By Dr. DEBORAH SCARBROUGH/Guest Columnist

This column, which is continued from last week, allows new teachers and staff at Valley Elementary to introduce themselves.

uMy name is Whitney Pruitt, and I’m a new second-grade teacher at Valley. I graduated from Auburn University in elementary education with a concentration in Spanish. I am married to Scott Pruitt, who is a landscape architect and contractor. We have two boys: Jackson, 9, and Tyler, 5. We live in Helena with our two dogs Buddy and Bear, and a turtle named Knees. I have five years of classroom experience from my work in Marietta, Ga. and Hoover. For the past seven years, I have been fortunate to be able to stay home with my children. During that time, I taught childrens’ Spanish classes through the Shelby County Community Education program. I also enjoy teaching piano. Last semester I completed the courses necessary to renew my teaching certificate at the University of Montevallo. I am thrilled to be joining Valley’s staff this year! I look forward to working with all of you.

uMy name is Lisa Brown, and I’m the new school nurse. I graduated from nursing school in my home town of Carrollton, Ga. in 1987.

I am licensed in both Georgia and Alabama and have been privileged to work in different areas of the medical field, including obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics. In 2007 I was fortunate enough to enter into nursing school. I worked for two years with Carroll County Schools in Georgia. After moving to Alabama, I worked with Jefferson County Schools for the 2009-2010 school year. In May, 2009 I married Barry Brown from Hoover. We are a house divided. I am a Georgia Bulldog and he is a huge Bama fan! I have two children, Meghan, 20 and Tyler, 15.

I also have two step-children, Matt, 26 and Brandon, 24. I enjoy baking, traveling and spending time with my new husband and all of our children.

Valley also has six other new teachers and staff members, including Ashley Nipp, the new part-time counselor between Valley Elementary and Valley Intermediate; Leslie Nelson, the new reading coach; Mary Beacham, a new first grade teacher; Leigh Walker, a new art teacher; Mary Patton Kyser, the new special education teacher; and Angela Blocker, a new instructional assistant.

Dr. Deborah Scarbrough is principal at Valley Elementary School. She can be reached at 682-5550.