Franny Aida          Email • Calendar

Franny Aida began her career as a French teacher for 7 years. Once she recognized how technology could bring a more authentic experience to her classroom, her passion for all things tech was ignited. She went back to school to get her Masters of Education in Instructional Technology in 2014 from the University of Virginia.

Franny is thrilled to be an Ed Tech Integrator in RPS. She loves the fast-paced world of EdTech, and how it encourages everyone to continue to grow and learn new skills. She loves working with teachers to solve problems and innovate in their classrooms.

Alex Alexson          Email

Alex Alexson graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA) from VCU.  In May 2003, he received the Award in Academic Excellence for the College of Humanities and Sciences, Spanish Department. He has been in education for 14 years. He has served as department chair. He has a passion for the 4 C's (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication). 

Alex Alexson is certified in the following apps: Apple, BrainPop, Common Sense, CK-12, Discovery, Duolingo, Edpuzzle, Epic!, Flipgrid, Flocabulary, Edulastic, Formative, Google, Insert Learning, Legends of Learning, Nearpod, Magic School AI, Microsoft, Mystery Skype, Newsela, Quizlet, Quizizz AI, Read&Write, Screencastify, Seesaw, Skype, SMARTboard, and Soundtrap.

Christopher Barna          Email

Christopher Barna has been an educator in Richmond Public Schools since 2014. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master's Degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University with certifications in Math, Biology, and Chemistry. His passion for teaching using technology led him to join the ETI team in 2020 where he hopes to spread the wonders of digital teaching tools to all classrooms within the district. When not teaching, Chris enjoys watching sports, live-streaming, and playing strategy games.

Jessica Blumberg       Email • Calendar

Jessica began her career as a kindergarten teacher 28 years ago. She holds her Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University where she majored in both Early Child Education and Psychology.  Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her 5 year old daughter and her fur baby.  

Jessica loves learning new and innovative ways to engage students in the classroom.  She is looking forward to working with RPS teachers and bringing her love of technology into their classrooms!

Mercedes Buck      Email

Mercedes Buck began her career in education in 2015 as a career switcher from the finance and technology industry to serving as a middle and high school career and technical education (CTE) teacher. Mercedes holds an Ed.S degree in K-12 Educational Leadership, master’s in Education, and bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and has taught Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and U.S. Government. 

Mercedes has served in RPS as an Ed Tech Integrator, CTE Instructional Specialist, and now EdTech Integrator Lead and loves entering the classroom to co-teach with teachers of all content areas.

Leanne Caird      Email • Calendar

Leanne Caird’s career began in health care, but she found her true calling in education—where she’s been able to combine organizational and analytical skills with a creative approach to teaching. With a background that spans classroom teaching (1st, 3rd, and 5th grades), five years as a library media specialist, and a master’s degree in health administration, she brings a diverse and well-rounded perspective to education. She is thrilled to be helping educators integrate digital tools into their curriculum in meaningful, engaging ways that support student growth and curiosity. Leanne is especially passionate about empowering both teachers and students to become confident users of technology, and always exploring innovative methods to support learning in the classroom.

Nicholas Cipolla    Email • Calendar

Nick taught sixth grade science and Biology for 5 years before joining the ETI team in 2024. He attended the College of William and Mary, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Secondary Science Education concentration. Nick is passionate about connecting people digitally as well as making technology approachable and equitable for all learners. Other special interests in EdTech include digital citizenship, amplifying creativity in the digital landscape, and AI.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys hanging out with his dog, supporting local sports teams (Go Kickers and Flying Squirrels!), gaming, and cooking.

Dwayne Dick     Email • Calendar

Dwayne "Orlando" Dick changed careers, moving from the United States Army, where he served as an infantryman for eight years, to the teaching profession. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving the service with the rank of Corporal. He has also worked for Capital One, Bank of America Merchant Services, and in the healthcare and home finance businesses. Mr. Orlando worked as an English teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School from 2016 until 2018 and started teaching English language arts at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in 2018-2019.

He served on the Leadership Committee, the Culture and Climate Committee, and the Young Kings in Action Academy before being elected the "Teacher of the Year" at MLK in 2021. Mr. Orlando holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Richmond. His goal is to form collaborations with educators and eventually mix technology and education to better prepare young children for future ventures.

