Being a part of a military family, Ms. Harnist grew up in a number of different places. Eventually, her family settled in the Roanoke area where she attended Lord Botetourt High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School. She received a B.S. in Mathematics with a second major in psychology and a M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (Math Education) from Virginia Tech. When not working on school-related activities, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, watching Hokie football, music, and spending time with her family in the area.