William Byrd Middle School introduces new faculty/staff for 2024-2025

By Debbie Adams

William Byrd Middle School has welcomed several new teachers and staff members for the
2024-2025 school year.

Emma Blair is a one-on-one instructional assistant working with seventh grade. This is her first
year working in education. She is originally from Toledo, Ohio.

Michele Bostic is teaching sixth grade math. She is originally from Butler, Pa., and graduated
from Slippery Rock High School in Slippery Rock, Pa. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree
in Psychology from Gannon University in Erie, Pa., and did post graduate work and received her
Special Education endorsement from Edinboro University. She has been working in the field of
education for 19 years.

“I worked in a rehabilitation hospital with individuals who endured traumatic brain injuries, and
a former patient of mine, who was a teenager, inspired me to become a teacher,” Bostic explains.

“I chose the Special Education route, then transitioned to teaching math. I took two years off
from teaching to enjoy family and life and to see what other career opportunities were available.
I continued to substitute with various school systems and realized I missed being in the
classroom and decided it was time to head back to class.

“I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working with my husband on our farm and
going hunting.”

Kayla Buchanan is teaching sixth grade U.S. History I at WBMS. She is originally from
Culpeper, and is a graduate of Culpeper County High School.

“I recently graduated from Radford University, earning a Social Science degree with a minor in
history along with my teaching licensure,” Buchanan says. “This will be my first year teaching. I
did my student teaching through Radford at Pulaski High School last semester.

“I picked Social Studies because I enjoy it. I think that Social Studies is important because it
allows us to look at the past and learn from it and teaches us where we came from. Additionally,
I think it’s important in Social Studies to learn about civil discourse, especially.”

She enjoys reading and playing any kind of board game and has one dog named Hudson.

Becky Christley is the new Special Education Coordinator for William Byrd. She was born in
Illinois but has spent most of her life in Virginia, which she calls home. She graduated from
James River High School in Buchanan.

She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Bluefield College and a Master’s
Degree in Special Education from Liberty University. This is her seventh year in education for
Roanoke County Public Schools.

As for how she came to be at WBMS, “I was looking at a couple of different schools that had
openings in my current position. I chose William Byrd Middle School because of all the
wonderful things I heard about the administration, staff, and students. I have a niece and a
nephew who have graduated from William Byrd High School, with two more currently attending
William Byrd Middle and High School.

As for her outside interests, “I am a wife and mother of three boys and am blessed to live around
a large, local extended family. I love to fish and spend time with my family.”

Laura Green is teaching Latin at WBMS. She has been teaching in Roanoke County since 2005.
Her home school is Northside High School where she teaches Latin and a World Language
interest block, but she has taught in middle and high schools throughout the county. She has
worked at William Byrd High School fairly recently as a traveling teacher.

Jeffrey John is teaching Pre-Algebra 7 and Math 7 at William Byrd Middle School. He grew up
in Roanoke and was a homeschooler. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Mathematics from
Virginia Western Community College and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Virginia
Tech. This is his first year in teaching. When he applied to Roanoke County, WBMS reached out
to him.

“I enjoy math and helping people learn and grow in their knowledge, understanding and
excitement – especially kids.”

In his spare time, he enjoys numerous different sports and physical activities.

Rhyan Lish is an instructional assistant at WBMS. He is originally from Idaho, where he
graduated from Soda Springs High School in Soda Springs. He graduated from the University of
Arkansas Grantham Little Rock, with a Master’s Degree in Human Performance Improvement.
This is his first year in education.

Lish moved here while he was in the military – “all my children are Terriers.”

His loves to spend time with family outdoors, and loves to support the schools that his children
attend.

Andrew Long is an instructional assistant to six different teachers in sixth and seventh grade
History and Life Science classes. He graduated from Salem High School and Virginia Tech,
where he studied Political Science. This is his first year in education.

