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Over 40 staff members working together create the nurturing community that is Little Keswick School. Involved in all aspects of student life, staff serve as crucial role models in the program.
On a daily basis, staff members model values such as respect, caring, and empathy, instilling and reinforcing these values in our students. Positive working relationships among staff members are an essential component of the safe, structured environment that our students need.
Little Keswick School's collegial, family atmosphere is reflected in community-wide gatherings, such as sharing daily meals together in the Depot Dining Hall, singing and playing guitar in the annual Talent Show, and running/walking in the LKS 3-Miler in the spring.
Little Keswick School teachers are required to hold licensure in the field of special education, in the areas of emotional disturbance and/or learning disabilities. Residential staff must demonstrate previous experience working with similar student populations, and train in Life Space Crisis Intervention, Choice Theory, and Mediation. Currently, all clinical staff hold doctorates in child psychology.
Administrative Staff
Marc J. Columbus, M.Ed.
Headmaster
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Terry Columbus, M.Ed.
Director of Admissions
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Marty Thomson, Ph.D.
Director of
Psychological Services
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Mark Kindler, Ed..D.
Academic Coordinator |
Gene Lemarr, B.A.
Residential Coordinator
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Office Staff
Claudia Hildebrand
Office Manager
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Rich Morrison
Business Manager
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Amy Shanklin
Secretary
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Therapists
Academic Staff
Residential Staff
Kitchen Staff
Lynn Carle
Kitchen Manager
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Ilusion Estrada
Cook
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Jonathan Lee
Cook
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Maintenance/Housekeeping Staff
Don Rose
Plant Manager
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Juan Becerra
Groundskeeper/Custodian
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Lorraine Beasley
Housekeeping Supervisor
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Maria Becerra
Housekeeper |
Staff News
 Channon Juhl wins VAISEF
“The Margaret Shepherd
Teaching Award”
The “Margaret Shepherd Teaching Award” annually recognizes a teacher who works with special needs students and is employed by a school which is a member of The Virginia Association for Independent Special Education Facilities (VAISEF). Chanon Juhl was chosen for this award from the following criteria:
- Possesses a commitment to children which will not allow failure
- Shows flexibility in teaching; is willing to try anything to enable a child to be successful
- Holds high expectations with respect to academic and social behavior; teaches children to be good citizens as well as good students
- Shows an openness to collaborating with other teachers and professionals, and to trying new ideas
- Is committed to influencing children to behave through praise and encouragement, rather than punishment
- Realizes the importance of children having fun and enjoying learning
Ms. Juhl started at Little Keswick School during the school year of 2003-2004. A graduate of Longwood University, she had taught in the Prince Edward school district for several years. She is a certified Virginia teacher with endorsements in emotional disturbance and learning disabilities. She continues to take courses to become highly qualified in reading and mathematics and currently holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree. Chanon is working with the youngest students, a group of seven boys ages 9-12. The classroom is a self-contained classroom, which means that she needs to prepare lessons for grades four through seven, covering all subject areas. During the current school year six out of the seven boys are new to the program. She has not only needed to assess and develop lessons for the boys, but help them with social and successful student behaviors.
If you look into her classroom today, you would see a group of young boys at times working as a group or as individuals. What distinguishes her room from others is the organized yet not overwhelming amount of information presented, and the students’ work displayed on the walls or hallway. The lessons are differentiated to meet the students’ individual academic needs and learning styles. The nature of her students always keeps the room energized. - Ms. Juhl matches that energy and transforms it into learning. Her lessons are well planned and not only meet the Standards of Learning Objectives but are designed to have variety and fun. The structure of the room is consistently maintained and the Little Keswick School program is followed. Science experiments are hands-on, computers are used for research and on-line practice, and the students are always busy creating something. A great emphasis is put on good reading and writing skills, no matter what the subject. Much collaboration with other staff members occurs and often older students from the high school class are in the room tutoring her students.
No matter how difficult the day may have seemed, Chanon always has a positive attitude and is planning for the next transition or activity. She has been the Team Leader for several years and works closely with new teachers on consistency with the program values and curricular needs. She is always open to suggestions and new strategies from her colleagues. Chanon not only meets the criteria offered, but goes well beyond with a positive, selfless attitude. All this is evident by the quality of the work her students produce and by the smiles on their faces as they greet her in the morning.
Read an article about the $1000 grant awarded to Little Keswick School:
 $1000 Grant
“I still remember that first drive down the tree-lined driveway, wondering what kind of people were waiting at the end. I never should have worried. They were the most caring and wonderful staff that a parent could want. They provided structured and nurturing environments that led our son to growth and respect. They helped us to trust our instincts and addressed (our son's) needs.”
—A Parent from Virginia
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