Faculty & Staff

All School Music Director

Degree: Berklee College of Music

Head of School

Degree: B.A. Political Science Wake Forest University

Greg, a New Jersey native and a graduate of Wake Forest University, comes to the Friends School after spending 9 years as the Director of Student Life / Dean of Students at Cape Henry Collegiate where he was also an integral member of the Leadership Team.  Prior to that, Greg was the Director of Athletics and member of the Senior Leadership team at The Urban School of San Francisco as well as a highly successful real estate broker and a nationally recognized high school lacrosse coach for St Ignatius College Prep.

Assistant Head of School & Academic Affairs

Degrees: PhD in Ecological Sciences, Old Dominion University

Masters in Environmental Management, Duke University

B.A., College of William & Mary

John is a Virginia Beach native and Norfolk Academy graduate who came to Friends School having spent more than fifteen years in various teaching and administrative roles in both the private and public school systems. He was trained as a coastal ecologist, blending science together with public policy but quickly shifted to education as soon as he had his first taste of teaching at TCC more than fifteen years ago. Since then, he has continued to define his passion for students and learning in a wide range of academic settings. In addition to his time in the classroom, John has designed both high school and college course curricula as well as a K-5 curriculum to accompany a nationally traveled oceanographic art exhibit and served as the associate director of admissions at Norfolk Collegiate.

Having spent so many years in a wide range of academic roles, John loves being in a position where he can focus on supporting and empowering our amazing faculty! John and his wife, Alexandra, have three young boys - two here at Friends School and a baby at home, so on the rare occasion he is not at school or wrangling his boys, he can usually be found at the beach or in the ocean either here in VB or down in the Outer Banks.

Pre-K Teaching Assistant

Brisa Craft is a new to the Virginia Beach Friends School family in 2025, assisting her preschool friends in the classroom. Not only is she new to VBFS, she is new to Virginia! After living in Colorado for 23 years, she moved to Virginia with her husband who is in the Air Force. Brisa has a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician in both school and home environments, working primarily with elementary aged students. Since working at schools, her passion for education has blossomed and she hopes to further her education in the near future!

All-School Physical Education Teacher, Middle School Health Teacher, Athletic Director, Facilities

Degrees: B.S in Parks and Tourism, Radford University

Friends School is thrilled to have had Max join our community in multiple capacities for the starting in 2022! Max is beginning his seventh year teaching physical education, coming from Virginia Beach Public Schools and Christ The King Catholic School, where he also served as the Athletic Director.

Max loves everything about sports, which only makes it fitting that he is the PE teacher at Friends School. He loves to interact with his students and teach them skills in a variety of sports and activities. Max believes that being active and learning new techniques will help his students grow and appreciate physical activity. When Max is not teaching, he enjoys the beach, pickleball, basketball and spending time with friends and family.

Cottage Teacher Assistant

Degrees: Bachelor's in Physical Education, University of National Mayor of San Marcos

Angela joins VBFS as the new Cottage Teacher Assistant for the 2021-2022 academic year! Angela joins the school after four years as the Assistant Teacher and then Lead Teacher for Virginia Beach Montessori School. Angela has dedicated her twenty-five year career to helping children learn fundamental development with positive encouragement and passion. She was born in Peru, and has a passion for swimming. where she was a swim instructor for twenty years. Angela brings her great personality, personalized instruction and experience to the Cottage. We are thrilled she has joined VBFS!

Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

Degrees: Bachelor's in Psychology & Dance- Minor in Studio Art, Randolph College

Director of Admissions & Human Resources

After spending many years in the legal field, Sarah left her career when her daughter, Zoe, who is enrolled at VBFS in first grade, was six months old.

Sarah, a Hampton Roads native, is a dedicated parent of two long-time VBFS students. She first joined the VBFS staff six years ago, spearheading the development and implementation of First Adventures at Friends, a pilot program designed to introduce young children to engaging, experiential classes in yoga, art, and cooking. After successfully running the program for two years, she transitioned into a faculty role, teaching in the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms.

As a certified yoga and meditation instructor, Sarah also created a mindfulness program for students from Cottage through 8th grade, equipping them with essential tools for mental well-being and positive habit formation. In 2023, she joined the Administration team as the Director of Admissions and Human Resources.

Sarah is deeply passionate about the lifelong benefits of an immersive and holistic Quaker education and takes great pride in sharing her love for Virginia Beach Friends School with every visitor who steps onto campus.

