Leadership

Dr. Beth Ackerman’s passion for children with disabilities and educational leadership is evident in her professional career and studies. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she was hired as a special education teacher at Centra Rivermont School in Lynchburg. She later became principal of the Chatham Rivermont School and then the Lynchburg school. While at Rivermont, she earned her master’s degree in special education at Lynchburg College and her doctorate in educational leadership at UVA. After a decade at Centra, she left to start the Special Education Program at Liberty University where she served as faculty and in administration during her 15 years there.

Dr. Ackerman received a postgraduate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education which endorses her to teach elementary education, K-8 students with learning, emotional and intellectual disabilities as well as serve in administration and supervision of K-12 students. She has volunteered in the community as a CASA volunteer, and she and her husband have taken in foster children through DePaul Family Services.

Beth Ackerman

SVP, Rivermont Schools

Dr. Jill Blanchard is the Senior Vice President of Operations for New Story in Ohio. In this role, she oversees all five New Story Schools in the state, ensuring strong operational and growth strategies. Jill has a wealth of experience and expertise, with over two decades of K-12 educator and school administrator roles. Prior to joining New Story, Jill served as the Regional Vice President of ACCEL Schools, which provides oversight of a network of charter schools in Columbus, Ohio. She has served in a variety of roles including teacher and principal, and notably won the Teacher of the Year award in 2002. She also has experience with residential treatment settings, mental health programming, special education law, curriculum and instruction, and career technical education. Jill is an educational thought leader, regularly presenting on the importance of trauma-informed care and cultural responsivity. Jill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Science from Ohio University. She earned her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University and her Superintendent Licensure from The Ohio State University.

“I strongly believe in the incredible role education plays in helping each student not only achieve their goals, but also understand that they matter.”

Dr. Jill Blanchard

SVP, Operations

Christina Spielbauer, M.Ed. is the Senior Vice President of Operations for New Story in Pennsylvania. In this role, she oversees all of the state’s 14 New Story Schools, nine River Rock Academy campus locations, and Green Tree School & Services. She works to drive operational excellence and growth for all of New Story’s Pennsylvania-based schools and programs. For the past 25 years, Christina has dedicated her life to public education working in a variety of roles and settings including teacher and principal. Prior to joining New Story, Christina served as the Superintendent of the Carlisle Area School District. She is an active volunteer, having served on several boards including the Special Olympics, United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County, the DREAM partnership, and Hope Station. Christina earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg University and her Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Shippensburg University.

“Developing intentional and meaningful relationships with families, administrators, and partners is the foundation to creating high-quality, innovative and impactful services for students, children and families. New Story’s support and education model is grounded in strong partnerships, which leads to success.”

Christina Spielbauer

SVP, Operations

Nichole Arnold, MSW, LSW is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New Story Schools. In this role, she oversees 7 Licensed Private Academic School locations in Central Pennsylvania. Nichole has over 15 years of experience providing supervision and leadership to an array of employees, from clinicians to educators. She has successfully licensed multiple new school locations and led the expansion of existing schools. Nichole received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University, master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University; and she is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of PA.

"I am very fortunate to have a strong team comprised of professionals who dedicate themselves to the company, the schools and most importantly, the students. The most rewarding aspect of my position is leading this amazing team to experience as much success in their careers as they do with the students we support."

Nichole Arnold

Regional VP

Terri Crahalla, MS, is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New Story Schools. Terri oversees the daily operations of 4 Licensed Private Academic Schools in Northeast Pennsylvania. She has over 25 years of experience providing clinical services and leading clinical and academic special education teams. Terri received master’s degrees in counseling from Kutztown University and organizational management from Misericordia University.

"It is so important to have quality people working with the students and clients at New Story Schools. I am blessed to work with a wonderful group of people who genuinely care about the children they work with. I am also fortunate to work with a leadership team that is committed to supporting and developing employees."

Terri Crahalla

Regional VP

Fiesta M. Martin, M. Ed., is a Regional Vice President for Rivermont, A New Story School. Fiesta began working with Rivermont Schools in 2013 and currently oversees three schools in Southeastern Virginia. Fiesta brings more than 26 years of experience in teaching elementary and secondary education, as well as, in training and supervision of teachers. Fiesta obtained her bachelor’s degree in special education from Norfolk State University and her master’s degree with a focus of curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Regent University in Virginia Beach. She earned her leadership endorsement from Longwood University.

Fiesta has served in the community as a CASA volunteer and as a youth leader in her church.

"I believe that all children deserve the absolute best we have to offer in helping them achieve their full potential,” Fiesta said. “To do this, we must be passionate, committed, selfless servants in helping them explore every possibility with excellence."

Fiesta M. Martin

Regional VP

Brandon Timmons is a Regional Vice President with Rivermont Schools. Brandon began working with Rivermont Schools in 2002. He currently oversees several schools in Virginia. Brandon brings many years of experience with the company from working as a mental health counselor, special education teacher, assistant principal, and principal before moving into his current role. He received his bachelor’s degree in human services counseling from Old Dominion University and his master’s degree in special education from Cambridge College. He earned an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Liberty University.

“It is my greatest joy to watch the growth of people. This remains true for all individuals, in our schools, communities, nation and world. As a school leader, my desire is to be an agent of change to positively impact students, families and future generations.”

Brandon Timmons

Regional VP

Jennifer Younger is the Vice President of Behavioral Services in Virginia. She currently oversees both Your Life ABA clinics and Rivermont schools. Jennifer began working with Rivermont Schools in 1997. Jennifer brings many years of experience with the company from working as a teacher, principal, program manager, and director. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roanoke College and her master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University. She completed post-graduate work at the University of Virginia in educational administration and supervision.

“I love working with our teams of dedicated staff whose passion it is to see our students succeed both in and out of school. My priority is developing school and clinical environments that promote growth and inspire excitement and a commitment to providing the best educational services to our students," said Jennifer. 

Jennifer Younger

VP, Behavioral Services

Darren Pfaff is a Regional Vice President with Rivermont Schools. Darren began working with Rivermont Schools in 2006. He currently oversees six schools in the southwest region. Darren brings many years of experience, having worked in public and private education and as an Adjunct professor for Liberty University. Darren was the principal at the Rivermont School in Lynchburg, Virginia, for 15 years before moving into his current role. He received his bachelor’s degree in business and his master’s degree in special education from Liberty University.  

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” 

Darren Pfaff

Regional VP

Emily Blewitt is Regional Vice President of Operations for Applied Behavioral Services in Ohio. Emily oversees all 3 locations in Southwest Ohio. She has nearly 20 years of experience with Applied Behavioral Services, working her way from Behavior Technician, to Supervisor, and then Director at the Cincinnati location. Emily received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree from Wright State University.

One of her favorite quotes by Dr. Ivar Lovaas says, "If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn". This quote embodies the way she feels Applied Behavioral Services honors each student and their strengths, not their deficits.

Emily Blewitt

Regional VP

Paul Cowan is Regional Vice President of Operations for New Story Schools in Ohio. Paul oversees all 5 locations across Ohio and brings many years of experience working as a teacher, Reading Interventionist, Direct Instruction Trainer, Assistant Director of Scholar Life, Principal, and Director of Operations before joining the Ohio Leadership Team. Paul received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kent State University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Paul Cowan

Regional VP