Shanna Finklin     Email

Shanna began teaching 15 years ago after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Virginia State University. Since then, she has served on the elementary and secondary level as a teacher and Title I reading interventionist. A love for literacy led her to pursue a Master’s of Education with a Reading Specialist endorsement from Averett University. She has devoted time to being on the school leadership team, a mentor, and a clinical resident coach for VCU’s Richmond Teacher Residency program. Her dedication and effort towards building up the school culture resulted in a teacher of the year nomination.

Shanna is currently a research-practice partner with CS-FAB. Their mission is to provide teachers the skills and resources needed to create and continually adapt their own culturally relevant, computer science-integrated lesson plans. She enjoys using technology to enhance instruction, promote teamwork and expand student collaboration.

Stacy Green          Email • Website • Twitter • Calendar

Stacy Green is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience in public school education. She holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Carolina University, and a bachelor's degree in teaching from Sam Sharpe Teachers' College.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Green has served in a variety of roles, including Virginia Preschool Initiative teacher, K-6 teacher, lead literacy teacher, mentor, Virginia Commonwealth University Clinical Faculty, and technology coach. She is passionate about leveraging educational technology tools to enhance learning outcomes and believes that technology can provide students with opportunities to engage in collaborative, authentic, and personalized learning experiences.

Mrs. Green's philosophy on integrating technology in the classroom is rooted in the belief that technology should be used purposefully and intentionally to support student learning. She believes that effective technology integration requires thoughtful planning, ongoing professional development, and a commitment to selecting and using technology tools that align with instructional goals and student needs.

As a technology coach, Mrs. Green collaborates with teachers to create authentic learning experiences that leverage technology. She uses technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs. She works closely with teachers to model best practices for technology integration, provide guidance and support on the use of technology tools, and encourage teachers to experiment with new approaches to teaching and learning.

Mrs. Green is committed to helping teachers build their confidence and skills in using technology to engage students, differentiate instruction, and foster critical thinking. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, and pursuing her passion for photography. 

Chris Grubbs      Email • Calendar

Christopher (Chris) Grubb began his career in education in 2009 after graduating from Carson-Newman University as a History major. Throughout his career he has taught Social Studies and English in Tennessee, Florida, and Washington DC. After 15 years as an educator, Chris decided it was time to get out of the classroom and utilize his passion for educational technology. He gained his Master’s in Instructional Technology from Florida State University. Chris then served as a LMS administrator and Instructional Designer for the United States Coast Guard. During his time with the USCG, Chris provided vital support and administration in modernizing the learning management system that served over 30,000 servicemen and women. After the successful completion of the force modernization, Chris decided that he wanted to pursue expanding his career closer to home. This is his first year as an Educational Technology Integrator and is very excited about the opportunity to serve the schools in our community

Chris is a Tennessean by birth. He and his wife Leah have a 3 year old daughter, Maizey, and a 15 year old dog, Codey. They enjoy spending time with their family, friends and growing community. They also enjoy College football (Go Vols and Go Seminoles). 

Derek Hambright          Email • Calendar

Derek Hambright was born and raised in Richmond Virginia, and is a proud alumnus of two proud Virginia institutions Longwood and Virginia Commonwealth Universities. Derek received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Longwood in 2008 then continued his post-graduate education at Virginia Commonwealth University performing scientific research in microbiology and immunology. In 2011, his passion for knowledge and learning led him to join the Richmond Teacher Residency Program. Through this partnership between VCU and Richmond City Public Schools, Derek  began his teaching journey at John Marshall High School. Upon graduating from VCU in 2012, earning a Master's in teaching, Derek accepted a position at Thompson Middle School. He spent the next 11 years molding the minds of the next generation of great scientists while holding a variety of leadership positions and working to improve the school.  In 2020, the recently merged schools of Elkhardt and Thompson would find their permanent home at the newly constructed River City Middle School where Derek would be named the "2020-2021 Teacher of the Year". 

Derek brings a natural love of learning and a strong desire to help students discover their own passion for education.  

Autumn Honts         Email • Calendar

Autumn Honts started in education in 2011 as a middle and high school computer science teacher.  She loved integrating technology into her classroom, so when a job as an ETI opened, she joined the team in 2024.  She is certified in Computer Science, Technology Education, Keyboarding, and Visual Arts.

