Adrienne Blanton was born and raised in Chesterfield County. She graduated from Meadowbrook High School where she met her husband, Don. After high school, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Elementary Education at Longwood College. Soon after finishing college, she married Don and began teaching sixth grade math at Salem Middle School. Her husband, Don, is also a teacher. He teaches Health/PE at Maggie Walker Governor’s School. Over the next few years Mrs. Blanton became a mom to two boys, Dylan and Andrew. She continued teaching Math for twelve years at Salem Middle. During this time, she also earned her Masters Degree in School Leadership at VCU and began her journey as a school administrator. In 2007, Mrs. Blanton was hired at Bird as a Dean of Students. Over the next ten years, she transitioned to Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and now Principal of Lloyd C. Bird High School. Her boys are now teenagers. Dylan is 20, and like his mom and dad he aspires to be a teacher. He is attending Longwood University to pursue a degree in Biology and Secondary Education. Andrew is 17, and he is a rising Senior at Clover Hill High School. His main love is playing football and wrestling. Mrs. Blanton enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves relaxing by the pool! Mrs. Blanton is a true Skyhawk at heart. She is passionate and committed to preparing all students for life after high school. She reminds students everyday to work hard, play hard and always take care of each other!

Adrienne_Blanton@ccpsnet.net

Laura Miller was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English at Longwood University and her Master of Arts in English Writing and Rhetoric from Virginia Commonwealth University, Laura moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin her career in education. There, she taught English for the School District of Philadelphia at the middle school and high school levels before returning to Richmond in 2014. She had the great fortune to be hired as an English teacher at Bird in 2014, and shortly thereafter, took on additional roles as a faculty sponsor of both the National Honor Society and the Senior Class. As the 2020-2021 school year came to a close, Laura decided to pursue an endorsement in Educational Leadership through Longwood University. She had the opportunity to further develop her leadership skills as Dean of Students at Bird for the 2021-2022 school year and then as Assistant Principal during the 2022-2023 school year. Laura is beyond excited to be able to continue serving the Bird community as the Associate Principal. She is dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences to all of Bird’s students and passionately supporting their teachers and families. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring the city with her partner, Jill, and their dogs, Hank and Milo.

Laurae_Miller@ccpsnet.net

Hope Collins, a native of Central Virginia, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Middle Education from Longwood College. Her teaching career commenced in Chesterfield County, where she has taught mathematics at both elementary and middle school levels, demonstrating consistent growth and development.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Hope pursued further education, earning a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and subsequently achieving the title of Mathematics Specialist. Recently, she expanded her credentials by completing an Administration and Supervision endorsement at Longwood University. Throughout her tenure in Chesterfield, she has held various roles, including Mathematics Chair, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Lead, Remediation and testing Coordinator, and Dean of Students.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Hope cherishes her role as a parent to Victoria and Andrew, her two adult children, and a grandparent to Collins. She resides in Amelia with her husband, Michael, and they share a mutual passion for all creatures big and small, as well as for the Liverpool Football Club. Hope joined the Skyhawk family as an assistant principal in the 24-25 school year and firmly believes that with appropriate support and guidance, every child holds the potential to soar… It’s time to fly Skyhawks!

Hope_Collins@ccpsnet.net

Allen B Lewis, Jr., Ed.D. is a native of Philadelphia, PA. After finishing his undergraduate degree in English at Kean University in New Jersey, he relocated to Richmond, VA. Dr. Lewis spent the former part of his time in the workforce as a corporate recruiter. However, he later found his calling to teach English, which he did for eight years. He obtained his Master of Education in Teaching & Learning and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Throughout his career as an educator, Dr. Lewis has also served in various leadership positions. He is very active in his local and national faith-based assembly as a clergy member, a musician (bass guitar), and in other leadership roles. Dr. Lewis enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and traveling. He, his wife Sonia, their two children and spouses, and three granddaughters are residents of Henrico County. Dr. Lewis is a strong proponent of the benefits of education and is dedicated to doing all he can to support the students of L.C. Bird High School.

Allen_Lewis@ccpsnet.net

Dr. Ryan Sykes a native of Chesapeake, Virginia.  He graduated from Great Bridge High School in 2006 and earned a track scholarship to Virginia State University where he would earn his bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in special education.  While at VSU, he became an Academic All-American during the 2006 - 2007 academic year as a member of the Cross Country team.  After graduating from VSU, Mr. Sykes started his career teaching for Chesapeake Public Schools as a 6th grade inclusion math teacher in 2011.  In 2012, Ryan began his masters degree at VSU while teaching inclusion math at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell Virginia.  In 2014, Ryan completed his master degree in Education Administration Supervision and earned his first administrative position in 2015 as the Dean of Students for Richmond City Public Schools.  In 2016, Ryan Sykes received his first assistant principal position at Carter G. Woodson Middle school as the 7th grade administrator. In 2019, as the 6th grade assistant principal at CGW, Ryan Sykes was nationally recognized as a Virginia Milken Award recipient.  From 2020 to 2023, Ryan served as an assistant principal at Patrick Copeland Elementary in Hopewell and head principal at Pleasants Lane Elementary in Petersburg..  Ryan believes the key to success is persevering through challenges and taking advantage of opportunities, that will ultimately lead to purposeful driven life. Ryan has a son and wife who he enjoys spending time with.   

Qiana Turner was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1993. After graduating, Mrs. Turner attended and graduated from Saint Paul’s College in May of 1997, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She began her teaching career for Sussex County Public Schools, where she taught 5th and 6th grade history for five years. She followed by teaching 7th-grade history for two years at Hertford County Middle School in Murfreesboro, NC. In 2005, Mrs. Turner started her 18-year career with Hopewell Public Schools. During her tenure in Hopewell, Mrs.Turner taught for 9 years at Carter G Woodson Middle, as a 7th and 8th History teacher. She also served as the 8th Grade Team Leader and PBIS Teacher Coach.  While continuing her work in Hopewell Mrs.Turner earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Assessment. This degree led her to Hopewell High School where she taught for nine years. Teaching AP Government, VA/US Government, and held various leadership positions.  Night School Administrator, Senior Class Sponsor, National Honor Society Sponsor, 504 Case Manager, Varsity Cheer Coach, and PBIS Team Leader. In 2021 Mrs. Turner obtained her Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration and Leadership from Longwood University. December 2023 Mrs. Turner joined the L.C. Bird Administrative Team and is ecstatic to continue her 27th year in education as a Dean of Students at L.C. Bird High School. In her spare time, Mrs. Turner enjoys traveling, reading, serving as a board member of the nonprofit organization, Women of Endurance, shopping, being involved in her church’s youth ministry, and spending time with family and friends.

Christina Owens was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned a degree in Environmental Science with minors in both Meteorology and Geology from PennWest University. She moved to Richmond in 2011 to pursue a Masters of Teaching degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating, she worked for four years at Albert Hill Middle School in Richmond. There, she became a team lead and NJHS advisor. Mrs. Owens went on to join team Chesterfield in 2017, teaching Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. She expanded her role working as the Science department chair, cross country assistant coach, Robotics Club sponsor, and a member of her school’s leadership team. Working with school leadership inspired Mrs. Owens to pursue an endorsement in Educational Leadership through Longwood University. She is excited to expand her role outside of the classroom and join the L.C. Bird family as Dean of Students for the 2024-2025 school year. When not at work, Mrs Owens enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband Matt, their two daughters, two dogs, and two cats. She loves to travel, enjoys reading, and is a former fantasy football champion. She is looking forward to cheering on the Skyhawks this year, both on and off the athletic fields!