PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM
Mrs. Emsia Cox, Preschool
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MEET OUR TEAM:
Mrs. Jessica Compton, Junior Kindergarten
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B.A. University of Virginia's College at Wise
M.S. Radford University
Mrs. Compton has 12 years of teaching experience, with five of those being at Sullins. Her hobbies include playing tennis, watching football, and spending time with friends and family.
"I teach because I love to watch a person learn, improve, and become more confident. I find joy in celebrating each student's individual accomplishments. I teach at Sullins because middle school is a prime age for students to polish their speaking skills. Strong oral communication skills are vital to a student's success in higher education. Sullins Academy provides unique speaking opportunities for our students."
Mrs. Lakin Jones, Junior Kindergarten
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B.S. Old Dominion University
M.S. National University
Mrs. Jones has four years experience at Sullins with the first year as a parent with her daughter. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband and two children, watching Duke basketball, shopping, and traveling.
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"The best part about teaching is watching little minds grow."
Mrs. Lindsey Richards, Junior Kindergarten
A.A.S. Northeast State Community College
B.S. Milligan University
Mrs. Richards has dedicated over a decade to nurturing young minds in early childhood education. With a deep passion for creating an inclusive and supportive classroom, she strives to help each child discover their unique strengths and leave with newfound confidence. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Richards cherishes quality time with her spouse, their beloved dog, and enjoys exploring the outdoors.
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“I believe that education isn’t just about filling young minds with information; it’s about sparking a passion for learning that will burn brightly throughout their lives.”
Ms. Caitlin Houser, Kindergarten
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B.A. King University
Ms. Houser is going into her second year teaching at Sullins Academy. She enjoys spending time with family, camping, and reading.
"I love being able to help students build confidence and believe in themselves inside and outside of the classroom."
Ms. Shelly Van Wyhe, Kindergarten
B.A. Virginia Intermont
M.Ed. King University
Ms. Van Wyhe has over 10 years of teaching experience, nine of those years at Sullins Academy. She participated in the 2018 ITEEA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia representing S.T.E.A.M education for Sullins. Ms. Van Wyhe has also coached cross-country at Sullins Academy for two seasons as well as served as a liaison and head coach for Girls On the Run. She and her son, Dante, are very athletic and love spending time running, swimming, hiking, and exploring.
"I am passionate about education and inspiring children to love learning."
Mrs. Mary Walling, Kindergarten | Marketing & Communications
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B.S. East Tennessee State University
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Mrs. Walling, a Sullins alumna, began her teaching career at Sullins Academy in 2015. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Austin, and they have a son and Sullins preschooler named Mark. Mrs. Walling enjoys walking her dog, watching movies, shopping, and Hokie football.
"I attended Sullins Academy as a child and truly believe that my love for learning and teaching began here. It is a wonderful experience being able to see the same love for this school shine through each of my kindergarten students. As the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, I am committed to sharing #whySullins is a wonderful place for students to excel in differentiated learning and grow as individuals."