Background

Dr. Lucy Montalvo joined the Center for Community Partnerships in September 2020 and currently serves as the Director of Starr Hill Pathways. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Penn State, and a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Bilingual Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Montalvo joined the Center to champion expanded opportunity and post-secondary success for all, driven by a passion for ensuring that middle and high school students from every background have the agency and support to navigate their future college and career paths.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Lucy has a proven ability to make theoretical frameworks actionable, turning complex ideas into high-impact programs for students. In addition to her leadership at Starr Hill Pathways, she supports the development of future educators as an instructor at the University of Virginia, teaching graduate courses in the School of Education and Human Development (EDIS 5422 & 5481). A children’s author and advocate for student achievement, she integrates her expertise in culturally responsive curriculum and multilingual support to provide holistic mentoring and internship opportunities for youth in Charlottesville City and Albemarle County.

Programs 

Dr. Lucy Montalvo has a distinguished background in designing and leading educational initiatives that translate research-based frameworks into practical student support. Prior to her current leadership role, she spent over 15 years in the classroom, serving as a World Languages teacher and a Lead Dual-Language Educator. During this time, she was responsible for the development and implementation of bilingual curricula, ensuring high-quality instructional delivery across multiple grade levels.

Currently, as the Director of Starr Hill Pathways at the Center for Community Partnerships, Lucy leads a comprehensive college and career pipeline program serving 7th through 12th-grade scholars in Charlottesville City and Albemarle County. She manages a multi-faceted programmatic portfolio that includes:

• Pathways Scholars Summer Experience: A three-week immersive program on the UVA grounds where students engage in hands-on career exploration across various academic and professional fields.
• School-Year Enrichment: Leading academic-year programming that connects students with community partners for career and college readiness workshops.
• Academic Support & Mentoring: Overseeing a tutoring infrastructure that utilizes UVA undergraduate mentors to provide academic assistance, including support in students' native languages.
• Internship & Counseling Tracks: Developing specialized opportunities for high-school scholars, including professional internships and college application guidance.
• Starr Support Series: Facilitating family-centered resources to assist households in navigating school systems and community resources.

Education

• EdD, 2021 – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Curriculum & Instruction (Bilingual Studies)
• MEd, 2007 – Pennsylvania State University, Educational Leadership
• BA, 2004 – University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Early Childhood Education

Boards & Special Working Groups Served

Dr. Montalvo is committed to professional leadership and community advocacy. Her service record includes:

• Virginia Dual Language Educator Network (VADLEN): Served as President-Elect (2019–2021) and President (2021–2023), leading statewide efforts to support educators and advocate for multilingual learners.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia: Serves as a member of the Programs Committee, contributing to the strategic development and quality of youth programming.
• Latinx Employee Resource Group at UVA: Served as the Community Partnerships Committee Chair, focusing on building connections between University employees and local community organizations.
• Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle: Previously served as a Board Member, supporting the mission to provide nutritional support and social connection for neighbors in the community.
• President’s Council for Early Childhood Education: Member, University of Virginia | 2022-2023
• Virginia Department of Education Dual Language Guiding Document | 2018 - Writer 
• Virginia Department of Education Dual Language Endorsement Workgroup | 2018 - Member

Languages

English: Native Language, Advanced proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing

Spanish: Native Language, Advanced proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing