received a B.A. from Stanford University with a major in History, an M.A. in Philosophy from University of Kentucky, and an M.A. magna cum laude in Medieval Studies from the Pontifical Institute for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto. During high school and college, he received four All-American awards in swimming. Before moving to Charlottesville with his wife Nancy, Mr. Knorr was Vice President with Shearson Lehman Brothers in New York City.

Proal Heartwell

Before starting Village School, Proal Heartwell was a secondary school English teacher for ten years. He has taught all levels of English from Advanced Placement to English as a Second Language. Mr. Heartwell has a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in English with a Concentration in Fiction Writing from George Mason University. In his teaching career he has coached, sponsored publications and other activities, and has served as Lead Teacher for the Community of Caring at Charlottesville High School. Mr. Heartwell has been awarded fellowships and grants from the Council for Basic Education and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education and the Center for Liberal Studies. Mr. Heartwell and his wife, Susan Roseberry Heartwell, have one daughter, Elise.

Governing Board

The Village School Governing Board is composed of the school founders, the Head of School (ex officio), the Village School treasurer, a parent of a currently enrolled Village School student, and a Village School alumna or parent of an alumna. The Governing Board is responsible for the financial oversight of the school, and it conducts an annual performance review of the Head of School. In conjunction with the Head of School, the Governing Board explores and fosters partnerships and avenues for community engagement, and helps establish and implement major school policies.

Board Members

Jamie Knorr
Proal Heartwell
Helene Downs
Elizabeth White
Eliza O'Connell

Advisory Board

Village School’s Advisory Board is composed of business people, community activists, and supporters of the school. In addition, there will be at least one parent from the school on the Board to represent the interest of the school families. The Advisory Board serves as a sounding board for the Head of School, and helps advise on matters related to the mission of the school.

Advisory Board Members

Lucy Middlefort - Alumna
Katherine Knight - Alumna
Jennifer Slaughter - Alumane parent
Elivira Hoskins - Alumnae parent
Neeral Shah - Current and Alumnae parent
Elizabeth White - Current and Alumnae parent
Arianna Williams - Current and Alumnae parent
Alieda Keevil - Alumnae parent

Eliza O’Connell, Head of School

B.S., Sociology, Cornell University

Prior to being named Head of School, Ms. O'Connell served as Director of Development and Strategic Planning for Village School, and for a year, the girls' PE instructor. Before coming to Village School, Ms. O’Connell’s professional activities centered on capital formation, development and strategic growth of community-based enterprises. She has acted as a consultant to several local businesses including Relay Foods and Computers4Kids and was previously the Director of Marketing for Virginia National Bank. Ms. O’Connell’s volunteer service includes serving on the boards of CASPCA, Virginia Discovery Museum, the Senior Center, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Hickerson Foundation. Ms. O’Connell holds a BS in Sociology from Cornell University. She is an avid runner and biker and outdoor enthusiast. Ms. O’Connell and her husband Dan have three daughters.

Stephen Betts - English

B.A., Ancient Studies/Classical Studies, Brigham Young University
M.A., Applied Linguistics, Brigham Young University
M.A., Religious Studies, University of Virginia
Ph.D., Religious Studies, University of Virginia

Linde Rickert Tassell - Math

B.S., Communication, Cornell University
M.Ed., Mathematics Education, University of Virginia

Kim Taylor - Science

B.S., Biology, Queen’s University
M.S., Science Education, State University of New York

Sadie Van Vranken - History

B.A., African American History, Princeton University
M.T., Social Studies Education, University of Virginia

Ned. M Wells, III ("Tres") - Math

B.A., Mathematics, Austin College
M.A.T., Austin College
M.Ed., Mathematics Education, University of Virginia

Lydia Eisenberg - Latin

B.A., Classics, University of Mary Washington
M.Ed., PreK-12, University of Mary Washington

Allison Henderson - Enrichment

B.A., Finance, College of William & Mary

Jane Skafte - Art

Leigh Heasley - Art

Marlon Proverbs - Dance

Ruth Sherman - Dance

Claire Chandler and Melissa Charles - Drama

Jen Fleisher - Health

Matty Metcalfe - Choir

Courtney Coker - P.E.

Brooke Mahanes - Orchestra

Ethan Wagner - Beginning Orchestra

Christine Steele - Woodwinds

Xavier Taylor - Chorus

Tara Scott - Chorus

Edward Booker - Facilities Manager

Caroline Cook - Athletics and Activities Director

Mariah Johnson - Office Manager and Summer Camp Director

Laurel Marr - Afterschool Director

Jeanette Peabody - Lunch Program Director