Emily Clayton, ML Coach & ML Teacher at RES
Emily has been working as an EL Teacher in Greene County Schools since 2014. Before Greene County, Emily worked as an EL Teacher in Fairfax County Virginia. When not at school or on the soccer field, she enjoys traveling (especially to the beach), reading, spending time with her husband, Brandon, three sons, Noah, Tyler, and Zach. As well as walking her husky named Dempsey.
Emily ha estado trabajando como maestra de Ingles como segunso idioma (EL) en las escuelas del condado de Greene durante cinco años. Antes del condado de Greene, Emily trabajó como maestra EL en el condado de Fairfax, Virginia. Cuando no está en la escuela o en el campo de fútbol, le gusta viajar (especialmente a la playa) leer, pasar tiempo con su familia (su esposo Brandon y su hijo Noah) y amigos y pasear a su perro, Dempsey.
Paula Mercado, GCPS ML Liaison
Paula has been part of Greene County Public Schools for 13 years. She started as a volunteer, then a Substitute Teacher, Instructional Assistant and Interpreter. In her new position as a Liaison, she serves as a bridge between the schools, community and GCPS families.
On a personal note, Paula was born in Colombia, she is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Paula has two daughters who attend WMMS and WMHS, and a little dog named Milo. She enjoys hiking and traveling.
Paula ha sido parte de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Greene durante 13 años. Ella comenzó como voluntaria, luego como maestra sustituta, asistente de instrucción e intérprete. En su nueva posición como enlace, ella sirve de puente entre las escuelas, la comunidad y las familias de GCPS.
En lo personal, Paula nació en Colombia, es completamente bilingüe en inglés y español. Paula tiene dos hijas que asisten a WMMS y WMHS, y un perrito llamado Milo. Le gusta ir en caminatas y viajar.
Lanette Hillman, ML Teacher at NGPS, NGES, & RES
I'm a mom of four and grandmom of six. My background includes teaching in an International Christian School in Amman, Jordan, teaching ESL to Bedouins in the desert, and helping run a women's refugee center. I speak Arabic and enjoy making friends.
Colleen Murphy, ML Teacher at NGPS, NGES, & WMHS
Colleen Murphy received her master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Virginia. She is in her second year of teaching multilingual learners at WMHS, NGES, and NGPS. Outside of school, Colleen enjoys hiking with her family and traveling to new places.
Bonnie LaFountaine, ML Teacher at WMMS
Bonnie LaFountaine is an accomplished educator and global citizen whose journey through language and service spans continents and cultures. With nearly two decades in the field of education, she brings a deep passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to student growth and cross-cultural understanding.
Her journey began with a 25-year affiliation with the military, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for language acquisition and intercultural communication. These experiences laid the foundation for her work as an overseas English teacher, where she inspired learners in diverse settings while gaining firsthand insight into the power of language to bridge worlds.
Her love for adventure has taken her to the peaks of Mt. Fuji and the Himalayas, with Mt. Kilimanjaro next on her list. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors with her son.
Education is more than a career for Bonnie—it’s a calling. Her life’s work is marked by a commitment to service, learning, and helping others grow through the power of language and connection.
Julie Mitchelson, ML Teacher at WMHS
Julie has a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University and an endorsement in English as a Second Language. She has been teaching in Greene since 1998 and enjoys being an active community member as a parent, coach and swim program manager at Greene Hills Club. She enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing on the beach.