This is Chris Mills' eighth year as the principal of Hillside Elementary School in Ashburn. Prior to coming to Loudoun, he worked in Prince George’s County Public Schools since 1987. Toward the end of his time in Prince George's County, he served as Director of Instruction.
Hello Hillside Hawks! I am thrilled to be back. There is going to be so much joy as we start this school year back together, five days a week. As Special Education Dean, I have the honor of supporting students, their families, and our staff as we come together to support student social, emotional, and academic growth. My driving purpose this year is to help our students, their families, and our staff know they are valued, loved, and a vital part of our school community.
I started my career in education as a special education TA (at Hillside!) in 2012 in Loudoun County. The challenge of learning and growing as an educator, and a person, invigerates me. My roles in LCPS included the opportunity to serve as a self-contained K-2 teacher for students with emotional disabilities, a cross-categorical teacher for grades K-5, an administrative intern for Park View High school’s Credit Recovery program, and a summer school principal for Arcola this past summer. These different experiences have instilled in me the importance of teamwork, patience, and celebrating even the smallest moments of success. There is so much we will accomplish together this year!
"The most useful asset of a person is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, with ears open to listen, and hands willing to help."-unknown
My name is Kristy Luxton, and I am excited to return as the Academic Dean at Hillside. I enjoy working with the students and families we serve at Hillside. I have spent the last 6+ years teaching first and third grade at Little River Elementary. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I have taught in Connecticut and Virginia in K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade levels. I served as an assistant principal in Loudoun County before taking time off to be home with my children. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in Elementary Education at the University of Connecticut. Additionally, I earned an Education Specialist degree from the University of Virginia in Administration and Supervision.
Outside of school, you will likely find me at a football field, basketball court, or at the theater. My twins are now high schoolers, and we keep very busy with sports and activities. Our sweet dogs, Poppy and Butter, also keep us on our toes with their silly capers.
My goal is to do all I can to support our students and staff to reach their greatest potential.
Mrs. McLaughlin is excited to begin serving the Hillside community as Special Education Dean. She comes to Hillside with 17 years experience in special education, both as a teacher and having been a Special Education Dean the last two years. Mrs. McLaughlin gained her undergradute degree from Penn State University (WE ARE....) and her master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California). In her spare time, Mrs. McLaughlin loves spending time with her family, walking her pups, reading, gardening, and taking care of her chickens. Traveling back to her parents house outside of Pittsburgh is also a favorite thing, especially when she's able to catch a Steelers game!
She looks forward to collaborating with parents, students, and staff to support ALL students this year.
