Bensley Tigers are GRRRReat! I am Dr. Patrice C. Wilson, your PROUD principal! It is with great honor and pride that I continue to serve you on this journey of continued academic excellence and leadership! With over 25 years of education experience, I am confident that we will take Bensley to the NEXT Level- TOGETHER!

As we continue to partner together for our students’ success, know that I am a confident, competent, and capable LEADER! I have strong ties to the Chesterfield community and continue to be passionate about the people and purpose of education within our community. I graduated from Meadowbrook High School of Chesterfield County Public schools and finished my undergraduate and graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. I completed a B.A. in English and a Masters of Teaching degree in 1997, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Virginia in 2004, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational leadership in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. I began teaching right here in Chesterfield County in the Fall of 1997 at Grange Hall Elementary School and then at O.B. Gates Elementary school for a total of seven years. Both teaching experiences were wonderful and I was selected to be Teacher of the Year at O.B. Gates Elementary School in 2004. After teaching, I went on to serve as an Assistant Principal here at Bensley Elementary School from 2004-2008. Working alongside my mentor and phenomenal past principal, Mrs. Bessie Cooper. Bensley successfully prepared me to go on to be principal at Thelma Crenshaw and Harrowgate Elementary schools both still in Chesterfield County. I spent one year as the Assistant Principal of Swift Creek Middle school so, I’ve gained a pretty good picture of what we’re preparing our elementary babies for at the Middle school. Now, I’m proudly back home at Bensley Elementary School and I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience back with me.

My husband of twenty-five plus years, Stephen and I remain in Chesterfield County and are the proud parents of two college graduates who also attended Chesterfield County Public schools and have gone on to live their passions because of such a strong educational foundation and a belief that learning is living.

Bensley is Family! I look forward to many more memorable moments, successes, and growth in our Bensley family members– students, staff, community partners, and each one of YOU!

Greetings, Bensely Tigers! My name is Jessica Sarkees and I am thrilled to join the Bensley family as your assistant principal. It is my educational belief that all children are afforded the opportunities and experiences to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to working in partnership and collaboration with each of you here at Bensley!

I received my Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and English literature and my Master’s of Education in literacy from Elmira College in Elmira, New York. I also attended Longwood University’s educational leadership program for my administration and supervision endorsement.

Prior to joining the Bensley family, I worked for 11 years in Richmond Public Schools. I spent 9 years at Ginter Park Elementary, serving in the role as a 3rd and 5th grade classroom teacher, Title I reading specialist, and literacy coach. I also worked for 2 years in central office as an intervention specialist for elementary reading. Prior to moving to Virginia, I worked as a teacher in a school division in upstate New York.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach, being with family and friends, and reading a good mystery book. I am an avid football fan, especially watching the New England Patriots. I grew up in Vermont and will always be a New Englander at heart!

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can be reached by email at jessica_sarkees@ccpsnet.net or by phone at 804-743-3610. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!

Let’s ROAR Tigers! I am Dr. Hobson, and I am so fortunate to serve as your Assistant Principal. I am passionate about supporting students, parents, and teachers in building a community of excellence. I believe all students deserve a high-quality education and meaningful learning experiences.

I began my teaching career in Hopewell City Public Schools, teaching middle school Special Education, General Education Math, and high school Spanish. I later transitioned to Bellwood Elementary School as a Special Education teacher, working in both the General Curriculum and Adaptive settings. I also served as the Dean of Students at Elizabeth Davis Middle School. Working with students at all stages of their educational journey has helped me understand where students start, where they are headed, and how to prepare them to be productive members of our community. I am looking forward to helping our Tigers develop a strong foundation to better prepare them for their bright futures.

I am a proud product of Chesterfield County Public Schools and attended Reams Road Elementary School, Salem Church Middle School, and Lloyd C. Bird High School. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University, my Master's degree in Special Education, and my Doctorate in Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University.

Outside of school, I enjoy supporting my children's activities, listening to audiobooks, and going on tropical cruises with my family.

Estoy muy contenta de trabajar junto a ustedes para apoyar el éxito de todos nuestros estudiantes. Juntos lograremos grandes cosas. ¡Vamos, Tigres!

Let’s Go, Bensley Tigers! My name is Chereese Harrison, and I am both honored and thrilled to serve as your Dean of Students! I wholeheartedly believe in creating a positive environment where all students feel valued and supported to reach their full potential. I am excited to walk alongside you to continue creating ROARing moments for our Bensley Tigers.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language from Fayetteville State University in my hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Richmond. Prior to joining the Tiger team, I served as a high school English teacher, a Communities in Schools Site Coordinator and a Dean of Students at the high school level. I started my educational career in Chesterfield County and I am elated to come back to the district that first ignited my love for teaching.

Outside of school, I am mostly on the sidelines of a basketball court or football field cheering on my two children, who both attend Chesterfield County Public Schools, teaching step at a studio, writing poetry, making t-shirts, arranging flowers, escaping in a book or laughing loudly! My joy both inside and outside of work often comes from embracing my creativity.

Words cannot fully capture how grateful and excited I am to be a part of the Bensley Tiger family. I know the coming years will be full of loud, proud Tiger ROARS!