Faculty Leadership

Dean Rita Busch

Mrs. Busch is an award-winning effective teaching specialist with a strong and diversified background of 50 years of experience in...

Assistant Dean Erika Napolitano

Assistant Dean Erika Napolitano is the Assistant Dean of Sustainability, an Upper Elementary Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, MAP Testing Director, Scheduling...

Assistant Dean Señorita Mercedes

Señorita Mercedes is the Assistant Dean of Effective Teaching, the Lead Teacher for Lower Elementary, and the Spanish Instructor for...

Chloe Fortin

Chloe Fortin is a Pre-K Teacher and Music Teacher. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Ms. Fortin has her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education...

Crystal Schirmer

Crystal Schirmer is a welcomed addition to the AAE faculty.  Mrs. Schirmer is joining the Upper Elementary team.  She is...

Lauren Larkin

Lauren Larkin is a Gifted Curriculum Specialist, Identification Coordinator, Creative Writing Specialist, and Upper Elementary Teacher. A Richmond native, Mrs....

Katie Montgomery

Katie Montgomery, a Richmond Virginia native, grew up in the Henrico County school system and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication...

Eleanor Mahin Thorp

Eleanor Mahin Thorp is our distinguished art professor.  Ms. Thorp received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth...

Leslie Hammond

Leslie Hammond is the itinerant and P.E. teacher at the Academy, who was delighted to join the Academy team! Mrs....

Lyla Saad

Lyla Saad is the Executive Assistant to the Dean and Extended Care Director.

Dr. Robert Falk

Dr. Robert Falk is the School Psychologist and Administrator of WISC-5. He has been the school psychologist at the Academy...

Connie Norwood

Connie Norwood is AAE’s Interior Designer.