When Kristin Janssen walks the halls of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School this fall, she’ll do so not just as the new MLWGS executive director – but as a parent, a longtime educator and a leader who says she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. After a career that’s taken her from the classroom and principal’s office to division-level administration, Janssen says she’s returning to her favorite place: a high school building buzzing with student energy. 

Janssen steps into the role with deep personal and professional ties to MLWGS. Her son, Mark, graduated from the school in 2023, giving her a parent’s-eye view of both its rigor and culture. “It gives me a deep understanding of the student experience: the intensity, the joy, the friendships,” she said. “The flip side is being intentional about shifting from the lens of a parent to that of a leader.” 

A veteran educator with experience as an English teacher, gifted coordinator, principal, and district administrator, Janssen brings both depth and range to the role. She spent 12 years as principal at Colonial Heights High School and most recently led curriculum and instruction in Buckingham County. “High school has always been my favorite place,” she said. “You build a community, and you all take care of each other.”

She officially began July 1 and is already connecting with staff and preparing for the new school year. The Foundation team recently sat down with Janssen to get to know her:

 

What brought you to Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School?

Maggie Walker has always held a special place in my heart, not just as an institution, but as a community. As the parent of an alum, I experienced firsthand the transformative impact this school has on students. When the opportunity arose to return to building-level leadership at a place that deeply aligns with my values around excellence, collaboration and student voice, I was at a career crossroad. I hesitated initially because I’m finishing up my Ed.D. and actually thought I had missed the chance. Then, the position was reposted and I just thought “this is meant to be.” I applied that evening.

 

What’s the one thing you want people to know about how you’re going to lead this school? 

I’m here to build upon the excellence and values that already define this place. For students, I want them to know that I see them as whole people, not just high achievers. I will lead with authenticity, transparency and a deep commitment to their growth through creativity and collaboration. For parents, I emphasize that I will protect what makes Maggie Walker special while also guiding the school’s continued evolution. For staff, I want them to know that I value their expertise, professionalism and passion. 

I will be a collaborative leader who listens first, communicates clearly, and works alongside them to support both students and one another. I want every member of this community to feel heard, challenged and supported. This is not about starting something new. It is about continuing something meaningful.

 

What’s your favorite time of the school day or school year? 

I love the bookends. I love welcoming our newest Dragons into the building. There is anticipation, nervous energy and the kind of unsteadiness that comes with entering a place as unique and challenging as Maggie Walker. And I love Commencement. The contrast between those two moments – the dichotomy – is powerful. It’s a privilege to witness that growth in motion and to stand on stage as students cross the finish line, diploma in hand, ready to return the favor by leading in their own way. 

That journey – from unsteady to confident, from unsure to bold – is why we do this work. And I’m honored to walk beside them every step of the way.

 

What got you into education to start? And what inspires you to come back each day?

I started in education because I believed in the transformative power of public schools. What brings me back is the daily opportunity to foster creativity and critical thinking in students and staff alike. It is incredibly fulfilling to work in a place where ideas matter and where relationships shape the learning environment.

 

How have your first few weeks been at Maggie Walker?

The energy is incredible – even in the summer. That tells you a lot. People care deeply about this school. I’ve been meeting with staff, getting to know the Foundation, learning the building. I’m excited for students to be back. It’s just not the same without them.

 

How does being a Maggie Walker parent shape your perspective?

It gives me a very authentic understanding of the student experience – the intensity and the joy. I understand what it feels like to support your child through that. But now I’m shifting into a leadership lens, which is different. My job now isn’t to be a parent here. It’s to support the whole system – students, staff, families – and to make sure the school continues to thrive.

 

What opportunities do you see for MLWGS in the next year and the next five?

In the next year, I see opportunities to refine systems, strengthen communication and expand collaboration across our region. Over the next five years, I continue to envision Maggie Walker as a regional and national leader in gifted education, offering innovative programming grounded in our pillars of community, collaboration, courage and compassion, better known as the Four Cs.

 

One of your first roles beyond teaching was as a gifted coordinator. How has the discipline advanced during this time?

Gifted education has shifted from identifying giftedness as something innate to understanding it as a capacity that can be nurtured. There is greater emphasis on talent development, access to opportunity and differentiated pathways for students to explore their strengths – all of which align beautifully with the mission and pillars of Maggie Walker.

 

How do you plan to get to know the districts served by MLWGS? What are some future opportunities for regional engagement?

I want to spend time in our partner divisions, meet with superintendents and board members, and hear directly from students and families. My background in a rural district taught me that innovation looks different everywhere. I believe we can build a stronger sense of regional community by deepening our relationships and finding shared opportunities for creative problem solving and collaboration.

 

The Foundation sees its role as helping to fund “the extra” – those experiences and opportunities that are a hallmark of the Maggie Walker experience but not within the school’s budget. Why should parents and alumni support this work?

Because those “extras” – travel experiences, guest speakers, creative projects and so much more – often become the moments students remember most. They’re more than “extras” because they bring the curriculum to life and fuel critical thinking, curiosity and joy. The Foundation makes those moments possible for all students, in addition to ensuring that students with financial need have the basics such as school fees, class and club dues, supplies and all the rest to thrive. We can’t deliver a transformational education for all students without the parent, alumni and community support of the Foundation.

 

How will you uphold the spirit of the school’s namesake, Maggie L. Walker?

By leading with the same courage, creativity and purpose that defined her legacy. Maggie Walker built structures that elevated others. I believe honoring her means championing our students, empowering our teachers and building a school culture rooted in the Four Cs.

 

At the end of this school year, what will you hope to point to as a successful 365 days?

I hope to say that we deepened community connections, streamlined internal systems and fostered a continued sense of pride and possibility. I want students, families and staff to feel that we lived the Four Cs in every aspect of our work.

 

And a few final questions:

  • Favorite spot on MLWGS campus? I love entering through the Bluestone doors. It reminds me of my time as a parent. I get the joy of seeing Maggie Walker’s face and legacy on the painted mural. I also get the added bonus of saying hi often to the security, maintenance and clinic staff. It is a lovely way to start the day. 
  • Coffee, tea, soda or water? Very bad habit: Diet Pepsi. My boys refuse to touch soda, I think, because of my Diet Pepsi problem.
  • One thing always in your purse? Lip balm.
  • If I wasn’t a teacher, I’d have been a: Nurse.
  • How many AP courses is too many in a year? It depends on the student, but sleep and sanity matter.
  • Favorite MLWGS tradition: I really love Senior Recognition Night. What is said about each student – not just your own – is so touching.
  • Best advice you’ve given: The question is never why? The question should be why not? We’re here to imagine what is possible, to challenge the limits and to lead with courage. That is how progress happens – when we shift from hesitation to hope, from doubt to determination.
  • Best advice you’ve gotten: Be where your feet are. It is simple advice, but it carries weight. In a fast-paced world – especially in a place as vibrant and high-achieving as Maggie Walker – it’s easy to focus on what’s next. But the real work, the real connection, happens when we are fully present. Whether welcoming new students, guiding a team or celebrating a senior’s final steps across the stage, being grounded in the moment allows us to lead with clarity, intention and heart.