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Dixon

Dixon O'Donnell begins in 2020-21 as a Lower School Teaching Associate. She also will coach in our Athletics Department.

Academic background:
B.A., James Madison University
M.A., James Madison University

Additional experience:
A native of Norfolk, Ms. O'Donnell graduated from Maury High School, where she played tennis, sailed, and swam. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from JMU with a major in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and a minor in Elementary Education. While in college, she spent summers as a counselor at Camp Alleghany for Girls in West Virginia, serving as head counselor in her final summer. Her passion to help young people started here in Tidewater at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, where she was an active member in a Junior Circle for years, serving as President of this Circle in her final year. She continued her work with children as a SquawKids ski instructor at Squaw Valley in California. She also worked as a gardener for several seasons at the A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming.

Tell us why you wanted to become an educator:
Spending time with with children all day means you never have to (completely) grow up!

What most excites you about working at Norfolk Academy?
Getting to work and learn with the students and teachers.

Norfolk Academy is unique because…
There is great emphasis on reaching your fullest potential. It isn't just a school where students go expecting to learn only about math or reading. Students here learn about how to help others, give back to their communities and become great people.

Last book read:
Norfolk 17: A Personal Narrative by Andrew Heidelberg

What do you like to do in your own time/when you’re not working?
Play with my dog, Lou.

Favorite food?
Pizza

A movie is being made about your life. Who would they cast to play you?
Amy Poehler 

Fun fact your students might find surprising:
Giraffes moo

“When I grow up, I want to be…”
Living in space 🪐

Dixon O'Donnell is a Lower School Teaching Associate.

Dixon O'Donnell is a Lower School Teaching Associate.

Dixon O'Donnell is a Lower School Teaching Associate.

Dixon O'Donnell is a Lower School Teaching Associate.

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