Administration
Dr. Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne
Dr. Calzada-Mayronne has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive, supported, and high-achieving school environments. She has served previously as an elementary school teacher, a special education teacher, a middle school teacher, a PK-8 special education coordinator, and a high school assistant principal.
She earned a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, where she was recognized for her research in inclusive education and strategies for improving educational outcomes for students with diverse needs.
Dr. Calzada-Mayronne excels in creating innovative student support programs, building positive school cultures, and strengthening family engagements. She has collaborated with organizations like Mary Washington University to promote trauma-informed classroom strategies and partnered with families to ensure equitable access to special education resources and opportunities.
Known for her compassionate leadership and collaborative approach, Dr. Calzada-Mayronne inspires trust and unity within her school community. Colleagues describe her as a decisive problem-solver and a thoughtful communicator who fosters a shared commitment to student success.
She officially begins her role as principal of Lafayette Elementary School in January 2025.
Courtney Wheeler, Principal
Mrs. Wheeler is a native Virginian who was raised in a family of public-school educators in Washington County. The value of receiving an education and the importance of listening, communicating and understanding the feelings of others were instilled in her from a very young age.
Mrs. Wheeler received her B.A. degree from the University of Virginia-Wise in 2007. While attending, she played collegiate volleyball for two years and four years on a regional championship and national qualifying softball team. She completed the qualifications for teacher licensure and embarked on her career to make a difference in students’ educational, emotional and social well-being.
Mrs. Wheeler began her teaching career as a 6th grade math teacher at Chancellor Middle School in Spotsylvania Public Schools. Upon completing her 8th year, she was employed by Fredericksburg City Schools and taught 6th and 7th grade math at Walker-Grant Middle School. During this time, she completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Mrs. Wheeler began her responsibilities and career as an administrator with an appointment of assistant principal at Lafayette Elementary School in 2017. In 2018 she was appointed assistant principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. During this time, she gained valuable experience, knowledge and understanding of the educational process for K-5 student learners. In 2019, she was appointed the principal of Lafayette Elementary School.
Mrs. Wheeler’s educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of educators to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, and an encouraging community and a supportive family.
Pamela Diggs, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Pamela Diggs has been an Assistant Principal at Lafayette Elementary School since 2018.
Prior to coming to Lafayette, I served as Assistant Principal at James Monroe High School for four years. My teaching background includes teaching all levels of high school social studies. My favorite course to teach was Modern World History, because I love the content, but I also loved teaching sophomores. They were my favorite group! I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Mary Washington College, and I later earned my master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. Lafayette has an outstanding school community, and I am fortunate to be a part of it. It is my goal to foster a learning environment where students are able to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Along with faculty and staff, I will continue to partner with our families and community to support our students in their efforts to reach their personal goals. Please feel free to call or email me to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the year. In closing, I look forward to working with all of our students and parents this year. Being a part of the Lafayette family is indeed a privilege, and I look forward to serving our students and families."
Mrs. Diggs
Tony Lewis, Assistant Principal
Mr. Tony Lewis is an Assistant Principal at Lafayette Elementary School.
Prior to coming to Lafayette, I served as a paraprofessional at Walker-Grant Middle School, a CTE Teacher at James Monroe High School, Student Support Specialist at James Monroe High School, and the Dean of Students at Walker-Grant Middle School. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University in Maryland, where I was also on a full basketball scholarship. I returned home and earned my master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary Washington and went on to receive my Educational Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University. I currently serve on the Board of Directors at the Brisben Center, Rappahannock Goodwill, and am a member of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. I don’t look at being an educator as a job, being an educator is my calling. I came across a quote early in my career that helped guide me: 'Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story' (Josh Shipp). I want to be the adult that helps our students achieve their success story. I am excited to join an amazing staff at Lafayette where I will continue to learn and grow under the guidance of Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Diggs. Whenever I step foot into Lafayette’s building, I can tell it is truly a family, a family that I am now fortunate to be a part of.
Mr. Lewis