Because Someone Believed: The Power of Mentors in Education
How does a young girl inspired by exceptional teachers grow into a literacy leader who is now shaping the next generation of students and educators?
In this inspiring episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Madison Lewis (B.S. ’19, M.Ed. ’20), a double Longwood alumna completing the Reading, Literacy, and Learning program at Longwood, kindergarten teacher, mentor, and advocate for literacy, to explore a journey rooted in relationships, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
From childhood teachers who helped her rediscover confidence and a love of learning to professors, mentors, and colleagues who continue to challenge and support her today, Madison's story is a powerful testament to the lasting influence of people who show up at exactly the right moment.
Having dreamed of attending Longwood since she was a teenager, Madison reflects on how the university became a place where she found connection, leadership opportunities, and lifelong friendships. Through experiences as a Longwood Ambassador, Honors College student, student leader, study abroad participant, and graduate student in Reading, Literacy, and Learning, she discovered that the most meaningful lessons often happen outside the classroom.
Now teaching in Cumberland County, Madison is carrying those lessons forward. Whether she's helping kindergarten students learn to read, partnering with families, mentoring future educators, or supporting colleagues, she approaches every interaction with the same philosophy that shaped her own journey: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and understood.
Throughout the conversation, Madison shares how influential educators such as Linda Moore, Dr. Dorothy Cosby, Dr. Wendy Snow, and many others helped shape her career and sense of purpose. She also reflects on the supportive community she found at Longwood and the network of mentors, family members, colleagues, and fellow alumni who continue to guide her today.
As both a mentor and mentee, Madison demonstrates how meaningful relationships create ripple effects that extend far beyond a single classroom, school, or degree.
In this episode, listeners will explore:
- How one elementary teacher changed the course of Madison's life and inspired her calling to education
- Why Longwood felt like home from the very beginning
- The power of storytelling, leadership, and community-building on campus
- Lessons learned from stepping far outside her comfort zone during a study abroad experience
- How the Reading, Literacy, and Learning program prepared her to become a literacy leader
- The evolution of the science of reading and its impact on today's classrooms
- Why mentoring future educators has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career
- How strong relationships with families, colleagues, and students create lasting impact
- What it means to be a "group project" and how the people around us shape who we become
Madison's story perfectly captures the heart of Season 3 by reminding us that success is never achieved alone. From the teachers who first believed in her to the students she now serves, her journey illustrates how encouragement, mentorship, and authentic human connection can transform lives for generations.
"Thank you, but Madison was a group project." — Tracy Lewis
Subscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose lives and careers demonstrate the enduring power of people, connection, and opportunity.
Creators and Guests
Host
Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson
Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Associate Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.
Producer
Jamie Eacho
Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.
Producer
Madison Hommey
Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.
Guest
Madison Lewis
Madison Lewis is a Sussex County, VA native who attended Brunswick Academy from Kindergarten through grade 12. She pursued her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Longwood University—her home away from home, and family away from family. While at Longwood, Ms. Lewis served as President of the Honors Student Association, a member of the Geist Chapter of Mortar Board Senior Honors Society, and a tour guide with the Longwood Ambassadors. She was a recipient of the Joan of Arc Medallion for leadership, Princeps Distinguished Leader Award, and Outstanding First Year Student Advocate Award. She also represented Longwood as a Teacher of Promise at the 2019 Teachers of Promise Institute, which is affiliated with the Virginia Milken Educator Network. Ms. Lewis now holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education, and an M.Ed. in Reading, Literacy, & Learning. After three years in Short Pump, VA, Ms. Lewis was ready to come back home to Farmville, where she has resided with her partner Joe for the last 3 of her 6 years of teaching Kindergarten at Cumberland County Elementary School. Ms. Lewis has found another home and family at CCES, where she also works as the Data Clerk for the 21st Century After School and Summer School Programs.
