By Debbie Adams
W.E. Cundiff Elementary School on Hardy Road in Vinton has welcomed eight new faculty and
staff members for the 2026-2027 school year. They are fortunate to be coming on board as
renovations and expansions are being completed at the school just in time for this year’s opening.
The renovation and construction project began in the summer of 2024. A grand reopening
celebration is scheduled in the coming weeks.
New faculty and staff members include Assistant Principal Hallie Chewning Rowland, Special
Education Coordinator Becca Bays, fourth grade teacher Shawna Hamilton, fifth grade teacher
Abby McGuire, fourth grade teacher Ashlie Walker, and instructional assistants Katrina Hedrick,
Jennifer Bickling, and Riley Hoff.
Bickling, Becca Bays, Hallie Rowland, Abby McGuire, Ashlie Walker, and Katrina Hedrick (not
pictured, Riley Hoff). (photos by Debbie Adams)
“As a proud Roanoke County Public Schools graduate, it is incredibly meaningful to return home
and serve the students, families, and staff of the community that helped shape me,” Hallie
Rowland says. “I am honored to join the W.E. Cundiff family and look forward to an amazing
school year.”
Rowland was born and raised in Vinton. She is a graduate of William Byrd High School.
“I have always loved growing up in such a close-knit, supportive community,” Rowland says. “Vinton has truly always felt like home.”
“Both sides of my family have deep roots in the community, having lived, worked, owned
businesses, and raised their families here for generations. Growing up in Vinton and now having
the opportunity to give back to the community that invested so much in me truly feels like
coming full circle.”
She earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg and later
completed her Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, also at Liberty
University.
“For the past four years, I have taught fifth grade at Burlington Elementary School. I have been
incredibly grateful for my time there and for the relationships I built with students, families, and colleagues. While Burlington will always hold a special place in my heart, it has long been a
personal and professional goal of mine to return to a school in the Vinton community. As
someone who attended Roanoke County Public Schools from kindergarten through graduation, it
is incredibly rewarding to now serve the same school division that invested so much in me.
“I chose to pursue school administration because I wanted the opportunity to serve the
community that helped shape who I am. My years in the classroom have shown me how
important it is for teachers to have administrators who are supportive, approachable, and willing
to serve alongside them. I am passionate about creating a positive school culture where students
and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. W.E. Cundiff has built that kind of
environment, and I am honored to become part of the TeamCundiff family. My hope is that
every student who walks through our doors knows they are loved, capable, and have people who
believe in them.
“I had the privilege of completing my administrative internship alongside Ms. McCallum [W.E
Cundiff’s principal], and that experience confirmed what a special place W.E. Cundiff is. When
the assistant principal position became available, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
I was thrilled to join a school with such an outstanding reputation and a strong commitment to
students, staff, and families.
“Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, staying active, traveling,
and being outdoors. I also love building relationships and creating positive experiences that make
school a place where students and staff enjoy coming each day.
“I am excited to help with Cundiff’s Girls on the Run team this year! I’ve always enjoyed running
and living an active lifestyle, so I’m looking forward to working alongside our incredible staff
while encouraging and supporting our amazing group of girls throughout the season.”
Rebecca Bays will be serving as the Special Education coordinator at Cundiff, serving all grade
levels, coordinating and monitoring Special Education programming.
“I am from the great V-town (Vinton). After college, I bought my first home in Vinton and
haven’t left. I love this town!”
She is a graduate of William Byrd High School (“We accept the best at WBHS! I am a Terrier!”)
Bays earned her bachelor’s from Roanoke College, where she also played basketball; her
master’s from Mary Baldwin; and her Educational Leadership certificate from James Madison.
“I have been in education for about 12 years. I completed my student teaching in Roanoke
County, at Mount Pleasant Elementary. I was fortunate enough to work there as an instructional
assistant and then as a Special Education teacher in 2012. I have worked at Penn Forest
Elementary as Special Education coordinator, and I served at W.E. Cundiff as their Special
Education coordinator until 2022. The last four years I was the principal for Minnick Schools-
Roanoke, a private day school in the area.”
