Harbor Light Academy Associate Head of School

Julie brings a heart for service, a passion for education, and a deep commitment to community to her role as Associate Head of School at Harbor Light Academy. A graduate of Old Dominion University, Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Service Counseling with a minor in Psychology, equipping her with a strong foundation to support the spiritual, academic, and emotional growth of every student.

Raised in the Western Branch area and a resident of Smithfield for the past 22 years, Julie is deeply rooted in the local community. She began her career serving families in need at the HER Shelter in Portsmouth, where her faith and compassion guided her work. She later pursued entrepreneurship as the owner of The Frilly Lilly, a boutique named after her daughter, embracing creativity and connection within her community.

Julie has dedicated the past nine years to Trinity Lutheran School, where she has faithfully served in Marketing, Admissions, and most recently as Assistant Head of School. Throughout her time there, she has built strong relationships with students and families and has been passionate about fostering an environment where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in both faith and knowledge. 

Julie and her husband, Mike, who is the Director of Operations at the Port of Virginia reside in Smithfield with their dog, Charlotte. They are proud parents of two children: Reide, who will graduate from UVA Law School in May and begin a clerkship with a Virginia Supreme Court Justice in the Fall, and Lilly, a third-year student at Christopher Newport University pursuing a double major in Health Studies and Nursing.

Guided by her faith and a genuine love for students and families, Julie is excited to serve the Harbor Light Academy community and help lead the school forward with purpose, integrity, and a Christ-centered vision for the future.