Adrienne Blanton was born and raised in Chesterfield County. She graduated from Meadowbrook High School where she met her husband, Don. After high school, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Elementary Education at Longwood College. Soon after finishing college, she married Don and began teaching sixth grade math at Salem Middle School. Her husband, Don, is also a teacher. He teaches Health/PE at Maggie Walker Governor’s School. Over the next few years Mrs. Blanton became a mom to two boys, Dylan and Andrew. She continued teaching Math for twelve years at Salem Middle. During this time, she also earned her Masters Degree in School Leadership at VCU and began her journey as a school administrator. In 2007, Mrs. Blanton was hired at Bird as a Dean of Students. Over the next ten years, she transitioned to Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and now Principal of Lloyd C. Bird High School. Her boys are now teenagers. Dylan is 20, and like his mom and dad he aspires to be a teacher. He is attending Longwood University to pursue a degree in Biology and Secondary Education. Andrew is 17, and he is a rising Senior at Clover Hill High School. His main love is playing football and wrestling. Mrs. Blanton enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves relaxing by the pool! Mrs. Blanton is a true Skyhawk at heart. She is passionate and committed to preparing all students for life after high school. She reminds students everyday to work hard, play hard and always take care of each other!

Adrienne_Blanton@ccpsnet.net

Laura Miller was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English at Longwood University and her Master of Arts in English Writing and Rhetoric from Virginia Commonwealth University, Laura moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin her career in education. There, she taught English for the School District of Philadelphia at the middle school and high school levels before returning to Richmond in 2014. She had the great fortune to be hired as an English teacher at Bird in 2014, and shortly thereafter, took on additional roles as a faculty sponsor of both the National Honor Society and the Senior Class. As the 2020-2021 school year came to a close, Laura decided to pursue an endorsement in Educational Leadership through Longwood University. She had the opportunity to further develop her leadership skills as Dean of Students at Bird for the 2021-2022 school year and then as Assistant Principal during the 2022-2023 school year. Laura is beyond excited to be able to continue serving the Bird community as the Associate Principal. She is dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences to all of Bird’s students and passionately supporting their teachers and families. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring the city with her partner, Jill, and their dogs, Hank and Milo.

Laurae_Miller@ccpsnet.net

Jon Meister was born and raised in Norfolk, VA, and graduated from Norview High School in 2009. After high school, Jon Meister earned his Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Master’s in education from the University of Mary Washington, where he met his wife, Eleni. He began teaching in 2013 as a secondary mathematics teacher at his alma mater in Norfolk. 2016 Jon and his wife moved to Richmond to be closer to both families. Her family lived in Fairfax, and Jon’s was in Virginia Beach. It was the perfect middle ground. Since moving to Richmond in 2016, Jon has served as a teacher at Henrico and Hermitage High School in Henrico County Public Schools. He gained experience serving as an Administrative Aide, VTSS Coach, Cross Country, and Baseball Coach. Jon recently earned a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, which allowed him to quickly get a job as the Assistant Principal at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond Public Schools. As his family continued to grow, currently one three-year-old son and a baby girl born in November of 2022, he wanted to find a school he could call home and become a part of the community, leading him to Bird High School. As Mr. Meister enters his 11th year in education, he is extremely excited to be a part of the Bird Community and collaborate with the incredible faculty, staff, and families of L.C. Bird.

Jon_Meister@ccpsnet.net

Allen B Lewis, Jr., Ed.D. is a native of Philadelphia, PA. After finishing his undergraduate degree in English at Kean University in New Jersey, he relocated to Richmond, VA. Dr. Lewis spent the former part of his time in the workforce as a corporate recruiter. However, he later found his calling to teach English, which he did for eight years. He obtained his Master of Education in Teaching & Learning and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Throughout his career as an educator, Dr. Lewis has also served in various leadership positions. He is very active in his local and national faith-based assembly as a clergy member, a musician (bass guitar), and in other leadership roles. Dr. Lewis enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and traveling. He, his wife Sonia, their two children and spouses, and three granddaughters are residents of Henrico County. Dr. Lewis is a strong proponent of the benefits of education and is dedicated to doing all he can to support the students of L.C. Bird High School.

Allen_Lewis@ccpsnet.net

A proud product of Chesterfield County Public Schools, Ms. Gochez is thrilled to be a part of the Skyhawk family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Richmond. Prior to her role as Dean of Students, Ms. Gochez began her career in education as a Spanish teacher, in addition to serving as a soccer coach, mentor coordinator, and administrative aide. In her spare time, you can find her on the soccer field, dancing, or singing. She is passionate about ensuring all students have what they need to be the best version of themselves.

Victoria_Gochez@ccpsnet.net

Tamara Tuck was born and raised in Henrico County, Virginia, and graduated from Varina High School in 1992. After graduating, Mrs. Tuck attended and graduated from Virginia Union University in May of 1997, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in Richmond City Public Schools, teaching 8th grade Language Arts and Title One Reading. One thing in particular that Mrs. Tuck is passionate about is reading instruction. This passion encouraged her to go back to school to receive her Masters of Arts Degree in Reading: Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. She continued her work in Richmond City and held a variety of leadership positions. As a result, she was selected to be a part of a distinguished leadership program called Project All. Through this program she obtained her Post- Master’s Certificate in Administration and Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mrs. Tuck taught English for 5 years at Salem Church Middle School before joining the L.C. Bird Administrative Team. Mrs. Tuck has been married for 22 years to Jerald Tuck, Jr and has a son who is a senior at George Mason University. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Tuck is excited to begin her 26th year in education as a Dean of Students at L.C. Bird High School. Mrs. Tuck truly believes in the power of education and believes that all students can be successful when given the opportunity and guidance.

Tamara_Tuck@ccpsnet.net