Faculty & Staff

Administration

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Mr. Marc Sweigart, Principal

Marc Sweigart grew up outside Fredericksburg, VA, and graduated from Stafford High School. He graduated from James Madison University with a BA in History and began his teaching career in 1996. He taught secondary social studies and coached basketball and soccer in different capacities throughout his 15-year teaching career. In 2011, he came to ERHS as an assistant principal before transferring to TAHS in 2013. He became the principal of ERHS in the 2021-2022 school year.

Marc Sweigart and his wife Deb live in Bridgewater. They met at JMU and have been married for 28 years. They have a son who lives and works in Va Beach and a daughter who lives and works in Harrisonburg.

Email: msweigart@rockingham.k12.va.us

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Barbara Eanes, Assistant Principal

Barbara Eanes grew up in Bridgewater and graduated from Turner Ashby High School. She graduated from Bridgewater College with a BA in English and began her teaching career in 1995. She taught Special Education, Alternative Education, and English during her 25-year teaching career. She most recently taught Special Education at Turner Ashby. In addition, she teaches several courses for Mary Baldwin University.

Barbara and her husband Jamie live in Rockingham County. They have 4 children who attended Rockingham County Schools.

Mrs. Eanes enjoys travel, reading, and spending time with her family.

Email: beanes@rockingham.k12.va.us

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Molly Smith, Assistant Principal

Molly Smith is an Elkton native who graduated from Spotswood High School in 2010 (the last class before ERHS opened). She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a BA in Elementary Education in 2014. She also played 4 years of college softball there. Ms. Smith graduated from James Madison University in 2023 with her Master’s in Educational Leadership.

In 2014, she began her teaching career in Madison County, VA. She later moved to Rockingham County, where she taught 4th and 5th grades for seven years. She joined the ERHS administrative team in 2023. She currently resides in Port Republic and enjoys traveling, fitness, sports, and reading.

Email: mollysmith@rockingham.k12.va.us

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Brandy Strickler, Assistant Principal

Brandy Strickler joined the East Rockingham High School staff in July 2014. Ms. Strickler grew up in Page County and graduated from Page County High School. She continued her education at James Madison University, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Before coming to Rockingham County Public Schools, Ms. Strickler was the cheerleading coach at Page County High School from 2000-2005. She began teaching in Rockingham County Public Schools at Spotswood High School in 2005. During her time at Spotswood High School, she taught business and marketing and was the head cheerleading coach from 2005-2011. She was named the Assistant Principal at Mountain View Elementary School in 2011 where she continued until moving to East Rock in July of 2014. Mrs. Strickler resides in Page County with her husband Chris. They have two children, Kennedy and Gunnar. She greatly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Email: bstrickler@rockingham.k12.va.us

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Eric Phillips, Athletic and Activities Director

Eric Phillips joined the East Rockingham High School staff in July 2010. Mr. Phillips has been in education for 30 years. Mr. Phillips grew up in Elkton and was a 1989 Spotswood High School graduate. Mr. Phillips continued his educational experience at Gardner-Webb College (North Carolina), where he played football and graduated in 1994. He began his teaching career in Williston, South Carolina, where he taught elementary physical education and assisted in coaching football, basketball, and track.

After one year, he moved back to Rockingham County and began his career at Spotswood High School as an alternative education and physical education teacher and assistant varsity football and baseball coach. He continued in this capacity until being named the head football coach for the 2005 football season. He served as the head football coach from 2005-2009. While teaching at Spotswood, Mr. Phillips received his Master of Athletic Administration degree from the United States Sports Academy.

Mr. Phillips resides in Port Republic with his wife Kim and two children, Cole and Abby. His hobbies include spending time with his family and attending various sporting events

Email: ephillips@rockingham.k12.va.us

Alternative Education

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Zach Mathias

Teaches: Behavioral Support Assistant

Education: Spotswood High School

Extracurricular Activities: Head Coach Track & Field and Cross Country

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Dhontaé Gholson, Department Chair

Teaches: Alternative Education

Education: Bachelor of Science: Sports Management, Bluefield College 

Extracurricular Activities: Assistant Varsity & JV Football Coach

Career and Technical Education

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Kristi Pierce

Teaches: Intro to Animal Systems, AG Fabrication, Horticulture I&II, AG Structures

Education: Bachelor of Science in Geographic Science from James Madison University, Masters of Education in Environment Based Learning from Mary Baldwin University, Oregon State Certified Guide & Outfitter Professional, Certified PATH International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, ACA Kayaking level II Instructor and Guide, Wilderness First Aid Instructor, Certified facilitator for: Aldo Leopold Education Project, Project WET, Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Project Learning Tree. 

