Administration
Mrs. Niki Simms, Principal
Greetings Park Ridge ES Family!
My name is Niki Simms and it is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of introduction as the new Principal of Park Ridge Elementary School! I can’t wait to begin this new journey with all of you in the fall. I think we can all agree that the challenges that present us are serious, but I believe that we can have success when we work together!
Prior to my role as your Principal, I served as a 3rd grade teacher and an Assistant Principal at Conway ES. I truly enjoyed that experience because I believe working with your children last school year has prepared me for this great opportunity. In fact, providing education both in the classroom and virtually gave me a clear view of what the upcoming school year would entail. And I will personally commit to ensuring a student-centered approach is continued while serving you and your child. It won’t be just my efforts that will achieve the best for our students. Park Ridge’s amazing and dedicated teachers who value your child and how your child learns are also committed to making their educational experience an exceptional one.
Now a little about me! I was born and raised in Franklin, Virginia; and I currently live in Spotsylvania with my amazing husband (Kysan). We’ve been married for 10 years and have a 1 year-old daughter (Kourtney) and a Toy Poodle (Brody). When I’m not serving you, I enjoy reading, fitness, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also a long-suffering fan of the Detroit Lions. ☺
I attended Virginia State University, earning my Bachelors in Elementary Education PreK-6; and I earned my Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. I also have 13 years of experience in education between Richmond City, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County Public School systems. Being a teacher during that time has encouraged me to become an administrator so that I could have an even greater impact on student learning, teacher support, and connecting with the community. I realize that administrative positions in education entail huge responsibilities. So in order to manage these responsibilities effectively, I will be diligent in building relationships with students, parents, and teachers; supporting your child academically, socially, and emotionally, and working closely with community resources.
Please know that I am available to you anytime! So feel free to call or email me at simmsnl@staffordschools.net with any concerns or questions you may have throughout the school year. Together, let’s make this one of Park Ridge's best school years ever!!
Looking forward to working with you!
Niki Simms
Mr. Austin Eppenstein, Assistant Principal
Austin Eppenstein joins Park Ridge Elementary as Assistant Principal with eight years of experience in Stafford County Public Schools. He began his career as a 5th grade teacher at Anthony Burns Elementary and most recently served as a Math Specialist at Grafton Village Elementary.
Throughout his career, Mr. Eppenstein has focused on student growth both academically and socially. He’s presented at the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals leadership conference, supported implementation of Zones of Regulation and Empower Intervention, and served as the elementary liaison for Stafford’s inaugural Aviation Careers Expo (ACES).
Originally from Pennsylvania, he earned his Bachelor of Education from Arcadia University and will complete his Master of Education from George Mason University in May. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with loved ones. Mr. Eppenstein is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff—and is excited to support the Park Ridge community in the year ahead.
Ms. Jalita Johnson, Assistant Principal
Hello! I'm Jalita Johnson and I am so excited to be joining the Park Ridge Elementary School Community. I'm coming to you as a wife, mom of four and eight year military vet. My husband is still active duty but nearing retirement so we are rooting ourselves in the area.
As one of your building leaders, I aspire to form lasting relationships with each of you in order to cultivate a culture of trust. I truly believe that it is the bedrock of any school. That way, we can all show up being our best selves in the service of our students.
Prior to serving in this role, I spent three years as a reading specialist and four years as a classroom teacher in 4th and 2nd grades. I earned my BA of Elementary Education with a focus in Math from Fayetteville State and my MA of Elementary Education with a focus in Reading from Grand Canyon University. In my education career, I have been passionate in my commitment to facilitating individual student
I am confident that under the leadership of Mrs. Simms and in partnership with Mrs. Barker, we will all merge our passions in service to every Park Ridge student and family. I look forward to meeting and learning from each and every one of you.