The Board
Founding Team
Board Chair
Tiffany VilchisParks, MEd
(she/her)
Originally from Texas and Oklahoma, Tiffany enlisted in the US Marine Corps directly out of high school and served 10 years as an Air Traffic Controller. After transitioning from military service, Tiffany earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Master of Education from National University, in addition to spending time at California Western School of Law. Her academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her versatile career, spanning a variety of fields, from public education to advising veterans on VA benefits. She is a full-time Navy spouse of 10+ years, the mother of 5, and the owner of two very adorable dogs. She is a proud Slytherin, loves ice hockey, and buys far too much curriculum she’ll never use. Recently diagnosed as AuDHD, Tiffany is on a journey of exploration of neurodiversity and how it shapes experiences and perspectives.
Secretary
Ceridwen Hall, MBC (she/they)
Master of Arts in Business Communications with a concentration in Leadership & Influence. Longtime homeschooling parent, with experience working in executive, administrative, and liaison positions within homeschooling groups. Has volunteered in multiple roles across several nonprofits, accruing hundreds of volunteer hours. Established ND- and LGBTQ- affirming speech therapy practice in Chesapeake, VA as business manager. Currently works as an independent business consultant with a passion for building and educating community organizations on accessibility and how to elevate traditionally marginalized groups. Ceri is going back to school to become an art therapist.
Operations Director
Lauren Babb, BFA
(she/her)
A native of Smithfield, Virginia attended the Governors' School for the Performing Arts as a Modern Dance Major. After being awarded the Governors’ School Scholarship, Lauren graduated and went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a concentration in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Fine Arts. During her time at VCU, Mrs. Babb had the pleasure to work with artists Patrik Widrig, Judy Steele, David Dorfman, Scott Putman and more. Lauren was awarded the Joan Oats Teaching Scholarship her Freshman year at VCU and carried the scholarship until graduation. Upon graduation, Lauren traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica to study Advanced Modern Dance technique, Choreography, and Lighting Design. There she had the opportunity to perform choreography by Scott Puttman as well as present her own choreography at the National Auditorium in San Jose. After returning to the U.S. Lauren performed and premiered with the modern dance company, Amaranth, under the direction of Scott Puttman in Richmond, VA and had the pleasure of dancing with Amaranth until 2008. With 24 years of dance teaching experience and 13 years of owning Footnotes School of Dance in Smithfield, VA, Lauren’s choreography has earned numerous awards, including "most entertaining," "judges' choice," and "overall best choreography" at regional and national competitions. Her passion for dance and dedication to her students make Footnotes a nurturing environment where dancers of all ages flourish under her guidance. In a testament to her commitment to both art and community, Lauren has embarked on a new chapter, co-founding the non-profit organization, 757 Head Space, alongside her dear friend Bellamy Eure. Lauren has also co-founded 757 Nutcracker with longtime dance friend Meredith Parks. Balancing the roles of educator, artist, and homeschooling mother of two, Lauren finds solace and fulfillment in the dance of life itself.
Programming Director
Kacy Fischer, BSN, RN
(she/her)
Kacy attended the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in French language and literature, with a minor in Spanish. She went on to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a registered nurse, she worked with medically fragile newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. Kacy began her homeschooling journey while moving frequently as a Navy spouse. She helped found a preschool co-op while stationed at a small base in Japan, then led an outdoor homeschooling group in San Diego. Most recently, she worked as kindergarten teacher at a local homeschool co-op. Kacy prides herself on her curiosity as a life-long learner. She loves to read, travel, learn new languages, and dance. She remains passionate about health education, especially in the fields of reproductive and women’s health.
Community Development Director
Mallary Jamison
Mallary Jamison has a Bachelor in Science in Nursing and holds a Registered Nurse Licensure. She currently works at a local hospital, specializing in Pediatric Hematology Oncology and end of life/palliative care. She has worked for over 18 years as a Pediatric Nurse, in various settings including inpatient acute care, home health/hospice, travel nursing, humanitarian volunteer work abroad, and 3 years in the Phillippines working as a RN and Medical Liaison for a non-profit Childrens’ Home. Mallary’s career has been a calling for caring for children and their families, and has always been far more than a paycheck and title. Mallary organically fell into homeschooling her two children over the past 6 years while staying home with her kids and working as a nurse part time. Homeschooling has allowed her family to indulge in spending lots of time with extended family, prioritize adventures and exploration of the nature, and the general freedom to pursue unique interests and an unconventional schedule. Over the years her flexible career, and now the flexibility afforded through homeschool, has been a means to fulfilling expansive travel around the world. Mallary has an insatiable wanderlust and curiosity for new people, places, and experiences. The seldom moments of downtime are spent masterminding new travel plans and dreaming up future business endeavors, as long as she hasn’t lost her phone!