By Debbie Adams
Mount Pleasant Elementary School has welcomed seven new faculty and staff members for
school year 2024-2025.
Maggie Campbell is the new Speech-Language Pathologist at Mount Pleasant, working with
grades Pre-K through five. She is originally from Clifton Forge and graduated from Alleghany
High School. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from James
Madison University. She has been practicing as an SLP in and around the Roanoke area for 15
years. This is her first year in education.
“I love the field of Speech-Language Pathology and the variety of populations and ages we are
able to serve,” Campbell says. “I am very excited to make the transition from geriatrics to
pediatrics!”
Her husband, Chance, and most of his family are from the Vinton/Hardy area. He is a captain
with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue. They have three sons – Colby, Cason, and Cooper.
“We spend most of our free time doing sports and other activities with our boys. I enjoy staying
active and love doing CrossFit.”
Sarah Hurt is a new fifth grade teacher at Mount Pleasant. She teaches all core subjects – math,
English, social studies, and science.
She is originally from Blacksburg. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History with a Minor of Art
History from Coastal Carolina University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching-Elementary
Education from Liberty University.
“I am coming to Mount Pleasant from Roanoke Catholic School with experience teaching at the
elementary level,” says Hurt. “I also have a background as a director of Children’s Activities and
Family Life at Vinton Baptist Church, as well as additional years of experience working with
children, youth, and in the legal field.
“I have three children who have been raised within the William Byrd school district. My family
is active in sports – basketball, softball, baseball – and recently enjoyed WB youth football
camp.
“As a way to support the Mount Pleasant, Vinton, and Bonsack communities who continually
give to my own family, I wanted to join the team of Roanoke County Public Schools educators. I
am thankful for a new academic year ahead alongside a talented staff at Mount Pleasant
Elementary who demonstrate that they recognize each child for their unique gifts. I believe that we, as a community, are called to work together to ensure that all students learn and grow as they
reach each milestone in their personal academic journey.”
Marissa Jones is teaching first grade at Mount Pleasant, coming from Clearbrook Elementary.
She is originally from Roanoke and graduated from Hidden Valley High School. She received
her Master of Teaching degree from the University of Virginia. This is her third year in teaching.
“I love working in the primary grades because it is so rewarding to see the kids learn to read,”
Jones says. “I am passionate about teaching reading.”
Megan McCoy is a FAACTS (Functional Academic Accessibility Career and Transition Skills)
teacher at Mount Pleasant. She is originally from Goode, Va., and a graduate of Jefferson Forest
High School. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from James Madison University.
She has been teaching for 22 years.
“I have lived in Vinton for the last 15 years. My oldest son is a sophomore. My middle son is a
freshman. They both attend William Byrd High School. My youngest son attends William Byrd
Middle School.”
She enjoys “being a William Byrd fan.”
Lee-Ann McGhee is teaching fourth grade at Mount Pleasant. She was born in Niagara Falls,
N.Y., but grew up in Roanoke. She graduated from Hidden Valley High School and Radford
University. This is her sixth year in education.
“I’ve always had a great love of learning and, in turn, have always wanted to pass that love of
learning on to others,” McGhee says. She has connections to the Roanoke/Vinton area through
her family and several friends who live here. She also attends Lake Drive Church of Christ in
Vinton.
“I love to read, bowl, and do a variety of crafts, including spin art painting and crocheting.”
Nora Vitello is teaching music at Mount Pleasant. She grew up in Roanoke County and attended
Cave Spring Middle and High Schools. She earned her undergrad degree in Music Education and
Flute Performance and her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech.
“I taught in Franklin County Public Schools for 13 years as an elementary music teacher, and for
nine of those years I served as assistant director to the Franklin County Marching Band,” Vitello
says.
“I enjoyed music class in school, learning the flute, playing in band and marching band, and I
was inspired by my own high school band directors to continue to go into music education. At
Virginia Tech I honed my flute performance skills, performed with bands and orchestras, and
marched in the Marching Virginians.
“I love being on the education side of music now, introducing my students to the joys of music
through creating, dancing, playing and singing. I am excited to be a part of the Mount Pleasant
Elementary team, and to meet and learn about the families in my new community.”
Officer C.S. Welch is serving as the School Resource Officer at Mount Pleasant Elementary this
year. He is a retired police officer. This will be his first year as an SRO. He is from Roanoke and
a graduate of Cave Spring High School.
Jill Lane continues as principal at Mount Pleasant with Crystal Bondurant as assistant principal.
