Administration

Headshot of Dr. Bryan Hicks

Dr. Bryan Hicks, Principal

Dr. Hicks is excited to be returning for another year as Principal at G.W. Carver Middle School! Prior to joining Carver in the fall of 2021, Dr. Hicks served as an administrator at Thomas Dale HS, Matoaca HS, Midlothian MS, and Elizabeth Davis MS.  Dr. Hicks started his education career as a social studies teacher at Thomas Dale High School, where he sponsored several clubs and coached multiple sports. 

Dr. Hicks is a proud Chesterfield County Public Schools graduate (Manchester HS). He received his B.A. in History from Hampden-Sydney College, his teaching licensure from the University of Richmond, his M.S. in Sports Management/Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from VCU.

Dr. Hicks and his wife, Heidi, have two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys attending live sporting events, especially at the University of Virginia. Dr. Hicks believes that every student brings value to the school, and it is essential that all students be given the opportunity to reach and exceed their goals. He looks forward to continuing to build a strong connection between the school and community.  Go Cougars!

Bryan_Hicks@ccpsnet.net

Headshot of Kevin Clear

Kevin Clear, Associate Principal

After graduating from James Madison University, Kevin started his education career in Hopewell Public Schools as a middle school math teacher. After serving in the City of Hopewell for 7 years, Kevin moved to Matoaca Middle School as a math teacher. He transitioned into administration during the 2021–2022 school year as Matoaca’s Dean of Students. In September 2024, Kevin started as Carver Middle School's Associate Principal. Kevin is solutions driven and works to create a positive teaching and learning experience for teachers and students. Kevin is proud to be a part of the Carver Middle admin team and to serve the students of the Carver community.

Kevin_Clear@ccpsnet.net

Headshot of Trista Abernethy

Trista Abernethy, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Abernethy is grateful to be joining the Carver Middle School Community as Assistant Principal and looks forward to a great school year. She was born and raised in North Carolina and attended The University of North Carolina at Wilmington earning a Bachelors in Middle Grades Education. She was a math teacher for many years before earning her Masters in Educational Leadership from Clemson University and becoming a school administrator.

Serving students, their families, and the school community has been her life’s work, and she has worked in schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas throughout her twenty-six-year tenure.

She and her husband, David, are the proud parents of three children who have all benefited from public schools and exceptional teachers!! When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends on the water or at a sporting event!

Trista_Abernethy@ccpsnet.net

Julie Arntson, Dean of Students

Mrs. Julie Arntson is excited to join the Carver Cougar family as a Dean of Students. Prior to joining the Carver team, she taught ninth grade English in Hopewell City Public Schools and supported teachers as an Instructional Coach in Petersburg City Public Schools. 

Originally from Michigan, Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Western Michigan University. She then went on to earn a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision (PreK - 12). Julie calls education the “family business,” as her parents and her younger sister are also teachers.

Julie has three wonderful daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and knitting. She is looking forward to an excellent school year, and is excited to support and serve the Carver community.

Julie_Arntson@ccpsnet.net

Headshot of Dean

Willona Johnson, Dean of Students

Ms. “Coach” Johnson is thrilled to be promoted to Dean of Students at Carver Middle School. Her four years of teaching at CMS have inspired her to step out of the classroom and into a leadership role.

Since joining Carver, Ms. Johnson has played a key role in school initiatives. She has led the planning and organization of the Annual PE Bowling Trip to celebrate “PAWsitive” student behavior, served on the RESET team, acted as Carver’s ACTS representative, and helped organize school dances as a member of the PBIS committee.

In her free time, Ms. Johnson enjoys going on cruises, spending time with family, making music, writing books, empowering teachers through fashion, coaching student-athletes both on and off the field, sneaker shopping, and vlogging with her dog Oreo.

Willona_Johnson@ccpsnet.net