VALRC Welcomes New Staff

The Resource Center is pleased to welcome three recent hires who join us in our mission to help support adult educators.

KAREN BALLENGEE

Assistant Instructional Technology Specialist

Karen Ballengee holds an M.Ed. in instructional technology and a certificate in graphic design. She recently retired from the U.S. Army, where she served as a clarinet player, performing music in 18 states and 23 countries. As Assistant Instructional Technology Specialist, Karen works to improve the accessibility of VALRC resources, creates graphics, and assists with the website and technology projects.

TONY RYALS

Workforce Support Specialist

Tony Ryals hails from Goldsboro, NC, and holds an M.Ed. from Lesley University in Massachusetts and an Ed.S. from Liberty University. He has taught for the Boston Public School System, served as a nonprofit program director, worked as a job coach for students with disabilities, and taught GED® classes in a faith-based setting. As Workforce Support Specialist, Tony supports efforts toward workforce preparation and integrated education and training; he is also coordinating planning for the summer Adult Education and Literacy Conference.

SUSAN WATSON

ESOL Specialist

Susan Watson is a familiar face to many Virginia adult educators, having taught ESOL for Prince William County Schools Adult Education Program and Northern Virginia Community College Workforce Development Division. Susan holds an M.Ed. in adult literacy, a TESL graduate certificate, and Virgin-ia ESOL certification; she is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University. She succeeds Nancy Faux as ESOL Specialist, coordinating professional development for ESOL teachers that aligns with state and federal initiatives as well as teacher interests and needs.