Janet has been with Jacob’s Ladder since 1999. Twenty years later, she continued to work part-time for the organization four days weekly. Among her many duties, she serves as assistant to the Executive Director as well as assistant secretary to the Board of Directors. Sending correspondence to patron donors, staff, Climbers, Climbers’ families, gifted teachers, prospective Climbers, and their families, and maintaining the Climber information database are just some of the things that Janet does every day.

Watching the program grow and personally experiencing Climber enrichment has also enriched her life. 

Sophie hails from the Northern Neck of Virginia and has recently returned to the area after spending four years in Charlottesville. Her introduction to Jacob’s Ladder occurred while attending Chesapeake Academy alongside Climbers. During her high school years at Christchurch School, she served as the school’s historical archivist. This role provided her with the opportunity to witness Jacob’s Ladder’s summer camp in action and sparked her passion for development work. Sophie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in art history at the University of Virginia, where she was part of a small creative writing program called the Area Program in Literary Prose. In addition to writing, Sophie enjoys oil painting and spending time with her friends and family

Cathy grew up in Richmond, Virginia, leaving the city to attend the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. While teaching in Chesterfield, she earned an M.Ed. at Virginia Commonwealth University in Special Education. Cathy worked in education at various roles and levels, ranging from pre-K to college, for a span of 45 years. She became an administrator in 2000, serving as an Assistant Director of Special Education in Hanover County and Director of Special Education in Caroline County. After retiring from public education, Cathy worked at Collegiate School as the Director of Student Services for the Lower School. Currently, Cathy is retired but works part-time as an administrative assistant for the Virginia Senate when the General Assembly is in session.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, traveling, sailing, listening to music, and appreciating art.

Joanne grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, and after high school, attended Madison College ( now JMU), then Virginia Commonwealth University for a graduate degree in counselor education. She worked for 30 years in Essex County as an elementary teacher, then a Visiting teacher (school social worker), a middle school counselor, and a high school tennis coach. Joanne retired from public education and began working with Jacob’s Ladder. She has been with the program for 15 years, first as the counselor-in-residence and serving since 2013 as Summer Program Director.

When not working with JL, Joanne enjoys travel, gardening, most water sports, and the thrill of seeing Climbers grow and develop into kind, successful adults.

Catherine is originally from Richmond, VA and spent over eight years in the Midwest, specifically in Illinois and Indiana. She completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Special Education at Saint Mary’s College before teaching special education in Chicago for two years. Catherine then returned to Saint Mary’s College to pursue her Master of Autism Studies degree and later attended the University of Notre Dame, where she earned her Master of Nonprofit Administration degree. Since November 2021, she has been serving as the Executive Director at Jacob’s Ladder.

In the little spare time she has, she loves playing with her two dogs, Jax and Hero, spending time at the beach, and making memories with her loved ones.