About Us
The Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program has been in existence for more than 15 years.
The program serves the Virginia counties of Washington, Smyth, Bland, Grayson and Wythe
and the cities of Bristol and Galax.
We provide leadership and support for adult education
and literacy services with emphasis on the development and expansion of quality, family
literacy and workplace education programs.
Our core services include Adult Basic Education and Adult Secondary and English
as a Second Language. We assist individuals with their goal of passing the GED Test.
Our regional office is located at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, Virginia.
MRRAEP Office Staff
Shirley Carlson, Program Manager
As the Regional Program Manager for Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education, Shirley oversees the program staff and MRRAEP regional teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Elementary Education from the University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly known as Clinch Valley College).
In addition, she holds a Master's in Education
from Emory & Henry College.
Shirley has worked in adult education for more than 15 years, specifically in Russell County. She
has a heart for seeing students of all ages and backgrounds succeed.
Shirley and her husband live in Abingdon and have three children and two grandchildren.
Pam Price, Office Manager
Pam has been part of the MRRAEP staff for 10 years. She manages the day-to-day operations
at the regional office and oversees grants and budgets. Pam and her husband, Randy, are GED examiners; they live in Glade Spring,
and have two sons and two grandchildren.
Sharon Hutchinson, Program Specialist and GED Chief Examiner
Sharon has been with MRRAEP as an Adult Education
instructor for several years. She joined the office staff in the spring of 2011.
In this role, she oversees all aspects of GED testing and serves as teacher liaison for curriculum and instruction.
Sharon holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Concord University.
Sharon and her husband reside in Bristol, Virginia and have a son and a daughter.
Brenda Otey, Data Specialist
Bringing with her extensive knowledge and experience,
She joined the office staff in the spring of 2011. As our program receptionist, she is the primary contact for students and teachers.
Brenda and her husband reside in Bristol, Virginia
Jennifer Brown, Local Administrator of GED Applications
In her role as LAGEDA, Jennifer coordinates scheduling for GED testing at the Washington County Test Center. She has a degree
in Media Communications from Missouri State University, and assists MRRAEP with the website design and marketing.
Jennifer and her husband live in Abingdon.
MRRAEP Regional Staff
Jeff Campbell, Outreach Coordinator
As our regional outreach coordinator, Jeff educates the public about adult education classes and opportunities.
He speaks to civic groups and participates in community events across the region. He hold Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Virginia Tech.
Debbie Stone, Recovery Specialist
Debbie contacts students who have not completed their GED testing. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Education from Virginia Tech and a Master's degree in Administration from Radford University.
Regional Teachers
Our regional Adult Education teachers help faciliate classes throughout southwest Virginia.
All of our teachers offer a wide range of experience
both in the classroom
and their career fields. This wide-range of experience helps MRRAEP students best prepare their GED Test.
Learn more about our teachers and classes.
Advisory Board
City of Bristol: Brenda Carroll
Washington County: Tamyra Spradlin
Smyth County: Kim Sturgill
Wythe County: Anthony Sykes
Bland County: Nancy Bralley
Grayson County: Karen Blevins
City of Galax: Dr. Rebecca Cardwell