Waynesboro – December 10, 2024: At its December meeting, the Waynesboro School Board appointed Amy Christian as the Director of the new regional recovery high school, a joint initiative of Waynesboro and Augusta County Public Schools. The school, which is set to open in Fall 2025, is funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Education. 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 people and their families.
Christian will transition to this role once a suitable replacement is found for her current position as Assistant Principal at Kate Collins Middle School.
An Experienced and Versatile Leader
Amy Christian 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 the past two and a half years, she has been an Assistant Principal at Kate Collins Middle School, where she has been instrumental in supporting students academically and behaviorally.
Before joining Kate Collins, 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 City Schools. Her diverse background also includes roles at DePaul Community Resources and the Staunton-Augusta YMCA. Across these positions, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to provide leadership, foster strong relationships, and advocate for students’ success.
Christian holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree from Radford University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at James Madison University.
Building the Foundation for a Transformative School
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.
Dr. Jeffrey Cassell, Superintendent of Waynesboro Public Schools, praised Christian’s appointment:
"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."
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.
