Dr. Voelker began her teaching career in Harlem, NY. After 9/11, she returned to her hometown of Richmond 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!

Dr. Voelker earned her undergraduate degree in English and Elementary Education 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

Mr. Farrell earned his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and education license from the University of Richmond; he also holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Administration & Supervision. He began his education career in 2009 as a History teacher at James River High School, along with coaching both football and basketball. After seven years of teaching and coaching he then spent a year as a Dean of Students at James River High School. After completing his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, Administration & Supervision he became an assistant principal at James River High School. He was recently named the new Associate Principal and is proud to continue his servant leadership at James River. He is married to his wife Carrie, and is the proud father of two young boys Derek and Nolan.

Michael_Farrell@ccpsnet.net

Mr. Kern started his career in education in 2005 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 over 1.5 million dollars for over 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 and his family have lived for over 10 years. This Rapid Pride is shared with his wife Kathleen, son Caleb, and daughter Abigail.

David_Kern@ccpsnet.net

Mrs. Mullis started her career in education as an ESL teacher in Henrico County Public Schools at Highland Springs High School. While working at Highland Springs she also served as the Assistant Drama Director choreographing routines for musicals and other events at the school. In 2018 she became an ESL Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools serving as both the ESL Family Engagement Specialist and the Secondary ESL Instructional Coach. As an ESL Specialist she had the opportunity to work with all schools in Chesterfield. Mrs. Mullis loves working with English Learners and serving the Spanish speaking community, and she is excited to bring this passion to James River. Mrs. Mullis and her husband Zach are excited to be a part of the Rapid Pride community.

Mrs. Mullis was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and moved to Richmond, Virginia to pursue her passions to become an educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Medaille College. She earned her Master’s Degree in English for Speakers of Other Languages at the University of Buffalo. Most recently, she completed her endorsement in Educational Leadership from Longwood University.

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