Kate Collins Middle School Assistant Principal Amy Christian has been named the director of a new regional recovery high school.
The school, a joint initiative of Waynesboro and Augusta County Schools, is scheduled to open in Fall 2025 with funding by a grant from the Virginia Department of Education.
“Ms. Christian is highly respected for her exceptional work as a member of our administrative team and her role in the early development of Valley Academy. She excels at building meaningful relationships with students and families, even in the face of challenges, and she brings out the best in every student by focusing on their strengths and potential. I am confident that her leadership will set the tone for high expectations and positive outcomes at this new school,” Waynesboro Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Cassell said.
Recovery high schools provide a structured and supportive academic environment for students seeking recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders, a critical resource for addressing the challenges faced by young individuals and their families. The first recovery high school in Virginia, Chesterfield Recovery Academy, opened in August 2022 in Chesterfield County.
Christian will transition to the new role after a replacement is found for her current role at Kate Collins Middle School. An experienced and versatile leader, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role, including serving as a school administrator, school counselor, special educator, behavior specialist and as a staff member at the regional alternative education school.
For two and a half years, she has been an Assistant Principal at Kate Collins Middle, where she has been instrumental in supporting students academically and behaviorally. Before Kate Collins Middle, Christian served as a school counselor at Valley Academy, supported students with sensory disabilities at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, and worked in Augusta County and Staunton Schools.
Her diverse background also includes roles at DePaul Community Resources and the Staunton-Augusta YMCA. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to provide leadership, foster strong relationships and advocate for the success of students.
Christian holds a bachelor’s degree from JMU and a master’s degree from Radford University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at JMU.
In her new role, Christian will lead efforts to build a team of educators, mental health clinicians and individuals with lived experience to support the recovery high school’s mission. She will also focus on cultivating partnerships with community organizations, state agencies and national groups that support youth with substance use challenges.
“I’m continually impressed with the caliber of the applicants that we receive,” Waynesboro Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ryan Barber said at Waynesboro School Board’s regular meeting last night. Eighteen applied for director of the recovery high school, seven were interviewed and all seven could have done a great job with the new program.
Barber said that Christian brings a level of experience, however, that is broad and vast from a variety of places that “I think will really serve her well in this new role.”
The recovery high school represents a groundbreaking step for Waynesboro and Augusta County, addressing a critical need in the region. Under Christian’s leadership, the school is poised to become a beacon of hope and support for students and families navigating the journey of recovery.
“I’m excited for you in this position,” Waynesboro School Board Chair Debra Freeman said to Christian.
Freeman said she has observed Christian’s interactions with students and that she is the first individual at events to volunteer to help out.
“I know we have the skills [in applicants who applied], but I’m glad we found the skills and the heart [in Christian],” Freeman said.
Related stories
Waynesboro, Augusta County Schools announce planning for regional Recovery High School
Share
Rebecca Barnabi
