Staff
Head of School
Jennifer Wigfield
Jennifer Wigfield serves as the Head of School at Destiny School of the Arts. As a licensed Virginia educator, she feels passionate about creating a warm and healthy environment where children can learn through the arts. Jennifer began her professional career in non-profit social work geared towards early childhood education, family support, and abuse prevention. In 2005, she earned a Master of Education degree from Liberty University and began her work as an elementary classroom teacher and Spanish/Portuguese interpreter for Loudoun County Public Schools. In 2010, she earned a curriculum and instruction endorsement to her teaching license through George Mason University and became an English language specialist. During this time, she also served as Equity Committee chair and implemented Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) at her school. In 2014, Jennifer left the public school system to serve as director of Destiny School of the Arts. Since that time, Jennifer has led the expansion of our elementary and middle school programs and has integrated Spanish, life skills, passion projects, music tracks, outdoor exploration, and technology into the curriculum. Jennifer believes fully in Destiny’s mission for students to achieve academic excellence through arts integration and enjoys collaborating with staff to achieve that goal. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys gardening and playing games with her family. She also loves going to school each day with her husband (on staff), her daughter (middle school), and her son (preschool).
Director of Operations
Allison Moylan
Allison is Destiny School of the Arts Director of Operations and Preschool. Allison shares Destiny’s commitment and appreciation for each child’s unique abilities and preferred learning styles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and has vast experience working with children in both clinical and educational settings. Her former professional roles include behavioral specialist, teacher, and preschool director. At Destiny, Allison greatly enjoys both the challenges and rewards that come with being part of a growing school. She oversees our daily operations and logistics, and is always happy to address any questions you may have! Allison is married and has two sons studying at West Virginia University. She enjoys serving at her church, attending concerts, and making memories with her family!
Creative Director
Josué Santos
Mr. Josué wears many hats at Destiny School of the Arts. He is at the center of anything related to school technology, production, marketing, and performance. From building our float for the Leesburg Parade to producing our Spring Recital, he’s always there to take us to the next level of creativity. He oversees the elementary and middle school tracks program (piano, guitar, drums). He also creates and produces our school photography and videography, as well as coordinates production for all school performances and events. In addition to his role at our school, he serves as Band Director at Destiny Church. Mr. Josué is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, and unique instruments such as the cavaquinho and the Brazilian viola. He holds an associate degree in German from Santa Catarina’s Federal University in Brazil. His professional experience includes a variety of music and tech related venues such as radio programming and network administration. In addition to teaching private and group music classes for the last 20 years, he has also produced recording artists in his former home studio. In his spare time, Mr. Josué enjoys restoring furniture and making Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) for his friends and family.
Principal
Lisa DeGirolami
Lisa serves as the Principal of Destiny School of the Arts. A veteran teacher new to Virginia, she is thrilled to join the Destiny family in a role through which she can know and support the flourishing of all members of the school community. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Williams College and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education & Child Development from Tufts University. Over her career, as a lead teacher in grades two, four, and five, she was able to participate in work to develop curriculum, implement character education, assist with admissions efforts, mentor and coach colleagues, and address operational needs. Lisa was also a Math Specialist, working with students and teachers in their classrooms and with administration to design and grow program in grades K-8. A dedicated educator with a passion for teaching and learning, Lisa is always happy to help and appreciates working collaboratively to solve problems. With her husband – and especially when her son is home from college – Lisa enjoys playing tennis and other games, cooking, going for walks, and riding her bike. She also sings in her church choir and walks service dogs. A favorite activity is eating out at the charming restaurants in Historic Downtown Leesburg!
Admissions and Strings
Jane Anne Barker
Jane Anne joined our Destiny family in the fall of 2021. Jane Anne works on our administrative team as well as teaches elementary and middle school piano. She is known for her friendly hospitality and artistic endeavors. Jane Anne grew up in Loudoun County and later moved across the sea to Australia to attend Hillsong College. At Hillsong, she studied theology, music, and leadership. Upon return to the area, Jane Anne worked as assistant director at a local school of music before joining us at Destiny. Jane Anne is passionate about the arts and the vital role they can play in a child’s confidence and education. In addition to teaching, she is a multi-talented artist skilled in voice, piano, guitar, and script writing.
