Shirley brings a deep love of working with children and a broad range of classroom and after-school experience that informs her thoughtful, caring approach.

Outside of school, Shirley enjoys attending local festivals and drawing, and she hopes to one day sell her illustrations. She is also an animal lover — especially of small dogs — and is planning to adopt a Chihuahua soon.

Shirley holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education (K–5) from Radford University. She joined Charlottesville Waldorf School in December 2025 as the Grades Aftercare teacher, bringing with her a rich and varied background in elementary education.

Prior to joining CWS, Shirley taught 4th, 5th, and 1st grades in Grayson County, Virginia, and later taught first grade in Louisa County. After moving to Charlottesville, she continued her work in education as a substitute teacher in Charlottesville City Schools and later as an after-school teacher in Albemarle County Schools.