Middle School Humanities Teacher

DEGREE: Education and Psychology, William and Mary

Kasey is the middle school English teacher and our 7th and 8th grade History teacher. Kasey is an experienced educator with a strong academic background, having graduated from William and Mary with a double major in Education and Psychology. A former D1 college basketball player, Kasey began their teaching career at Norfolk Public Schools, focusing on primary education. Now in their 8th year of teaching and 2nd year at Virginia Beach Friends School, Kasey continues to bring passion and expertise to the classroom.

Director of Advancement

Degrees: Masters in Business Administration, Old Dominion University
B.B.A. James Madison University

Virginia Beach native, Anna is mother to three young children, all who have been educated at Friends School. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and with three little ones in tow, considers herself a problem solver and task master. After past corporate experience, owning a small business, and a stint as a stay at home mom, Anna eventually found herself in her element when leading the social and fundraising committee at a local preschool. After a few years in that role, she now puts her MBA with a background in marketing to use by planning fundraising events and focusing on the growth and development of Friends School. She is thrilled to be part of the Friends School community and of the success of her children’s education here. It’s an exciting time to be part of this organization and she can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Friends School!

Middle School Geography Teacher

Degrees: BA International Affairs, James Madison University

M.S. Secondary Education, Old Dominion University

M.A. The Classical Mediterranean, University of Leicester 

Brian Facemire was a middle and upper school history educator for 15 years at Cape Henry Collegiate. He is still active in the Cape Henry community as a varsity soccer coach. In his fifteen years in the classroom Brian attempted to instill a sense of wonder and exploration in children about the world in which they live. This is evidenced by his status as a National Geographic Educator as well as his focus on experiential learning as part of a primary model for education. After recently finishing a second master’s degree in The Classical Mediterranean, Brian is currently pursuing PhD programs in archaeology and ancient history. As well as instilling a passion for history and education in the classroom, Brian also served on several directorships in the local community including the Virginia Beach Historical Review Board and the philanthropic organization Virginia Gentlemen Foundation. In addition to his daily classroom duties he also served on several internal boards at Cape Henry to create an in-house professional development program that relies on the expertise of teachers to teach teachers. What teachers are passionate about and how they bring that passion to their classroom is instrumental in sharing knowledge among the faculty. He also served on the board to create a proactive educator evaluation system not based on draconian measures of punishment, rather focused on goals and insights derived from open and honest conversations between faculty and administration. He might be called an advocate for teachers in a world that sometimes runs them down. Brian understands what it means to give back to the local community. Acting locally reaches globally. Teaching and education are part of the fiber of his being and he knows that if he reached only one child, that could be the difference in making a better world.

Librarian

Courtney is an avid reader and lover of books. Starting in Elementary school, she made the Library her home away from home. Now as the VBFS Librarian, she hopes to instill that same love and passion for reading in each and every Friends School student.  Courtney has rebuilt the library program into a special class that aids students in learning the foundations of stories, and to develop the critical thinking skills needed to isolate and understand many different concepts. She hopes the library will forever be a safe place for students to explore and engage new thoughts and ideas. Courtney's three sons have attended VBFS!

Early Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Degree: A.S., Early Childhood Education, Tidewater Community College

B.S in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth College 

Tanya loves the early childhood program because this is the time when students' personalities blossom and she truly enjoys seeing the "light bulb" go on when they catch on and learn something new. Her favorite subject to teach is math because it involves other disciplines such as phonics, the alphabet, sounds, and correct formation of letters and numbers. Tanya has numerous certifications in specific early childhood learning, such as; emergent drawing, pre-writing skills, foundation blocks and milestones, and sensory solutions. She is also certified in Creative Curriculum, which is the Pre-Kindergarten program at VBFS.   Tanya is also a member of the VBFS Diversity Committee. She served as a Sunday School Director for almost 10 years, worked in the public school Pre-K program for 6 years and in a private daycare for 3 years. Her teaching began as a stay at home mother and then home schooled her oldest children. "As  mothers we are all truly the first teachers our children have." Did we mention Tanya has 8 children? Two are teachers and one graduated from Friends School!

Lower School Teacher Assistant

Degree: B.A. Theatre, Film, and Media Studies / St. Mary’s College of Maryland 

Formerly a student at VBFS, Cam has returned as a teacher! He began his education career volunteering at The Goddard School Redmill at thirteen years old and worked his way up to a summer camp assistant and classroom lead. While studying abroad in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, he had the opportunity to work with such great minds as Dr. Nick Walton in courses on play analysis, literary artifacts, and history. He hopes to have the opportunity to one day use these tools and teachings to help stoke the love of theatre and the arts. Upon returning to the States, Cam entered into the world of film and media production, taking time in Washington DC and Baltimore to work with big names like Disney, Netflix, and ESPN.  He moved back to the Hampton Roads area and briefly worked with a local news station before deciding to take the leap to education once again.

