Student Support

Mr. Jake Anderson, our Exceptional Education teacher, is pumped to start his sixth year teaching at Greenwood Elementary!! He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at NC State University.  Mr. Anderson believes that there is greatness in everyone and everyone can succeed. The Jimmy V quote “Don’t give up, Don’t ever give up,” helps Mr. Anderson guide not only himself, but also his students. Mr. Anderson teaches to help his students find something they love and to give them opportunities to be successful. This school year, Mr. Anderson plans to bring even more energy to our house system, TATONKA STRONG! He also plans to bring his passion to various morning clubs that help students find a sense of belonging. Mr. Anderson always strives to build positive relationships with students and their families and to help make Greenwood a second home. When not at school, Mr. Anderson enjoys being outside with his wife, 5-year-old son who is starting Kindergarten at Greenwood, 2-year-old daughter and dog, Leia. He loves sports, video games and movies, especially the Star Wars franchise. Mr. Anderson cannot wait for a magical year at Greenwood! 

Mrs. Valerie Anderson, our ESL/LIEP teacher, is ready and excited to begin her eighth year at Greenwood! She graduated from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Psychology and History. Mrs. Anderson went on to receive her master's degree in Elementary Education from Radford University. After 10 years of teaching, she realized she wanted to go back to school (VCU) and earn her endorsement in English as a Second Language. Entering her 18th year in education, Mrs. Anderson has filled many roles along the way, including homebound teacher, interventionist, and classroom teacher, but she finally found her niche and passion working with English Learners! She loves teaching her students just as much as she loves learning from her students and their cultures and various backgrounds. She believes school should be a place where all students feel safe, happy, and welcome; a place where they can grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Mrs. Anderson envisions an environment where every family feels comfortable engaging with our school community on a regular basis. This year, it is her goal to make that happen!

Ms. Tenejah Burrell is excited to join the Greenwood team as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant. She is an alumna of Old Dominion University where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ms. Burrell has experience working as a lead preschool teacher at an early childcare facility. Her vision is to inspire a lifelong love of learning by creating lessons that are exciting, authentic, engaging, and relevant to the lives of students. Ms. Burrell is driven by the desire to help children achieve their academic goals. Her plan for the school year is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to implement effective communication skills.

Mr. Dylan Bultje will be returning to Greenwood for his 3rd year as a permanent substitute.  Mr. Bultje's dedication and commitment to our school community have been nothing short of extraordinary. As a versatile substitute, he plays a pivotal role in supporting students and collaborating with teachers across all grade levels. Mr. Bultje's passion for education is evident in the way he pours his heart and soul into his work, leaving a positive impact on every student and colleague he interacts with.  At Greenwood, Mr. Bultje truly considers the school his second home. He wholeheartedly embraces the school's values and culture, always striving to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. His genuine love for teaching and caring nature shines through in the way he approaches his role, making students feel valued and inspired to learn. Mr. Bultje's leadership is a true embodiment of love, compassion, and dedication. His willingness to go above and beyond to ensure students receive the best education and support is commendable. With him as a part of our team, we are confident that our school community will continue to thrive and grow.

Mr. Andrew Cannada, our physical therapist, is excited to begin his second year in the Greenwood Gator family and his tenth year overall in HCPS. He received his bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech and then received his doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. It was during a clinical rotation when Mr. Cannada was able to experience the joy of school based physical therapy and knew that he wanted to pursue working with children with all sorts of abilities within the school system. Mr. Cannada enjoys collaborating with parents and a wide array of school staff that includes administration, the construction and maintenance team, classroom teachers, and bus drivers to ensure that our students have what they need to physically access their education in a safe and effective manner. Mr. Cannada enjoys working alongside students in preschool all the way through high school in HCPS and supporting them in various areas of gross motor that are meaningful to them in accessing their educational environment. Outside of Greenwood, Mr. Cannada enjoys spending time with his wife, Angie and their three children. You can find them taking bike rides around the neighborhood, enjoying a local park, or spending time with friends and neighbors. In his first year at Greenwood, Mr. Cannada immediately felt welcomed into the Gator family and knew this was a special place for students and staff alike. He is excited for what this second year at Greenwood brings! 

Mrs. Holly DuVall, formerly Ms. Baltz is ready for her second year as an exceptional education teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Longwood University and is currently working towards her Master’s in Exceptional Education through Grand Canyon University. Mrs. DuVall has been a Greenwood Gator for many years, beginning as an instructional assistant and then moving into substitute teaching and board subbing. She has found her passion as an educator and is always looking for new and exciting ways for her students to learn. When she is not at Greenwood, she is spending time with her family and most likely traveling to someplace new. She enjoys spending time on the water, either on her paddleboard or kayak. She loves to read new books and try new hobbies. She is looking forward to another great year at Greenwood! 

