Superintendent's Principal Advisory Council

Brian Slater is the principal of Covington-Harper Elementary School after having previously served as principal of Dale City Elementary School for three years. Before serving as principal, he was an assistant principal, administrative intern, and a sixth grade math teacher at Fred Lynn Middle School for five years. He spent his first five years in Prince William County as a second and fourth grade teacher at Occoquan Elementary School.

Mr. Slater is a career switcher who found his passion working with children in the woods of North Carolina, working at an outdoor therapeutic wilderness program for troubled youths. Before moving to Virginia, he worked as a third and fifth grade teacher in North Carolina.

He is a member of the University of Virginia’s Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence (SCOPE) leadership development program and has served on Prince William County Public Schools’ Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and exploring new adventures with his wife and two dogs.

George Wright is a dedicated educator with twelve years of experience in Prince William County Public Schools. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on various roles, including fifth grade teacher, administrative intern, assistant principal, and summer school principal. His commitment to fostering a positive learning environment is evident in his support for both students and staff. George earned his Master of Arts in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his Bachelor of Science from Virginia State University. His academic background, coupled with his hands-on experience, equips him with the knowledge and skills to enhance student achievement.

As a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, George stays informed on best practices and innovative strategies in elementary education. He actively implements these strategies to boost student engagement and success.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, George has a passion for music and enjoys traveling. He believes that experiences beyond the classroom enrich his perspective and contribute to his growth as an educator.

Alyse Zeffiro has been an educator in PWCS for 19 years, serving the last six years as principal of Kerrydale Elementary, a Visible Learning Certified School and National Title I Distinguished School. Prior to serving as principal, she was a third grade teacher and assistant principal.

Ms. Zeffiro earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Children’s Literature while also competing as an NCAA gymnast. She then earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Pittsburgh in 2005 and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision K-12 from George Mason University in 2013.

In addition to higher education degrees, she became a Cahn Fellow Distinguished Principal in 2023-24 and is principal mentor to new PWCS principals as well as an active member PWCS’ Budget Equity Task Force and Leadership Screening Committee. Over the past year as a leader of a Visible Learning Certified School, she has hosted eight schools and divisions and presented at the National Visible Learning Conferences in 2022 and 2024.

In her personal life, Ms. Zeffiro is a wife and mother of two who is passionate about yoga and spending time with her family.

Danna Johnson has led Mary Williams Elementary School as principal for six years. Her administrative career was preceded by roles at Featherstone Elementary School where she served as an Administrative Intern and Assistant Principal.

Prior to her administrative roles, Ms. Johnson spent nineteen years as a classroom teacher, educating students from grades 1-5. Her teaching journey took her through schools in Washington, DC, North Carolina, and Virginia, where she built a reputation for her dynamic teaching methods and her ability to connect with her students and their families.

She is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and actively contributes to her community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her downtime, she enjoys reading and walking, nurturing her mind and body alike and finding balance between her professional and personal life.

Alyssa Francisco has served as principal of Old Bridge Elementary School since 2020. With 17 years of dedication to education, she has been part of Old Bridge Elementary throughout her career. Prior to her role as principal, she served as the assistant principal, third grade teacher, and second grade teacher at Old Bridge Elementary.

Ms. Francisco’s background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from the Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master's degree in Education Transformation and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.

She continues to serve on the PWCS LEADS Screening Committee and is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Ms. Francisco commits herself to being a lifelong learner and believes all students can succeed. Her school has a rich history of achievement, and she is committed to maintaining high standards alongside her dedicated staff. She is a proud wife and mother of three children, ages 7, 5 and 2. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching her children learn and grow.

Steven Thorne is in his fourth year as principal of Piney Branch Elementary School. His career in education spans over 22 years, beginning informally during his teenage years as a swim coach, drum instructor, and Sunday school teacher.  He taught second and third grade in Fairfax County, led the Advanced Academic Program at his school, and served as a highly active teacher leader before coming to Prince William County Public Schools in 2016 as an assistant principal. He uses strong connections with students and a passion for building school communities to fuel his professional drive as an educational leader.