Office Manager
Allison Masson (Ms. Masson)
Ms. Masson has recently joined the Destiny team as the new Office Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Skidmore College and has a wide variety of school experience. Her past roles include teaching kindergarten, serving over 100 students as Director of Extended Care, and managing fundraising, school galas, and two capital campaigns as School Development Manager. She has also served as School Advancement Assistant where her responsibilities included admissions, donor relations, alumni communications, and event planning. Over the last 30 years, Ms. Masson has truly been involved in all aspects of school life! She is very excited to get to know Destiny students and especially excited to see and hear their art and music fill the campus! Ms. Masson and her husband (Ken) are brand new to Loudoun County. However, the Navy brought them to Virginia from their native New England nearly 20 years ago. Outside of school, Ms. Masson enjoys spending time with her grown children and her doggies, traveling to new places, reading, and scouring for shells at the beach. Her favorite form of art is growing and arranging flowers all seasons of the year!
Preschool Reception
Ginger Martin
Ginger has worked in our preschool reception since the fall of 2022. She welcomes and assists families, students, teachers, and administrative staff with her unique skill set and big smile. Ginger grew up on a local horse farm and is proud to be a Loudoun County native. Her work history includes office administration, business management, and real estate. However, she finds working at Destiny to be by far the most rewarding as she loves interacting with our youngest students and has happily adopted the role of honorary “Gigi.” When she is not answering the phone or caring for a preschooler’s boo-boo, Ginger enjoys oil painting, interior design, and spending time in nature and with her two grandbabies.
Kindergarten
Diane Heath
Ms. Diane teaches kindergarten at Destiny School of the Arts. She is also our primary elementary outdoor exploration teacher. Diane has been an early childhood educator since 2009 and came to Destiny in 2017. In addition to kindergarten, she has also taught pre-k academics and preschool Creative Play at our school. Originally from Austin, Texas, Diane relocated to Virginia to attend high school and continue her education at Radford University where she studied early childhood education. While in school, Diane worked as a lead preschool teacher and as an assistant director for a small daycare in Blacksburg. Her experience also includes work as an aid in group therapy sessions with children ages 7-17 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and social skills challenges. She has also volunteered with the 2- and 3-year-olds at her church’s children’s ministry. Diane has a vast array of experience and a passion for working with children of all ages and abilities. Her greatest reward is watching children grow emotionally, socially, and academically. When not at work, Diane can be found spending time with family or going on her next outdoor adventure of kayaking, backpacking, or hiking.
1st Grade
Laura Dixon
Laura teaches 1st grade at Destiny School of the Arts. After teaching academics each day, she also serves on our administrative team. In 2018, Laura graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Development and a minor in Psychology. In 2021, she earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for early childhood education. One of her favorite areas of studies and focus includes developing and encouraging emotional intelligence in children. For a 6-month term, she worked under a certified Child Life Specialist at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital administering play therapy to pediatric patients and their families. Laura has worked with children in varying capacities. She was an Education Coordinator for a summer camp at the children’s museum in Lynchburg, Virginia, a homeschool co-op teacher, a private pre-kindergarten teacher for two years, and even launched her own tutoring business. She joined Destiny School of the Arts in the fall of 2021. Laura loves incorporating hands-on, interactive, and creative ways to teach her students while intentionally fostering their social and emotional development.
2nd Grade
Hilary Thomas
Meet Hilary Thomas, a dedicated 2nd-grade teacher at Destiny school. She grew up in Northern Virginia, but spent 10 years moving around the country with her husband who served in the Marine Corps. They settled in Round Hill in 2015. Hilary has a master’s in education with an emphasis on Instructional Technology and has taught elementary school, worked as a technology facilitator, and as the web and IT admin for her church. For the last 6 years she has been homeschooling her boys and teaching classes in their homeschool community. She is excited to get back into the classroom and send her boys to Destiny. Outside the realm of teaching, Hilary finds joy in various creative pursuits. Crocheting allows her to channel her artistic energy, while hiking offers an opportunity to connect with nature. Her family holds a special place in her heart, and she cherishes the time spent together, further enriching her life outside of the classroom.
