+ VSL Educators & Staff

Heather Harrell, Executive Director, CEO

Heather earned her undergraduate degree at Columbia University, her Doctor of Medicine degree at Baylor, and her Juris Doctorate from Northwestern. Heather's extensive academic career includes serving as adjunct faculty at The University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law and Bellarmine University. Her legal background includes experience at several Louisville law firms, including volunteer work for the ACLU. Heather has served on the Children’s Committee of Highland Presbyterian Church as well as on the Board of its Nursery and Weekday School. A mother of three, Heather conceptualized The Village School of Louisville while trying to juggle career, family, friends, community commitments, and self care. This village is a dream come true.

Erin Enriquez, Co-Executive Director, COO

Erin is a multifaceted professional who enjoys and excels in acquiring new skills and capabilities to provide high level support. Over the years she has pursued formal education in the fields of sociology/psychology, health and nutrition, physical therapy, and technology. She holds an associate degree and Microsoft Office Specialist certification from Ivy Tech Community College. She is also a Notary Public. Prior to her employment with VSL Erin served on the Board of Directors as a parent representative and Board Chairperson.

In her free time Erin enjoys relaxing at home and writing D&D campaigns with her partner or playing with her daughter Abby and bonus daughter Cora. Erin is always up for an adventure and loves to travel to faraway places.

Emilie Dyer, Outreach Director

Emilie is the Director of Development for the Village School of Louisville. Before joining the Village she served as the Executive Director of Americana World Community Center where she has spent the last 15 years providing education and social support services for the immigrant refugee and underserved community of South Louisville. Born and raised in South Louisville herself, Emilie holds a Masters degree in Sociology which she applies to her personal mission of bringing strength and stability to the community where she works and lives as a single mother raising two children. What she values most about being a part of the Village is that she can support a new generation of youth in discovering their personal life path as they develop their strengths and skills to pursue that future.

Elle Clark, Health & Physical Activity Teacher, AP Testing Coordinator, and Administrative Support

Elle has a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science from the University of Louisville. While attending, she studied health and sports sciences, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, development across the lifespan, sports psychology, and more. Elle has experience practicing yoga at local yoga studios in Louisville. She also has a passion for resistance training, nutrition, and all aspects of health. Her teaching methods are rooted in creating an exciting and active environment for all students while learning various activities, sports, and games to promote a love for movement. When Elle is not at VSL, she enjoys gardening, being in nature, and spending time with her family and two cats, Ajax and Luna.

Susie Roethgen, Visual Arts Teacher and Administrative Support

With her roots in California, Susie followed her passion for the arts across the country. Studying dance in Santa Cruz, fine art in Colorado and earning her BFA from Hunter College NYC where she studied painting under Emily Mason. Susie also discovered a love for working with young children and children with ASD in the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Susie moved to Louisville in 2004 and has loved raising her kids Sam (21) and Sadie (17) with her husband, Tim in this incredible city. Susie has worked with preschool aged children for the past 14 years and as a Reggio/Montessori/Process Art based teacher for four years prior to coming to Village School of Louisville. When she’s not teaching art, Susie prefers to spend her time painting, gardening, hiking, running or spending quality time with her family, their two dogs and cat.

Tanya Insanally, Lead Teacher Junior High & High School

Tanya Insanally teaches History and Social Studies to the Junior High and High School students. She started out the school year as a parent of two VSL students and was very happy to be asked to join the faculty in October 2023 after moving from Washinton D.C. to Louisville in July 2023.

Tanya attended George Washington University where she obtained a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education. She also earned an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Florida. She has more than 10 years of experience teaching World History, AP World History (including the interdisciplinary course with ELA), and AP Human Geography at Oakton High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.

She was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised there and in Miami, Florida. Since her family is multiracial, diverse and resides in different parts of the world, she has been exposed to many different perspectives and cultures.

Daniel Antoniazzi, Math, Older Elementary, Junior High, and High School

Daniel has been tutoring middle and high school students for more than ten years. He’s worked with teens in math, reading comprehension, writing, standardized test prep, and college essays. After a year of substitute teaching in JCPS, he’s excited to join the Village School and help middle and high school students find joy and a new understanding in math.

Whitney Mattingly, Older Elementary

With a varied background in marketing, art and education, Whitney spent three years as a full-time artist before transitioning to teaching. At VSL, they've taught Art and Cultural Experience classes with Music Teacher Lance O and led diverse clubs, including sewing, visual art and gardening. They've also taught at the Louisville Zoo and engaged in academic research on children's media, advertising and gamification in education. Their approach emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences.

Beyond teaching, Whitney enjoys historical and costuming sewing, mixed-media art, and gardening. They're an avid reader, usually clocking over 40 books a year. Family life includes a spouse, twins, a dog, and two cats. They are easy to spot in a crowd with their brightly colored hair and tattoos.

