Willard Middle School

Principal - michelle.campiglia@lcps.org

I am honored to serve as the principal of Willard Middle School, bringing with me administrative experience from Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. Before stepping into this role, I served as an administrator in the International Academy at Alexandria City High School, supporting approximately 850 newly arrived multilingual learners in their pursuit of a high school diploma. Prior to that, I served as an assistant principal, an EL curriculum specialist, and a middle and high school teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools

I am a lifelong learner, a value instilled in me from a young age by my parents, who nurtured my love of learning and appreciation for diverse cultures. My father, the first in his family to attend college, earned two degrees at night while working full-time in the United States Army. My mother immigrated to the United States from Calabria, Italy, at the age of 12. Her passion for languages inspired me to study French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. Growing up in a military family, I moved every three years, experiencing life in diverse communities from Seoul, South Korea, to rural Louisiana. These experiences taught me adaptability and the importance of embracing cultural differences. After graduating from high school in Fairfax County Public Schools, I pursued my education at the University of Virginia (B.A., Ed.S., and Ed.D.) and The George Washington University (M.Ed.). My dissertation, titled "Creating 'Pockets of Hope': The Impact of High School Principals' Beliefs on the School Connectedness of Newcomer Central American Males," reflects my commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments.

As a servant leader, I am passionate about promoting Professional Learning Communities, coaching teachers, and supporting our scholars through a robust multi-tiered system of supports. I am also dedicated to fostering a positive school culture where students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, and valued.

I am the proud parent of three remarkable young women: Caroline (21), Lily (19), and Isabella (17). My goal as a leader is to ensure that we provide our scholars at Willard the same opportunities I would want for my own children. I look forward to collaborating with you to ensure that your children thrive during their middle school years.

Assistant Principal (A-G) - brandon.clarke@lcps.org

I am thrilled to be the Assistant Principal at Willard Middle School. I began here as Dean, and I’ve enjoyed being part of this school’s wonderful community.

I fell in love with education almost 20 years ago when, as a student at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, I had an opportunity to spend time tutoring students in Philadelphia Public Schools. After graduation, I went abroad to China where I taught English for five years. I went on to become a teacher of English Learners in Maryland and later served as the Department Chair in Franklin Middle School in Fairfax County Public Schools. I hold master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia.

I have two wonderful daughters of my own, Ellen and Katherine. While my family’s time outside of school seems increasingly filled with lessons and practices, our favorite moments are those when we get to spend time together traveling, hiking, or just playing a board game.

I look forward to continuing to work to see that Willard students, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and engaged!

Assistant Principal (H-N) william.peterson@lcps.org

My name is Bill Peterson, and I am excited to join the team at Willard Middle School as an assistant principal.  I grew up in New Jersey but have lived in Virginia for almost 20 years. 

I’ve been in education for 10 years after switching careers in 2014 through Shenandoah University.  I taught Math 6 and Accelerated Math at Bull Run Middle School in Gainesville, VA and Stone Hill Middle School in Ashburn, VA as well as being the Math Subject Area Lead Teacher.  In 2017, I became an Instructional Facilitator, Technology opening Brambleton Middle School.  I completed my Master’s in Educational Administration through Shenandoah University during COVID and became a Middle School Dean at Belmont Ridge Middle School in 2022.

Personally, I am a dad of three children.  My oldest is Ben, who is 20; he is in the special education program at Heritage High School.  My middle son, Joe, is 17 and a junior at Loudoun County High School and the Academies of Loudoun.  My youngest is Kaity, who is 13, and is in 7th grade at Simpson Middle School.  I enjoy running, reading, and learning new things every day.  I look forward to working with the staff and families to help all students navigate middle school and make meaning contributions to the school community and the world.

Assistant Principal (M-Z) kimberly.vanacker@lcps.org

Ms. Van Acker is entering her 18th year as an educator. She began her career teaching 8th grade English and math in Southwest Virginia before transitioning to the eastern part of the state working with students with multiple disabilities, ranging from Autism, Down Syndrome and Hearing Impairment. Ms. Van Acker believes her best years were spent serving the students in Room 106. She learned the art of differentiation, creating learning experiences to meet the needs and abilities of her students and how to work collaboratively with various related service providers, teacher assistants and support staff. This experience was pivotal in her role as an elementary school self-contained Autism teacher in LCPS. While the majority of Ms. Van Acker’s teaching experience has been with students in the middle, her love for leadership began while serving as an ESY Coordinator for many years. Through this, she gained insight on leading groups of people to provide a safe and fruitful learning experience throughout the summer. Ms. Van Acker is a proud charter member of Hovatter Elementary School, which opened in the Fall of 2021, where she served as the Dean before coming to Willard.  Ms. Van Acker believes that all students are capable of learning, at high levels, and that every kid is good inside.  

Outside of school, Ms. Van Acker can be found logging many miles around town, lifting weights, capturing moments as a photographer and baking to soothe the soul. She is a proud boy mom to Caleb and Mason and a Coach wife extraordinaire. Ms. Van Acker feels honored to serve the scholars, families and staff in the Willard community.