3rd Grade
Yukyung Couey
Ms. Couey is delighted to start her journey at Destiny School of the Arts. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from Dankook University, South Korea, along with a training certificate of ESOL from UMBC Training Centers. Her teaching journey spans various age groups (3 to 18) in ESOL classes. Born and raised in South Korea, she understands the challenges and triumphs of language learning and is a true believer in learning in engaging and creative environments. She brings a diverse range of experiences to the classroom from her roles and experiences as a commissioned watercolor artist and a piano accompanist for her church. She appreciates the value of creativity and how it enables students to see and explore the beauty of the world through a holistic lens. She hopes that her many and varied experiences will enrich her students as they learn and grow at Destiny School of the Arts.
4th Grade
Angie Kollman
Angie teaches fourth grade at Destiny School of the Arts. She was born and raised in Herndon, Virginia, and has lived in Leesburg since 2005. Angie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University. Her master’s degree is from George Mason University in Curriculum Development. Angie taught for Loudoun County Public Schools for 10 years and began teaching at Destiny in 2019. Throughout her career as a teacher, Angie has enjoyed teaching students in the second, third, and fourth grades. She loves and admires the enthusiasm for life that children exude. In her spare time, Angie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dogs, Loki and Lexi. Academically, her passions are science and nature. Personally, she loves being outside gardening, hiking, swimming, and traveling.
5th Grade & Art
Cullen Dinneen
We welcome Cullen Dinneen to Destiny School of the Arts! This academic year, Cullen eagerly takes on the roles of 5th grade and art teacher, brimming with excitement. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, she holds a BFA in Photography and Film alongside a BA in History. Since her graduation, Cullen’s journey has encompassed diverse experiences – from assisting a photographer and substituting in public schools to nurturing her own artistic practice with newfound mediums. A highlight in her teaching ventures was co-leading an Art and Prayer workshop with her mother, an endeavor close to her heart. Cullen’s educational philosophy centers on nurturing inquisitive and creative perspectives in every child’s learning journey. She’s genuinely thrilled to engage, learn, and evolve alongside her students this year. Outside the classroom, you’ll find her capturing moments with friends and family through her photography, immersing herself in enthralling mystery books, and channeling her artistic prowess into her preferred mediums of charcoal and pastel. Cullen brings a wealth of passion and dedication to the Destiny School community.
6th Grade
Leigh Mays
Leigh is our 6th grade academic teacher and middle school math teacher at Destiny School of the Arts. She also serves as our Summer Camp Administrator and conducts the academic screening of all prospective elementary and middle school students. Leigh has been teaching in and around our Nation’s Capital for the last 14 years. She has a master’s degree in psychology and a Virginia Educator’s License. Having worked in childcare before her graduate studies, she became the Assistant Education Director at an Arlington preschool upon her move from New York to Virginia in 2005. She was awarded a fellowship with The New Teacher Project and began her licensed elementary career as a Special Education Specialist with Prince George’s County, Maryland. Leigh moved to DC Public Schools as a Capital Commitment Fellowship Finalist in 2013. While at DCPS, she taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades. She developed as a teacher leader, hosting and mentoring many student teachers, leading grade-band teams, and leading district-wide professional development in mathematics. Having relocated to Leesburg in 2017, she worked as a 4th grade teacher with LCPS before beginning at Destiny in 2021. When not teaching, Leigh enjoys outdoor activities with her family, being crafty, and listening to podcasts. Leigh is fully invested in Destiny’s mission of academic excellence through arts integration and is excited to continue fostering the further expansion and development of Destiny’s middle school program.
