Executive Board

Jordan Zarwel, PRESIDENT

Jordan is an Ivy/ Henley/ Western alum and excited to return as a parent to support a non profit that she holds close to her heart. She has three young children (4th grade, Kindergarten and preschool), that seem to be following in her footsteps with a love of the arts . Having majored in the fine arts and art history in college, Jordan has maintained an active participation and interest in promoting it both at home and in the community. She is looking forward to the many opportunities AWE encourages and provides students.

Email Jordan.

Mairi Townsend, vice-PRESIDENT

Mairi was exposed to the arts at a young age—she sang and performed in musicals in school and comes from a family of artists. Her mother is a painter and her sister is a high school art teacher and practicing artist. Through her sister’s work as a high school art teacher, Mairi has seen the important work of arts teachers and their influential role in so many students’ lives. Mairi joined the AWE board because she wants her own two children (3rd grade and kindergarten) to have access to vibrant arts programs and to have the opportunity to explore everything the arts have to offer. Mairi believes that AWE’s work and grant program provide meaningful support to our teachers, allowing their limited budgets to stretch further for classroom materials and to provide scholarships for their students in need.

Ellen Spangler, Co-Treasurer

Since she could hold a pencil, Ellen has always been passionate about self-expression and the power of the arts. A graduate of Charlottesville City Schools, Ellen considers her orchestra and art teachers among her biggest inspirations. Ellen has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, with half that time spent in museums spearheading arts education programs for all ages. Ellen’s passion evolved into storytelling and fundraising, and she now has a consulting business that supports organizations with finding and landing grants. Ellen has two children (3rd and 7th grade) who both share her love of the arts and she joined the board to ensure that they find their own inspiration from well-supported arts teachers.

robyn neathery, co-TREASURER

While Robyn was in school, she participated in band and drama, performing in plays from 2nd grade until her senior year of high school. Growing up participating in the arts, she saw firsthand how much arts teachers have to make their resources stretch. Robyn has children in 9th, 6th and 3rd grade, and preschool. Robyn joined the board because AWE is a great way to support multiple schools at once and show support to programs that are often underfunded in public schools.

April Witt, Secretary

April got involved as a volunteer for Art Print instruction in her son’s elementary class and has continued to be involved in the Arts in various ways. Having exposure to band and theater as a child and teenager created a love for performing and visual arts that has been passed down to her three children (college freshman, 11th and 8th graders). Our lives have been enriched as we have built a closer community and friendships over the years by being a part of the school and community Arts. It was an easy decision to join AWE and work with a team of passionate volunteers devoted to preserving arts in the classroom.


General Board Members

mary anderson Jillian Tucker

Valerie Dormandy Kelly Kauffman

Isabelle Baldwin Heather Dressel

Katie ford Kat Wilford

Amanda beresford


Student Board Members

Current Student Board Members 24-25

Ika Gottlieb

Jack Mitchell

Allie Fontaine

Student Board Members 23-24:

Allie Fontaine

Audrey Scalia

Matt Neu


Teacher Representatives

Joel Hartshorn, Western Albemarle High School, director of symphonic, marching and jazz bands

Elizabeth Vaughn, Henley Middle and Western Albemarle High School Director of orchestra, henley theater

Cheryl wetmore-simpson, Ivy Elementary School, MUSIC TEACHER


Founders & Advisors

Skye O’Donnell, Founder

Melissa Collier, Board member emeritus & advisor at large

mindy beaumont, Board member emeritus & advisor at large