Bays has also been serving in the Virginia Army National Guard since 2014.
As for why she returned to Cundiff, “I was ready to take a step back and get back to my roots. I
love Vinton and the students we serve. I have passion for our community and want to see all of
our students thrive!”
Shawna Hamilton will be teaching fourth grade math and science at WEC.
“I was born in Phoenix, Ariz., but I grew up in Waynesboro, Va., where I graduated from
Waynesboro High School in 2012. After that, I attended Radford University and graduated in
2016 with my bachelor’s degree and my teaching license for PreK through sixth grade.
“After college, I began my teaching career in Roanoke City Schools. I taught kindergarten for
two years before moving up to fifth grade, where I spent the next five years. I absolutely love
working with upper elementary students– their curiosity, humor, and growing independence
make every day exciting.
“My husband and I moved to Vinton in 2018. We immediately fell in love with the community,
and the schools impressed us from the start. We knew this was the perfect place to put down
roots and raise our family.
“I’m truly grateful to now be teaching in the community my family calls home. It means so much
to work at a school I’m proud to have my own children attend, and I look forward to contributing
to the supportive, welcoming environment that makes Vinton such a special place.”
Abby McGuire is teaching fifth grade reading at Cundiff. She is originally from Goodview, and a
graduate of Staunton River High School. She graduated from Ferrum College with her degree in
elementary education. This is her first year of teaching school.
She chose to teach reading because “I absolutely love reading and I can’t wait to share that love
with my students. I always want students to find something they love to read and help them
become better readers. I did my student teaching at Cundiff in the spring of 2026 and fell in love
with it!
“My mom works at Wood’s Service Center, so I’ve been involved with the Vinton community
through her since I was little. We always participate in the Christmas Parade and other local
events.”
As for special interests, “I love riding horses and horse-showing. I currently show the hunters. I
also volunteer at Healing Strides.”
Ashlie Walker will be teaching fourth grade English and Language Arts at W.E. Cundiff. She is
originally from Roanoke and a graduate of William Byrd High School. She earned her Bachelor
of Science in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University. This is her first year of
teaching.
“I completed my student teaching at W.E. Cundiff and knew I wanted to be part of the team!”
As for her outside interests, “I love spending time with my husband and two boys, reading, and
hiking.”
Katrina Hedrick is an instructional assistant at Cundiff this year, supporting both students and
teachers. She is originally from Vinton and a graduate of William Byrd High School. She has
been working for the past three years as a substitute teacher.
“I love working with kids of all ages. I love the atmosphere at Cundiff. Everyone here is so
helpful and kind. I also have two older children who went through Cundiff and Byrd, as well as
one in first grade this year.”
As for her special interests, “I have three children and a loving husband that I enjoy spending
time with. I enjoy traveling and exploring new things and doing crafts.”
Jen Bickling is an instructional assistant at Cundiff this year. She is originally from the Eastern
Shore of Maryland. She has worked in education for many years and has over 10 years of
experience as a substitute teacher with Roanoke County Public Schools.
“I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn and grow. Being an
instructional assistant allows me to support both students and teachers while making a positive
difference every day.
“I worked in education for many years in North Carolina before switching to banking after
moving to Virginia to start my family. Even while working in banking, I stayed connected to
education by serving as a substitute teacher. I’m excited now to be joining W.E. Cundiff full-
time.
“My 16-year-old daughter attends William Byrd High School and my partner of 18 years also
works for Roanoke County Public Schools.
“Outside of school, I stay busy cheering on my daughter at her volleyball matches and swim
meets. I’m also actively involved with the William Byrd Athletic Booster Club and enjoy
supporting our student-athletes.”
Riley Hoff also is joining the W.E. Cundiff staff this year as an instructional assistant.
