Meet our Admin Team

It is an honor to be principal of Saunders Middle School. As a passionate educator,  I understand the impact a principal has on forging a school community that is welcoming and focused on student academic performance. I anticipate the start of the 2025-26 school year with great excitement and deep respect for the work that has been on-going at Saunders Middle in pursuit of excellence. 

I have been an educator since 1996, beginning as a classroom teacher and later serving as a department chair and assistant principal. I came to Prince William County in 2011 where I served students at Woodbridge High School, Unity Reed High School, and Freedom High School. Please know it is my intention to always work tirelessly to ensure that Saunders continues to be a place where students, staff, and families are supported and have a strong sense of belonging. It is essential that our students experience school as a place where they are seen, respected, and valued, so they are able to thrive and actualize their full potential. 

Middle school is an essential time of cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Our goal at Saunders is to equip students with skill sets essential to create thriving futures for themselves and their community. I am excited to have the privilege of working with the Saunders community in pursuit of a school of belonging, growth, and academic challenge. 

Please let us know how we are doing. Our goal is to exceed expectations. 

Respectfully, 

Mr. Jeremy Byrd

Mrs. Kathy Burch, Executive Administrative Assistant

Ms. Barb Babauta, proudly of the House Xiphos, began her position as administrative intern at Saunders Middle School in August of 2023 and now joins the team as an Assistant Principal. She taught English Language Arts and Creative Writing in Prince William County at Graham Park and Benton Middle Schools over the past 16 years. During this time, she served as department chair, teacher mentor, curriculum writer, and Student Council Association sponsor.

Ms. Babauta earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Glassboro State College. Later, she earned two Masters, one in Communications and another in Secondary Education. Originally from Guam, Ms. Babauta, her daughter, and two dogs, reside in Prince William County . Her interests include yoga, traveling, hiking, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Go, Birds!

Ms. Babauta is an energetic leader who is excited to be a part of the Saunders family. She understands that positive relationships with students, teachers, and families are key to school success.

Ms. Lanzo began her journey at Saunders as a dedicated science teacher and is now entering her third year as an Assistant Principal. A proud member of the House of Determination, Dynamis, she brings passion, energy, and a deep commitment to student success.

Ms. Lanzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Walsh University, earned her teaching credentials in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati, and completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership at James Madison University.

Outside of school, Ms. Lanzo enjoys spending time with her three daughters, running and cheering on her children in their athletic activities.  She's also a diehard Cleveland sports fan. 

Ms. Lanzo is passionate about students and their learning. She believes that every student has a story and is committed to supporting each one on their journey—every step of the way.

Mr. Alex McDonald joined the Saunders team as assistant principal prior to the 2025-26 school year. Mr. McDonald is a graduate of Prince William County Public Schools. He attended Virginia Tech for his bachelor's and master's degrees. Before moving into administration, Mr. McDonald taught social studies at Woodbridge Middle, served as an administrative intern at Graham Park Middle, and coached swimming for Colgan High School.

Mrs. Bristow is excited to join Saunders as the new Dean of Students and a proud member of House Veritas. She brings over 24 years of experience in public education, with a background in leadership, gifted education, and social studies. She holds a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from the College of William & Mary, an M.A. in History from George Mason University, and a second master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

A certified trainer in Restorative Practices through the IIRP, Mrs. Bristow is passionate about building strong school communities and mentoring educators. Her many roles—coach, mentor, sponsor, and team leader—reflect her deep belief in the power of relationships in education.