Toinette Staley

Mrs. Staley was born and raised in North Carolina until her eighth grade year, when her family moved to Roanoke, Virginia. Toinette went on to graduate from Patrick Henry High School. She received her B. S. in Special Education from Appalachian State University. While attending Appalachian State, she met and fell in love with Paul Staley. After college, they married and lived first in Cary, NC, and then moved to Roanoke. Toinette taught in the Roanoke County School system in learning disabilities classrooms for five years. Paul's career carried them to Jacksonville, FL; Nashville, TN; and later to Charleston, SC. Toinette continued to teach during these moves, and while in Charleston, Toinette taught at Trident Academy for four years. Trident was a private school for learning disabled students in grades 1-12. She also taught for one year at James B. Edwards Elementary School. Their first child, Cameron, was born during this time. Toinette taught full-time and attended night school at The Citadel, where she completed her master's degree in Learning Disabilities.

The Staley family relocated one last time - to Lynchburg. Their second child, Payne, was born soon after the move. Toinette was self-employed as a private consultant and tutor at Richeson Drive Pediatrics. She traveled to various private schools during the day and tutored in the afternoons at her office. When Holy Cross Regional School wanted to start a resource program, Toinette was asked to join their staff. She remained there five years until James River Day School decided to employ a certified resource teacher to design their resource program. She has enjoyed teaching here since 2005. Toinette feels that working at James River has been her most rewarding teaching experience. James River Day School has given her the opportunity to help students discover their talents and strive to reach their full potential. She has been so impressed with the motivation and character of the students. The support from the parents and staff has been outstanding.

Outside of work, Toinette enjoys yoga, playing tennis, running, reading and visiting family and friends.