Kindergarten-8th Grade Spanish Teacher

Degree: B.A. Saint Joseph’s University

Maestra Kate became a teacher in order to share her love of speaking the Spanish language; knowing another language is empowering and broadens horizons tremendously. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their abilities, from new songs to counting and identifying things about themselves and their world in Spanish. She also loves teaching about Hispanic culture and helping them connect with Spanish speaking countries in ways that are meaningful and relatable to them. Maestra's methods of teaching often involve student's full body participation in the learning, which makes her classroom active and fun and also imprints the new knowledge. From raising her own children to teaching Sunday School, every area of her life encompasess teaching and she wouldn't have it any other way.

S.T.E.A.M Teacher and Early and Lower School Science Teacher

Degrees: Penn State and Old Dominion University

Kate loves teaching S.T.E.A.M and science! She is thrilled to be piloting the S.T.E.A.M program this year for our cottage through fourth graders! The students are in for a treat! Kate initially came to Friends as a parent of a preschooler and fell in love with the school as a parent. After becoming a full time assistant she quickly found her passion for children, and returned to school for education. She hopes her students would describe her as "fun and a little nutty! But always willing to help them with anything." Kate is known for getting her hands dirty in the garden and walking around with snakes draped around her neck. In addition to caring for animals, she loves people too, coming to Friends with over 25 years in the service industry, where she really developed her people skills. Her childhood in Pennsylvania is where she developed her passion for nature. She loves cultivating that shared joy alongside children of all ages, gaining intrinsic rewards from each grade level.

Director of Garden Programming

Degree: Equine Science, Centenary College

Schoolwide Guidance Counselor

Degrees: Sociology, Old Dominion University

My name is D’Atra but I tell all my families and students I work with that they can call me Teacher Dee!  I have been working with children for the majority of life starting from babysitting to working in daycare centers to child development centers to working in the field of ABA working with children on the Autism Spectrum for the past 7 years and now the world of Mental Health.

Learning Specialist

Degrees and Certifications: B.S. Psychology, George Mason University; M.Ed. Special Education George Mason University; Autism Spectrum Disorders Cert. George Mason University; Registered Behavior Technician; Provisional Teaching License, Special Education, General Curriculum, K-12, University of Virginia, Anticipate Completion, December 2023

Kaleigh is our new Learning Specialist for the 21-22 school year! Kaleigh has always loved working with children of all ages and abilities. She has also had a close connection to the Friends School community, as she attended and graduated at the top of her class from Friends in the Spring of 2015. Since then, she has continued to learn with the Friends school SPICES instilled within her. She began her collegiate career at George Mason University studying psychology and childhood development. While dedicated to her studies there, she started working with college-aged students with developmental and intellectual disabilities as a specialized tutor, helping students to reach their highest academic potential. In her senior year of college, she shifted gears a bit and started working as a Registered Behavior Therapist for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this position, she truly found her passion for working with children with learning and behavior challenges.

The families that Kaleigh has worked with over the years describe her as someone who is energetic, intuitive, and supportive. She knows how to reach and connect with children of all ages and abilities, and understands that collaboration with families and teachers is imperative to learning. Watching students succeed in meeting their goals is one of her biggest joys in life, and she can’t wait to make a difference in the Friends School community!

Math Curriculum Coordinator & Middle School Math Teacher

Degrees and Certifications:

B.A. Middle School Education, Lindenwood University

M.A. Educational Technology, Lindenwood University

Ed.D. Instructional Leadership, Lindenwood University

Dr. Lauren Mills is a former mathematics professor for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth where she taught the course “Cryptology: Math & Codes”. She holds a Doctoral degree in education with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership. Lauren has spent the last decade revolutionizing mathematics education by perfecting data-driven instructional practices. This year she will serve as the Math Curriculum Coordinator and Middle School Math Teacher at VBFS.

