Behavior Specialists

Amanda Zepp

Bluestone Elementary School

"Hi! My name is Amanda Zepp, and I began work as a Behavior Specialist for HCPS for the 2021-2022 school year.  I graduated from nearby Turner Ashby High School in 1997, Bridgewater College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology and minoring in Social Work, and from Mary Baldwin University in 2022 with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I continue to work towards certification to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  Additionally, I've earned a graduate certificate in Restorative Justice in Education from Eastern Mennonite University through HCPS.

My employment journey has included work as a summer camp counselor, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on a dementia unit, a temporary secretary for a criminal defense attorney, a temporary Outdoor School Coordinator at a local camp, and a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant followed by a Behavior Support Assistant in Rockingham County Public Schools.  I found my passion for working in education by first volunteering in the elementary schools where my children attended.  This passion has only strengthened throughout my years working in education.  I am a strong believer in the public school system and in the supports built within it for behavioral support of all students, and I am honored to work for Harrisonburg City Public Schools."

Virginia Munns

Waterman Elementary School

"Hi, my name is Virginia Munns and I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my bio. I received an undergraduate degree from our very own JMU...GO DUKES!! I spent the next twenty-five years teaching elementary school in public education and four years teaching parents and infants-preschoolers in the private sector. I worked in Florida for a few years but most of my career has been based in Virginia.

After completing a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Shenandoah University, I became a behavior specialist. This is my DREAM JOB! The joy I get from this position comes from encouraging and supporting teachers, students, and parents on a larger scale than what I felt I could do as a home-room teacher. I appreciate ALL that teachers do for their students. Supporting them is rewarding and an honor.

When I'm not working for HCPS you'll find me playing with my four grand children, on a river kayaking, walking my dog (who also has a job of providing therapy to those who may benefit), hiking, or painting in my art studio."

Clive White

Skyline Middle School

"A little about me... Clive White, Behavioral Specialist. I have been a behavioral specialist for HCPS since 2017. I have been lucky enough to serve in this role in several of our great elementary schools. I am currently the behavioral specialist for Skyline Middle School. My role is to help, namely with students or class situations that negatively impact the learning environment. Part of my role is to work individually with students to practice appropriate behaviors. I also partner with teachers to help facilitate different strategies classroom-wide that would benefit the whole learning space.

Earlier in my career, I worked with at risk youths in alternative residential placements as well as in an acute hospital setting. I also served as an in-home individual/family mental health counselor, therapeutic day treatment counselor, and now as a behavioral specialist. I received my bachelors at VCU and continue to learn through my work.

I was born in Jamaica and split by childhood between Staten Island, New York and Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am blessed to be married to an awesome woman and we have two amazing young children. I am excited to be a HCPS behavioral specialist in this diverse community."

Megan Marker

Spotswood Elementary School

" Hello! My name is Megan Marker, I'm the Behavior Specialist at Spotswood Elementary School. I've been with HCPS for a few years now and I love working here. The teachers, school administrators, and support staff in this division go above and beyond to meet the needs of all of our students. The behavior specialist position gives me the flexibility to assess and address student needs by looking at the whole picture which includes: Mental health, trauma, sensory needs, and restorative practices. Before this, I spent ten years working with a local counseling agency providing in-home services and therapeutic day treatment services in Rockingham County.

I received my bachelor's in Social Work at JMU and am currently working towards completing the Restorative Justice in Education Certificate program at Eastern Mennonite University along with other HCPS staff. I enjoy learning new restorative practices to support our teachers and students

I moved to Harrisonburg to attend JMU and am so glad that I stayed to make this area my home. My family and I enjoy being outside hiking, gardening, walking our pugs, and roasting marshmallows in our backyard fireplace. "

Danielle Peyton

Thomas Harrison Middle School

" My name is Danielle Hess Peyton and I'm a Behavioral Specialist at Thomas Harrison Middle School. I was born and raised a Blue Streak and was super excited to start my journey with Harrisonburg City Public Schools in 2019 as a behavioral specialist in an elementary school setting. Before working with HCPS, I worked in the mental health field in a community setting for nine years.

I earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Eastern Mennonite University and a master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

I have two amazing sons who currently occupy all of my spare time but I wouldn't have it any other way! "

Ryan Brewer

Stone Spring Elementary School

"My name is Ryan Brewer and I am the newly hired Behavior Specialist with HCPS and will be serving your school's community! I currently live in Harrisonburg and have lived in the area for more than seven years now! I have most recently worked as a Special Education Assistant at Bluestone Elementary and am proud to be a member of their Autism Committee.

I received my bachelor's degree from EMU where I studied Psychology and Sociology. I received my master's in Human Services Counseling, with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development, from Liberty University. Additionally, I will be joining a cohort with HCPS this fall studying Restorative Justice in Education through EMU.

In my spare time, I am a Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach with Bridgewater college. I also love to hike, read, and try new coffee shops around the area. I recently began playing golf, but that is a work in progress. Being outside and immersed in the community is a big thing for me!"

Casey Whetzel

Smithland Elementary School

Elon Rhodes Early Learning Center

"Bio Coming Soon "

Liz Rich

Keister Elementary School

" My name is Liz Rich and I am the behavior specialist at Keister Elementary School. I’ve worked for HCPS since 2017, when I started as a special education instructional assistant. In 2022 I began working as a behavior specialist. I work with students to provide the resources and build the skills they need to be successful in school, and I work with teachers to create environments that allow all students to be successful and learn. My goal is to keep all students in their general education classrooms, and part of my role is to ensure that classrooms have the appropriate supports in place and the resources they need to support all students.

I grew up in New York and have lived in Harrisonburg since 2012, when I started at JMU. I have a Bachelor’s in Social Work from JMU (2015), a Masters in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies (2020), and a Masters in Education from JMU (2022). I’m currently enrolled in the Restorative Justice cohort at EMU. When I’m not in school I enjoy hiking, crafts, running, playing with my cats, and reading."

Simon Jilg

Harrisonburg High School

" My Name is Simon Jilg and I’m the Behavior Specialist at HHS since 2023. I feel very grateful to serve our wonderful students and staff in this capacity. Before joining the school system, I have worked in various roles in the mental health world, including residential settings and in-patient care. I strongly believe in our mission to build a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every member of the HCPS community.

I was born and raised in Germany and moved to Harrisonburg in 2016. I received a bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree in Social Work and am currently working towards licensure. Simultaneously, I’m taking classes in Restorative Justice in Education at Eastern Mennonite University."

John LaBarbera

Rocktown High School

Bio coming soon