Deanna Mitchelson, a native of Nelson County, graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Sociology. While there she played collegiate basketball and served as co-captain in her senior year. Upon graduation, she taught as a Special Education teacher at R.E Lee High School in Staunton, VA for a year and then coached basketball at Washington and Lee University for a year.

However, while there, she desperately missed working with students with disabilities and applied at Charlottesville High School the following year. Since 2004, she has worked with special education students while pursuing all of the courses and tests required to be licensed in that field. By December 2007, all requirements were completed and she has been certified as a special education teacher.

Deanna believes that, "The greatest rewards of teaching are observing first hand the academic and emotional growth of a student. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of helping them reach their potential in and outside of the classroom.

"Knowing that you have been a part of another's person success is the most fulfilling gratification in the world. I believe that teachers are unique individuals who must be willing to give a large part of themselves for the benefit of others."