“I will be extremely pleased if I am able to help my teachers be successful in their critical task of
creating learning, understanding, and growth in each of the students,” Long says. “After a 30-
year career in banking, my wife, who is a high school teacher, encouraged me to try something
new – as there was a need for help and it is always fulfilling to serve in a direct capacity to the
community.”

His hobbies are “handyman” activities, reading, aviation, and exercising at the gym.

Haley Nichols is an instructional assistant at WBMS. She graduated from William Byrd, along
with her two older sons. Her youngest son is a sophomore at Byrd this year.

“I enjoy outdoor adventures such as camping, going to the lake, ATV, and I absolutely love the
snow. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year.”

Juliette Onwi is teaching sixth grade English at William Byrd. She grew up in New Hampshire
but has lived in Virginia for over 18 years. She says she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special
Education “years ago” and recently finished her Master’s Degree in Education from Liberty
University.

“I have been teaching for as long as I can remember – at church, in preschool settings, and
substitute teaching,” Onwi says.

“My love for reading and writing has fueled my passion for teaching literacy to young children
and has been the driving force behind my career in education. Over the years, I've seen firsthand
how building confidence in reading and writing can unlock a student's potential. Now, as I
transition to teaching sixth grade English, I’m excited to help older students develop more
advanced literacy skills.”

As for how she came to teach at WBMS, “When my middle school daughter asked me to
substitute at her school, I was skeptical at first. I had previously really enjoyed younger children
and was comfortable in the elementary setting. However, after much prompting, I decided to try
teaching at the secondary level. I quickly found that I absolutely loved middle school and spent
the remainder of the school year subbing at WBMS. I immediately felt at home and could not
wait to take it to the next level and teach in my own middle school classroom!”

Julia Ormandy is the 504 Coordinator at WBMS. She was born and raised in Vinton, attended
W.E. Cundiff and WBMS, and graduated from WBHS with the Class of 2008. She earned her
BA in Psychology from Concord University and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Liberty
University. This is her ninth year in education.

“I was previously the Director of School Counseling at Roanoke Catholic School and wanted a
change to be able to spend more time with my family.”

Jennifer Page is the new attendance clerk at WBMS. She is originally from the Richmond area
(Henrico County) and a graduate of Mills E. Godwin High School. She moved to Roanoke after
she graduated from James Madison University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
and a Minor in Coaching Education.

She previously worked at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine for seven years (2013-
2020) as an Educational Domain manager but did not teach. She stepped away when Covid hit to
become a stay-at-home mom.

“Both my mom and older sister were elementary school teachers (my mom just retired this past
year after 37 years of teaching), so I have grown up in this type of setting. The ‘educational’
environment is one that is very familiar to me, and I have always loved working with teachers
and students!

“After leaving VTCSOM in 2020, I made the decision to prioritize my family and became a
stay-at-home mom when the Covid-19 pandemic shifted schooling to remote learning. Now that
both of my children are enrolled in school (a 9-year-old daughter in fourth grade and a 6-year-old
son in first grade at Penn Forest Elementary), I was eager to re-enter the workforce and
contribute my skills and expertise to an organization that aligned with my values. The attendance
clerk position at William Byrd Middle School not only offers me the opportunity to do so, but it
also provides a schedule that allows me to be present for my young children during these pivotal
years in their lives.”

“My favorite thing to do is to spend quality time with my husband (C.J.) and two kids (Madison
and Marshall). I love staying active and enjoy anything sports-related, particularly basketball (Go
UNC!).”

Megan Perdue is the new FAACTS teacher at WBMS. This is her fourth year at the middle
school, but her first year teaching. Prior to this year, she was an instructional assistant. She is
from Franklin County and graduated from Franklin County High School in 2017. She earned her
Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences from Virginia Western Community College in 2019 and
then graduated from Mary Baldwin University this past May with her Bachelor in Psychology
with a Minor in ABA Therapy.

