Dr. Banks brings over 13 years of dedicated experience in education to Ghent School, having begun her career as a kindergarten and fifth-grade teacher with Chesapeake Public Schools. Since 2020, she has served as the assistant principal at W.H. Taylor Elementary within Norfolk Public Schools. Dr. Banks holds a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations and Leadership from Old Dominion University, where she also earned her Master’s in Educational Administration & Leadership. She completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Wesleyan and also holds a School Management Certificate from Harvard.

An enthusiastic life-long learner, Dr. Banks is deeply committed to fostering a positive and effective learning environment at Ghent School. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years, whether relaxing at the beach, attending sporting events, listening to music, or enjoying a quick weekend getaway.

Mr. Tooley boasts a wealth of experience as an esteemed educator, amassing over 16 years of dedication to student development within educational institutions. At Ghent, he is grateful for the opportunity to work closely with students spanning grades K-8. Throughout his career, he has served in various essential roles, including special education teacher, special education instructional coach, behavior specialist, and assistant principal.

His commitment to his students is unwavering, and he ardently advocates for their fair and respectful treatment. He exemplifies this passion through his diligence in overseeing and guiding both students and staff toward achieving their potential. Continuously seeking ways to enhance instruction and address diverse needs, Mr. Tooley remains a devoted learner, diligently reading and researching innovative approaches.

Renowned for his reputation as a team player and a trustworthy family man, Mr. Tooley firmly believes in the importance of organization, engaging lessons that are relevant and meaningful, and providing comprehensive professional development opportunities for staff. He ardently champions the cultivation of a positive and strong school culture.

His academic pursuits include studying at esteemed institutions such as Liberty University, Regent University, and Old Dominion University, amidst others. Having worked with multiple local school divisions, including alternative school education, Mr. Tooley brings a diverse range of experiences to his role.

Eagerly anticipating the chance to "ignite and inspire" learning for the scholars at Ghent, he envisions making a significant impact on students hailing from various corners of Norfolk.