Meet the 2025-26 Board

The AWE Board is made up of a dedicated team of western Albemarle parents, teachers, and
students. Would you like to be a part of AWE and help make AWEsome things happen for
our local public schools’ arts programs? Reach out to learn more!
artsinwesterneducation@gmail.com

AWE EXECUTIVE BOARD

  • Kelly Kaufman

    PRESIDENT

    Bio coming soon!

  • Ellen Spangler

    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 (4th and 8th 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.

    Photo: Amy Nicole Photography

  • Jillian Tucker Arts in Western Education

    Jillian Tucker

    SECRETARY / WEBMASTER

    Jillian’s lifelong love of reading, nature, and the arts was nurtured by her creative mother and has shaped both her personal and professional journey. She discovered a passion for photography and creative writing in high school, and later earned degrees in Art History and History. Over the course of 15 years, she worked in museum administration and education, and also gained experience in a university library. During the pandemic, Jillian homeschooled her son and now brings her dedication to education into the classroom as a teaching assistant at Crozet Elementary, where both of her children are students. The Tucker family is grateful to call western Albemarle home. Jillian remains active in the local arts community through her involvement with AWE.

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS

Mary Anderson

Isabelle Baldwin

Heather Dressel

Katie Ford

Joel Harshorn
(Teacher Representative)

Robyn Neatherly

Mairi Townsend

April Witt

Jordan Zarwel

STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Ika Gottleib
(WAHS Senior &
2nd-Year Board Member)

Annie Anderson
(WAHS Senior)

Emily Kim
(WAHS Senior)

Asher Nathan
(WAHS Junior)

FOUNDERS & ADVISORS

Skye O’Donnell
(Founder)

Melissa Collier
(Board Member Emeritus & Advisor)

Mindy Beaumont
(Board Member Emeritus & Advisor)

Header art by Dustin Wang
”Brave Little Red Cap”
2025 Arts & Poetry Contest Winner