NEW FACES FOR 2023-24

Sarah Kitchin, Second Grade

Sarah Kitchin will be a welcome addition in our second grade program. She joins us most recently from St. Patrick Catholic School where she taught first, second and third grade. Previously, she taught first grade at Three Chopt Elementary School, second grade and Kindergarten at Great Falls Elementary and junior Kindergarten at The Steward School. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from James Madison University and her master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction from the University of Richmond. She’s married to William and very excited to join the Collegiate community, so pop in and welcome her to Collegiate when you’re at the lower school.

Alex Marlins, Lower, Middle & Upper School Strings

Alex Marlins joins us as our new lower, middle and upper school strings teacher and brings a plethora of experience with her. A Virginia Beach native, Alex grew up surrounded by music and began her journey with piano lessons from her mother at age 5. She picked up the violin in Grade 6, and has continued adding instruments to her repertoire. She has a bachelor of music education from Lee University. Her musical talents also include stints in STAHR and the Virginia Children’s Chorus, as well as ensembles such as Lee University Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Choral Union and Percussion Ensemble. Post degree, she completed Suzuki certification in Violin Units 1-3 with James Hutchins. She currently performs with Symphonicity, Virginia Beach’s symphony orchestra, and serves on her church’s worship team. In her spare time, she loves reading, knitting, baking and playing video games with her husband.

Julie Williams ’13, Kindergarten

Julie Williams may be a familiar face for some faculty and staff, seeing as she’s a member of the Class of 2013, and she’s ecstatic to be returning to her alma mater! She will be joining Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Roman in our growing Kindergarten. She most recently comes from Episcopal Day School in Augusta, Georgia, where she was a second grade and Kindergarten teacher since 2018. Prior she worked at Athens Academy and Downtown Academy as a substitute teacher. She’s also a SeeSaw administrator and ambassador and GoNoodle ambassador where she worked on the teacher resource platform. Outside of the classroom, she has mentored students through Girls on the Run and has been a cheerleading coach. She has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Georgia.

CJ Fayton, Upper School Dean

CJ Fayton joins us as our upper school dean. He brings with him a wealth of experience and passion developing leaders, and creating space for students to learn and grow from their experiences. He comes to us most recently from Norfolk Academy where he taught middle school history and world cultures while also serving as a mentor and resource for college bound student-athletes. He has a bachelor’s degree in sports management, a master’s degree in recreation administration and a juris doctorate from the University of Tennessee where he played football and basketball. His career has lead him to positions with the Univeristy of Tennessee, Maryville College, The Ensworth School, Norfolk State University and Vanderbilt University where he was responsible for an array of areas including leading and mentoring students, serving as member of the athletic intervention team, Title IX deputy coordinator and more. His genuine interest in helping our students develop into young adults of character and substance is evident, and we are delighted to have him join our community. Please stop by the upper school office and introduce yourself.

Susan Moore, Upper School Math, Middle and Upper School Design Thinking and Computing

Susan Moore is joining our upper school mathematics and middle and upper school design thinking and computing department teaching Algebra 2, Computer Science 6 and AP Computer Science. Moore has more than 10 years of teaching under her belt and joins us from Alaska where she was an elementary STEAM specialist with the Juneau School District. There she was responsible for integrating coding into classrooms at six different schools. She was also responsible for teaching middle school students math and coding and digital citizenship in elementary classes. She also taught upper level math and computer science courses at Annandale High School, Bishop O’Dowd High School and J.E.B. Stuart High School/Justice High School, where she was named teacher of the year. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. We’re elated to have her joining our community and look forward to the challenges she will bring to our Oaks.