Mr. Thorne is a proud alumnus of James Madison University and George Mason University and continues to support their education programs in order to build the future of our public schools. He has his state licensure in PreK-3 (JMU), Gifted Education (UVA), and Educational Leadership (GMU) and is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

He enjoys balancing his educational obligations with his love for his family and playing drums semi-professionally.

Heather Goode is thrilled to be starting her seventh year as Sinclair Elementary's principal in the 2024-25 school year. She is a long time PWCS resident, graduating from Brentsville District High School and continuing on to Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Teaching K-4.

She received her Administration and Supervision endorsement from the University of Virginia and has served Prince William County Public Schools since 1993 as an educator. Her positions have included classroom teacher, intervention specialist, lead mentor, administrative intern, assistant principal, and principal. She has also been recognized as a Cahn Fellow for 2024 and is a member of National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Mrs. Goode is married, has two children, and one beautiful grandson whom she calls the light of her life. She loves visiting the beach, reading a good book, and spending time with children. She truly believes that all children deserve the best of the best and works hard to meet that commitment each day.

Jerri Piacesi has been an educator for over 20 years in several Virginia school divisions. She began her teaching career as a math teacher at Rippon Middle. Throughout her tenure, she has also served as a science teacher, science coordinator, administrative intern, and assistant principal.

Having grown up in Prince William County, she is a proud graduate of Woodbridge Senior High School. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from George Mason University. She earned her Masters in Education from Marymount University and her Post Masters in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also had the honor of participating in the UVA Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence (SCOPE) Educational Leadership program.

Mrs. Piacesi believes middle school is a pivotal time for young adolescents. Together, with all stakeholders, she works to ensure a welcoming environment where meaningful learning occurs to prepare all students for thriving futures.

During her free time, Mrs. Piacesi enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Erin Merica is a proud graduate of Prince William County Public Schools and has spent the last 16 years of her 26-year career serving as an administrator in PWCS schools. She feels fulfilled to have come full circle and give back to the community that shaped her into the educator she is today.

Ms. Merica earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Radford University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Virginia Tech. She is currently a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

She strives to create a positive learning environment, promote student success, and create a culture of excellence. She is dedicated to working with a diverse population of students to close the achievement gap within subgroups, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential. She feels honored to continue serving Prince William County Public Schools as the proud principal of Parkside Middle School and is excited about the future possibilities for PWCS students and community.

Kristan Donahue is originally from Long Island, New York. She embarked on her instructional journey at King’s College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, where she received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Reading. Upon graduation, she began working in the private school sector.

In 2014, Ms. Donahue began her path with Prince William County Public Schools at Woodbridge Middle School teaching sixth grade math, language arts, and social studies. To further her career, she enrolled at The George Washington University and completed her certification in K-12 Educational Leadership and Supervision.

Ms. Donahue accepted a position as administrative intern at Woodbridge Middle School and then transitioned to assistant principal at Rippon Middle School. In 2022, she became principal of Rippon Middle School.

She is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Association for Middle Level Education. She is also an animal lover with one dog and three cats and loves to travel.

DeLores Lucas has been with PWCS for over 22 years; as an English teacher, English department chair, administrative intern, and assistant principal in the middle and high schools before her current position as principal. She earned an associate degree in accounting from NVCC, a bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University, and master's degree in Education Administration from The George Washington University.

In addition, Ms. Lucas has an affiliation with National Association of Secondary School Principals and Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, as well as the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. Her primary, practical interests lie in ensuring students own their learning and push their academic boundaries.

Ms. Lucas’ belief in student ownership of their learning through problem and project-based learning opportunities allows them to see how all subjects connect in their daily lives. She is also invested in building the leadership capacity of the adults she encounters. Her goal is always to ensure students and staff have a thriving future and they realize their own potential.

