Administration

Mrs. Jenn Townley – Head of School

I am proud to serve as the Head of School at IC Imagine. I was born here in Asheville and grew up in Arden. I spent ten years as a high school Science teacher, first at JB Hunt High School in Wilson, NC, then at AC Reynolds High School in Asheville, NC. During this time I earned my National Board Teacher Certification in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. I was named Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year. I served on the board of IC Imagine during the 2013-2014 year and volunteered my time to open the school. I took the position of Head of School when we opened our doors in 2014. I believe strongly in the mission and vision of IC Imagine and it is my goal to support all stakeholders as we strive to implement an exemplary educational program that will serve as a model for education in North Carolina. I am married and have two children, one a recent IC Imagine graduate and the other current attending IC Imagine. In my spare time (HA!), I enjoy running, hiking, reading and my family!

Mr. Jamie Williams – Lower School Principal

I’m from a small town in upstate New York, where I attended a traditional K-12 school. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland, a Master’s of Reading and Literacy from Walden University, and a Master’s in School Leadership from Gardner Webb University. I began in this role after spending 11 years as a classroom teacher in 2nd and 5th grades, first in Charleston, SC then in Asheville.  I was fortunate to be selected as the “2008 & 2014 Teacher of the Year”. I am married and have 4 children, 3 boys and a girl.  My hobbies include soccer, basketball, running, and hiking. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the IC Imagine family.

Mrs. Ellen Girardi – Lower School Assistant Principal, Curriculum Coordinator K-12

I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later received my Masters in School Administration from Western Carolina University. I am proud to have been a part of IC Imagine since we opened our doors in the fall of 2014 where I started as a first grade teacher. In our first year, I was very proud to be chosen as our school’s inaugural Teacher of the Year. Before coming to IC Imagine, I spent several years teaching first and second grade. I look forward to continuing to share my experience and love of teaching and learning with the Collegiate Leaders and Champions here at IC Imagine. Growing up in nearby Jackson County instilled a love of the Blue Ridge mountains and this gorgeous area in me. I am so glad to get to call Asheville home! When I’m not at school, you can likely find me spending time with my family – my husband Nick, our daughter Rose, and our pup Midge. I also enjoy reading, traveling and hiking.

Mr. Ryan Bell – Middle School Principal

I was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana and earned my Bachelors degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Southern Indiana. I taught high school math for seven years, and middle school math for two.  My first two years experience  were at a small high school in Southern Indiana, followed by four years at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville where I was the “2013 Teacher of the Year”. I am extremely excited to have this role in administration, and share the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills that have lead me to this position.  I am married and have a beautiful daughter and son. My hobbies include exploring the area mountains via trail running, mountain biking, and/or whitewater kayaking. I joined the IC Imagine family because I believe in its mission, and believe we will be a model for education in the future.

Mr. Sherrod Laws – Middle School Assistant Principal

I was born in Durham, North Carolina, I serve the IC Imagine community as the Middle School Assistant Principal. I received my Bachelors and Masters of School Administration from North Carolina Central University. I also received a Master of Education from Concordia University- Portland.I spent my first 12 years as a Spanish teacher across all twelve grade levels and three school districts.  I am married to Cecilia and have a daughter and son. My son attends IC Imagine. My hobbies include walking, swimming, Duke Basketball, reading, and cooking. I just can’t hide my KingFisher Pride.

Mrs. Nicole Morin – Upper School Co-Principal

I began working as an educator in 2005 after completing my undergraduate degree at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. In 2014, I earned my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University where my passion for helping struggling students evolved into a desire to help all students learn at high levels while focusing on post-secondary goals. I joined IC Imagine in 2015 where I continued my work as an Exceptional Children’s teacher for students in grades 9-12 and later became the Principal of Upper School.  When not at work I enjoy spending time with my husband and children mountain biking, playing in the woods, or exploring the world together.  I love being a part of a K-12 community where we get the privilege of watching children become adults and get to see their excitement as they reach their goals.

Mr. Sean Vervain – Upper School Co-Principal

I have worked in education supporting students in various capacities for the past 15 years. I have worked with youth in Jamaica, California, Oregon, Virginia, and North Carolina. These diverse experiences have developed in me a unique perspective on student learning and a vision to support an innovative culture that demonstrates inclusive values. In May 2022, I completed a Graduate Certificate program at App State for School Leadership.  I enjoy spending time with my partner and two children when I am away from work. We can be found engaging in local community activities, gardening, or biking in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I remain committed to learning from new experiences, supporting diverse learners, and developing initiatives to improve educational opportunities for all.

Mrs. Laura Marsden – Director of Student Services and Exceptional Children

In this role, I directly oversee special education services and supports for students with disabilities. I also help in the coordination of IC Imagine’s Reading Research to Classroom Practice, Foundations of Mathematics, adolescent literacy programing, and the coaching of best practices in collaboration with ICI’s NC State Improvement Project involvement. I have 20 years of professional experience working in the field of social services and education. Prior to my time in the classroom, I worked in behavior outreach with at-risk youth and families, supported employment for women with dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness, and child protective services. It was while working in this field that my passion for literacy education was discovered. I worked as a teacher of Exceptional Children at both the elementary and high school level in Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina. From the classroom, I went on to work as an Exceptional Children Curriculum Specialist, Literacy Coach, and State Consultant for NC Department of Public Instruction Office of Exceptional Children. I earned my BA from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL and M.Ed. from Mars Hill University, in Mars Hill, NC. Professional interests include implementation science, supporting transfer of professional learning into classroom practice through quality coaching, and innovative approaches to inclusive practices for students with disabilities. When not hard at work, I enjoy CrossFit, reading, baking shows, and quality time with my family.