External Advisory Board

We thank current and former board members for their valuable contributions to the success of the Andy Taylor Center.

Katherine Bulifant

"I serve on the ATC Board because I believe in the powerful impact early childhood development can have on a growing child. I wholeheartedly believe in the center’s mission and purpose. I’ve seen, in my own child, the benefits this style of learning can have and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to see the ATC flourish in other areas like philanthropy."

Katherine graduated with her Bachelors of Science from Longwood in 2013 and with her Masters of Science degree in 2014. Katherine serves as the Associate Director of Annual Giving at Collegiate School.  

9131-D Derbyshire Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 665-1733
katherine.bulifant@gmail.com 

Patricia Crute

"Once a teacher, always a teacher! I am excited to contribute to this exceptional educational experience for the benefit of our children, our local community, and our university. Early childhood education is paramount to a child’s future success."

Patricia has teaching experience in private and public schools, Army education centers, and even Longwood’s then-fledgling graduate assistant program in the English department. She's taught a variety of ages, from ages three to adult. Fascinated with how learners learn she says she is always reading about new educational approaches including brain studies. She holds a Bachelors of Art from Longwood in English Education, Speech Communications and Theater Arts and a Masters in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has served in numerous volunteer positions in a wide variety of organizations, which includes PTSA and Officers Spouses clubs. She particularly enjoys her volunteer endeavors in Farmville, including the LCVA Board and ATLC. 

807 High Street
Farmville, VA  23901-1819
prwc58@gmail.com 

Dr. Catherine Franssen

Catherine is the director of the NeuroStudies minor and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Longwood University in Farmville, VA. A broadly trained neuroscientist, her current research is in behavioral neuroendocrinology- examining how environmental enrichment can reduce stress & anxiety, and improve cognition. Her research has been published in the academic journals Nature, Neuroscience, Brain Research, Stress, Journal of Neuroendocrinology, and other top journals, as well as featured in several popular press books. Franssen holds a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Chicago.

52 Pineside Drive
Farmville, VA  23901
(434) 395-4834
franssencl@longwood.edu 

Dr. Jane Elyce Fuqua Glasgow

Jane received her B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Longwood University and a Masters in Education in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University (ODU). She earned her PhD in Early Childhood Education from ODU. 

Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Minus 9 to 5 and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA.

533 Ravenstone Drive
Chesapeake, VA  23322-9120
(757) 446-7434
GlasgoJE@EVMS.EDU 

Emily Grabiec

Emily Grabiec is a museum educator and the Director of Education and Outreach at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. Since joining the LCVA in 2007, Emily has enjoyed developing programs for the community and local schools that encourage creativity and learning through the visual arts.  Emily lives in Farmville with her husband Alex and their 3 year-old son Henry.

201 Woodland Place
Farmville, VA  23909
(434) 395-2648
eagresham@gmail.com           
grabiecea@longwood.edu 

Dr. Clara James Scott

Clara is an enthusiastic and innovative retired public school administrator with a passion for motivating individuals to set and achieve goals.  She has over 30 years of experience as an educator in post-secondary institutions, high schools, middle schools, elementary and preschools.  She has managed the operation of eleven programs in one center that was also an official GED® testing site.  Dr. Scott believes that building relationships with students, staff, parents and colleagues is the key to making a difference.  Currently, she enjoys being a part-time ABE instructor in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

14278 Bethany Church Road
Montpelier, VA 23192
(804)339-3975

Dr. James D. Thornton

"As a board member for the Andy Taylor Center, I am able to support a quality program that fosters the important life skills in early childhood education."

Jim has served as Division Superintendent for Isle of Wight County Schools since July 2015. He has over 30 years of experience in education, including 15 years as a Superintendent in Cumberland County, Mecklenburg County and Isle of Wight County. Jim earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy from Virginia Tech, Masters of Education in Supervision & Administration from Virginia State University, and Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Longwood University. 

He and his wife Mary have two children, a son Sean who lives in Virginia Beach and a daughter Kelsey who attends Virginia Tech.

214 Drummonds Lane
Smithfield, VA  23430-1319
(757) 374-4084
jthornton@iwcs.k12.va.us 

Kavonda Jordan-Dean

"I am serving on the Board of Advisory to help support the staff and our local community in ensuring that all children have access to inclusive early childcare center that will foster their education and prepare them for K-12 learning."

Mrs. Jordan-Dean holds a Bachelor of Science in Leadership & Cultural Studies from the University of Mobile and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Liberty University. Mrs. Jordan-Dean is currently a certified Early Intervention Provider for the state of Virginia where she serves as Service Coordinator and Developmental Assistant for Virginia’s Early Intervention Program at Longwood University. Mrs. Jordan-Dean is also a Qualified Mental Health Professional for Children (QMHP-C) with the Virginia Board of Counseling and a former therapeutic day treatment counselor in the public school setting serving Pre-K thru 6th grade. Mrs. Jordan-Dean areas of expertise are early childhood development, helping parents advocate for their children with delays and disabilities, and the planning, organizing, and overseeing the implementation of early intervention services needed by families.

315 West Third Street
Farmville, VA 
(434) 395-4973                                   
Jordanks2@longwood.edu

Former Board Members

Dr. Kendall Lee, Ed.D. (2020-2021)

Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (2018-2020)