Andy is the proud principal of Ashland Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, about 30 miles outside of Washington, DC. For over a decade, Andy and his team at Ashland Elementary School have led a transformation to improve culture, student performance, and school discipline. They have sky-rocketed student achievement becoming one of the top-performers in the state all while implementing innovative student-led programs such as their students refurbishing and donating computers, a Hollywood-level news room, and an augmented reality art gallery.
Andy and Ashland Elementary continue to receive recognition for this work including the VAESP Professional Development Award, School Bell Award, Virginia Principal of the Year Award, NAESP Nationally Distinguished Principal Award, VDOE Excellence & Distinguished Achievement Awards, VDOE Distinguished Purple Star School Award, and a visit from the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Andy believes that a meaningful connection must be made with every child to hook them into their learning. Read alouds, announcements, class visits, and book talks are just some ways that he relates to students and inspires them to do their best. Check out his series of #30SecondBookTalks and other fun videos on his YouTube Channel.
Andy has been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the best in the game. He has participated in congressional panels on educational reform, spoken in many national conferences, and helped initiate massive task forces in one of the largest school divisions in the country, such as the PWCS Safe Schools Advisory Council.
In 2019, Andy helped create and form the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Alongside Hamish Brewer, Andy interviewed dozens of school leaders across the country to help share their stories on innovation and change in their schools.
In 2020, Andy became the first Senior Fellow for the National Association of Elementary Schools Centers for Advancing Leadership. As a Senior Fellow, he helps to lead four new centers and NAESP Fellows to connect, educate, and inspire school leaders across the country. This includes the Centers for Diversity in Leadership, Women in Leadership, Innovative Leadership, and Middle-Level Leadership.
Involvement in the community is a special part of Andy’s life. He serves as a Board Member for the Autism Society of Northern Virginia. This includes leading sensory-friendly events, raising funds for support programs, and advocacy for changes in state laws for those affected by Autism and other disabilities.
Andy lives in Northern Virginia with his wife Kristine and three kids Makenzie, Garrett, and Emery. His experiences as a dad continue to form new connections to better understand and serve our students. As a family, they love Minute to Win It games, hikes in the mountains, and movie nights.
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