Meet the Teachers

Gwen Hairston

My name is Mrs. Hairston and I am happy to have been a part of the Physical Education department and Agnor-Hurt family for almost 20 years.  I was born in Farmville, Virginia and attended Cumberland County Public Schools.  I have been a physical education teacher for over 35 years.  My teaching experience has taken me over the Commonwealth of Virginia from Stafford County to Roanoke City Public Schools.  My teaching experience has been on the elementary and middle school levels. 

I have one son who lives in the Norfolk area and enjoys coaching, teaching, and playing baseball.  My husband, Bernard, is also an employee of the Albemarle County school system as the Director of Community Engagement.  I am a graduate of Virginia State University and played on the softball and basketball teams.  I love all types of sports at all levels, (go HOOOOOS, Braves and Skins).  Afterschool and some weekends, you may find me staying fit by teaching aerobics at ACAC and participating in local run/walk charity events.  I am a big fan of traveling especially in the Caribbean, collecting elephants, and eating my favorite foods CHEERIES and GREEN TEA!  To all of our Agnor-Hurt students, “You are Smart, You are Kind, and You are Important”… a statement from my most recent favorite movie.

Gabe Rivard

My name is Mr. Rivard and I have been teaching at Agnor-Hurt for three wonderful years. Before coming to Albemarle County I taught Middle School Physical Education in Boston, MA, and before that, in Winthrop, ME.  I graduated from the University of Maine in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a concentration in Health.  While at the University of Maine, I competed for the Black Bears, running Cross-Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track and Field.  While teaching in Boston I also had the opportunity to continue competing in Track and Field for New Balance Boston.

When I am not teaching or running, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our puppy, exploring Mother Nature, laughing and smiling with friends, and playing the guitar.

I look forward to another amazing year of teaching, learning, and growing here at Agnor-Hurt!

Zach Laird

My name is Mr. Laird, this is my second year teaching in Albemarle County. I was born and raised a few miles south of Philadelphia, PA. I graduated from Lock Haven University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and a Bachelors of Science in Coaching. After college I spent a year working for SkyZone Trampoline Park while also substitute teaching in various school districts in the area. Outside of teaching, soccer is my passion and I have coached soccer as a varsity assistant for the past 4 years at West Chester Henderson High School. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, playing with my dog, and enjoying the outdoors. I also enjoy supporting Philadelphia sports teams, Penn State Football, and Duke Basketball. 

I look forward to starting my career here at Agnor-Hurt! I can't wait to learn from the amazing staff, and to teach and be a positive role model for all of our awesome students!