7th & 8th Grade
Megan Stone
Megan holds the position of English/Language Arts teacher, specializing in 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade curriculum. Previously, she served as a Spanish teacher in a public school setting. Her passion for teaching is evident in her dedication to working with middle school students. Beyond the classroom, Megan’s life revolves around her toddler boys, often seen embarking on adventures along Leesburg’s W&OD Trail, visiting King St Coffee, and browsing the selections at Birch Tree Bookstore. Her outings are usually accompanied by a jogging stroller, a testament to her active and engaged lifestyle.
2's Teacher
Nakiera Blaylock
Ms. Nakiera has been teaching our youngest students in the 2’s class since 2017. She also teaches in our afternoon creative play program. Nakiera shares her love of Destiny with her daughter who is a proud Destiny elementary student. Nakiera was born and raised in Leesburg. She is affectionately known as the “2’s Whisperer.” Nakiera enthusiastically teaches the little ones of our community with a caring heart and unending patience. When not at school, Nakiera enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
2's Teacher
Amanda Kemp
Ms. Amanda is excited to teach our 2-year-olds. She received her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She began teaching at Destiny in the fall of 2022. However, Amanda has spent many years teaching preschool, including 4 years with 3- and 4-year-olds, and over 10 years with 2-year-olds. Amanda is a teacher among teachers, and we are so blessed to have her in our school family. She has lived in various states between the East and West Coast but is happy to now call Virginia her home. Amanda has a passion for teaching and loves working with small children. When she is not teaching and caring for Destiny’s youngest, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking with her dog, and reading.
3's Teacher
Lauren Eckert
Ms. Lauren has been teaching 3-year-olds at Destiny School of the Arts since August 2018. She currently teaches both academics and movement. Lauren grew up in Leesburg and graduated from Loudoun County High School in 2004. After graduating, she attended Northern Virginia Community College where she received her Associates Degree in Teacher Specialization. She also earned her Preschool Teaching Certification at Northern Virginia Community College. Lauren has been teaching preschool aged children for nearly 20 years. She currently teaches dance at Loudoun School of Ballet where she grew up dancing herself! Her dance career has led her up and down the east coast, but she always came back to teaching. Lauren feels honored to be a part of the lives of these amazing children at Destiny. When Lauren is not at school or dance class, she is spending time with her husband, Niko, their four children Nikolas, Sofia, Benjamin, and Vivian, plus her Great Dane, Stone.
3's Teacher
Lara Lasher
Ms. Lara has been teaching 3- and 4-year-old students at our school since the fall of 2017. With over 20 years of teaching experience under her belt, she has experience teaching both general and advanced-curriculum preschool classes. Her desire to be in a loving, nurturing environment with a well-rounded academics and arts curriculum brought Lara to Destiny. Lara is passionate about teaching and strives to meet each child’s individual needs while encouraging a love for learning. When not shining in the classroom, Ms. Lara enjoys spending time with her husband and two children in their Lovettsville home.
Music & Drama
Tanya Vanderheiden
Tanya teaches music and movement to our pre-k, as well as music and drama to our elementary students. She has been an integral part of our Destiny family since the fall of 2014. Tanya received her Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She has been working in the field of performing arts as a music, dance, and drama teacher since 2006. Tanya has also performed professionally with theater companies in the DC Metro Area. In addition to engaging students through song, dance, and drama, Tanya enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters who both attend Destiny. Tanya loves being a part of our talented staff and delights in sharing her love of performing arts with children!
Performance Director
Meghan Bryan
Ms. Meghan is an enthusiastic and skilled educator who focuses on fostering a deep love and passion for the performing arts in both new and returning students. Ms. “Music-Meghan,” as she is fondly nicknamed, is teaching 4th-8th Music & Drama and serves as the Destiny School of the Arts Performance Director. Meghan grew up in Ashburn and graduated from Briar Woods High School where she was involved in the top choir, guitar, and drama classes. She graduated from Millikin University with a BFA in Acting & a Minor in Dance and, upon graduating, taught and developed a musical theatre program at Bella Ballerina dance studio. Soon after, Meghan opened her own private voice and guitar studio where she taught ages 5-18 years old. She believes that the arts have a special place in education and give children the ability to express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment, which is what drew Meghan to Destiny in the spring of 2022. In her down time, Meghan loves to perform with various theatre companies in the NOVA area, where she resides with her husband Brendan, her cat Groot, and her dog Rory. But, as much as Meghan loves performing, nothing compares to seeing the pride and excitement on a student’s face as they walk off the stage of their very own big performance.
