Faculty Directory
Peter York
INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL
B.A., Harvard University (Economics); M.B.A., James Madison University
After graduating from Madison County High School, Pete earned a BA in Economics from Harvard University. After several years in the business world, Pete decided that being an educator was the field he wanted to pursue. His first independent school job was teaching at Grymes, where he stayed for four years.
He then moved on to St. Anne’s-Belfield for 23 years, gradually transitioning from a teacher and coach to various administrative jobs, finally becoming the CFO in 2001. After STAB, Pete worked at James River Day School, a K-8 independent school in Lynchburg, VA, from 2008-2023. He began his tenure at James River as the Assistant Head of School before being named Head of School in 2019. Pete retired from James River in 2023.
Pete served as the Treasurer of the Grymes Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2026, a role driven by his love for the school and respect for Jonathan Brand. Out of dedication to the Grymes community, he agreed to come out of retirement to serve as Interim Head for the 26-27 school year. Pete’s leadership allows the search committee to complete a a proper Head of School search in the Spring of 2026.
Pete has three children aged 41, 38, and 36, and five grandchildren — to say he is proud of them all is an understatement!
Pete is a recent newlywed, having just tied the knot in April, 2026. His wife, Tammy, will be working part-time for Grymes as an assistant in the IT department.
Matt Wilkens
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
B.A., Randolph-Macon College; M.A., University of New Mexico; M.A., Florida State University
Matt joins the Grymes Memorial School family after spending 14 years teaching in various schools across the country. He graduated from Randolph-Macon College after completing his B.A. in Classics. Matt then pursued a M.A. in Classics at the University of New Mexico. While working towards his degree, Matt also began his teaching career as the Instructor of Record in a wide variety of courses. He continued his education and teaching career at Florida State University, earning a second M.A. in Latin.
In 2016, Matt joined the faculty at Norfolk Academy where he taught Latin in the middle and upper School, and coached football and lacrosse. Over the course of his seven years at the school, Matt worked with his colleagues to expand the Latin program to reach students in the lower school. He has served as an advisor to all levels of middle school students, participated in the 9th grade Leadership Lab outdoor experience, and co-led an annual learning adventure to Sicily and Italy for 8th grade students. Matt left Norfolk Academy in 2023 to join the faculty at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond where he served as an 8th grade advisor and taught Latin.
Matt, his wife Jessie, an Orange native and Grymes alumna, and their two boys, Walter and William, are excited to return to Orange, Virginia. They enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, and pretty much all outdoor activities. They are thrilled to be part of the Grymes community!
Debbie Omohundro
BUSINESS MANAGER
Debbie enrolled in business classes starting in high school and continued in accounting at Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, VA. She has had significant hands on experience working in various accounting, bookkeeping, and related roles. She has worked with financial records, helped streamline workflow processes, and implemented new systems.
Debbie grew up in Virginia and lived in South Carolina for 10 years as well. She currently resides at Lake Anna, VA with her husband and “furbabies”, and with her children and grandchildren not too far away.
Emily Rose
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
B.A., Penn State University; M.A.T., Johns Hopkins University
Emily graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Communications, with focuses in Advertising, Public Relations, International Studies and Spanish. After working in Public Relations for a Tech startup, she went on to receive her Masters in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Emily served as a middle school ESOL teacher and school leader for several years in Fairfax County Public Schools before relocating to Charlottesville to become an Instructional Coach.
In her most recent role, Emily managed Trainings and Communications for Postpartum Support Virginia, a nonprofit organization supporting mothers and families in various capacities throughout the State. She is excited to bring both her love of education and experience in communications to the Grymes Community.
Emily lives in Charlottesville with her husband, John, and two daughters, Bea and Ada, and enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling in her free time.
Chrissy Lucey
Associate DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Chrissy joined the Grymes Memorial School team in July 2026 as the Associate Director of Development. She brings a strong background in educational and institutional advancement, having previously served in advancement and development roles with UVA Engineering, James Madison’s Montpelier, and Partnership with Native Americans.
A native of nearby Culpeper, Virginia, Chrissy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Liberty University.