“Prior to working at WBMS, I worked as a psychiatric technician for Roanoke Memorial
Hospital,” Perdue says. “I applied and was hired as an instructional assistant for WBMS in 2021.
My reason behind applying for a job within the school system was to have a better, consistent
schedule for my son. During my time as an IA, I have made many friends. I enjoy my students
and the people I work with. My first two years as an IA, I worked in sixth grade science/history.
Last year I was an IA in the FAACTS classroom. I absolutely fell in love with my students! I am
so excited to start this journey as a first-year teacher, while learning and growing with my
students!”

“I have been married to my husband, Brendan, for almost five years. We have a 3-year-old son
named Justin. As a family we enjoy visiting new places and riding on the parkway.”

Savannah Ream is working in eighth grade, assisting the teacher with students who have IEPs
or who need extra help with class work. She is originally from “the great citrus state of Florida.”

She graduated from high school in Florida – Sarasota Military Academy.

“This will be my first year of working in a school, but I have done lots of teaching for kids with
equine and 4-H clubs,” said Ream.

“While working at William Byrd Middle School, I will have the opportunity to work in different
classes with different students and teachers.

“The reason I chose science and civics is because throughout my education with school, I loved
learning about historical places and items. When it comes to science, I was always fascinated by
how science is all around us and how it affects our everyday life.”

As for how she came to Roanoke County and WBMS, “One of my family members works in the
school district as well, which is how I came across this amazing opportunity. She let me know –
especially knowing I love working with kids – that this job was available, and I immediately
jumped for the opportunity! I have family and friends all over the Vinton community.

“I am a big wildlife advocate; I love to hunt and fish and teach about both as well. I am a big
hiker and love to travel. I am very family-oriented and love to line dance every week. Since
moving to Virginia, my significant other and his family, as well as my own, have been my rock
while moving to a whole new state for the first time. Without them I would not be where I am
today. My appreciation is never-ending.”

Hunter Richards is an instructional assistant at WBMS. He is from Vinton and a graduate of
William Byrd High School. He attended Emory and Henry College. This is his first year in
education.

“I enjoy helping students learn and be successful,” Richards says. “I attended WBMS and
graduated from WBHS and wanted to return to the schools I attended. I am also coaching at
WBMS. I grew up in Vinton and still live here with my family.

“I enjoy hunting, fishing and being outdoors and picked up golf while I was in college.”
He will also be an assistant coach for football and wrestling.

Jordan Richards is teaching English 6 at WBMS.

“I was born and raised in the Vinton area,” Richards says. “My family lives in Vinton and
probably always will. I attended Cundiff, then Byrd Middle and High School. I played softball
for WBHS. I took football and wrestling pictures for The Vinton Messenger.

She earned her Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences from Virginia Western and her Bachelor’s
from Hollins University in May 2021. This is her fourth year in teaching.

“I am in education because I have always worked well with children,” Richards says. “I want to
be there for all of my students regardless of background. I have been lucky to have been taught
by some amazing teachers. They influenced me to become a teacher.

“I took a leap of faith this past year in hopes of moving to the middle school level after teaching
elementary for three years with Roanoke City.”

In her spare time, “I enjoy spending time with my family. We have always been really close
through thick and thin and still are today. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without their support
and encouragement. I have amazing parents, two brothers that would do anything for me (even if
we don’t see eye to eye) and my loving son who is the light in my life. We always take a family
trip together and it is always fantastic. We like to go fishing together and have a good time.

“I have a soft spot for Rottweilers, and I am a music and history nerd. My love for music came
from many mornings listening to music with my dad. We made a game of it. He would play a
song and challenge me to name the song and artist before the artist started singing. My interest in photography started when I was 10 and was mainly nature pictures, but turned into sports photography when I started taking pictures of my brothers Hunter and Dustin at football games and wrestling matches. This turned into taking pictures of other athletes (with permission) as well.

Ashley Roop is teaching ESL in sixth through eighth grades at WBMS. She is originally from
Roanoke, attended WBMS, and graduated from William Byrd High School. She earned degrees
in Spanish Education, Art Education, and Education Studies from Roanoke College. This is her
first year in teaching.

