Leadership

Dr. Beth Ackerman’s passion for children with disabilities and educational leadership is evident in her professional career and studies. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she was hired as a special education teacher at Centra Rivermont School in Lynchburg. She later became principal of the Chatham Rivermont School and then the Lynchburg school. While at Rivermont, she earned her master’s degree in special education at Lynchburg College and her doctorate in educational leadership at UVA. After a decade at Centra, she left to start the Special Education Program at Liberty University where she served as faculty and in administration during her 15 years there.

Dr. Ackerman received a postgraduate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education which endorses her to teach elementary education, K-8 students with learning, emotional and intellectual disabilities as well as serve in administration and supervision of K-12 students. She has volunteered in the community as a CASA volunteer, and she and her husband have taken in foster children through DePaul Family Services.

Dr. Beth Ackerman

Senior Vice President

Fiesta M. Martin, M. Ed., is a Regional Vice President for Rivermont Schools. Fiesta began working with Rivermont Schools in 2013 and currently oversees three schools in Southeastern Virginia. Fiesta brings more than 26 years of experience in teaching elementary and secondary education, as well as, in training and supervision of teachers. Fiesta obtained her bachelor’s degree in special education from Norfolk State University and her master’s degree with a focus of curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Regent University in Virginia Beach. She earned her leadership endorsement from Longwood University.

Fiesta has served in the community as a CASA volunteer and as a youth leader in her church.

"I believe that all children deserve the absolute best we have to offer in helping them achieve their full potential,” Fiesta said. “To do this, we must be passionate, committed, selfless servants in helping them explore every possibility with excellence."

Fiesta M. Martin

Regional Vice President

Darren Pfaff is a Regional Vice President with Rivermont Schools. Darren began working with Rivermont Schools in 2006. He currently oversees six schools in the southwest region. Darren brings many years of experience, having worked in public and private education and as an Adjunct professor for Liberty University. Darren was the principal at the Rivermont School in Lynchburg, Virginia, for 15 years before moving into his current role. He received his bachelor’s degree in business and his master’s degree in special education from Liberty University.

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”

Darren Pfaff

Regional Vice President

Brandon Timmons is a Regional Vice President with Rivermont Schools. Brandon began working with Rivermont Schools in 2002. He currently oversees several schools in Virginia. Brandon brings many years of experience with the company from working as a mental health counselor, special education teacher, assistant principal, and principal before moving into his current role. He received his bachelor’s degree in human services counseling from Old Dominion University and his master’s degree in special education from Cambridge College. He earned an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Liberty University.

“It is my greatest joy to watch the growth of people. This remains true for all individuals, in our schools, communities, nation and world. As a school leader, my desire is to be an agent of change to positively impact students, families and future generations.”

Brandon Timmons

Regional Vice President

Jennifer Younger serves as the Vice President of Behavioral Services for Rivermont Schools, where she began her career in special education in 1997. Throughout her dynamic journey with Rivermont Schools, she has accumulated a diverse range of experiences, including roles as a teacher, principal, program manager, director, and regional Vice President.

In her current capacity, Jennifer is the driving force behind the leadership of behavioral, therapeutic, and clinical services at Rivermont Schools, with a focus on promoting academic growth and success. Her commitment to delivering excellent services is rooted in the wealth of knowledge she has gained during her tenure with Rivermont Schools.

Jennifer holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Roanoke College and a master's degree in education from Old Dominion University. Committed to continuous professional development, she completed post-graduate work at the University of Virginia in educational administration and supervision.

“I consider myself fortunate to have the privilege of supporting excellence in education at Rivermont Schools. Simply put, I love working alongside our teams of dedicated staff whose passion it is to see our students succeed both in and out of school. My priority is cultivating school environments that foster growth, excitement, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the best educational and therapeutic services to students with special needs.”

Jennifer Younger

Vice President