Richard Martinez has served as the principal of Forest Park High School since 2014 and is in his 34th year in education. Prior to his appointment as principal, he served six years as an assistant principal at Freedom High School and taught mathematics in New Jersey for almost 18 years.

Originally from Paterson, New Jersey, Mr. Martinez received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1989 and a M.A. in Administration from New Jersey City University in 2000. He served as a principal at Park Ridge High School, assistant principal for school counseling for Pequannock High School and Morristown High School. Prior to his administrative appointments, Mr. Martinez taught mathematics at Morristown High School and John F. Kennedy High School and served as a math support teacher for Paterson Public Schools.

Mr. Martinez holds certifications in Administration/Supervision and Mathematics in Virginia and New Jersey. He is also a member of the National Association for Secondary School Principals, Virginia Association for Secondary School Principals, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

In his spare time, Mr. Martinez enjoys playing with his church’s worship band and sound engineering. His best moments are spending time with his wife Brenda of 31 years, their two sons Jaron and Caleb, and his granddaughter Hazel, who is three months old.

Matthew Mathison is currently serving in his sixth year as the principal of Gar-Field High School. He was born and raised in Michigan and was recruited by Prince William County Public Schools as he graduated from Michigan State University. He is starting his 18th year of service in PWCS.

Mr. Mathison began his professional career teaching social studies and math at Woodbridge Middle School and went on to teach Woodbridge High School while earning a master’s degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University. He then transitioned to the role of assistant principal before being appointed the principal of Gar-Field High School in 2019.

Mr. Mathison believes in the power of building leadership capacity in others to effect change. He is passionate about ensuring all GFHS graduates are college, career, and trade ready and has worked to increase student access and achievement. He is a proud PWCS father of 5 children and has lived in eastern Prince William County throughout his career.

Stephanie Bretzke has been with PWCS for 12 years and currently serves as the principal of Independence Nontraditional School, where she manages the instructional, operational, and fiscal aspects of the K-12 public separate school, the nontraditional middle school, and the nontraditional high school. Previously, she was a biology teacher in Newport News Public Schools and an assistant principal in Poquoson City Public Schools and at Patriot High Schools in Prince William County.

Ms. Bretzke is working towards completing a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Christopher Newport University.

She is actively involved in educational leadership organizations, including the University of Virginia’s Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence and the Stanford University Multi-Lingual Learner Initiative. Ms. Bretzke has presented her work at the Virginia School Board Association Conference and has successfully secured and managed grants to enhance educational opportunities for students.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Stephanie enjoys mentoring aspiring educational administrators and building positive relationships with all stakeholders. She is passionate about continuous improvement and excellence in education.

Kaitlyn Engelmeier-Foor has been proudly serving the Mary G. Porter Traditional School community for the last 18 years in various roles including teacher, assistant principal, and now principal. Native to Pittsburgh, Mrs. Engelmeier-Foor began her education at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where she completed her Bachelor in Arts in Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in History. In 2011, she completed her Masters in Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction at George Mason University when she began her administrative career.

As a lifelong learner, Mrs. Engelmeier-Foor continued her learning through opportunities within PWCS, as well as outside PWCS including the Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence (S.C.O.P.E) Program based out of the University of Virginia. Most recently, she was named as a recipient of the Cahn Distinguished Principals Fellowship for the 2024-25 school year.

Her commitment to providing the best learning experience for all students to achieve their personal best has been the foundation of her instructional leadership. She serves in several leadership roles within the PWCS district including being an active member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council on Equity, a principal mentor, a PWCS Standards-Based Instruction Work Group member, and interview panelist for aspiring administrators.

Just recently, Mrs. Engelmeier-Foor traveled to Zambia to work with sixty teachers of all grade levels on instructional practices, including reading and writing across content areas, trauma informed instruction, and classroom management strategies. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two preschool-aged children.