Tonya Henderson

I moved from North Carolina and settled in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2003. I took a position with Albemarle County Schools as a teaching assistant to first and second graders and was the site facilitator for one of the local after school programs. I completed my Associate in Education from Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2010 and earned my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education in 2015. My philosophy is that each child deserves a school in their community where they can be safe, healthy, supported and engaged.

My passion for teaching began in 1996 when I taught preschool in Italy.  Since then I have been able to share my love for teaching with children of various ages. I found my home at the University of Virginia's Child Development Center in 2006 where I taught preschool and was the Program Specialist until my position as Assistant Director for the Two to Five Year Old Center in 2012. In 2017 I was promoted to Director. The best part of my job is watching the children we care for grow and reach those important milestones in their lives as well as mentoring and inspiring each teacher who seeks to be a positive influence in a child's life.

I love to travel and experience new places and people. I also love spending time with my family.