Hannah Graham, Early Elementary

Hannah has a special interest in Kentucky’s unique and diverse ecosystem. She has a background in outdoor education. She studied Biology and English and went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Education. Hannah has led outdoor programs for early childhood through adult learners. She is certified in elementary education and has taught first-fifth grade. Hannah considers herself a lifelong learner. When not teaching, Hannah enjoys exploring natural areas with her daughter and their two dogs. She also enjoys playing guitar, reading, and writing poetry. Hannah believes in the power of building community through dance, art, and music and is excited to share her love of learning with the Village Community.

Anshu Puri, Early Elementary

Anshu came to teaching after a first career as an engineer in the electronics industry. Becoming a mother drew her toward early childhood education, and she has been working with young children ever since, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Anshu holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science, along with Montessori training for ages 3 to 6. Her teaching is grounded in the Montessori approach, with a focus on child-led learning and a warm, structured classroom where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.Outside the classroom, Anshu enjoys reading, traveling, and a good Sudoku puzzle. She loves spending time with her family and is usually dancing or laughing with her two children.

Linda Hinds, French Teacher

Linda has been a student of the French language since childhood and continues to study even today. Through the years, she's helped many people gain an ability to converse in French - from young children to Phd candidates! Not being a native French speaker, Linda knows the trials of learning this beautiful language and looks forward to introducing VSL students to French language and culture. À bientôt!

Spanish Teacher

Update to come soon!

Lance Oliphant, Music Teacher

Lance has a Bachelors of Music with emphasis in jazz guitar studies and music technology from Bellarmine University. While attending, he studied jazz and classical guitar with Craig Wagner and Chris Roseland respectively along with instrumental pedagogy, jazz harmony, jazz piano, drums and Voice. While approaching two decades of performing experience, Lance has played in rock, hip hop, funk, jazz, and classical settings. His teaching methods are grounded in creating a fun environment while honing technique, learning by ear, reading notation, and analyzing theory. Utilizing the students interests, this approach results in a versatile student musician capable of navigating any musical landscape.

Lease Carmona, Early Elementary Music Teacher & Village Aide

Lease has lived in Louisville since 2014 and joined the staff as a teacher's aide after their child attended VSL for kindergarten. They attended Sullivan University for baking and pastry and have a background in early childhood music education through teaching Music Together with Families at Heartland Music Together. In addition to being a certified Music Together with Families and Music Together in Schools specialist, Lease is a classically trained oboist and marched drum line in marching band and winter guard for many years. They have a passion for working with students of all ages and have worked in communities that follow Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Outside of school, you'll find Lease and their child making arts and crafts, baking, or roller skating.

+ Board of Directors

Terry Fontenot, Board Chair

Terry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. He is the founder of the Kentucky Association for Play Therapy and is active in his church as a Sunday School Teacher. He has served as both treasurer and secretary for VSL. Knowing the power of play to bring learning and transformation in children's lives, he is excited to have play and joy as a priority in VSL.

Jim Crowley, Board Treasurer, Finanical Expert

Dr. Bruce Whearty, Education Expert

Lisa Spuria, Member at Large

Dan Hill, Parent Representative

+ Advisory Council

Inspired by the proven Finnish educational model, VSL brings together a broad range of experts to serve on the VSL Advisory Council. This Advisory Council reviews school policies, procedures and outcomes to assure that the school is aligned with research-backed practices and with its mission. In addition, the Advisory Council is available to answer questions posed by leadership of the school as they arise. While we are still building the team, our current members include:

Randy C. Whetstone Jr., Ed.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Organizational Leadership & Learning, Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development, University of Louisville

Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. is university professor, speaker, leadership consultant, researcher, author, organization enthusiast, freelance journalist, and exhibitor of love. He is a Louisville, Ky native and has a global perspective in his commitment to develop people, organizations, and systems for the better. As a servant leader, he puts others first and invests in others to reach their full potential. Dr. Whetstone attended the University of Louisville, earning his bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration. He holds a master’s degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Leadership, and a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership from Spalding University. Aside from being a strong lover of God, food, traveling, and sports, Dr. Whetstone has a strong and sincere love and passion for people, and is continuing to work diligently to make a positive difference in the lives of many.

Beth Malcom, Beth Malcom is a dynamic, cause-driven leader and EOS Integrator with a demonstrated track record in non-profit and person-centered sectors. After starting her career as a therapist, she transitioned to the KY YMCA where she served as President and CEO. She is now the Chief Product & Success Officer of Essential Innovations, a person-centered tech startup. Beth is a certified EOS Integrator and Predictive Index Practioner.

Dr. Kenneth R. Pearson, M.D., Pediatrician, Norton Children’s Medical Group