Dr. Voelker began her teaching career in Harlem, NY. After 9/11, she returned to her hometown and began teaching in Chesterfield County at Chalkley Elementary School. In 2005, she became the Dean of Students at James River High School. From 2006-2012, she served James River as an assistant principal. After three years as an assistant principal at Thomas Dale High School, she became the principal of Chalkley Elementary School in 2015. In 2017, she became the principal of Providence Middle School. Dr. Voelker is thrilled to have followed many of her students from Chalkley and Providence to James River! One of Dr. Voelker’s greatest accomplishments is being the principal of James River High School, beginning in 2020. She loves her students and staff.

Dr. Voelker earned her undergraduate degree in English and Elementary Education, with a minor in Religion, at Hunter College in New York City. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Virginia, and her Doctoral Degree Educational Leadership and Policy at Virginia Tech.

Amanda_Voelker@ccpsnet.net

With over 15 years of dedicated service to James River High School, Mr. Farrell has steadily transitioned his career from the classroom to leadership roles. He holds a B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College, a teaching license from the University of Richmond, and a Master's in Educational Leadership, Administration & Supervision. Beginning as a History teacher and football and basketball coach in 2009, he transitioned to Dean of Students before becoming an Assistant Principal. Now serving as the Associate Principal, Mr. Farrell remains committed to servant leadership at James River. Outside of school, he enjoys time with his wife, Carrie, and their two young boys, Derek and Nolan.

Michael_Farrell@ccpsnet.net

Mr. Kern started his career in education in 2006 as a special education teacher in Henrico County Public Schools. During his time in Henrico, Mr. Kern was co-director of the Deep Run Marathon Dance. This annual 27 hour student-led charity event raised more than $1.5 million for more than 80 local charities and organizations serving the greater-Richmond area. He continues his commitment to bring this same enthusiasm for community outreach to the James River community. After completing his graduate work in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Richmond, he accepted a role as Dean of Students and was promoted the following year to Assistant Principal. Mr. Kern also serves as an executive board member of RVA MORE which serves greater Richmond to promote biking and trail building in our area. Mr. Kern is proud to call James River home and is excited to work in the community where he has lived for more than 10 years. This Rapid Pride is shared with his two kids, son Caleb, and daughter Abigail.

David_Kern@ccpsnet.net

Mrs. Mullis was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Medaille College, her Master’s Degree in English for Speakers of Other Languages at the University of Buffalo, and has an endorsement in Educational Leadership from Longwood University. Mrs. Mullis started her career as an ESL teacher in Henrico County Public Schools at Highland Springs High School. She previously served as an ESL Specialist for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Mrs. Mullis has been an administrator at James River since 2020. She loves bringing her son, Arthur, to events at James River to support her students and cheer on the Rapids.

Leah_Mullis@ccpsnet.net

In 2001, Ms. Arnold graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education concentrating in Health Education. Her endorsement is HPE K-12. For the last 20 years, she has served as a Health & Physical Education Teacher, 13 years as the HPE Department Chair, and served on various committees over the school years.

Currently the Dean of Students at James River High School. As a lifelong learner, she is enrolled in the CCPS/UVA cohort to obtain her M. ED in Administration and Supervision with a scheduled graduation date of December 2023.

Her extracurricular activities include Fitness Instructor, where she encourage others to reach their health and wellness goals, and cycling with her road bike teammates completing short and long-distance rides from 25 to 100 miles.

Tamara_Arnold@ccpsnet.net