Her Story
About Dusty
Dusty is a dedicated educator and student advocate with more than three decades of experience in education, leadership, and student development. A graduate of Radford University, Dusty began her professional career at Radford University as a Summer Conference Coordinator, where she managed large-scale conferences and coordinated food service, audiovisual needs, faculty, and event logistics. She later joined Virginia Tech as a Sales Manager, overseeing events and weddings while earning certification as a wedding planner and successfully coordinating events. Driven by a passion for helping others succeed, Dusty transitioned into teaching full time, spending 18 years at Fairlawn Christian Academy. During her tenure, she served in multiple leadership roles, including teacher (she has taught all grades, and all subjects), lead teacher, administrator,, and leading the after school summer programming. Her ability to connect with students, parents, support faculty, and foster positive learning environments earned her a reputation as a compassionate and effective educational leader committed to student growth both inside and outside the classroom. Since 2021, Dusty has served as the ISS Coordinator at Blacksburg High School within Montgomery County Public Schools. In this role, she manages student attendance, testing, disciplinary programs, and intervention strategies while providing the guidance and accountability students need to succeed. Known for her balance of empathy and "tough love," Dusty creates an environment where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to overcome challenges. Her impact on young people has been widely recognized, including her nomination and recognition as a National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award recipient, reflecting her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.
2026 Article published Life Changer of the Year
2026-2027 Life Changer of the year Selection Board
MCPS educator wins National Life Group’s ‘LifeChanger of the Year’ Award – News Messenger
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dusty
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, the diverse experiences I've gained throughout my career and my commitment to serving others with dedication and purpose. From coordinating conferences at Radford University and managing events at Virginia Tech to leading and teaching in educational settings, each role has helped me develop strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. In my current position as ISS Coordinator at Blacksburg High School, where I oversee student discipline, attendance, and administrative responsibilities, I draw on those experiences every day. I believe my success comes from a willingness to adapt, work hard, build meaningful relationships, and remain focused on helping students and my community succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s possible to build a successful career doing work you genuinely love while also making a positive impact on others. Never take criticism from someone you would never go to for advice. That advice has guided me throughout my professional journey and reminds me that true success comes not only from personal achievement but also from inspiring, supporting, and uplifting those around me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. You have the chance to be a positive influence and a source of encouragement for students who may need it most. As a mother of two and now a proud grandmother of twins, I’ve found that it is possible to build a fulfilling career while also prioritizing and enjoying family life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is continuing to meet the needs of students and maintain consistency in a demanding role while also managing personal health challenges. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to showing up each day with dedication and purpose, relying on resilience and faith to guide me through. You can’t “teach the lesson”, you must “teach the student”. You must utilize all resources available to make the subject interesting to a diverse audience, be willing to go off-script, and be innovative when needed. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in the ability to positively impact students’ lives, provide structure and support, and help them navigate difficult moments so they can grow academically and personally.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, resilience, compassion, and the ability to inspire others through my words and actions. Even while navigating significant medical challenges, including multiple surgeries, sepsis, and a diagnosis of chronic leukemia requiring ongoing treatments, I have remained committed to continuing my work and supporting students. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for perseverance and purpose, and I strive to lead with empathy, faith, and strength in every aspect of my life. Being recognized with honors such as the LifeChanger of the Year Award and the NRV Leading Light Award is especially meaningful, as it reflects my dedication to making a positive impact despite life’s challenges.
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