Autumn holds a bachelor's degree from Averett University in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and a Master's degree from Strayer University in Technology in Education, and is currently working on a second Master’s degree at Longwood University.  She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and creating art when not at work.

Autumn loves learning and adding technology to the classroom!

Rose Martin-Turnage         Email

Rose M. Martin-Turnage is an Educational Technology Integrator formally known as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT). This is her 40th year working in the Richmond Public School System. Prior to becoming an (ITRT), Rose M. Martin-Turnage was a science teacher on the high school level for 15 years. She has bachelor degree in Earth and Space Science, Master’s Degree and PhD in Educational Technology. Also, Rose M. Martin-Turnage is one of the original ITRTs when this position first became a part of the RPS job titles. Helping teachers to integrate technology into their teaching and learning is one of the primary goals of EdTech Integrators. Teachers should have the freedom and experience to work smarter, not harder in their creative abilities to level the playing field of all RPS students here in the 21st century.

Meredith Ose          Email • Calendar

A Northern Virginia/D.C. native, Meredith holds a BFA in Sculpture and Art Education from VCU. Teaching art and digital photography in Middle and High schools, Meredith has been a passionate and dedicated art educator serving Richmond City, Henrico and Chesterfield counties since 2000. Meredith has experience serving on the Virginia Art Education Association board as treasurer. Her experience working as an art education consultant in VA, D.C. and MD allowed her to grow as an educator, mentor, and collaborative partner.

Meredith is a dedicated Yogi, and became a certified yoga teacher in 2017. Meredith is passionate about seeking balance, providing service to others and empowering youth to be themselves and find their purpose in life.

Meredith completed her Masters in Educational Technology Leadership in 2023 from Lamar University. She plans to continue learning new ways to empower and collaborate with teachers and students to develop 21st century skills, help students build character and cultivate compassion and empathy, which are crucial as social collaborative beings. 

In her free time Meredith loves to create art and cook with her daughter, walk, hike, bike, paddle board, take photos, practice yoga, play in the garden, build fires, watch and play sports, listen to all kinds of music, and hang out with friends and family.

Fealeacia Price          Email 

Fealeacia has a BS in information technology and Decision Science from Virginia State University.  She has a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Liberty University She has worked in Richmond public schools as a Career and Technical Education teacher since 2011. She is now an Educational Technology Integrator on the Department of Academic Programs team.

Arianna Trickey         Email • Twitter • Calendar

Arianna Trickey has worked in Richmond Public Schools since 2016. Before becoming an Educational Technology Integrator, Arianna spent the majority of her time teaching third grade and served as an Academic Architect for the Mathematics department from 2020-2023. In her first year of teaching, she received the division's Exemplary New Teacher award. In 2020, she served as her school's Teacher of the Year and received the REB Award for Teaching Excellence. Arianna attended the University of Virginia as a Quest Scholar, receiving a Bachelor's degree in History and two Master's Degrees in Elementary Education and Reading Education. She is endorsed in Elementary Education, PreK-6, and is also a licensed Reading Specialist.

Now, as an Educational Technology Integrator, Arianna coaches teachers in creating engaging and accessible instruction through the innovative use of technology using tools like Adobe Express. She is passionate about ensuring educators have the support and resources they need to enhance student learning outcomes. She is also well known for celebrating student achievement by allowing her former students to dye her hair any color, and she continues to rock the colorful locks to this day, making her in-classroom demos and co-teaching even more exciting at the elementary schools she serves!

Joselyn Verdi         Email • Twitter

Joselyn Verdi was a classroom teacher for 13 years before becoming an ETI in 2015. She recently accepted a position as Lead ETI. She taught first, second, third, and fourth grades.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds a Post Master's Certification in Leadership and Supervision. She was a mentor teacher for seven years and a Language Arts Lead teacher for six years. Joselyn is a National Board Certified Teacher with a concentration as an Early Childhood Generalist. She is the mom of two wonderful boys and an avid Ohio State, Browns, and Indians fan! She loves sports, outdoor activities, reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Joselyn used technology in her classroom daily! She has experience with the district's Priority Resources and anything Google. She is proficient with both Windows and Macintosh computers. Joselyn brings a lot of passion and excitement for helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms to support students’ learning needs. She strongly believes that technology increases student interest and involvement.

