Executive Board

Biography

Jessie Sanchez is a teacher and coach at James River High School in Midlothian. After competing in Forensics and participating in theatre at Monacan High School and Longwood University, Jessie knew she wanted to help students find their voices and confidence through the art of performance and speech. In addition to serving on the VAFTDC board for several years, Jessie also serves as the NSDA Board. She has coached quite a few speakers to Nationals and State Championships- two of whom are her own children Maria (23) and Joey (20). In 2026, Jessie was the proud recipient of the NFHS Outstanding Speech & Debate Educator Award. 

Biography

Shannon Castelo is a 29 year veteran teacher of history and geography. A competitive "speech kid" at heart, she has spent the past 10 years in the world of debate where she has coached students at both James River High School in Midlothian and Collegiate School in Henrico to local, state, and national circuit success. Her debaters have made their way to VHSL state titles, the National tournament with NSDA, the outrounds at the NCFL Grand National Tournament, and the National finals for the Reagan Debate Series. From Oratory, to Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas to World Schools Debate -- her skills cut across many categories of forensics. Shannon is excited to be a part of the VAFTDC family where, in a world of AI bots, we continue to support the pursuit of beautiful rhetoric and (human) civil discourse. 

Biography

Biography

Biography

Luis Velasco teaches English at Glen Allen High School. He previously taught Middle School English in Florida. At both schools, he has co-coached the Speech and Debate team. The process of helping students find their voice is a reward of its on, having helped first time middle schoolers from an inner city school to NSDA Nationals and high school students to States multiple years in a row.