Program for the Exceptionally Gifted Staff

Carla Van Devander has been teaching in the MBU College of Education since 2012, including offering coursework on instructional differentiation and exceptionalities. Prior to her full-time role at MBU, Carla served as a differentiation specialist for Staunton City Schools, with her recent experience there focused on gifted and academically motivated adolescents. Active in the community, she is the co-creator and coordinator of Opportunity is Knocking, an award-winning event that brings together local colleges, industry, and the school system to provide families with important college, skilled trade, and career information.

Carla holds a BA degree in history from George Mason University, her teaching credential from Mary Baldwin, and the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Strategies from Eastern Mennonite University.

In addition to serving as director of PEG, Carla is a faculty member in the College of Education and coordinator for the Education Leaders Living Learning Community.

Christy Baker graduated from James Madison University with a BA in speech communication and minors in Spanish and English. She began working with PEG in 2000 as a Residence Life Coordinator, transitioning to Director of PEG Student Life in 2008. Christy is a member of the Administrative Processes Improvement Team at Mary Baldwin University. She also represents PEG and Mary Baldwin on the Boarding Schools Social Activities Committee. One of Christy’s favorite aspects of working with PEG is collaborating with students and staff to create a varied and exciting activities calendar each month. In her spare time, Christy enjoys shopping, reading, and spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two children.