PreK Lead Teacher

A.S. Early Childhood Education; Tidewater Community College

Lauren, a semi-native of Virginia Beach, comes to Virginia Beach Friends School with two decades of early education experience. By way of the military, she spent many of her childhood years in Virginia Beach and now resides within the same zip code in which she grew up. A career in early education snuck up on her when she obtained a position at a local private preschool. It was in this environment that Lauren found her strengths, weaknesses, loves, and goals. After teaching for several years, Lauren held the Director position for over 15 years. She is thrilled to be at VBFS as well as back in the classroom. As an educator, Lauren strives to create developmentally appropriate environments that are filled with encouragement, understanding, friendship, kindness, safety, and fun. She teaches in a way that promotes educating the whole child as it is her firm belief that a child’s socio-emotional, mental, and physical development are integral pieces of their academic journey. When not in the classroom, Lauren enjoys hunting for vintage finds, adding books to her “To Be Read” shelves, baking messes, trying to improve her green thumb and cheering for her two children when they are doing what they love.

Head of Visual Arts

Degrees: B.F.A. The University of the Arts Philadelphia Studied Abroad at: Illaboratorio per Affresco *Qualified professional technique certified by the Italian Government under Leonetto Tintori

With over 23 years of experience in teaching at MOCA (previously known as the Contemporary Art Center) and 13 years with us at Friends. James inspires students and adults with his amazing artistic skills and talent. He works with every age demographic and specifically enjoys the early childhood group, anticipating the discovery moment when they "get it", which makes all of the hard work worth it. Life drawing, independent film, classical arts and contemporary forms are a few of his favorite lessons to teach. His wealth of knowledge from studying abroad, to extensive field experience and on site experiences at places like the Philadelphia Zoo, glass blowing studios and outdoor adventures, help shape his passion towards art. Ultimately, he became a teacher because he loves sharing what was shared with him- a passion for creating.

Lead First Grade Teacher

DEGREE: Bachelors in Speech and Language Pathology, Old Dominion University

Lindsey is overjoyed to be back at Friends School! She has extensive knowledge in childhood development, with a specialization in speech and language. Lindsey earned her bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Old Dominion University. With over nine years of experience in education, including teaching Pre-K and Early-K at Friends School, Lindsey is excited to be back on this wonderful campus and rejoin the community after spending two years in public school. She and her husband, Brian, have two children: Mason, age 7, and Taylor, age 1. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching football, crafting, and drinking lots of coffee!

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Diana is the Pre-K Lead Teacher at Virginia Beach Friends School. She brings enthusiasm to her classroom with a curriculum that teaches biweekly sciences, simple math, social skills, and literacy. Diana’s years of experience in Early Childhood Education spans from Pre-K Assistant, Lead Pre-K Teacher, to Preschool and Kindergarten School Director. Growing up in the western suburbs of Chicago, her background in Art History and Visual Merchandising adds to the creativity she brings to the classroom. However, overall her greatest "job" and accomplishment is being a mom to her two wonderful daughters! Each year Diana’s goal as a Preschool educator is to ensure a safe, fun, learning environment that instills each child’s love for school! Building confidence and readiness for her students advancement at Friends through a successful complete curriculum!

Middle School Science Teacher

Degrees: Bachelors Degree, Prescott College

Masters Degree, American University

Beth Porterfield is a passionate environmental science educator and biologist who is incredibly excited to begin her twenty-second year of teaching by joining VBFS as the middle school science teacher! Beth was born and raised in Washington DC and is an enthusiastic world traveler, having visited all 50 states and all continents except Antarctica (yet!) Some of her adventures have included living and working in Alaska with Indigenous Native Alaskans, as well as, completing science fellowships in the Peruvian Amazon, at the Orangutan Foundation International sanctuary in Borneo and in the Galapagos Islands. She is passionate about helping students connect to science through project based experiential learning from developing curriculum for and teaching elementary and middle school children at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to creating and running the Tide Turners World Travel Program at the Lab School of Washington, taking high school students around the globe from the Giant Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu China to Whale Camp in the Canadian North Atlantic. Since moving to Norfolk four years ago to be with her partner Tim, an environmental engineer for the Navy, she has worked part-time as a biologist educator on the dolphin and whale watch boats for the VA Aquarium and volunteers for the sea turtle care center and the stranding response team. Beth holds a Bachelor’s degree from Prescott College with a double major in environmental science and social justice education and a Master’s degree from American University in secondary science education with a concentration in special education for neurodiverse learners. She has taught biology, AP biology, biochemistry, ecology, environmental science, anatomy, health, physical science, marine biology and yoga! Her heroes are Jane Goodall and the Magic School Bus’ Ms. Frizzle. She loves living at the beach with her family in Oceanview.

