By Debbie Adams
When Roanoke County Public Schools opened for the 2025-2026 school year on August 14,
Bonsack Elementary welcomed seven new faculty members: Kate Benge, Sarah Collins,
Jessica Decker, Meagan DiYorio, Kayla Gibson, Jill Novitsky, and Ashley Roop.
Kate Benge is working as the School Psychologist at both Bonsack Elementary and
William Byrd Middle Schools. This is her first year officially working full-time as a school
psychologist.
She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from Bryan High School through the
Spanish Immersion Program. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from
Transylvania University, and a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis and an Educational
Specialist Degree from the University of Cincinnati.
“I’ve been passionate about the field of psychology since my early days in undergrad, where I
stumbled into taking several neuroscience and cognitive psychology courses with an amazing
professor and mentor, Dr. Bethany Jurs,” said Benge. “She inspired me to combine the work that
I was already doing with children every day with my love for the field of psychology, and to
pursue practicing in a school setting.
“I moved from Kentucky to Roanoke to work with Roanoke County Public Schools. After
graduating from school, I was ready for a new adventure. I was drawn to this area because of the
expansive outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a local community with thriving small
businesses.
“Outside of working as a school psychologist, I love to cook vegetarian cuisine, play with my
dog, and I recently started playing pickleball with a group of friends!”
Sarah Collins is the art teacher at both Bonsack Elementary and Herman L. Horn. She is a
native of Roanoke and a graduate of Northside High School. She earned an Associate Degree in
General Studies from Virginia Western Community College, and a Bachelor’s degree in Visual
Arts Education from Liberty University. This is her first year of teaching. She will also be the
Gifted Art teacher at Bonsack.
Collins says, “A lifelong love for art brought me to this position.” She completed her student
teaching at Bonsack last year and “was very excited to see the position become available.”
She is also the tumbling and stunting coach at Defy Gravity in Vinton.
“I come from a large family, many of whom are teachers as well: multiple cousins, grandmother,
older sister, and two younger sisters.”
Jessica Decker is excited to join the faculty at Bonsack Elementary as a fifth-grade teacher.
“I was born and raised in Roanoke, and I don’t have any plans to leave,” Decker says.
She is a graduate of Glenvar High School and of Roanoke College, where she earned her
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education. She has taught various
grades for 22 years.
“Most of my teaching career has been in fifth grade and it is my favorite! I have heard great
things about Bonsack Elementary and decided to apply for a position. My husband and I really
like that part of town and have been looking at houses in the area.
“Many friends live in the Vinton area. I visit the Vinton area often for the events and restaurants.
I love the small-town vibe! Vinton is a special community!
As for her special interests, “I love to travel, be outdoors, and play with my grandchildren (and
spoil them rotten…lol).
Meagan DiYorio is teaching kindergarten at Bonsack. She is originally from Wytheville
and a graduate of George Wythe High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in
Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Elementary Education from James Madison
University. She also has her Master of Arts in Teaching, PreK-6, from JMU. This will be her
sixth year of teaching kindergarten.
“Five is such a magical age! I love helping students build foundational reading skills and a
lifelong love for learning.”
“I student taught at Bonsack in 2017 and got my first job here in 2018. I had a wonderful
experience. I transferred to Mountain View Elementary for 4 years due to low enrollment in
Kindergarten here in 2019. My husband’s career took us to Southwestern Connecticut for a few
years, and I took two years off to stay home with my children. I am thrilled to return to the
classroom, especially at my ‘home school,’ Bonsack!”
DiYorio and her husband Gabe have two children, Hayden (4) and Maren Kate (2).
“When I’m not at school, I love to spend time with them, read lots of books, and go to JMU
football games! Go Dukes.”
Kayla Gibson is teaching second grade at Bonsack. She is from Vinton, attended Herman
L. Horn, and graduated from William Byrd High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in
Interdisciplinary Studies from Radford University. She was on the recreational cheerleading and
basketball teams growing up and then in the Marching Band at WBHS.
She also worked at the Vinton McDonald’s for four years.
“In my free time, I love to read and spend time with my boyfriend, family, and friends.”
Jill Novitsky is teaching Kindergarten at Bonsack. She is originally from Chesapeake,
Virginia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Liberty University. This is her
tenth year in teaching.
“Kindergarten is my passion,” Novitsky says. “It is such a magical time in a student’s life. They
are excited to learn every day, and the possibilities are endless. They keep you on your toes for
sure, but there’s really nothing like it!”
“I have taught at Mount Pleasant for the last nine years. My husband, Matt, also grew up in
Vinton and graduated from William Byrd. Outside of school, Matt and I enjoy spending time
with our lovable pup, Roman.”
Ashley Roop is the ESL teacher at Bonsack and W. E. Cundiff. She is originally from
Roanoke and a graduate of William Byrd High School. She earned degrees in Spanish Education,
Art Education, and Education Studies from Roanoke College. This is her second year of
teaching, and her first year of teaching elementary school.
“I love learning about other languages and cultures. Language learning can be challenging but it
is rewarding. I want to provide support for students who speak other languages.
“I chose to work in education because of my love of learning. I hope to help my students by
encouraging their love of learning.
“I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my two Yorkie puppies. I love drawing,
painting, crocheting, and anything to do with art. I also do live caricatures for events and art
commissions.”
The leadership at Bonsack Elementary remains the same. Leanne Leftwich is beginning her 8th
year as principal; Stephanie Burress, her seventh as assistant principal. Bonsack Elementary will
have an enrollment of approximately 350 students when school opens.
