I grew up in Chester, Virginia which is just south of Richmond. I attended the University of Virginia for my undergraduate program, George Mason University for my master’s program, and the University of Mary Washington for my post-master’s program. I have worked in public education for over 22 years and currently serve as an elementary principal here in Gainesville. I have an identical twin sister and an older sister. My sisters and I are the first generation to go to college in our family and credit public education for opening up opportunities we would not otherwise have had. My mother was a single parent for many years but despite our financial struggles growing up, she always modeled that hard work would help us reach our goals. My first year as a teacher, I was overwhelmed and worried that I had picked the wrong field. Fast forward a year and I quickly learned that education is the one system that has the ability to connect a child and their family with needed resources. I was right where I was meant to be. As a principal, I like to think my classroom just got bigger. Last year, I was able to successfully donate 60% of my liver to a local mom and now dear friend (fun fact: your liver regenerates). I’m an advocate for living organ donation and shout its importance from the mountain tops often. For fun or relaxation, I love practicing mindfulness and yoga and appreciate being at the beach anytime I can visit.
About Jennifer Perilla
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Ben, and I are college sweethearts (Go UVA!) and have been married for over 20 years. I’m the proud mom of two incredible daughters, Jasmine and Marissa. Jasmine is in her first year in college and Marissa attends Battlefield High School.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked in public education for over 22 years, all in Prince William County Schools. My teaching background is in special education which is near and dear to my heart. The best part of my job is getting a front row seat to student learning. Watching a kid work hard towards goals and achieve them is an amazing feeling.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When confronted with a difficult situation or feeling big emotions, find a pause. Literally, do nothing for a few seconds. It’s pretty remarkable that by simply pausing for a few seconds, our brain becomes better available to process information. This is the difference between reacting versus responding.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am a firm believer in the power of public education and plan to continue my career supporting it in some manner.
Jennifer Perilla & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sakura is my absolute favorite. I also love Tony’s Pizza, Olde Dominion Tavern, and Hidden Julles.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived and worked in northern Virginia since 2001 and have lived in Haymarket since 2011.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Our community is packed with many interesting people. Several years ago, my husband was leading a presentation at my school about the Watch DOGS program (volunteer program for fathers and father-figures). During the evening, I spoke with the father of two of my students, Mr. Jose. I had spoken with him many times before as he was quite active at school functions. This conversation was different though. He began sharing about his life’s journey to get to where he was. He shared some pretty jaw-dropping challenges and how he continued to put one foot in front of the other to reach his goals. It was truly inspiring and a reminder that you never know the path that someone has traveled to get to where they are.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tony’s Pizza is a staple in our house. We eat there a lot. I use them to cater parties. I always bump into people I know when I’m at Tony’s. They also once helped me fish out my daughter’s retainer from the trash can after she accidentally threw it away. Talk about customer service!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I appreciate how our community has a small town feeling despite being quite large. There is intentional planning for community events to bring everyone together.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d love to lunch with Maureen McBride at Sakura (I hope she likes sushi). Dr. McBride is the CEO for UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing. As a living organ donor, I learned so much through the evaluation process. I’d love to hear from the highest level how UNOS has evolved over the decades. Allocating available organs to those in need is incredibly complex.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
When it comes to movies, I’m a Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter fan. I don’t get to watch much TV but when I do, any episode of Ted Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, Parks and Rec, or The Office puts me in a good mood.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
This one is hard because I’m an open book about most things. Despite living hours apart for over 20 years, my twin sister and I have remained super close. Our kids call us ‘mommy’ and ‘aunt mommy’. Even now as women in our 40s, we finish each other’s sentences and even text the exact same thing at the exact same time. Fun fact-we were born on our mother’s birthday and held the record for the heaviest twins born at the hospital for quite a long time (I weighed 8 lbs and she weighed 8 lbs 10 oz).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Mindful walks on the beach…highly recommend.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids inspire me to get out of my comfort zone. I watch them tackle challenges and try new things despite uncertainty and it serves as a reminder for me that taking risks is something we should all be doing in order to grow.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, calm, reset