Extracurricular Activities: FFA and Young Farmers

ERHS FFA Website

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Jennifer Stroop

Teaches: Intro to Foods, Child Development, Individual Development

Education: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from James Madison University; Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education from James Madison University. 

Extracurricular Activities: FCCLA Sponsor - The Ultimate Leadership Experience!

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Carey Keyes

Teaches: Real Estate, Economics, and Personal Finance

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Eastern Mennonite University

Extracurricular Activities: Head Coach Varsity Boy's Basketball

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Reagan Ream

Teaches: Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Digital and Social Media Marketing, Principles of Business and Marketing, Fashion Marketing, Advanced Strategic Marketing, and Entrepreneurship

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Liberty University; Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Liberty University.

Extracurricular Activities: DECA Sponsor, Assistant Varsity Softball Coach

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Oleg Sych

Teaches: Technology Foundations, Engineering Explorations I, Engineering Analysis and Applications II, Construction Technology, Technology Transfer

Education: James Madison University, Liberty University

Extracurricular Activities: TSA Sponsor

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Heather Yeager, Department Chair

Teaches: Economics and Personal Finance, Computer Information Systems, Advanced Computer Information Systems, and Teachers for Tomorrow

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Information Systems from James Madison University

Extracurricular Activities: FBLA Sponsor, Educators Rising Sponsor

English Department

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Grace Altman

Teaches: English 9, Theater, and Creative Writing

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Writing from James Madison University

Extracurricular Activities: One-Act Play

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Karla Berry

Teaches: English 11, English 12, and English 12 Honors

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University

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Brenna King

Teaches: English 10

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature & Creative Writing from Emory & Henry College; Master of Arts in English from Radford University.

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Robert Mann

Teaches: English 9 and English 11

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Marshall University and a Master's from Morehead State University.

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Samara Mann

Teaches: AP Language & Composition, DE English, and English 9

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Education (5-Adult) and her Master of Arts in English. She earned her National Board Certification in 2013.

Extracurricular Activities: Eagle Defense Club Sponsor and Ambassador for Sources of Strength

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Katy Morris

Teaches: English 10, English 10 Advanced, and English 11

Education: Master of Teaching from the University of Virginia

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Jennifer Ryan, Department Chair

Teaches: English 11, 11 Honors, and 12 AP Lit

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and English from Virginia Tech; Master of Science in English Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.

Fine Arts

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Nathan Whittaker

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Chris Michael

Mr. Michael graduated from Bridgewater College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He has taught in the county for 5 years as an elementary art teacher and has been selected as teacher of the year at Linville-Edom Elementary and Peak View Elementary School. Mr. Michael is a local artist in the valley who most recently had a painting exhibition at the Smith-House Gallery in downtown. Mr. Michael also creates graphics and artwork in the community such as the elk mural behind the bingo hall on route 340.

The art program strives to inspire and promote creativity. Expression, individuality, and style are the main components of the art studio. The student will be immersed in an active studio environment that emphasizes choice and style. Foundations of Art 1 & 2 will give students a basic understanding of what art is, how it works, what materials are at your disposal, and will increase visual literacy. The crafts 1 & 2 courses will focus on 3-D design, ceramics, and sculpture. In the Advance Art 1 & 2 courses, students will find and explore their artistic vision with various prompts, creating work for display in the community, and producing art through personal artistic investigations. The AP Studio Art course is a college credit course. The student will choose a 2-D, 3-D, or Drawing track and create work within the parameters of their artistic inquiry and the chosen track. Welcome to the studio! You can't spell SMART without ART!