“I love learning about other languages and cultures,” said Roop.  “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.”

John Ryall is teaching Special Education at WBMS. He is originally from Harrington, Del., and
graduated from Southern Wesleyan University. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in
Special Education from Radford University. This is his third year in education, but his first as a
teacher.

As for why he chose a career in education, “Honestly, this profession picked me, I was working
as an instructional assistant for a year when I realized my passion for education, and especially
working with those who may struggle in certain areas, and helping them work through it.

“After I realized my passion for education and started the process to get my degree and license, I
knew I wanted to stay at William Byrd, because I already had the connections due to working at
the high school. So once a position opened up at the middle school, I was truly excited to stay in
the William Byrd family.

“I am pretty new to the Vinton area, moving here two years ago. I moved here for another job
opportunity to serve as a youth pastor in the area and am now working as a teacher in the
community. During my time here, I have built several strong friendships with people who grew
up in this community and it truly feels like I have been here my whole life.

“I enjoy spending time in nature whether it’s going hiking, or even just going for walks in the
area. I also really enjoy going to local coffee shops and doing work while enjoying a nice coffee.
Some special interests I have include collecting vinyl records and looking at local record stores
to see what I can add to my collection.”

Melissa Sladin is the school psychologist at William Byrd Middle School and Bonsack
Elementary, for grades K-8. She is originally from Chicago, but moved to Roanoke this summer
from Colorado, where she had been for the last 20 years.

She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, her MA in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University, and her Educational Specialist
Degree in School Psychology from Emoria State University. She has worked for 10 years in the
mental health field and three years in schools.

“I love helping kids find their best selves and get all the tools and supports they need! I want
every student to have a joyful and supportive school experience.

“My husband is a teacher at Community School, and we have two kids, ages 9 and 13. I love
hiking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and working on our old home!”

Alicia Spangler is new this year to WBMS, teaching one block of crafts and Art 8 at the middle
school each semester, but she has taught at William Byrd High School for 11 years. She is
originally from Roanoke and a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in 2006.

“I received my bachelor’s from Longwood University and my master’s from Lynchburg College.
This will be my fourth year teaching art, and prior to that, I was a Special Education teacher. My
favorite class to teach is graphic design, but I’m looking forward to teaching eighth graders at
William Byrd Middle. In my free time, I like to start projects that will never be completed and
take road trips to new places.”

Kristi Vernon is teaching eighth grade chorus at WBMS. She is from Salem and a graduate of
Salem High School. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education from James Madison
University, and her Master of Music Education from Shenandoah University. She has spent over
30 years teaching choral music.

“I grew up in a musical family performing in a trio with my two sisters and eventually with my
parents’ variety band, the ‘Friends and Lovers,’ in high school and college, so I naturally wanted
to pursue a profession in music.”

Due to the growth of the choral program at the middle and high schools, “Matt Bartley (choral
director at WBMS and WBHS) invited me to consider coming out of early retirement from
Salem City Schools to return to Roanoke County Schools where I began my career at Fort Lewis
Elementary, Glenvar Middle and High School,” Vernon says.

As for her other interests and noteworthy moments, “On a trip to Nashville, I heard my parents’
country songs from their albums on the radio, but our old station wagon broke down and that
ended their path to becoming country music stars. I did get to open for Johnny Paycheck of
‘Take This Job and Shove It’ fame in college. When I taught at Glenvar Midle/High School, I
grew the program from 13 to 150 students.

“After transitioning to Salem, my vocal jazz ensemble, ‘Salem Singers,’ was chosen to perform
at the Virginia Music Educators state conference as a model for vocal jazz instruction.

“Personally, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, leading worship, teaching private
voice and piano, kayaking, camping, weight training, playing with my dog Pongo, and singing
jazz on the side or attending a great concert.”

Crista Blanchard is a new instructional assistant at WBMS.

Evan Noell continues as principal of William Byrd Middle School this year, with Assistant
Principals Katherine Hutchison and Abby Barnes.