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Dr. Dara Gill-Williams, Principal

Dr. Dara Gill-Williams
Principal, Chesterfield Academy
Dr. Dara Gill-Williams has proudly served as the Principal of Chesterfield Academy for nearly five years, bringing more than 25 years of educational experience to her role. Her leadership is rooted in equity, high expectations, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.
Throughout her career in Norfolk Public Schools, Dr. Gill-Williams has served as a teacher, instructional specialist, and administrator. She is known for strengthening instruction, building strong community partnerships, and fostering a safe, inclusive school environment.
At Chesterfield Academy, she prioritizes instructional excellence, school safety, strong attendance, and character education. She believes in educating the whole child by ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally supported through strong values and high-quality teaching.
Dr. Gill-Williams holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master's in early childhood education, and a Bachelor's in mathematics. Her professional background includes teacher mentorship, curriculum development, and training in research-based educational programs.
Her leadership philosophy is simple: “When students are at the center of every decision, success follows.”

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Sabrina Ford

I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at Chesterfield Academy, home of the Cheetahs! I began my journey in education over 21 years ago with Norfolk Public Schools after earning my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Early Childhood Education endorsement from Norfolk State University in 2004. I continued my education at Norfolk State University, completing a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision in 2018.

My first 14 years were spent at St. Helena Elementary, where I worked as an inclusion teacher for third and fourth grades. Since 2018, I have been proud to call Chesterfield Academy my home, serving as a Title I Interventionist and Testing Coordinator. I am excited to continue supporting our students, staff, and families in this new role as we work together to ensure every student succeeds. My goal as an educational leader is to foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. I am passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure success for all learners.