Carla Wood        Email • Twitter

Carla enjoys working with teachers to help them strategically use technology in the classroom to support students’ learning needs. Pairing teachers with resources such as specific Google Workspace Apps, creation platforms, and other online instructional tools is one of Carla's favorite tasks. According to Carla, the best part of the job by far is celebrating colleagues' successes as they grow to meaningfully incorporate technology into their teaching practice. 

Social Engineering

Social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into revealing personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. Hackers are generally not exploiting technical flaws in your operating system or software - they are targeting you.

Video: What is Social Engineering? 

Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint is all the information about you that appears online.

The kinds of information that are probably available about you online include your email address, home address, phone number(s), employer, age, race, sex, income, marital status, religion, political affiliation, personal interests, photos and videos of you with family or friends, which social media you use and your “likes” and comments, criminal records and local real estate tax records.

A common misconception is that your digital footprint includes only information you place online. In fact, your digital footprint includes all the information about you that is available online, whether you put it there or not. Your digital footprint is permanent. 

To reduce your digital footprint consider using privacy-protecting browser extensions or browsers like Brave that have privacy features built in. You can also use search engines like DuckDuckGo, Yahoo!Search or Startpage that do not track your activity as extensively as Google.

Video: What's in Your Digital Footprint? 

Passwords

Use a password manager. Most good password managers allow you to securely store your passwords, generate strong passwords and save related information such as answers to security questions. 

Never reuse passwords. If a hacker obtains credentials for one of your accounts they will try to use those same credentials on your other accounts.

Make passwords as long as you can - 20 characters or more. The longer the password the more difficult it is to defeat. 

Don’t use personal information in passwords. Names of family members or pets, birthdays, anniversaries, favorite sports teams, etc., should never be used to create passwords. Don’t substitute symbols like @ for the letter A. It doesn’t fool anyone and it’s a pattern hackers already know about. If your passwords are strong there isn’t any need to change them regularly. If you think one of your passwords has been compromised change it immediately. 

Test your passwords: security.org • passwordmonster.com

Video: What is a Password Manager? 

If you can't use a password manager read these articles on creating strong passwords:

How to create strong passwords for every site, and keep your info secure from hackers
How to Create a Strong Password

Security Questions

When you are required to answer security questions while creating a new account, always use made-up answers. If you are asked to provide your mother’s maiden name as the answer to a security question, make up a name and record it in your password manager so you can access it the next time you log in.

Never reuse answers to security questions, even if they are made up. If you used Throckmorton as a fictional maiden name for your bank account don’t use it for your retirement account.

Two-Factor Authentication (Two-Step Authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication, or 2FA)

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your accounts. Most of the time, two-factor authentication requires you to verify your identity when logging into an account by sending a code to your mobile phone.This protects you if someone obtains your password and tries to access your account. Since the hacker doesn’t have the code, they can’t get into your account even with the correct username and password.

Enable two-factor authentication for all accounts that offer it.

Video: What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Devices

Always configure your computers, mobile phones and tablets to lock themselves when not in use. Don’t leave your devices unattended in places where others can access them.

Personal Information

Avoid sharing personal information online whenever possible. Things to avoid sharing include usernames, passwords, home address, phone numbers, date of birth, anniversaries, Social Security numbers, where you work, work schedules and when you will be out of town. 

Use privacy settings in your social media accounts to protect as much of your personal information as possible. 

Virtual Private Networks

A Virtual Private Network is software you can install on your personal computer or mobile device that provides security and anonymity by creating a private connection across a public network. Always use a VPN on personal devices when connecting to public WiFi networks in places like coffee shops, airports, public libraries or hotels.

Video: What is a VPN?

Email and Texting Attacks

There are many different kinds of email and texting attacks including phishing, smishing, spear phishing, and catphishing. 

Attacks are usually designed to look like messages from your friends, relatives, your employer, a social media company, your bank or credit union, the IRS, etc. The subject lines frequently include urgent or threatening language. Examples include Service Cancellation, Confirm your delivery, Late Payment, or Attention Required. 

