Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree

Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Assistant 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.

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.

My name is Olimpia Janine Cervantes Varela. I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I was the fifth and youngest child of loving parents. From a very early age, my parents exposed me to the world and to languages. We were constantly traveling in South America, North America and Europe. Every trip was filled with history, art, music, and laughter. After the trips came the wonderful anecdotes that we shared with our relatives. My father was an amazing storyteller. It is from him that I inherited my love of telling stories. My mother was a musician, so from her I inherited the sense of rhythm that is so important when you tell a story. My teaching skills are something natural within me — it runs in my family. I started teaching when I was twenty years old. I taught all grades from nursery to middle school, but lower elementary was my passion. Studying special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities was very useful in my career. At home, we were always surrounded by books. At school, my visits to the library were fascinating. My love for books made me continue my graduate studies in Library Science at Longwood University in Virginia. I completed my M.Ed. in 2005. It is in the library where I feel like I am in heaven. There is no time, space or limits with books. After graduating I was able to work in foreign countries: Morocco, Qatar, Mongolia, Mexico, Egypt, Thailand and Honduras. Every country had its own culture and traditions. Every country shaped me and taught the importance to be listen and be respectful. Now, I am back in Honduras and I have a dream. My dream is to open a children’s library for low-income children. Children who will never be able to buy a book. A library where I can share stories that will open new windows. Stories that will give them hope and joy. Also, I hope to continue writing children’s books about Honduras and share my culture and traditions with everyone.

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.