Chrissy now calls Orange, Virginia home, where she resides with her two children, Kit and Thea.
Angie Olds
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & MARKETING
B.A., West Virginia University
Angie joined Grymes in 2018!
She earned a B.A. in International Studies from West Virginia University, where she also met her husband. After graduation, she and her husband spent several years in Portland, Maine, exploring all things New England. Portland is also where she began her career in marketing.
Her family later relocated to Silver Spring, MD, where she worked for Learning Without Tears in Cabin John, Maryland before moving to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she worked as Marketing Manager at C&F Enterprises while earning a degree in Graphic Design.
She can think of no better setting than the Grymes campus for her continued journey in Marketing and Admissions, enjoying the Grizzly spirit infused in each day.
Outside of school, Angie enjoys spending time with her family, snapping photos, and traveling.
Jill Solek-Giles
DIRECTOR OF Technology
B.S., University of Virginia
Jill fell in love with technology at the tender age of seven and hasn’t stopped clicking
since. Initially a pre-med student, it was not until her college roommates pointed out her
ability to resolve problems with the printers in the dorm computer lab that she finally
realized the direction she wanted to take in life.
Jill is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, with a dual
concentration in Management information Systems and Marketing. She has experience
in web development and seven years experience as a Software Engineer with Verizon
Communications. She has worked in all phases of the systems development life cycle.
After leaving Verizon in 2004, Jill shifted her career path towards Educational Technology. She holds a State of Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in K-8 Computer Technology and has worked in the Orange County Public Schools as a Technical Support Specialist, Technology Teacher and an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher.
She has been judging the SIIA CODIE Awards annually since 2005 and has been featured in eSchoolNews discussing her role in the co-creation of a successful incentive-based etcher technology training program.
Tamara Pausch York
IT Assistant
B.S. cum laude, Wake Forest University (Mathematics); M.Ed., University of Lynchburg (Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education)
After growing up in Howard County, Maryland, Tammy attended college at Wake Forest University and then moved to Lynchburg, Virginia to begin her teaching career. Tammy served for 32 years with Lynchburg City schools with half of that time spent as a secondary math teacher and the other half as an Instructional Technology Specialist. Throughout her tenure there, she served in a variety of leadership roles within her school as well as at the division level. In 2015 she was Teacher of the Year. Upon retiring from Lynchburg City schools in June 2020, she was offered the position of Academic Technology Specialist at James River Day School. She served there for 3.5 years, retiring in December 2023.
Tammy has three wonderful children aged 40, 38, and 20. As she is fond of saying, all three were wanted and planned. She goes by “Gigi” to her two grandchildren.
Hiking, cooking, singing, biking, and spending time with friends are some of Tammy’s favorite things to do, along with being a Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Master Hiker. One activity that she has taken on locally is volunteering at MESA. Tammy is very much looking forward to serving the Grymes community, alongside her husband, Pete York .
Jamee Darnell
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
A.D., Suffolk Community College
Jamee was born in Long Island, New York, and lived there until her freshman year of high school, when she moved to Orange County. She later returned to New York to attend Suffolk Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Business Administration.
She spent several years as a retail manager for Verizon Wireless before moving back to Orange County to settle down and start a family. After spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom, she worked as the Lead Teacher at Lake Co-op Preschool in Locust Grove for several years.
In 2008, Jamee became employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, where she proudly served the residents of Orange County as a deputy sheriff for more than 18 years. She is happy to again be working with children and supporting a positive, welcoming school community.
In her free time, Jamee enjoys watching movies, spending time with her husband and their two sons, Zachary ’15 and Anthony ’18, and snuggling with her sweet Cockapoo, Teddy Lee.
Michelle Evans
EVENTS COORDINATOR
A.A. in Fashion Design, The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale
Michelle grew up on a cow farm in western Pennsylvania but spent most of her life in Ellicott City, MD. She and her husband, Matt, moved to Virginia in 2013, but Orange, VA became home in 2023 to their family, including two dogs, Travis & Weeble, and two kitties, Odin & Floki.
Michelle had many careers throughout life. She spent her first years out of college as an Assistant Designer for Majestic Athletic and then twelve years as owner of her house cleaning business and as a Personal Assistant.
