Board of Directors Candidates for 2024

An election to fill four seats on the Board of Directors for The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers will be held May 22 through May 31 this year. There are three (3) open seats this year, with the following two (2) candidates.

Jess Koller is the current President after joining the board in July 2022. She has 7 years experience as a homeschooling mom to three children, while working part time as a nurse. Jess has enjoyed the flexibility and natural learning homeschooling has allowed her family and works to support other families in finding their joy. In the four years she has volunteered with the organization, she has worked with team members to create more options for inclusive options for homeschoolers across the state, including a graduation ceremony and unConvention. She also works to foster inclusive collaborations and homeschool clubs in the Richmond area, recently co-starting a non-profit that fosters Nature Based and Self-Directed learning. When she’s not exploring with her children, working in the hospital, or volunteering, Jess enjoys woodworking, gardening, and reading.

Russell Wrightson is currently serving as Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator for VaHomeschoolers. Russell joined the Board in July 2022 and is seeking re-election for a 2024-2026 term. He is a homeschooling parent and community organizer for Fredericksburg Area Homeschool Association: a secular, member organized, event focused group in central Virginia. Russell is passionate about forming or facilitating relationships as a foundational starting place for the educational process. He has been homeschooling his two children since day one and is appreciative of organizations like VaHomeschoolers for advocating and keeping a space for all Virginia homeschoolers.