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MEET OUR STAFF
Joanne Woodward
Executive Director
Originally from St. Augustine, Florida, Joanne moved to Floyd in 1997 after visiting her retired parents for a long weekend. She fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vibrant art community, and the beauty of Appalachian culture.
Joanne is deeply committed to the June Bug Center's mission of inspiring and empowering individuals through the arts and STEAM. She and her daughters have been part of the June Bug Center family for a decade and know firsthand the important role the JBC has in the community.
In addition to her role at The June Bug Center, Joanne is an active member of the Floyd community, serving on several local agricultural and community boards. She regularly collaborates with local schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to enhance the cultural and educational offerings in the community. When she’s not at the center, Joanne enjoys exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, tending to the many acres of blueberries at Eggers Berry Farm, and spending time with her family.
Samantha Oty
Program Coordinator
​Samantha is a graduate of Radford University (B.S. English; Technical Editing and Writing) and The George Washington University (M.P.S. Publishing; Editorial/Marketing and Promotion). Her first play, "Demolition Lovers," was written during her sophomore year of high school and won the 2010 New Voices playwriting contest. She has been writing ever since.
Her plays have been produced at MadLab Theatre, Northern Kentucky University, and The Pharmacy Theatre. Her play "New Year's Eve at the Stop-n-Go" was adapted into the indie film "Turbo Cola" by Covert Productions and went on to win several awards in the 2022 film festival cycle, including Best Film at the 2023 Film Threat Awards. When not working on new plays, Sam is half the team behind the Real Horrorshow Podcast and one of the founding members of Postcard Press. She lives in Virginia with her husband and cat, and she may or may not actually be two ten-year-olds in a trenchcoat.
MEET OUR 2024-2025 BOARD
Joanne Woodward
Jay Durner
President
Jay Durner received a BA in Music Education from Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and an MA in Music from The College of New Jersey. Since moving to Virginia, Mr. Durner has continued to be active as a guest conductor, working with the Winds of the Blue Ridge Concert Band, and the Highty Tighties Marching Band at Virginia Tech. He has also been the Music Director for several productions of Blacksburg’s Summer Music Enterprise. He is recently retired as the Band Director at Floyd County High School where he oversaw the Concert and Marching Bands, as well as the Middle School Instrumental program. Mr. Durner looks forward to being an integral part of the JBC, helping them expand their offerings to even more of the Floyd County youth.
Emily Gruver
Secretary
Emily received a Bachelor of Arts in both Communications (Media Production) and Theatre. Before working at The June Bug Center, she worked as a video producer at Citizens Cooperative and a News Producer at WDBJ7. She is also co-founder of The Floyd Community Theatre Guild, which is part of The June Bug Center and has directed many of the young actors' productions such as Frozen, Big Bad Musical, Oz the Musical, and many others.
Linda DeVito
Linda Devito has lived in Floyd for 40 years. She graduated with a degree in Communications & Marketing from Virginia Tech. Linda serves on the Board of Supervisors for Floyd Co. She is also a realtor, disc jockey, tree farmer, & sports announcer. She volunteers her time with Floyd County Lady Buffs Basketball Team as a videographer, and with Habitat for Humanity as a board member. She also serves on the New River Valley Regional Commission. Linda loves Floyd’s natural beauty, people, arts and community.
Theda McCutchan
Theda McCutchan Anderson is a Floyd native who loves the performing arts! She was active in theater and dance throughout high school and college and has participated in community theater off and on over the past two decades. An avid fan of both Disney and classic Hollywood musicals, Theda hoped to encourage a similar love in her three children by enrolling them in classes at the JuneBug Center when they were young. The whole family now takes classes and volunteers after school and during the summers. Theda hopes to help the next group of Floyd youngsters discover an appreciation for theater by instructing the Broadway for Kids class. Additionally, Theda enjoys reading, specialty coffee, planning trips (and then taking them!) and coaching the Floyd County High School Forensics (public speaking) team.
Joanne Woodward
Tammie Sarver-Wolf
Vice President
I’ve been teaching and learning alongside children, families and teachers from infancy through high school for nearly thirty years. I’m very grateful that after a winding journey, as a teacher and administrator, I have found my pedagogical home at Blue Mountain School, and my sense of belonging in the Floyd community.
I’m inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia, constructivist education, and outdoor learning. I received my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. I studied Emergent Inquiry in my masters work at ETSU. and I’m proud to have attended training in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
I’m currently honored and joyous to be leading and learning with our Blue Mountain School community; where I’m committed to nurturing our community's youngest citizens' love of learning, mindfulness, social emotional strength, and developmentally appropriate activism. I’m committed to caring and connecting with every family in our community, working for every child, teacher, and family to feel seen, heard, and valued. I'm committed to serving our community through my work at Blue Mountain School, and through volunteerism. When I’m not at school you will usually find me in the woods, the river, volunteering, or cooking in my kitchen or reading a good book with my Eric, our 5 children, and many pets.
Carol Volker
Treasurer
Carol’s first encounter with The June Bug Center was over ten years ago, when her daughter attended a JBC dance class. A fan ever since, Carol joined the board in 2018. Carol has over twenty years of administrative and fiscal experience working in educational, non-profit institutions, and she is currently a research administrator at Virginia Tech.
Val Moran
Valerie has volunteered for many years at The June Bug Center and has been a big part of bringing theatre to young, aspiring actors in our community. She helped start our Acting Out program and has played a crucial role in keeping our young actors growing!
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Tammy Sapp