Lead Cottage Teacher

Degree: AS in Early Childhood Education Bryant and Stratton

Anticipated Completion with a B.S in Early Childhood Education, Regent University

Tieshia knew she wanted to be a teacher at a young age. She loved to babysit her little cousins. Tieshia loves educating young children and providing a safe environment. She enjoys seeing children learn and feel secure in a positive learning environment.  Tieshia earned her Associates’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Bryant and Stratton University and is just one course away from a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education at Regent University.

She is certified in Infant, Toddler, and Two’s Montessori Teaching with the North American Montessori Center. Tieshia's Montessori background meshes perfectly with a Friends School education and the pedagogy of teaching to the whole child. Tieshia instantly and instinctually gravitates to the Quaker testimonies (S.P.I.C.E.S) and sees working in a classroom guided by these values as an extension of the Montessori philosophy, which believes teachers act as guides who follow children.

She enjoys reading books, especially inspirational books when she is not teaching and working in the classroom. Tieshia has two amazing boys, Micah and Mekhi. Micah will be attending Friends School again this year. Mekhi graduated from Friends School and is currently going to Ocean Lakes. We enjoy riding bikes and playing board games. She loves Netflix and Hulu, too!

3rd & 4th Grade Teacher

Degrees: M.S. Education, University of Miami Florida
Bachelors in Anthropology, Binghamton University

Dafna Sonnenthal is a career educator who has worked with children and adults in primary, secondary, and college level programs. She is a certified licensed educator for third through sixth grade, and for teaching English as a second language for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has taught in inner-city public schools as well as at one of the nation's oldest private academies. A highlight of her early career was having Queen Elizabeth visit her classroom in Miami to showcase her English as a Second Language students and curriculum. Dafna has taught at the Virginia Beach Friends School for over a decade. Here she has enjoyed melding the high ideals of the Quaker social and spiritual framework with innovative methods for optimizing student appreciation and learning of today's subject matter. In the 2021-2022 academic year, Dafna was a celebrated educator by the school's accrediting body, Virginia Association of Independent Schools. The award recognizes teachers who have done a tremendous job enriching the lives of their students. Beyond the classroom, Dafna loves the art of photography, and is always looking to capture compelling moments with families, children and surfers against the natural beauty in and around Virginia Beach. She and her husband live in Virginia Beach and have two children who are Friends early-school alumni. Dafna's son is even a first year teacher in Charlottesville, VA!

Cottage Assistant Teacher

Degree: AS in Physical and Recreation Education from The Callao National University

Maritza Sutyak joined VBFS in 2019 as the Extended Day Specialist and Kindergarten Assistant. She transitioned to the Cottage Assistant Teacher position in the fall of 2020 and teamed up with her long-time friend and co-educator from Courthouse Montessori, Teacher Tieshia.  Maritza is certified as an Early Childhood Professional with The Cares Association. Maritza has fifteen years of experience with infants to three years  in a classroom setting as an assistant teacher. Previously, for five years, Maritza was a swim instructor teaching students ages one to twelve and coached volleyball for three years. She has numerous early childhood certifications in toddler development and guidance, cultural diversity, literacy play, and outdoor learning environments.

Lead Second Grade Teacher

Degree: BS in Elementary Education from West Chester University

Lauren Troullier is a dedicated and passionate teacher in her 14th year of teaching. She has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade in Virginia Beach City Public Schools over the past 10 years. Before moving to Virginia Beach, she was a reading interventionist for 3 years, focusing on grades K-3 in New Jersey. Lauren earned her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Lauren is so excited for her first year with the  Friends School family and looking forward to many more! She and her husband, Andrew, have a two year old son. Lauren enjoys running, reading, going to the beach, and traveling in her spare time.

Office Manager

Roberta is the best Office Manager around. She doesn't just work for one administrator, she works for multiple and she does so beautifully! Roberta has worn many hats at VBFS since 2011 - subbing as a teacher's assistant, school purchasing and helping the front office. She also assisted in the Business and Development Office. As a Friends School parent, her daughter Courtney graduated in 2015. She moved to Virginia Beach from New York; and worked 25 years for Lillian Vernon as a Supervisor, Manager of Quality Call handling, and 2 years as an accounting associate for an Apartment Community.

She has completed various classes for business leadership through Tidewater Community College and attended many workshops on leadership roles for women and telephone skills. In her spare time, Roberta enjoys cooking, inventing spice blends and travelling when she can. Mostly, her role as a mom to a law student is the most rewarding!