Website: www.afroworx.org

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Anna Miller

Mrs. Miller is the Choir Director and Piano Instructor here at East Rockingham High School. She is originally from Northern VA and graduated from James Madison University. Mrs. Miller has a Bachelor Degree in Music Education and is licensed in both Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. She has had the opportunity to perform around the world including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, London's New Year's Day Parade, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She also has a passion for musical theatre and is the music director for the school's musical theatre productions. If you are interested in participating in choir, piano, or the musical, you are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Miller via email. Music not only provides joy to the world but helps students become more contributing and productive citizens in today's world.

Website: https://erhschoirs.weebly.com/

Math Department

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Doug Ameigh

Teaches: Algebra I, Statistics, and Physics

Education: BS, M.Ed., Clemson University

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Michelle Hatton

Teaches: Geometry, Algebra I

Education: Master of Science in Education Administration, Shenandoah University; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, UNC-Wilmington

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Elisha Hiser

Teaches: Algebra 2, Math Analysis, and Computer Math

Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, JMU; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, JMU

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Mary Hughes

Teaches: Algebra I, Algebra II, and AFDA

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Math Ed, University of Kentucky

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Natalie McCrady, Department Chair

Teaches: Algebra I

Education: Master of Science in Education-Mathematics, JMU; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, JMU.

Extracurricular Activities: Musical Choreographer

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Rachael Raines

Teaches: Algebra I, Algebra II Advanced

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering from JMU.

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Craig West

Teaches: Calculus, Analysis, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, and Geometry

Education: Master of Science in Education-Mathematics, JMU

Physical Education

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Jordan Hardy

Teaches:

Education:

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Constance Komara

Teaches: 9th Grade Health and Physical Education & 10th Grade Drivers Education and Physical Education 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education with a minor in Coaching, and Kinesiology from Eastern Mennonite University.

Extracurricular Activities: Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and Ambassador for Sources of Strength

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Scott Martin

Teaches: Drivers Ed./Health & PE

Education: B.S. in Health and Physical Education from William Carey University and M.S. in Kinesiology from JMU.

Extracurricular Activities: JV Boys Basketball Coach

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Danielle Matheny, Department Chair

Teaches: 9th grade Health & Physical Education

Education: Mrs. Matheny has a Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education with a minor in Coaching, and emphasis in Flory Honors from Bridgewater College.

Extracurricular Activities: JV Volleyball Head Coach

Science Department

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Bonnie Altstaetter

Teaches: 9th grade Environmental Science and 11th grade Chemistry

Education: Bachelor of Science in Adolescence to Young Adult with a specialization in Chemistry and Physics from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Education Innovation through the University of Virginia.

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Doug Ameigh

Teaches: Physics, Physics Honors

Education: BS, M.Ed., Clemson University

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Veronika Shapovalov

Teaches:

Education:

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Jim Beachy

Teaches: Chemistry 1, Chemistry 1 Honors, Chemistry II Honors, AP Chemistry

Education:

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Ashley Kale

Teaches: Environmental Science, Biology, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science

Education: Ms. Kale has a B.S. in Biology from Old Dominion University where she also completed her teacher licensure in biology, a B.S. in Sports/Entertainment/Event Management from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte and is working towards her M.S. in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech.

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Lee Stover, Department Chair

Teaches: Human Anatomy & Physiology and Biology I

Education: Mr. Stover has a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater College.

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Jackie Woodall

Teaches: Biology I, Biology I Advanced, Biology II Survey of Life, and Environmental Science

Education: Ms. Woodall has a B.S. in Agriculture from Penn State University and a teaching endorsement in Biology from JMU.

Social Studies Department

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Jordan Biller, Assistant Athletic Director

Education: Mr. Biller received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College where he majored in History and Political Science and a Master of Education from JMU in Teacher Leadership.

Teaches: World Geography, AP World History Modern, and Psychology/Sociology

Extracurricular Activities: Freshman Class Sponsor and Head Varsity Baseball Coach.

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Kim Dean, Department Chair

Teaches: US History, US Government, and AP Government

Education: Ms. Dean graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science.

