Meet the Team

Marc J. Columbus, M.Ed.
Head of School

Marc has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Lynchburg College and a Master’s degree in Special Education from University of Virginia with additional graduate work in Administration and Supervision. Marc has been at TKS for almost 30 years. Prior to working at TKS Marc served as the Practicum Coordinator for the Department of Special Education at the University of Virginia. After working at UVA, Marc owned and operated an antique restoration business for 15 years specializing in both furniture, brass and copper and architectural renovations. Monticello and Ash Lawn were among some of his notable patrons.

Marc had been connected to the school for many years and was always moved by the mission and vision of the school. His work in education and owning a small business provided him with a unique skill set to embark on becoming the Head of School of Keswick School. He believes that because of the size of the school and the quality of our staff, our community continues to provide the academic, behavioral and social skills necessary for our boys to succeed in their life’s journey. With the transition of TKS to a 501 (c) 3 non-profit school in 2016, Marc has added development and fundraising to his role as chief advocate for TKS.

Deb Rexrode, Ph.D.
Director of Development

Deb has a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology is from West Virginia State University. Deb is part of the General Faculty of the University of Virginia and teaches a course on Organizational Behavior. Prior to that she served as the Assistant Director of the Center for Survey Research at UVa. In addition, she works with Independent Educational Services conducting employee engagement surveys with Independent Schools such as Keswick School. Prior to coming to Keswick School, Deb developed a unique consulting position to teach stewardship and development with religious organizations. She focuses much of her development work on a broader understanding of generosity, abundance, giving, and stewarding all that has been entrusted into our care. Deb brings a wide variety of organizational and financial development skills to Keswick School specifically focused on donor relationships, annual fund giving, and capital campaigns.

Deb loves to travel and enjoys time with her two granddaughters, Lauren and Kinleigh. Deb has a goal of walking four miles a day and likes doing part of that on the campus of Keswick School.

Terry Columbus, M.Ed.
Associate Director of Development

Terry has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Lynchburg College and a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Virginia. Terry has been at Keswick School for over forty years. Terry has many years of experience including working with special needs elementary school children at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and working at a halfway house for adults with mental illness and also at the Central Virginia Training Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. Terry started at TKS fresh out of college and newly married. Even back then I could tell this was a place where lives were changed for the better. She Started as a teacher, the moved to Program Coordinator and then Director before moving into Development. She has had the opportunity to work with so many families who needed to feel that there was hope for their son. Terry is the keeper of the historic journey of this unique and very special place. She remembers families from many years past and still has relationships with the Educational Consultants who referred the boys.

Aside from traveling, cooking and reading, her favorite pastime is spending time with her adult children, Jillian and Cole, her grandchildren, and her dog, Mika.

George Conway
Advisor

George is president of Independent Educational Services, an executive search and leadership advisory firm specializing in independent schools, colleges and non-profits. His consulting experience includes executive searches, leadership assessments, executive contract review, executive coaching, and institutional planning. As a Trusted Advisor, he frequently consults with mission-driven organizations on executive effectiveness and good governance. For 24 years prior to entering search and consulting, George was headmaster of St. Anne’s-Belfield School, a large independent day and boarding school in Charlottesville, Virginia.

George holds a BA degree from Wilkes University, a M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a D. Min. degree from Boston University.