The beginning of a new school year often includes the addition of new faculty and staff to Blue Ridge. This year we are thrilled to welcome nine new adult mentors to campus. They bring with them a variety of skills, experiences, and passions, but they are similar in their dedication to the education and support of our students.
Dean of Faculty Amber Wilkins says, “I am excited to have such a diverse group of professionals join the ranks of our faculty at Blue Ridge School. The enthusiasm they bring to this unique community and to becoming teachers, coaches, hall parents, and advisors to our students fills me with great anticipation for the coming year.”
Dr. Dedra Demaree is a physics teacher and hall parent at Blue Ridge. Before joining BRS she taught at Stone Independent School and lived and taught in South Korea.
Mr. Alexander Deitrich is no stranger to boarding schools. This history teacher previously taught at The Phelps School, an all-boys school in Pennsylvania. He was a hall parent there and coached esports. He is a graduate of Syracuse University.
Mr. Brian Blaine has taught in schools and communities around the world, including Israel and South Africa. Prior to joining Blue Ridge School as an English teacher, he worked for Teach for America in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mr. Nuren Iftekar comes to Blue Ridge School after teaching at the college level for three years. Here he teaches chemistry and is a hall parent. He enjoys writing in his spare time and has published a work of fiction.
Mr. Jackson Wages is a math teacher at Blue Ridge. The Virginia native graduated from Berea College in Kentucky and will be assistant coach for JV soccer and wrestling.
Mr. Clint Alexander is a history teacher and head football coach at Blue Ridge School. No stranger to all-boys boarding schools, he worked at Woodberry Forest for many years. He comes to BRS from a public school in Michigan.
Mr. Jahlil Puryear is a graduate of Blue Ridge School’s Class of 2017. He has returned to BRS to work as an assistant in Information Technology and in the Athletic Department.
Mr. Jerry Filler comes to Blue Ridge School from Vermont Academy where he was assistant director of admissions. He is the assistant director of college counseling and an assistant lacrosse coach at BRS. He lives on the residence halls with his family.
Pastor Joseph Varaksa is our new chaplain. He is the director of chaplain services at Good News Jail & Prison Ministry as well as CEO of the non-profit organization Hope Is Everything. He has a master’s of divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary and brings a “boots on the ground” approach to his ministry.
These new teachers will join their colleagues for the pre-term faculty in-service on August 22 in preparation for the first day of classes on September 1.