Creative Movement
Heather Pitts
Heather is a lead elementary and middle school creative movement teacher as well as the academic assistant for both first and second grade. Heather joined the Destiny team in 2015. The daughter of missionaries, she was born in a small farming town in Switzerland. She moved to the United States to attend college at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Fitness, and Recreation. In addition to teaching dance, she is also a licensed fitness instructor. Heather has a passion for instruction and loves watching each child’s growth and development within a single school year. Heather feels honored to be a member of our highly skilled teaching team and privileged to be an important part of the lives of Destiny students!
Drums Teacher
Kyle Vitiello
Kyle Vitiello, a senior majoring in music therapy, honed his skills at West Virginia University. Beyond his focus on music therapy, Kyle delved into additional academic pursuits, completing minors in jazz studies and world music. During his time at WVU, he had the privilege of learning under the guidance of accomplished educators such as Brian Wolfe, Mike Dawson, Mike Vercelli, Chanler Bailey, and George Willis. Kyle’s educational journey allowed him to explore the diverse tapestry of global musical traditions. He immersed himself in the rhythms of West African drumming and dance, harmonies of Trinidadian steel pans, powerful beats of Japanese taiko drumming, vivaciousness of Brazilian batucada, intricacies of Indonesian gamelan, the improvisational spirit of American Jazz, and the intricate rhythms of Cuban bata drumming. The year 2023 saw Kyle embarking on an enriching adventure to Accra, Ghana, where he engaged in a deep study of West African music under the tutelage of master musicians. This experience allowed him to not only refine his skills but also to immerse himself in the vibrant cultural milieu of the region. With a vision that extends beyond personal enrichment, Kyle aspires to become a music therapist who seamlessly integrates diverse musical traditions from around the world into his therapeutic practices. Additionally, he envisions himself as an educator committed to democratizing music education, making it more accessible and inclusive for the broader community.
Pre K
Nicole Baker
Nicole is our Pre-K academics teacher. We happily welcomed Nicole to our team in the fall of 2022. Nicole has spent the last 11 years at home raising her 4 children. However, she previously worked as a school psychologist for Clarke County Public Schools in Berryville, Virginia. She holds a BS in Psychology from Bethany College and a master’s degree in Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. A native West Virginian who has also studied, worked, and lived in Massachusetts and Indiana, Nicole and her husband Brian have called Leesburg home since 2007. She is looking forward to another great year in the DSOA community and is thrilled to be working with our Pre-K students.
Spanish Teacher
Verónica Dees
Meet Verónica, our dedicated Spanish teacher who brings boundless enthusiasm to the Destiny School team. Hailing from Costa Rica, Verónica was raised in a family of educators, instilling a passion for teaching from an early age. With dual bachelor’s degrees in Preschool Education and Secretarial Teaching, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, she possesses a wealth of knowledge. Her expertise extends to nursing, adding to her diverse skill set. Since 2009, Verónica has been shaping young minds, accumulating seven years of experience in preschool education and six years with teenagers and adults across both public and private institutions. Outside the classroom, she finds joy in traveling the world with her husband, culinary explorations, Latin dance, artistic pursuits, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Verónica is not just a teacher; she’s a guiding force in nurturing a love for learning and exploration.