In her free time, she also has a booth at an antique shop where she buys and sells antique goods. She loves crafting and working on projects at home, no matter how big or small.
Michele is currently the Events Coordinator, as well as curator of The Locker Room, the new Grymes school store!
Lori Kelly
BUS DRIVER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
B.A., Liberty University
Lori is from Woodbridge, VA and graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School, where she began taking business classes. She is a graduate of Liberty University, where she is currently
furthering her education. Lori currently resides at Lake Anna with her husband and two
Dogs. Her children and grandkids live nearby.
Lori has more than 15 years of safe driving experience with school buses and 8+ years of office administration experience.
Emily Pruitt
Junior Kindergarten
B.A., Christopher Newport University
Emily might be our new lead Junior Kindergarten teacher, but she certainly is not new to the Grymes Family! Emily grew up in Orange County and attended Grymes from pre-k to eighth grade. She went to Madison County High School where she was a student in the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. During this time she did an internship in the JK classroom with Kimber Keating, our previous lead JK teacher. She attended Christopher Newport University and got her B.A. in Sociology and minored in childhood studies. She served as a Student Ambassador at CNU and volunteered at local elementary schools in Newport News. Emily also worked with Kimber Keating running our summer camp program for the past 3 years.
In her free time Emily loves to read, craft, spend time with friends and snuggle with her dog Torkie. Emily is excited to be a Grizzly again and inspire a love for learning just as Grymes did for her!
Tina Roberts
Kindergarten Assistant
Welcome back, Tina! Tina is the mother of two former Grymes students, Morgan ’06 and Austin ’06 and was the Pre-K assistant for 4 years at Grymes prior to now. Tina and former Pre-K teacher, Kellie Fisher, initiated the Ice Cream Fridays! Not only was Tina an aid in the classroom but she also helped with the annual auction and organized the lower school Halloween party. Tina is now a grandmother and can’t wait to be back as part of the Grymes team.
Becky Wilson
Lower School Assistant
Piedmont Virginia Community College; Germanna Community College
Becky comes to us as no stranger to Grymes, and no stranger to education! She is the proud parent of two, Chelsea ’10 and Spencer. During the years of 2012-2018 Becky owned her own pre-school in Spotsylvania. This experience prepared her well to be a valuable classroom aid at Grymes. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and going on trips with her family.
Ashlyn Ryder
Kindergarten
B.S., Old Dominion University
Ashlyn Ryder is from Madison, Virginia. She graduated from Old Dominion University where she majored in Elementary Education. She has been teaching preschool for seven years locally in Orange county. Professionally she is interested in learning more about Montessori style learning, and enjoys developing new ideas to incorporate classroom experiences involving agriculture, gardening, and cooking. Additionally, she is a director and current president for a Charlottesville based nonprofit organization where she gets to fulfill her passion for community service.
Ashlyn lives in Madison County with her husband, six horses, and many chickens on their small hobby farm. They have four very special and spoiled dogs (or four legged children rather), Anna, Penelope, Dolly, and Hank, who they love taking walks and playing ball with. Ashlyn loves spending time taking horseback trail rides and raising free range fresh eggs right at home. Ashlyn is honored to be a part of Grymes Memorial School and to experience a joyful year of learning and growth with her first class of Kindergartners.
Amy Dixon
First Grade
B.A., Mary Washington College; M. Ed., University of Virginia
Amy is a resident of Madison County. She grew up in Madison and attended the Madison County Public Schools. Amy graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Mary Washington College in Music with elementary education endorsements. In 1995, she received a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia and in 2022, she received a Reading Specialist Licensure through Shenandoah University. She holds a Commonwealth of Virginia Postgraduate Professional Teaching License in Early Education NK-4.
Amy taught first grade at Madison Primary School for twelve years. She has been part of the Grymes Memorial School family since 1999, when her older son, Stephen ‘08, entered Kindergarten here. In 2005, she began teaching at Grymes when her younger son, Matthew ‘14, began Kindergarten here. Both of her sons are Grymes graduates and were well prepared for high school. Amy chose Grymes for her children and herself because of the small school size, strong academic program, focus on the fine arts and public speaking, community service opportunities and emphasis on good moral character.
