Gifted Staff
Gifted Staff
I earned my B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Washington & Lee University and my Master's degree in teaching from Mary Baldwin College. I began teaching in 2006 and I have taught students from preschool to the graduate level. I completed my gifted endorsement through Radford University in 2018 and my educational leadership endorsement through Longwood in 2022.
I believe, like Nelson Mandela, that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. I look forward to helping foster the next generation of outstanding thinkers and leaders.
As a lifelong New River Valley resident, I graduated from Pulaski County High School in Dublin, Virginia. I was the first in my family to graduate from college when I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Radford University. Two years later, I headed back to Radford University to begin graduate work in Education. I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Curriculum & Instruction in 1998. In 2015, I completed my gifted endorsement through the University of Virginia. My family resides in neighboring Pulaski County. My son is a recent graduate from Liberty University, and my daughter is a senior in Montgomery County. I enjoy traveling with my family, weight training, walking, and participating in activities with my church family, where my husband, Shawn, is the pastor.
I currently reside in Christiansburg with my husband, my son, and our five pets. I got my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Radford University with areas of concentration in both Mathematics and Special Education. I have been an elementary classroom teacher for the past 23 years and have taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. I earned my Gifted Endorsement through the University of Virginia in 2004. I had the unique opportunity to teach gifted students in a homogeneous classroom setting in North Carolina for four years. I am currently working on my master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Psychology. I plan to graduate in May. Go Hokies! In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, reading and going to the beach.
Carol Ann Tomlinson once said, “It is not so important to have all the answers as to be hungry for them.” I believe there is nothing more powerful than a teacher who facilitates the mindset of being a life-long learner. My hope is that my students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and developing a true love for learning that will stay with them for years to come.
I graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6), a concentration in Social Studies, and a K-12 Reading Licensure. I later earned my Gifted Endorsement from Radford University and hold National Board Certification in Early Childhood (Ages 3-8). Additionally, I completed training through the North American Montessori Center for Ages 9-12.
Over the years, I’ve taught 2nd through 5th grades and served as an instructional coach. My husband and I are originally from the Raleigh area, but we’ve fallen in love with Blacksburg and now proudly call it home. Our beagle mix, Kyle, is thoroughly spoiled, and we enjoy traveling—especially visiting National Parks.
kayladickerson@mcps.org
I grew up in Princeton, West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia University with my degree in Elementary Education. Along with my degree, I gained a graduate certificate in Gifted Education from Liberty University. I live with my husband, Colton, and we have two dogs, Ollie & Macie. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and traveling, exploring new places and cultures to broaden my perspectives and bring fresh ideas back to the classroom. I'm truly excited to embark on this new journey as a Gifted Resource Teacher and am eager to make a positive impact on the lives of my students.
I grew up right outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. I attended UNC-Wilmington, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. I then worked as a flight attendant for US Airways. I love to travel! After the events of 9-11-01, I decided to return to school where I earned my teaching license from UNC-Charlotte. After completing the teaching program, I immediately started working on my endorsement for Gifted Education. I have taught gifted children for the past 21 years. My son and I moved to Christiansburg in the summer of 2019 to be closer to family. I have a black Flat-Coated Retriever, 3 black cats and a Russian Tortoise. All rescues! I love volunteering with local animal rescue organizations and raising awareness about animal welfare issues. I also love reading, spending time outdoors and traveling.
I live with my husband and three young children in Blacksburg, Virginia. I am a transplant from Athens, Georgia. I graduated from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! I have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Mathematics, Gifted, and ESOL. I have been an elementary school teacher for the past 15 years. In our free time, my family enjoys spending time outside and hitting up every playground in the New River Valley.
I strive to create a classroom community in which students feel motivated to learn and courageous to take on new challenges. One of my favorite educational quotes by Nikos Kazantzakis says, "True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own." I look forward to fostering enriching experiences and observing the fantastic bridges my students create!
I graduated from Radford High School and then earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and education from Virginia Tech. I’ve completed 33 hours toward my Masters in Education Leadership at Radford University, and I received my Gifted Endorsement from the University of Virginia. My work experience is varied. At SMS, I am a Co-advisor for the BETA club, a member of the Leadership Team, Co-Lead of the SMS Equity Committee, and a member of the PBIS Team. I have 30 years experience in secondary education and have been a Gifted Resource Teacher for 21 years. I was the Director of the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts for six years and the Director of Licensing and Trademark Administration at Virginia Tech for nine years. Prior to that, I worked for President Ronald Reagan’s administration in Washington, D.C. for six years. I have two wonderful daughters! Sarah lives in Charleston, SC and is an office manager and customer service representative. Meg lives in NOVA, and she is a recruiter for Booz Allen specializing in top level technology. We have two dogs and three cats, so there is never a dull moment at our house! I love nature, cooking and reading.
crosenba@mcps.org
I grew up in Connecticut, but have lived in Blacksburg since 2007. I live with my husband, two sons, and our cat. In my free time I love to read, hike, and travel. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in human development from Colby College in Waterville, Maine and my Master’s Degree in reading education from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. I completed my coursework for the gifted endorsement in 2023 through Longwood University. While most of my teaching experience is in 4th and 5th grades, I have also taught middle school. I strive to build a classroom community in which students feel challenged, supported, and heard.
jstanley@mcps.org
I spent my early years in Wisconsin and Kansas before moving to Christiansburg. I attended Radford University, where I earned my degree in education. I later completed a Master’s degree at Virginia Tech and achieved National Board Certification in 2008. After 29 years of classroom teacher experience, I completed my gifted education certification through Radford University. I love my job as a gifted resource teacher.
I’ve been married to my husband, Jeff, for almost 30 years, and we’re proud parents of three grown children. I love spending time with my family—especially at the lake or grilling out at home. In my free time, I enjoy reading, taking dance lessons with my husband, walks with friends, relaxing with our three boxer dogs, and exploring creative, engaging activities to share with my students.
I believe building strong relationships with students and families is essential to creating a positive and supportive learning environment. I strive to inspire curiosity and a love of learning, with the goal of nurturing life-long learners.