Olivia Nalley

I have a BFA in Commercial Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. As a Virginia Chance School alumna, I am thrilled to return to such a unique community of thought leaders and dedicated parents. The captivating experience that Chance provided me is why I have held it close to my heart and want to help others give this gift to their children.

I come to Virginia Chance School with a foundation in advertising photography and in-depth and varied marketing experience, giving me a unique perspective that helps enhance the Virginia Chance School brand. My initial background included market research (my parents' family business), and then I went on to develop advertising initiatives for downtown Louisville and to sell downtown Louisville residential developments.

I further developed my marketing skills at Greater Louisville Inc., where I designed marketing plans and campaigns for city-based initiatives, created new brands, and crafted psychographic approaches to selling. I also managed large communications projects such as website launches, annual reports, and comprehensive product launch campaigns. Then, I used those creative and project management skills at Atria Senior Living in their corporate office, where I supervised a 40-person marketing team; the majority of the projects focused on web-based conversion techniques that I also utilize in this role.

I bring valuable insights and experiences to Virginia Chance School, recognizing that your perspective is crucial in developing effective marketing and communication strategies. I invite you to share your thoughts with me, as I enjoy learning from others' viewpoints—perhaps this is a natural inclination of mine toward marketing research. I possess a strong appreciation for my experiences at Virginia Chance School and am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to share this esteemed institution with our community. Furthermore, I am honored to present it on a national platform as a model of best practices for educators seeking to enhance their professional development.

 

My child is a proud graduate of Chance School, and I wholeheartedly believe that this exceptional program maximizes learning during the brain's most receptive developmental stage. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture not only academic skills but also crucial personal qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Through engaging lessons and a supportive two-teacher environment, children are encouraged to explore their passions, cultivate their creativity, and connect with nature.

 

I have seen firsthand how the education my child received at Chance School has profoundly shaped his character and capabilities. The emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking has made him an inspiring young leader who enjoys engaging with his peers. I am truly impressed by the dedication of the educators and the comprehensive learning experience they provide. The knowledge and skills my child gained here have been an invaluable gift, equipping him for future challenges and opportunities.

 

At home, I spend time with my husband Joe and our son. We love to find interesting hiking paths around Louisville; we especially enjoy stream hiking. At home, we've just completed a DIY overgrown yard reclamation project- it took two full years and a few hundred yard bags! It was a challenging but exciting project to reveal hidden antique garden beds, pull back overgrowth to reveal the home, and make the yard walkable again. When I have a few quiet moments to myself, I sew felt applique kits I find from the 1940s-1970s because the vintage themes and illustrations are lovely and bedazzled with sequins by hand; it's a labor of love.