Two associate superintendents for diocese, six principals at schools
As the 2022-2023 school year begins, the Diocese of Richmond welcomes two new associate superintendents for the Office of Catholic Schools as well as six new principals across the diocese.
Michael Riley, Ph.D., brings more than 20 years of experience in Catholic education to his new role as associate superintendent of operations for the Office of Catholic Schools. He most recently worked as principal of Charlottesville Catholic School and has also held the positions of assistant principal and middle school teacher in other diocesan Catholic schools. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William & Mary and a bachelor’s degree from Barton College.
Laura Dvornick Clift, Ph.D., is the diocese’s new associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Her experience includes over 30 years of education in Catholic and public schools. She has worked as assistant principal, dean of students and educational consultant, and most recently was principal at St. Bridget Catholic School, Richmond. Clift holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from Radford University.
In June, Scott Meadows began his role as principal of All Saints Catholic School, Richmond. For the last nine years, Meadows worked as a principal in the Yorktown County public school system. Other roles in his 25-year education career include assistant principal, teacher, public information specialist and coordinator of marketing. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy study from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from Hampden- Sydney College.
Vada Fallica is Charlottesville Catholic School’s new principal. Fallica taught fourth grade at CCS for three years before assuming the role of assistant principal, in which she served for the last six years. Prior to her work at Charlottesville Catholic, she worked in Charlottesville city schools for 21 years. Fallica completed her certificate of leadership and supervision at Liberty University. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
Heather Whitchurch was promoted to principal of Peninsula Catholic School, Newport News, in April 2022. She had been working as interim principal since January 2022 and has also served as dean of faculty and department chair. Prior to joining Peninsula Catholic as a social studies teacher in 2018, Whitchurch taught at St. Mary Star of the Sea School, Hampton. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University.
Donna Henry, newly appointed principal of Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, has been a member of the school’s faculty as a teacher since 1994 and assistant principal since 2010. She is a graduate of Portsmouth Catholic Elementary School and Portsmouth Catholic High School. Henry holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary.
Effective July 1, Allie Strollo is the new principal of St. Bridget Catholic School, Richmond. She has 20 years of experience in Chesterfield County public schools, where she has worked as principal, assistant principal, professional development facilitator and teacher. Strollo holds master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, and leadership and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University.
Andrew Snyder has joined the faculty of St. Anne Catholic School, Bristol, as principal. His previous experience includes teaching in Bristol, Tennessee, public schools since 2016, where he also served as department chair and head soccer coach. Snyder is currently working to complete his educational doctorate degree at Milligan University. He holds a master’s degree in education from Milligan University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.