Amy enjoys reading, playing the piano, and baking. She serves as the organist at Beth Car Baptist Church.
Melissa Slater
Second Grade
M.A., University of Virginia
Melissa was born on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and moved to Virginia at the age of five. She grew up in northern Virginia, where she attended Fairfax County Public Schools. After graduating from Lake Braddock Secondary School, she spent a year at James Madison University before transferring to the University of Virginia. Inspired by her summers working as a camp counselor, she discovered her passion for teaching and went on to earn a Master’s in Education from UVA. After earning her degree, Melissa taught in Fairfax, Culpeper, and Albemarle County Public Schools before transitioning to private education at Grymes. She has taught every grade from kindergarten through fourth, but second grade has her heart!
While living in northern Virginia, Melissa met her husband, Jon, and they were married on April 26, 2014. On their second wedding anniversary, they welcomed their first son, Aubrey, and exactly two years later, their second son, George. Needless to say, April 26th is a very special day in the Slater household! Outside of school, Melissa loves spending time with her family and their dogs. When she isn’t lesson planning, she’s likely meal planning, often in the kitchen trying out new recipes or baking something sweet!
Martina Kuhnert
Third Grade
B.S., Radford University; 30 Hours towards M.A. at Radford
Martina Kuhnert was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She lived in Oxon Hill Maryland until she was 10 and then moved to Stafford, Virginia where she lived until she finished high school. During summer vacations Martina worked for Stafford County Parks and Recreation. She started as a summer camp counselor’s aide and worked her way up to being a camp director. Martina then attended Radford University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Recreation and Leisure Services degree. She then became a wilderness counselor for Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Hendersonville, NC and worked with adjudicated youth in residential setting. After completing her commitment to Eckerd, Martina returned to Radford University and earned a teaching certificate.
After receiving her Virginia Teaching License, Martina was hired by Madison Public Schools where she taught both first and third grades for a total of seven years. Martina was the last first grade teacher in Criglersville Elementary, and when the school was closed she accepted an offer to teach first grade at Grymes.
Martina left Grymes to stay at home with her newborn son, William ‘21. When William was older, Martina returned to Grymes and filled several positions including bus driver, first grade aid, summer camp director, and reading specialist.
Martina loves teaching at Grymes. She values a child-centered environment where a growth mindset is encouraged and learning is allowed to be fun.
Martina lives in Madison with her husband, their son William and the family’s many pets of the two- and four-footed varieties. Together, they enjoy hiking, canoeing, and bike riding.
Robyn Kelly
Fourth Grade
Teaching is where Robyn truly feels like she is meant to be! Over the past ten years, Robyn has had the privilege of working with elementary school students in a variety of settings, most recently serving as the K-2 English Language Arts teacher at the International School of Charlottesville. She believes every child has unique strengths and strives to create a classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to become confident leaders.
Robyn has a passion for literacy, hands-on learning, and creating meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and encourage creative thinking. She values strong relationships as the foundation of a successful classroom and looks forward to partnering with families to support each student’s academic, social, and emotional growth.
Outside of school, Robyn is the proud mother of two daughters. They enjoy spending time together at the beach, being creative, and making the most of every adventure.
Julie Sherman
Lower School Science, Upper School Academic Support Director
B.S., Mary Washington College
Julie is a native of the Shenandoah Valley, where her family has lived for eight generations. She comes from a long line of teachers and began her teaching career in 1986. She graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in Biology and Education and is certified in sixth through eighth grade general science and third through sixth grade elementary education. For the 1988-89 school year, Julie traveled to the International School of Aruba, where she taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math, science and biology. After Aruba she settled in Orange, where she lives with her husband, Ben and her two daughters, Grace ‘12 and Sarah ‘18.
Julie feels her position as Academic Support and Enrichment program director allows her to combine all of her teaching experience with her passion for education. She enjoys Grymes’ atmosphere of small classes, encouraging teachers, and an enriching curriculum. Julie also started the Engineering Club at Grymes. An extremely popular after school club in which the students have different engineering workshops and lessons each time. In her spare time, Julie enjoys playing the drums, juggling, walking, and traveling with her family.