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Diana Kemper

Teaches: World History II, AP US History, and African American History

Education:  Diana Kemper is a 1999 graduate of Spotswood High School.   She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia where she majored in Political Science and minored in History. She also received her Master's degree in Teaching with a specialty in Secondary Social Studies from UVA.  Mrs. Kemper taught at Charlottesville High School and Spotswood High School before joining the staff at ERHS in 2010.  In 2019, Mrs. Kemper became the first staff member at ERHS to be a part of the RCPS therapy dog program. Currently, Mrs. Kemper is a certified therapy dog handler with her dogs, Mandy and Mae.

Extracurricular Activities:  Social Studies Honor Society Sponsor, Farmville Tour Guides Project Sponsor, Therapy Dog Handler

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Rebecca Roberts

Teaches: AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, and Government

Education: Ms. Robert graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, where she majored in Social Sciences with a minor in Political Science. She enjoys traveling and reading - especially historical fiction. She is the perfect choice to teach AP Geography as she was born in Kenya and has traveled to Europe, Central, and South America.

Extracurricular Activities: Assistant Coach for the Scholastic Bowl Team.

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Kevin Sandridge

Teaches: US History and Honors Government

Education: B.A. in Humanities from Florida Southern College; M.A. in Art History and Conservation from Florida State University. 

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Bryce Weber

Teaches: World Geography and Debate in History and Social Sciences

Education: BA in History and BS (Honors) in Economics from Presbyterian College; M.T. in Social Studies (6-12) from the University of Virginia; Study Abroad with Queen's University Belfast.

Extracurricular Activities: Debate Team 

Special Education and Other Resources

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Sarah Breeden

Teaches: Collaborative 9th grade classes and Education for Employment 

Education: BS in Health Science and a BS in Nutrition and Wellness, both from Bridgewater College.

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Janeen Dofflemyer

Teaches: 9th and 10th grade collaborative teacher

Education: Mrs. Dofflemyer has been at East Rock since 2011. She graduated from Lynchburg College and received her Master's degree in Special Education from Mary Baldwin University in 2020.

Extracurricular Activities: Care Closet

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Kelly Hammer

Teaches: Collaborative 11th grade classes

Education: B.S. in Education from Eastern Mennonite University and M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision K-12 from Old Dominion University.

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Melissa Kallis

Teaches: Mrs. Kallis will be co-teaching Algebra 1 this year with Mrs. McCrady. She will also be teaching Learning Strategies.

Education: Mrs. Kallis graduated from Old Dominion University and received her Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and minored in Human Services Counseling and Special Education. She earned her Master's Degree from ODU in Special Education.

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Lane Lough

Teaches:  Collaborative 12th grade classes and a Learning Strategies Class.

Education:  Coach Lough received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree with a concentration in Special Education from Mary Baldwin University.

Extracurricular Activities:  Assistant Baseball Coach; Assistant Strength Training Coach.

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​Jennifer Monger, Department Chair, School-Based Transition Planning & Coordination

Teaches: Students with intellectual and multiple disabilities as well as students with autism. In addition, Ms. Monger is the Night School Coordinator.

Education: Ms. Monger graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Special Education.

Extracurricular Activities: Unified Basketball

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Kim Phillips

Teaches: EL at EES and ERHS

Education: B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Radford University.

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Anna Sullivan, Speech Pathologist

Licensed with the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology as well as the American Speech Hearing Association.

She has additional experience with children with augmentative and assistive technology and swallowing.

World Languages

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Sarah Henninger O’Hear

Teaches: Latin at ERHS and SHS. She is at ERHS on odd days.

Education:

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Kate McDonald, Department Chair

Teaches: Spanish II and Spanish IV Honors

Education: B.A. in Modern Languages and Culture and M.A.T. in Secondary 6-12, both from JMU.

Extracurricular Activities: Musical Co-Director, Senior Class Sponsor, Spanish Honor Society Co-Sponsor, GSA Co-Sponsor

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Ximena Miller

Teaches: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish IV Honors

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Bridgewater College.

Extracurricular Activities: Spanish Honor Society Co-Sponsor, GSA Co-Sponsor

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Melinda Shiflet

Teaches: French I, II, III, and French IV honors at both ERHS and SHS. She is at ERHS on even days.

Education: Mrs. Shiflet double-majored in French and Music Education at James Madison University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in French.

Extracurricular Activities: Sponsor for the French Honor Society and French Club.