Ms. Victoria Fitzgerald is a shining example of the very essence she hopes to instill within our school community. Her vibrant energy and passion are palpable, evident in every aspect of her involvement at Greenwood. You can often hear her singing joyfully in the hallways, lending her voice to pep rallies, or offering unwavering support to students within the classroom. Ms. Victoria's dedication knows no bounds as she wholeheartedly commits herself to making our school an extraordinary place for all. Greenwood holds a special place in Ms. Victoria's heart, and she believes it is more than just a school; it is home. Her genuine care and love for each student and staff member create an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance, fostering a sense of belonging that touches the lives of everyone she encounters. By embodying the values and spirit of Greenwood, she inspires others to embrace the school as a community where they can grow, learn, and flourish.

Mr. Perry Jones is excited to be entering his 2nd year as an Exceptional Education Teacher and House Kula representative at Greenwood! Mr. Jones is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia. After graduating high school he went to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia. Go Hoos! UVA is where he met his wife, April Jones, and they have two beautiful little girls together, Ava and Priya. Mr. Jones serves as the head football coach at Glen Allen High School. His life's mission is to have a positive impact on everyone that he comes in contact with. After seeing so much progress in his students in his first year of teaching, he is even more eager to learn and work with a new group of students this year! Mr. Jones wants to help instill something in each and every student that they will take with them to help them become valuable assets to society. He is super excited to be a teacher at such an amazing school!! 

Ms. Andrea Lewis is our school Occupational Therapist, proudly serving Greenwood along with several other schools in Henrico. She earned her bachelor's and master’s degrees at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been with Henrico County Public Schools for over 10 years and worked with students with special needs prior to joining HCPS. Ms. Lewis enjoys serving her students to promote their growth and independence as well as collaborating with the fantastic staff at Greenwood for the benefit of each student she serves. Recreationally, Ms. Lewis enjoys yoga, getting outdoors with her cocker poodle mix, and spending time with her friends and family. She is looking forward to another amazing and fulfilling year at Greenwood! 

Mrs. Khalida Mohebzada holds an invaluable role at Greenwood, where her dedication to supporting our students in the cafeteria daily is truly commendable. Widely admired and cherished by both students and staff, Mrs. Mohebzada's warm and caring presence creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes our cafeteria more than just a place to eat – it becomes a space for connection and joy.  With a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, Mrs. Mohebzada takes great pride in maintaining a secure cafeteria experience. Her attention to detail and proactive approach contribute to a positive and orderly environment, allowing students to enjoy their meals with peace of mind. Beyond her responsibilities, Mrs. Mohebzada's genuine care for each student is evident in the way she interacts with them. She is a source of comfort, offering a friendly ear and a compassionate heart to those who seek support. Many students have formed strong connections with her, appreciating the kindness and understanding she extends to them.

Mrs. Gracie Mosher is eager to begin her 9th year as a Speech Language Pathologist and feels so grateful to be part of the Greenwood family! She is a proud alumna of James Madison University. She obtained both her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from JMU. Go DUKES! Mrs. Mosher is passionate about helping others find their voice and has experience working in hospital, private-practice and school settings. Mrs. Mosher completed her clinical fellowship year with EBS Healthcare and has been with HCPS since 2016. She was honored to be the Christie Award nominee for Fair Oaks Elementary in 2020. She has been recognized by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association for her commitment to lifelong learning by receiving an Award for Continuing Education. Mrs. Mosher believes that effective communication is a human right and critical life skill. She is committed to working in partnership with families and collaborating with teachers and other related service providers to help students achieve their goals. Mrs. Mosher lives for those magical moments when a child says their first word, advocates for their needs, or pronounces a tricky sound for the first time. Her plan for this year is to build trust and relationships with students and create a safe space for them to address their communication skills. She is committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming services and hopes to put the “fun” in functional during therapy sessions! 

Mr. Richard Patterson will be returning to Greenwood for his 4th year as our dedicated lunch monitor. Mr. Patterson has proven to be an invaluable asset to our school community, working tirelessly to maintain a safe and orderly cafeteria environment from 10 AM to 1:30 PM daily. His genuine love for our students is evident in the care and attention he provides to ensure they have a positive and enjoyable lunch experience. Mr. Patterson takes great pride in brightening our students' days, always ready with a warm smile and encouraging words. It's no secret that being a lunch monitor is one of the most challenging positions at our school, with the noise and activity that comes with lunchtime, but Mr. Patterson handles it with grace and effectiveness. If you happen to visit our cafeteria, please take a moment to express your appreciation to Mr. Patterson for his outstanding dedication. We are immensely grateful to have him as part of our team, contributing to the well-being and happiness of our students every day.  