Marketing & Technology
Sheila Huyett
Mrs. Huyett is our new technology teacher (2nd – 8th grade), marketing associate, and part-time art teacher. She previously held the position of Technology Director in a Prek-8th private school, working in collaboration with classroom teachers to expand student knowledge of software applications, digital citizenship, and coding. Mrs. Huyett holds a B.S. in Computer Science and is Montessori trained and certified for both preschool and elementary programs. For 10 years, she directed her own Montessori preschool. In addition, she was a Director of Franchise Support, helping to open 17 Montessori schools across the country, including schools in Ashburn and Leesburg. In her spare time, Mrs. Huyett is on the Board of Directors for FOLPA (Friends of Leesburg Public Arts) a non-profit organization that provides funding, advocacy, and volunteer services for projects, programs, and events that foster the growth of the arts in the Town of Leesburg. Mrs. Huyett enjoys visiting her beloved homeland, Italy, taking in the culture, visiting family, and indulging her passion for culinary arts. In addition, she is an accomplished oil painter and collaborates with local art galleries, enriching her connection to the vibrant creative community.
Art Teacher
Jeannie Baer
Jeannie is our senior ranking educator at Destiny, as she joined the school in August 2012. She currently teaches art to 1st – 4th graders but has had the pleasure of teaching most every age and grade (2 years through 6th grade) during her career at Destiny. Jeannie began her career as a muralist, painting murals in places of business and in private homes. Impressively, she has dedicated the last 25 years of her life to teaching students, from preschool to adulthood. Jeannie enjoys meeting each student at their specific skill level and fostering a love of learning, self-expression, and creative thinking. Believing strongly in skill-building and process-oriented art, she enables children to explore their creativity by using a variety of mediums. When not at school, Ms. Jeannie is busy creating her own art, as well as hosting Bible studies and spending time at her family’s mountain home with her husband, three children, and dog, Percy.
Art Teacher
Rebekah Ruscitto
Having roots in Cleveland, Ohio, Rebekah’s educational journey led her to Pensacola, Florida, where she pursued her passion for studio art and graphic design in college. Witnessing the creative process in young children holds a special place in Rebekah’s heart, igniting her enthusiasm for their artistic endeavors. Joining the Destiny team is a thrilling prospect for her. When leisure calls, you’ll often find Rebekah engaged in sewing projects, exploring thrift stores’ hidden gems, and indulging in her love for cooking. This past summer marked a significant milestone in her life as she embarked on a new chapter, stepping into married life.
Creative Play
Renee Spara
Renee is our senior Creative Play teacher. Renee comes to us from Staten Island, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in elementary and middle schools. In 2010, Renee relocated to Virginia and began teaching preschool and kindergarten. Renee instantly knew that she found her niche with younger students! Renee believes a teacher’s excitement and passion to educate comes from the student’s enthusiasm and curiosity to learn. She enjoys reading stories to the children and engaging them in conversations about everyday life and the world they live in. Renee has played an integral part in expanding and enriching our Creative Play program since she began working at Destiny in the fall of 2014. We feel very blessed to have such a dedicated and talented educator working with some of our youngest students.
Creative Play
Kaitlin Step
Ms. Kaitlin is a preschool Creative Play assistant, as well as an After Care assistant and receptionist at Destiny School of the Arts. She holds a degree in psychology from Liberty University and has years of experience working with infants through middle school. Kaitlin previously worked with Lynchburg’s HumanKind Early Head Start Program. Witnessing children’s enthusiasm for learning and personal growth brings her immense joy. Outside of work, she cherishes spending quality time with family and friends, working out, reading, and exploring new culinary experiences.
Teacher Assistant
Anna Park
Allow us to introduce Anna Park, a fresh addition to our team serving as a teaching assistant for the preschool division. Anna’s professional background is rich with childcare experience garnered within private school settings, and she is thrilled to contribute her skills to facilitate the growth and success of the students at Destiny. Anna’s breadth of talents extends far beyond childcare. With proficiency in various artistic realms including fine art, dance, music, and drama, she brings a vibrant creative perspective to the learning environment. This dynamic allows Anna to not only support students’ development but also infuse an element of creativity into their educational journey. During her leisure time, Anna immerses herself in the world of books, finding solace and inspiration through reading. Social connections are of paramount importance to her, as she treasures moments spent with friends and family. The culinary arts also capture Anna’s interest, with baking serving as a delightful outlet for her creativity. On the academic front, Anna is actively pursuing two Bachelor of Arts degrees at West Virginia University. This endeavor showcases her commitment to personal and intellectual growth, mirroring the dedication she brings to her role as a teaching assistant at Destiny.
