Administration

Mrs. Deanna Fierro-Kin, Principal

I am thrilled to join the Gayle Middle School community as your new Principal. Before coming to Gayle, I served as the Assistant Principal at Shirley Heim Middle School, and I have had the privilege of working in Henrico County as an Education Specialist for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this role, I supported professional learning initiatives and helped foster strong connections between schools and their communities. Prior to my work in administration, I taught middle school math in both Henrico County and Richmond City.

In 2021, I was honored to receive the Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity from the Virginia Department of Education, which recognized my commitment to creating equitable learning environments for all students.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Educational Leadership and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree.

As I step into this new role, my priority is to continue building an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment at Gayle Middle School. I am excited to work alongside our dedicated students, staff, and families to ensure every student has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Together, I know we can make this school year a positive and impactful one!

Mrs. Keana Butler, Assistant Principal

Hello Panthers! I am Mrs. Keana Butler, and I am excited to join T. Benton Gayle Middle School as your new Assistant Principal. With a rich background in education, I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to our vibrant school community.

My journey in education began in Brooklyn, New York, where I taught 3rd grade at P.S. 167 for four years. In 1999, my family and I moved to Spotsylvania, Virginia, where I became a proud member of Stafford County, teaching 3rd and 4th grade at Falmouth Elementary for five years. I later served as Assistant Principal at Essex Intermediate School in Tappahannock, Virginia, before returning to Stafford County in 2007 to serve as the Assistant Principal at Rocky Run Elementary for six years.

In August 2013, I was honored to be named Principal of Park Ridge Elementary School, where I led the Patriots with a focus on academic excellence and the holistic development of our students. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Virginia State University, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Long Island University, Brooklyn Center, and a Post Graduate Degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University.

Outside of school, I am the wife of a Federal Police Officer, the mom of a Graduate Student, and a proud owner of two Rat Terrier pups named Sissy and Chip. I am also an avid New York Giants football fan.

I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment at T. Benton Gayle Middle School, where every student can excel academically and grow as individuals. I look forward to working with our students, staff, and families to make this school year a remarkable one. Let's make our Panther pride shine!

Mrs. Katie Hawkins, Assistant Principal

Katie Hawkins is an Assistant Principal at T. Benton Gayle Middle School with 18 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Katie has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering curiosity and a growth mindset in both students and staff. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from James Madison University, a Master of Religious Education from Liberty University, and an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University. Katie spent 16 years teaching at the secondary level before transitioning into administration, where she continues to have a significant impact on the school community.

In addition to her extensive teaching background, Katie spent three years specializing in Restorative Justice as a Restorative Practices Specialist. In this role, she delivered training and professional development, facilitated restorative circles and conferences, and taught anger management courses. This experience has shaped her approach to leadership, where she emphasizes emotional intelligence, accountability, and fostering positive relationships within the school community.

Katie’s leadership is driven by her passion for fostering a love of learning and her belief in continuous improvement. She encourages both students and staff to embrace self-awareness and always strive to be better than they were the day before. Outside of school, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, with her family and friends, and supporting her children in a variety of extracurricular activities.