Big welcome to the new staff at RCPS
Rappahannock County Public Schools welcomed nine new staff members to the school family on Monday, August 3rd.
Joining the high school team for the new school year are Eva Payne (Dual Enrollment U.S. History, World Cultures, and ISAEP Teacher), Joanna Forde (RCHS Special Education Teacher), and Lee Bernstein (College Advisor).
Eva Payne is a Rappahannock native and previously taught at RCHS from 2012-2017. She earned her B.S. in Education from Liberty University and her M.A. in American History from American Military University. Some of her hobbies include taking care of her goats, playing guitar, and gaming. She is very excited to be back with her RCHS family!
Lee Bernstein is a May 2020 graduate from Washington and Lee University, where she studied economics and politics with a minor in education policy. Originally from Massachusetts, she recently moved to Culpeper. Lee will be serving as the college advisor from the Virginia College Advising Corp. She will be joining RCHS for the next two years to support students with the college process.
Originally from the Hampton Roads area, Joanna Forde possesses 8 years of experience teaching special education. She graduated in December of 2012 with her MS in Special Education from Old Dominion University. Joanna currently resides in Fort Valley, Virginia where she enjoys kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor activities with her family.
At the elementary school, the new teachers include Kelsa Knick (Kindergarten Teacher), Savannah Knave (4th Grade VA Studies and Science Teacher), Cecilia Lopiano (2nd Grade Teacher), and Elaine Snider (RCES Instructional Aide).
Kelsa Knick has lived in Rappahannock County all her life aside from the time she spent attending James Madison University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. She taught Kindergarten for two years in Culpeper County and now looks forward to joining the RCPS family. Throughout her education, she was inspired by many wonderful Rappahannock teachers and hopes to follow in their footsteps by positively impacting the students of her community.
Savannah Knave graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Walden University and is currently working on achieving her Masters from Walden University. She has worked as an assistant for 4 years with grades 5-8. Savannah has 5 dogs and loves playing with them, as well as planning for her upcoming wedding.
Cecilia Lopiano was raised in Rappahannock and is returning after 19 years of living and teaching in Philadelphia. With a true love of learning, Cecilia holds a Master of Science degree in Special Education, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and an Associate of Arts degree in Fashion Design. In her free time, Cecilia can be found gardening or riding on her 1972 Triumph Bonneville. Cecilia returns with her husband and two children.
Elaine Snider is a familiar face to RCPS as she has served as a substitute for us in the past, as well as a volunteer and parent. She resides in Amissville with her family. We are happy to welcome her as a full-time member of our family as an instructional aide in our elementary school.
Additionally, two new staff members will be working at both schools. This includes Breanna Leach (RCPS Band Director) and Carly Moore (Behavior Specialist).
Breanna Leach is originally from Berryville and attended college in Chicago at DePaul University where she earned her Bachelors’ Degree in Music Education. Before coming to Rappahannock, she taught band in the rural community of Delavan, Illinois. After six years in the Midwest, she is very excited to be returning to Virginia. When not teaching, living, and breathing band, Breanna enjoys reading Stephen King novels, seeing live music, and is the biggest Washington Capitals fan you’ll ever meet!
Carly Moore is a 2020 graduate from Longwood University who resides in Madison County. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health. A former Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to assist in supporting positive behavioral interventions for all students.