About Headwaters
Headwaters’ mission is to foster educational excellence in Rappahannock County by cultivating the cooperative spirit and resources of the whole community to benefit all students.
Headwaters fulfills its mission through five major programs as well as through several annual events and targeted initiatives. Headwaters' programs serve all of Rappahannock's children, aiming to reach those at greatest risk.
Headwaters Staff
Jane Bowling-Wilson - Executive Director
Jane, a long-time Rappahannock resident, joined Headwaters in 2011 after many years as an Art Director and Designer for print, web and retail businesses. She brings her experience as a high school and elementary Educator, Chairman of the Fine Arts Department in public schools, and years of volunteer service in Rappahannock and neighboring counties. She co-founded PAVAN (Performing and Visual Arts Northwest) a five county partnership with Shenandoah College and Conservatory which provided public school children with fine arts enrichment on Saturdays, after school and during the summer. In a rural high school, she implemented a full-time photography program, sponsored award winning literary-arts school publications and lead community service programs which involved school children in local businesses, hospitals and newspapers.
Paula Howland - Director, Next Step
Paula has a B.A. in sociology, a master’s degree in guidance, and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She has worked previously as a school psychologist, a clinical psychologist, and an administrator both in public education and in public mental health. Her career has been dedicated to helping people realize their capabilities and reach their potential.
Jen Rattigan - Program Manager, Farm-to-Table
Jen has a Bachelors in Fine Art, and has received certifications as a Master Gardener and a Permaculture Designer. Before moving to Rappahannock County to intern at The Farm at Sunnyside for two seasons, she spent eight years in Baltimore, MD working as a puppeteer, mural painter, and after-school educator. She has also helped manage diverse vegetable farms in Pennsylvania and assisted with culinary and medicinal mushroom cultivation in Charlottesville, Va.
Elizabeth Zepeda Blubaugh - Program Manager, Starfish Mentoring
Elizabeth and her family have lived in Rappahannock since the early 1980's. During the last 30 years, she has worked in the local public schools in various capacities: as a foreign language and leadership teacher, a volunteer recruitment director and member of numerous committees. Elizabeth received her Master's Degree from Occidental College, Los Angeles, and she currently utilizes her skills as a Hospice and a Free Clinic volunteer. She also represents the County on the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board. Her husband, Jim, and three children, Lea, Ian and Morgan, are the source of great pride and stability.
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