Ms. Linda Shannon is excited to begin her second year as the Principal of Mantua Elementary School.  She brings 23 years of experience as a special educator, including 15 years serving Fairfax County Public Schools. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and certification in Special Education grades K-12 at James Madison University. She later earned her National Board Teaching Certification and completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies through Virginia Tech University.

Ms. Shannon’s work as an educator, began in her hometown of Stafford, Virginia and continued as she taught math and science in the Boston Public School System.  While in Boston, she developed her understanding of Collaborative Learning Teams in one of the earliest school systems to adopt these practices.  She then returned to Virginia and worked several years as a teacher and Special Education Department Chair at Lane, a Public Day School in Fairfax County, before her appointment as an Assistant Principal at Robert Frost Middle School.  While at Frost, she supported specialized programs including the Comprehensive Services Site, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, Specialized Reading, and all staff supporting students with special needs. Ms. Shannon worked to align whole-school professional development and instructional practices with the division’s Theory of Action: strong Tier 1 instruction, powerful collaborative teams, and welcoming and culturally responsive environments in our schools and classrooms. Her innovative methods for developing and gathering student data to make informed instructional decisions have been replicated throughout the division. 

In 2020, Ms. Shannon was named Outstanding Leader for Region 5 Schools and was a division finalist.  In the same year, she and her team were recognized by the entire FCPS Leadership Team with an Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABC) award. 

In her role at Mantua, she is has deeply valued the opportunity to develop strong, positive, and collaborative partnerships with her staff, colleagues, parents, and, most importantly, the students.  When she is away from Mantua, she loves spending time with her friends and family, and especially her sweet daughter Charlotte.

Amy Alley is beginning her 24^th year in Fairfax County and 10^th year as an Assistant Principal at Mantua ES. She began her career at Hollin Meadows Science and Math Focus School in Alexandria, VA as a 5^th Grade and then Science Resource Teacher. She then moved into the School-Based Technology Specialist role at Belvedere ES in Fall Church, VA before coming to Mantua ES.

Ms. Alley is originally from Chicago and received her undergraduate degree from Hanover College, a Master’s in Educational Technology from George Washington University, and an Education Specialist degree in School Administration from George Washington University.

When she’s not at Mantua ES, Ms. Alley enjoys spending time with her teenage son, who attended Mantua. They love going to baseball games and cheering on the Nats and Cubs and are working their way through visits to all the major league stadiums. Ms. Alley also enjoys yoga, traveling, spending time with family and friends, going to the movies, and completing home projects. Ms. Alley is the administrator for Kindergarten, 1^st Grade, and 4^th Grade.

In 2021 Mr. Deixler will be beginning his 14^th year in Fairfax County Public Schools, and 3^rd year as Assistant Principal at Mantua Elementary School.  He started his career in education as a fifth-grade teacher at Haycock Elementary, where he taught for 5 years.  He has worked at Mantua since, for 5 years as a fifth-grade teacher, one year as an Administration Intern, and for the last three as an Assistant Principal. 

Mr. Deixler is originally from upstate New York and received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo in English.  After trying out life in the business sector, Mr. Deixler realized his passion for education, returning to school for his Masters in Elementary Education at Florida State University.  After years of teaching, he obtained his Masters in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. 

Two years ago, Mr. Deixler married the love of his life Leah, and their son, Ari, will be turning 1 year old at the end of this summer.  Mr. Deixler enjoys golfing, movies, reading, and is generally up for any activity with his “I’ll try it once” attitude.  Mr. Deixler loves being a part of the amazing Mantua community.