Administration

Principal Kristin Saady

Kristin Saady, Principal

I am excited and honored to serve as principal at Hening Elementary. It's hard to believe I am headed into my 6th year at Hening -- what a wonderful place to be! Before this position, I have served as an associate principal in elementary school and as an administrator at the middle school level. I have also taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades, all in Chesterfield County.

I grew up in the Midlothian area and love calling RVA home. I attended Longwood University for my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Regent University for a Master’s in Educational Leadership. I am dedicated to educating our students and supporting teachers

I stay busy with my daughters, Caroline and Eva, along with our fur babies, a Goldendoodle and three cats. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends, heading to the beach when it’s warm, and eating out.

Teaching has always been my passion, and I am fortunate to work in a place with amazing students and colleagues each day. I look forward to watching our Hornets buzz and grow this year.

Looking forward to an incredible year! We are all in.

Portrait of principal

Christine Bertocchi, Assistant Principal

I am thrilled to be returning for my third year as a Hening Hornet! This marks my 21st year with Chesterfield County Public Schools and my 34th year in education. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching pre-K, kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade, and students with disabilities in grades K–5.

I am a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development. I also hold a Master of Education in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and most recently earned a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia in December 2023.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy exploring everything Richmond has to offer—from local restaurants to scenic parks and trails—and I rarely go anywhere without my camera in hand. As a proud empty nester, I enjoy cheering on my son as he navigates adulthood and college and pursues his goal of becoming a firefighter. We also love spending time together, especially on road trips and at disc golf courses, where I'm happy to serve as his caddy.

Hening is more than just a school—it's a place of joy, belonging, and family. I am excited to continue partnering with our students, families, and staff as we grow greatness, inspire learning, and support every child in reaching their full potential.

Portrait of Assistant Principal

Stephanie Hoffman, Assistant Principal

I am excited to serve as the Assistant Principal of J.G. Hening Elementary School! Having called Hening home for the past five years, I have truly loved getting to know our wonderful students, staff, and families.

Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, I moved to Chesterfield, Virginia in 2011. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Virginia. This year marks my sixth year at Hening and my sixteenth year in education. Before transitioning into administration, I taught first through fifth grade in Richmond, Virginia, and later served as a math coach. In 2021, I proudly joined CCPS as Hening’s Dean of Students before stepping into my current role as Assistant Principal.

Outside of school, I love traveling, crafting, and spending quality time with my husband, Gerald, and our eight-year-old son, Hayden. I am looking forward to another amazing school year!

Portrait of principal

Michelle Simerville, Dean of Students

I am excited to serve as the Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year at J.G. Hening Elementary School. Hening has been my home away from home this past year. I have enjoyed getting to know our students, families, and faculty members. Over the past 20 years in education, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles, including Special Education Teacher, Special Education Department Chair, Math Co-Department Chair, and Elementary 504 Coordinator. My teaching journey has taken me through Colonial Heights Middle School and Prince George County Public Schools at the elementary and middle school level. In Chesterfield County Public Schools, I have served as a Collaborative Special Education Algebra 1 teacher for 5 years at Matoaca Middle School.

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, before relocating with my family to Rockville Centre, Long Island. I earned a Bachelor of Science dual degree in Special Education (K-12) and Childhood Education (1-6) from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in American Studies from SUNY Old Westbury. I also earned a Master of Education degree in Administration, Leadership, and Supervision from Regent University.

In 2007, my family and I relocated to Virginia. I've been happily married to my high school sweetheart, Duckingson (Dunkin), since 2000. We have two wonderful children: a 24-year-old son, Isaiah, and an 18-year-old daughter, Isabella. Our family also includes one lovable fur baby, Sophia. We enjoy weekend adventures, amusement parks (especially water parks), and playing games together as a family. Personally, I love reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with my pets.

I am excited to start another Amazing school year with my Hening Family.