Teacher Assistant
Paula Di Felice
Paula is the assistant teacher to our 3’s Music and Movement class. Her passion for teaching children and helping them learn and succeed is her driving force. She is a Florida native, but she now considers Virginia her home. Paula is a wife and mother to two bright, active boys. She has experience teaching children with autism and has a passion for helping children with delays and disabilities find their voice and confidence. Paula is fluent in Spanish and is an avid artist. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking, singing, making jewelry, and spending quality time with her family. Paula also owns and operates an Etsy boutique that sells vintage items, dresses, and her amazing artwork. We have been blessed to enjoy her sweet countenance and gentle spirit on campus since she joined our school in the fall of 2021.
Teacher Assistant
Megan Cotterill
With great excitement, Megan joins the Destiny School for the Arts as a dedicated teacher’s assistant. Growing up in Fairfax County and residing in Leesburg for the past 19 years, she’s deeply rooted in the local community. Megan’s academic journey led her to Virginia Tech, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in science. Her journey into education began as a substitute for Loudoun County Public Schools, evolving into a role as a teacher’s assistant for first-grade students in Ashburn over the past two years. Her passion for nurturing young minds spans across age groups, and she eagerly anticipates sharing her love for teaching with the students at Destiny School of the Arts. Beyond her professional role, Megan relishes quality time with her husband and two children, enriching her life beyond the classroom.
Teacher Assistant
Angie Torres
Ms. Angie, a teacher’s assistant at Destiny, is originally from the Leesburg area. Her passion for working with children began in high school when she taught Sunday school and worked at a summer camp for children. Professionally, Ms. Angie has dedicated herself to childcare, serving as an infant teacher for 2 years and later as a personal nanny. Music also holds a significant place in Ms. Angie‘s life, stemming from her upbringing in a musical family. She loves singing, playing instruments, writing songs, and sharing her love of music with students. Graduating from Canzion Music Institute in the Fall of 2023, she had the opportunity to be mentored by talented worship leaders. In addition to singing, Ms. Angie enjoys spending time with friends and her large extended family. As a first-generation American, she treasures her bilingualism in Spanish and English and deeply values her cultural heritage.
Assistant & Creative Movement
Suzette Redka
Introducing Ms. Suzette, a dedicated teacher at Destiny School of the Arts. With four years of teaching experience, she’s entering her second academic year at Destiny. Previously, she served as Ms. Tanya’s Pre-K assistant for the final ten weeks of the last school year, and she’s continuing in that role this year. Additionally, Ms. Suzette will be leading the Movement Class for Kindergarten and First grade. Before joining Destiny, she worked as both a Preschool Assistant and a Lead teacher for 3-year-olds. Ms. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Alfred University, and her passion for the arts runs deep. She boasts 16 years of experience in dance, including competitions and performances. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Suzette is a proud mother of two daughters. Her eldest, Natasha, graduated from Virginia Tech in 2021 and is thriving in the world of marketing in Nashville, Tennessee. Meanwhile, her younger daughter, Nadia, is a sophomore at James Madison University. With her daughters pursuing their dreams, Ms. Suzette and her husband, George, are now embracing the empty nest phase of life. They share their home with a lively rescue dog named Bandit, who keeps them on their toes. When she’s not walking Bandit or enjoying quality time with her husband, Ms. Suzette channels her creativity into artwork. She is thrilled about the upcoming school year and looks forward to the exciting journey ahead!
Teacher Assistant
Courtney Pund
Ms. Courtney is an elementary teacher assistant in the morning. Courtney attended Radford University where she received her bachelor’s degree in special education. After becoming a mom, she took some time off to raise her two children, Bailey and Sawyer (a spunky Destiny student). While this is her first year as an official staff member, she served as an invaluable Destiny substitute in a variety of classes last school year. In her free time, Courtney likes to hike, camp, travel with her family, and take the time to read a good book.