Maria Mantilla
Lower School Spanish
Check back soon for Maria’s full bio!
Welcome, Maria! Check back for “New Grizzly” updates soon.
Savannah Galasso
Junior kindergarten assistant
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori certification from VCMS
Savannah grew up in the Hampton Roads area. She recently moved from Williamsburg, Virginia to Madison County with her husband Chris, and daughter June. Savannah is passionate about Montessori philosophy. She is a certified Montessori Primary Guide, having spent the past 14 years teaching children ages 2-6.
In her free time, Savannah loves spending time with her family and is an avid concert-goer. She is excited to be a part of the Grymes community.
Meghan Stowers
SIXTH GRADE HOMEROOM, FIFTH & SIXTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERATURE
B.S., Vanderbilt University
Meghan grew up in Poolesville, Maryland, and attended Vanderbilt University, where she studied Elementary Education and Child Studies while playing Division I lacrosse. After graduating, she taught fifth grade at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, for four years before moving to Virginia.
Over her ten non-consecutive years at Grymes, Meghan has taught fifth grade history, sixth grade history, and fifth and sixth grade English, as well as served as a homeroom teacher for both grades. She currently serves as the sixth grade homeroom teacher and teaches fifth and sixth grade English.
Meghan lives in Woodberry Forest with her husband, Frazier, and their two sons, Cort ’33 and Cauley ’35. Outside of school, she enjoys taking her dogs, Oliver and Hobbs, on long walks, cooking and entertaining family and friends, and cheering on the Vanderbilt Commodores and Washington Commanders.
Julie Fithian
Upper School Science & Eighth Grade Homeroom
B.S., Virginia Polytechnic University; M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University
As a member of a military family, Julie Fithian spent her childhood moving throughout Asia and Europe, finally settling in Virginia during high school. She is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology. Her tenure at Virginia Tech included time abroad in South Africa where she studied cheetah population genetics and wildlife management. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her master’s degree in biology, with a focus on molecular biology and the cellular invasion pathways of the malarial parasite.
She previously taught biology labs at Virginia Commonwealth University, before moving into the private sector to support the Department of Defense in testing and development of chemical and biological support equipment for military personnel. Julie has always been passionate about teaching and learning and is excited to bring this to the classroom.
Julie lives in Orange County with her husband, Robert, her children, Abigail ‘27, Charlotte ‘30, and Isabel ‘32, and too many chickens. In her spare time, Julie enjoys being outside, reading, gardening, traveling with her family, and spending time with her menagerie of science friends in the lab. Go Grizzlies!
Julie Yauger
Seventh Grade Homeroom, Seventh and Eighth Grade English and Drama
B.A., James Madison University
Julie Yauger is from Fairfax, Virginia, and graduated from James Madison University, where she majored in English with a concentration in writing. She began her professional career at the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center, first working in the Childhood Education in the Arts Program and then continuing for five years in the Entertainment division. At that point, she moved to Manhattan and landed her dream job working for a producer on Broadway. Julie then proceeded to travel nationally and internationally for the next ten years, managing Nickelodeon shows and Broadway touring productions. She enjoyed all of these ventures but is very happy to have landed at Grymes Memorial School, where she can continue to pursue her passions in theater and writing from a permanent address.
Julie lives in Gordonsville with her husband, Bruce and two sons, Landon ’22 and Lorenzo ’25, both of whom are Grymes students. In her spare time Julie reads incessantly, thinks about how she should be exercising and brainstorms ideas for the children’s books she would like to write. She is very much looking forward to the next chapter of her life- exploring literature,writing and the dramatic arts with the Seventh Grade.
Melanie Handelsman
Upper School Spanish
B.A., Vanderbilt University; M.S.W., University of Southern California
Melanie Handelsman graduated from Vanderbilt University with a double major in Mathematics and Spanish. She received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Melanie joined the Grymes family in 2007.
