Welcome new faculty and staff

We welcome new faculty and staff joining our team as we start school in the fall of 2024!

Amy Brown:  MS Science. Amy taught 7th Grade Life Science at Beverly Manor MS for ACPS and has also taught a year of 8th Grade Physical Science for RCPS. Her daughter Maeve is Kindergarten student at EMES. Amy is a graduate of JMU and UVA-Wise for her teaching license. 

Kim Copeland: Chemistry.  Kim brings a phenomenal background in chemistry, dedication to young people, and heart for bringing about goodness and justice in the world.  She and her family are part of the Immanuel Mennonite community. Kim is the mother of three, including Aubrey (8th grade at EMMS). She has a B.S. in Chemistry from Duke University, and Ph.d. in Chemistry from California Institute of Technology. Prior to EMS she was Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at EMU as well as parenting/homeschooling.

Julianne Maloney-Smith:  Grade 6 Lang. Arts & Social Studies. Julianne has been one of EMS’s highly effective substitute teachers over the last 2 years. Additionally, she grows 14,000 organic chickens and helps provide leadership for Tripp Lake Camp in Maine during summers. Julianne has a M.A. in English Education, has taught English for Staunton City Schools, for Windham HS in Maine, and Grades 6-10 at Uppingham CC in England.  She has 3 EMS students (1st: Charlotte, 3rd: Florence & Patrick). (not pictured in feature photo)

Rebecca Crist ’10 Shelly:  Food Services – Utility.  Rebecca is a 2010 EMHS graduate and a psychology major/graduate from EMU.  She has been involved with accounts and administrative assistant work and also a homemaker. She really enjoyed her work-study assignment in EMU’s dining services department and looks forward to being part of our food services team upon Sharon’s retirement.  Rebecca will have a rising Kindergarten student in fall 2025.

Rebecca Shank: Food Services – Salad Bar. Rebecca’s skillset is boundless – interior design, organizing, creative services, mother of four. She brings all of this together with her love of vegetables to the salad bar line. We look forward to colorful, nutritious spreads for everyone’s favorite time of day! She has two EMS students (12th: Simon, 10th: Lukas). 

Joaquin Sosa: Robotics and IT Support. Joaquin’s creative services in photography and videography have been much appreciated at EMS and by other organizations. He also brings energy to his role as middle school cross-country coach and substitute teacher. This year, he joins EMS as a teacher and information technology support, while continuing his freelance work.

Chafin Vrolijk: Learning Support Services Coord., Academic Lab Teacher, & Tutor.  We know Chafin who quietly has been serving as a tutor and teacher assistant pushing into classrooms to support students.  She is also a phenomenal cross country and track coach for EMS.  Chafin’s degree is in special education with RJE from EMU. She expects to spend approximately 1/3 of her time in each role. 

Update: New staff joining after August 12

Rachel Herr: Front Office Assistant 

Lauren Barker: Front Office Assistant