Ms. Marsena Perez, our ESL Instructional Assistant, is excited to start her 23rd year of teaching as a new member of the Greenwood Gator family! She began the first four years of her teaching career working with special education, while spending the last 18 years as an ESL/LIEP teacher. Ms. Perez believes that each child is unique in their method of learning and should have their needs recognized and met by their teachers. As an ESL teacher, she believes it is not only important to teach her students the English language, but to also create a fun, safe environment where they can flourish emotionally and socially. Ms. Perez is passionate about learning and finds true fulfillment in watching her ESL students grow from Level 1 students to ultimately graduating from the ESL/LIEP program. This year, Ms. Perez looks forward to developing relationships with her new colleagues, immersing herself in the Greenwood Gator community, and meeting all of her new students! 

Mrs. Janiece Ross, one of our Exceptional Education teachers, is pumped about the 2023-2024 school year! It will be her 23rd year of teaching and her 5th year at Greenwood, which makes it that much sweeter! Mrs. Ross has a love of learning and constantly explores new passions in education. One year she took the LETRS reading course with a few fellow Greenwood teachers, last year she discovered that playing cards helps to increase  life skills (executive functioning skills)  such as planning, thinking ahead/strategizing, and helps to  increase focus!  Mrs. Ross is excited to see what she discovers this year! Her favorite quote that she has quoted and shared with her students for years is “The expert in anything was once a beginner." Mrs Ross loves arts and crafts, Audible, and music! Along with her husband David, preschool daughter Bree, Buddy the wonder dog, Mrs. Ross is ready for an amazingly great school year! Drum beat please…..Let’s Go Gators!!!! 

Mrs. Sonya Samuel, our student support and substitute teacher, has 32 years of full-time teaching in elementary schools in Chesterfield and Henrico counties, including 22 years at Springfield Park Elementary School. She is excited to now be a Greenwood Gator! Since her arrival, the students, parents, faculty, and administration have impressed her with their warm hospitality, love of community, and enthusiasm for learning. Mrs. Samuel brings a specialty in reading, writing, math, and history instruction. The greatest gift she brings is making all students and coworkers feel welcome, secure, and worthwhile! She is pumped for this second year of her retirement experience! 

Ms. Danielle Wright, instructional assistant, is excited to join the Greenwood family! Ms. Danii has a daughter and is a very talented artist. She works with many different students and age groups in the after school program, Learning and Discovery, host at Greenwood by the Henrico Education Foundation. Ms. Danii loves children, having fun with the students in the classroom, and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She has been working with children since she was 11 and will celebrate her second decade in childcare next year. She’s super excited to enjoy all the magic and love Greenwood has to offer! 

Mrs. Hend Zaky is a highly valued instructional assistant at our school, and her passion for working with students shines through in everything she does. From helping them grasp the fundamentals of letter sounds to guiding them through challenging math problems, Mrs. Zaky's dedication to supporting our students' academic journey is truly remarkable. Beyond her role as an educator, Mrs. Zaky's caring nature is evident in her interactions with the students. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each child feels seen, heard, and valued. Her warm and nurturing approach creates a safe and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and seek guidance. One of Mrs. Zaky's most endearing qualities is her infectious smile, which brightens the lives of our students and colleagues alike. Her positive attitude and cheerful demeanor serve as a source of inspiration, fostering a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm within the school community. Mrs. Zaky's commitment to her students goes beyond academic achievements; she also takes the time to build meaningful connections with them, understanding their unique strengths and challenges. By showing genuine care and empathy, she helps students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

Dalia Zeidan can’t wait to get the year started!  Mrs. Zeidan is originally from Lebanon. She got married 15 years ago and is blessed with a beautiful family; a husband and three girls. Mrs. Zeidan has a master’s degree of business administration. She started her career as a substitute teacher, then decided to further her experience and take on more challenges, so that is when she took a position as permanent sub. Mrs. Zeidan was then was offered another opportunity as board sub. She enjoyed both experiences where each one of them added different skills, plus she enjoyed every moment with kids. Mrs. Zeidan always does her best to provide students with all the guidance and support they need. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, cooking, and going for a long walk with family or friends. Mrs. Zeidan is excited to be part of the Greenwood family again, and looking forward to meet everyone.