Prior to Grymes, Melanie worked at Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, California where she taught middle and upper school Spanish and math. She also coached middle school tennis, basketball, and softball. Melanie assisted with the community service program and organized and assisted with class trips to the Navajo Indian Reservation, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Before coming to Grymes, she taught lower school Spanish at St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Culpeper. Since coming to Grymes, Melanie has taught lower school Spanish and Upper School Math.
Melanie lives at Woodberry Forest with her husband, Andrew and two sons, Tommy ‘17 and Robbie ‘19, both of whom are Grymes graduates. Melanie enjoys traveling to Spain in the summers with her family.
Rod McLeod
Upper School History
B.A., James Madison University
Rod McLeod, born on his mother’s birthday, grew up an only child in Falls Church, Virginia, enjoying the Washington area. Valuing education and appreciating history, Rod gravitated toward the well told story.
After being a camp counselor at Camp Glenkirk, Rod graduated summa cum laude from James Madison University certified to teach History, political science, geography, economics, and psychology in Virginia’s public schools. Rod coordinated activities for the NASA/VIMS residential Governor’s School in Hampton and prepared hundreds of students for the AP U.S. History exam at Orange County High School where he was a department head and a lead teacher. As an educational consultant, Rod has assisted school systems in Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan manage change and align curriculum.
It was while teaching at the Woodberry Forest School that Rod recognized the potential inherent in the independent school experience. Rod values creating meaningful school relationships and teaching contextually. Rod feels blessed to be a part of the Grymes community.
Rod lives in Madison County with his wife Sandy, their son, Liam, and their family boxers, S’mores and Daisy. He is passionate about American history and baseball, collecting political memorabilia and enjoying baseball simulation games. He is a member of the Orange Presbyterian Church.
Laurie Roche
Upper School Math, Registrar
B.S., Mary Washington College; M.S., University of Illinois
Laurie grew up in Northern Virginia and earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Mary Washington College and a M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois.
For 15 years, Laurie worked in computer programming, systems analysis, database design, and software training. She also taught math at the community college level as an adjunct faculty member at Northern Virginia Community College (six years) and Germanna Community College (ten years).
During her years at Grymes, Laurie has assumed the responsibilities currently carried out by a full time Director of Development (and assistant), Administrative Assistant, Registrar, technology consultant, and teacher. Laurie also serves as the Chairman of the Math Department. Laurie is parent to Meggie ‘10.
Sarah Lantz
Fifth grade homeroom
B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in middle school mathematics and M. Ed. in Special Education, Frostburg State University
Sarah grew up in western Maryland and graduated from Frostburg State University where she majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in middle school math. She earned her Masters in Special Education in 2013.
In 2011, Sarah became the math teacher for 1st through 4th graders and taught 5th grade science in Garrett County, Maryland. She was also the assistant Cross Country and Track coach for the local high school. Sarah then moved to Winchester, Virginia and taught 6th grade math for two years. In 2014, she moved to South Carolina and taught 6th and 8th grade math in Spartanburg County.
Sarah just moved to Culpeper with her husband, Evan, and their two children. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places in the area, running, baking, and reading.
Anissa Frantz
Visual Arts
B.F.A., Frostburg State University; M.A., National University
Anissa was born and raised in Western Maryland and lived in Northern Virginia and California before settling in Central Virginia in 2012. Anissa and her husband, Nathan, have two children, a dog and six chickens.
Anissa studied Art and Design at Frostburg State University then traveled to Southern California where she worked on her Teaching Certification. After returning to Virginia from the west coast, Anissa taught Elementary Art in Northern Virginia. After five years of teaching in NOVA, she moved with her family to the Charlottesville area. Soon after moving, Anissa worked on acquiring her Masters Degree in Educational Technology through National University in 2013, and then began her own business called “Artsy with Anissa” in 2015. Through her business, Anissa has enriched the lives of young and old, encouraging them to paint with confidence.
Anissa enjoys painting with her two children, the outdoors, her chickens and attending WVU football games with her family. When she is not spending time with her family she enjoys cooking, checking out architecture, listening to music and working in her garden.
