For the last couple weeks I've been introduced to quite a few folks as "the new Eliza."  Boy, that's setting expectations awfully high for an incoming Executive Director.  I am excited about taking on the challenges Southside Family School faces from the strong foundation  Eliza, and Flo before her, built for us.

A few weeks ago I promised to share a bit more about me, so here goes:

•  I grew up mostly in the Tidewater area of Virginia, but have also lived in Japan and Korea.  
• My husband John and I have filled our household with cats since son JR and daughter Crystal are grown and have families of their own.
•  September will be the 39th month in a row that I have run a 5k, or longer, race for charity.  (I am still a very slow runner.)
• I accepted the position at Southside for the same reasons our families choose the school-dedication to Social Justice, small class sizes in a small school, and the family feel.

From a more professional perspective, I have a Masters in Education with a focus on Middle School Curriculum Development and completed more than 30 hours towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership.  As valuable as that schooling was, it didn't teach me nearly as much as the students I learned from while teaching everything from third to twelfth grade in a variety of alternative schools.  I've also served four years as a small town mayor, and have experience in manufacturing management and financial services.

I look forward to learning more about each of our families, friends, supporters and alumni.  If I don't touch base with you first, please feel free to drop by my office.---Toni