Email and texting attacks often include grammatical errors, odd capitalization or misspelled words. Malicious messages usually offer something too good to be true and ask you to provide usernames, passwords, bank account information or credit card numbers. Be cautious about all electronic communications you receive.

If you receive a phishing email in your RPS account forward it to servicedesk@rvaschools.net and let them know you think it is suspicious. If you think you have received a phishing or smishing attempt in a personal account do not open it, delete it. If you open a message and realize it is suspicious do not click any links or download any attachments. 

Use antivirus software on personal devices that will scan email for suspicious attachments.
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Scrutinize sender email addresses to make sure they match the person, company or organization they claim to represent. 

Video: What is phishing? Learn How This Attack Works

Malware

Malware (including viruses) is software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer or other electronic device. Malware can infect your computer, mobile phone or tablet when you download a malicious app or file from an unknown source, visit a malicious website, or click a link in a malicious email. 

Protect yourself from malware by:

• using antivirus and malware removal and protection software on personal devices 
• keeping your devices' operating systems up to date
• being careful about the websites you visit
• using tools like Google Transparency Report or Virus Total to check the safety of specific sites and URLs
• visiting secure websites with https at the beginning of the URL and a locked padlock icon

Be aware of warning signs that your computer is infected:

• it's slowing down
• it crashes frequently
• you see popup messages you've never seen before
• you see unfamiliar icons on your desktop
• you can't access system settings

If you think an RPS device is infected contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@rvaschools.net or 804-780-7880. 

If you think a personal device is infected take it someone qualified to remove the malware. 

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage service on a regular basis. 

If you become the victim of ransomware do not pay the ransom. 

Video: What is malware?

 

Data Breaches

Well-known companies and organizations have an incentive to protect their data and the private information belonging to customers, but no security is 100 percent reliable.  Data breaches can occur when a single employee clicks on the wrong link in a phishing email. When transacting business online try to stick to familiar and reputable companies and organizations.  Be selective about the information you provide to companies you do business with.

Use tools like Avast Hack Check or have i been pwned? to regularly check whether your information has been stolen in a data breach.

Video: What to do when you're involved in a data breach

Phone Scams (vishing)

There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of different phone scams. One that is widespread in 2021 features calls from people claiming to be technicians from well-known companies such as Microsoft or Apple. They say they’ve found a problem with your computer and ask you to install software giving them remote access. They ask you to pay for a problem that doesn’t exist and/or they will install software that allows them to gather personal information or disable your computer until you pay a ransom. Scammers may also call and claim to be from your bank or credit union, a social media company, your electric utility, etc. 

Protect yourself from phone scams by:

• setting your mobile phone to block unfamiliar numbers
• not answering calls from unknown numbers
• hanging up on robocalls
• not following instructions like Press 1 to speak to the operator
• never divulging personal information over the phone

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The Educational Technology Team is excited to inform you of the RPS plan for National Digital Citizenship Week, celebrated in 2025 from October 21st to 24th. On October 7, 2025, the School Board officially recognized Digital Citizenship Week across the division. 

To celebrate this milestone and all things Digital Citizenship happening around the city, we’ve compiled resources for educators and caregivers to inspire conversation and reflection.

Digital Citizenship Pledge Google Form: At the close of Digital Citizenship Week, we encourage teachers and students to commit to doing their best when it comes to online safety and ethical technology use. Students of all grade levels can complete the linked Google Form to “pledge” that they will act with integrity, communicate with respect, be a critical and safe learner, and uphold those values in their online interactions.  Here is the link: https://bit.ly/RPSdigitalcitpledge2025 

Family and Caregiver Resources:  This document contains links to many resources that families and caregivers can review and use to keep Digital Citizenship conversations going at home.  Here is a public link: https://bit.ly/RPSdigitalcitfamilyresources

 

Teacher Resources: We curated the best Digital Citizenship lessons from the past few years to provide lesson plans, activity ideas, videos, and more. These resources will also be linked on the RPS website after Digital Citizenship Week. This resource can be embedded in your weekly communication along with the flyer, sent via email, or via ParentSquare exclusively to your staff group. If you would prefer that your ETI send the teacher resources out to your building, please let them know so they can prepare their own ParentSquare post. Shareable link: https://bit.ly/RPSDigCitStaffResources

For support with digital citizenship, please contact your ETI.