Tracey Stakem
Music
B.S., Frostburg State University; M.A. University of SW Louisiana
Tracey joined the Grymes family in 2007. She is not only our music teacher, but she also directs the Christmas program every year, is director of student activities at Woodberry Forest School, loves being a Cub Scout leader, conducts the Orange Community Band, and gives individual music lessons to Woodberry students. Mrs. Stakem holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Frostburg State University and a masters degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She and her husband live at Woodberry with their two sons: Brenden ’14 and Aidan ’19.
Tricia Tallman
Librarian
B.A., Vanderbilt University
Tricia has been a familiar face around Grymes for well over a decade. She began work at Grymes as a substitute and eventually as second grade homeroom teacher. When Tricia and Frank were blessed with a child of their own, she made the decision to stay at home with him, and eventually two more beautiful children followed. She returned to Grymes many years later as a parent and also volunteering as a cross country and soccer coach. She spent several years teaching fourth grade before starting her current role of Librarian in 2026.
Tricia is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Beginning at the age of 12, Tricia has been working with children as a counselor, lifeguard, and swim instructor. Tricia later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University.
Six years prior to joining the Grymes family in 2019, Tricia was the director at St. Thomas Community Preschool. Before teaching at St. Thomas and Grymes, Tricia taught at Christ School in Asheville, NC and served as the Ropes Course Director at Woodberry Forest School.
Tricia lives on campus at Woodberry Forest School where her husband, Frank, has been teaching and coaching for more than 15 years. Tricia and Frank have three wonderful children who are all Grymes Grizzlies, Parker ’20, Mason ’22, and Greta ’25. They also have a love-able flat-coated retriever named Mosby.
Tricia loves just about any activity outdoors; a few of her favorites are running, hiking, camping, biking, tennis, kayaking, and sailing. When time allows, she especially enjoys hitting the trails in Shenandoah National Park.
Laura Nelson
Physical Education
Germanna Community College
Laura Nelson is a resident of Culpeper, Virginia and a graduate of Culpeper County High School. After high school, she attended Germanna Community College and completed two years of coursework in General Studies. Laura has extensive work experience as an administrative assistant in the Fairfax County Office and has served numerous years in management. Laura played basketball throughout her high school years. She has experience refereeing youth sports games and has coached for The Culpeper Youth Basketball Association. Laura is the head coach of the Grymes girls field hockey team and the girls basketball team.
Laura and her husband, Chris, live in Culpeper with their daughter, Loretta ‘13, and son, Elijah ‘14, both Grymes alumni. They are active members of White Oak Run Baptist Church, where Laura serves as a deacon, teaches Sunday school, serves as a choir director, and occasionally teaches adult Bible classes.
Tanner Carlton
P.E. Assistant
B.A., University of Mary Washington
After playing varsity soccer for four seasons at UMW, Tanner joined Grymes in 2018 as the soccer coach and assistant gym teacher. His other hobbies include playing and recording music with his band, A.P. Project. Tanner and his wife, Katie, live in Boston, VA. with their three kids.
Julie Call
Reading Specialist
M.S., Radford University
Julie Call is from Orange, Virginia and graduated from Radford University. She majored in Special Education. She has since received her endorsement in PreK-3 grade regular education.
She began her professional career as a self-contained special education teacher for the Orange County School System. She worked there for 4 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She tutored and taught preschool on the side. In 2010 she rejoined OCSS as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher. After five years her family made the decision for her to homeschool their three children. Hannah has now graduated college and is an RN for UVA Labor and Delivery. Leah is currently in college pursuing Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Levi is in middle school. Julie has once again decided to return to her passion of educating students in a classroom and is the new reading intervention specialist.
Julie lives in Orange with her husband, Chris, and their three children. In her spare time, she loves to read, take photographs, create scrapbooks, and visit with family and friends. She is looking forward to the new Grymes community and helping her students feel confident and successful.
Magie Zamora
After School Care Coordinator
Born in Mexico and raised in Northern Virginia, Magie is a proud mother of three. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, being outdoors, swimming, playing soccer, and being around animals.
She has been a school bus driver in several public school systems for the past fourteen years and she maintains a strong record as a safe driver. Driven by a passion for supporting others, she earned a certification as a Culpeper Community Health Worker. Magie is also bilingual and served as a family translator for Culpeper Public Schools.
