Little River Elementary School

Hello! My name is Kevin Murphy. I have been a part of Little River for over 18 years, and loved every minute! I have spent almost my whole career as a Little River Eagle! I started my teaching career at Little River as a 3rd grade teacher and then became a 5th grade teacher. I then was an Administrative Intern for two years here at Little River Elementary. Then, I was at John W. Tolbert Jr. Elementary as the Administrative Intern before coming back to Little River as the Assistant Principal for 5 years. Now I have the pleasure of serving our students at Little River as the Principal for the last 8 years.

I have been a part of this South Riding community ever since I graduated from James Madison University. At JMU, I majored in Math and in Science, then also received an Early Childhood degree. I then continued at James Madison and received a Master’s in the Art of Teaching. Later I received my professional certificate in Administration and Supervision. During my years in South Riding, I quickly fused myself into the community. I coached at Freedom High School as the head coach on the varsity swim team, and was the head coach of the South Riding StingRays ODSL swim team.

I love being in Loudoun County and spending my free time in Ashburn with my family. At home, I have my lovely wife Lauren, and three crazy boys, Callan, Jack, and Brooks (plus our little pup Penny).  Yet, most of my free time is occupied by my boys’ sporting events #toomuchbaseball.  Little River is my "home away from home" and you will see my family around the school from time to time too!

Hello! I’m Colleen Flaherty, and I am thrilled to serve as the Acting Assistant Principal at Little River Elementary. After 30 rewarding years in education, I retired from Loudoun County in 2024, where I had the privilege of being the Assistant Principal at Mill Run Elementary. I initially took some time off to enjoy family life with my six wonderful children and amazing husband—though, as you can imagine, retirement didn’t last long! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the school and its community, and I am genuinely excited to be joining the Little River team, even if just for a little while.

Hello! My name is Devon DeFrancesco and I am eager to serve as the Dean at Little River Elementary! I am a proud LCPS graduate and have spent my entire educational career working in Loudoun County Public Schools. Following my graduation from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in both special education and elementary education, I started my career as a classroom teacher. I enjoyed working with 2nd grade and kindergarten students for 6 years in both the Ashburn and South Riding communities.  

After my time in the classroom, I pursued an opportunity to work at the division level where I supported elementary and middle schools across Loudoun in implementing Social Emotional Learning and Response to Intervention structures. During this time, I received a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Walden University as well as my Educational Leadership and Administration Certificate from George Washington University.  

I recently got married this spring and enjoy living with my husband, Joe, in Loudoun. In my free time, I enjoy running, golfing, and baking. As an avid Philadelphia sports fan, you can often find me cheering on the Eagles or Phillies. If we are not watching or attending a sporting event, my husband and I like to explore Loudoun by trying out new restaurants.

Hello! I'm Brandon Colville, and I'm excited to start my first year as the Special Education Dean for both Little River Elementary School and Hutchison Farm Elementary School. I have been teaching for 11 years, all within the special education setting. Prior to this administrative role, I spent five years teaching at Aberdeen Elementary in Hampton, one year at DG Cooley Elementary in Clarke County, and five years as a cross-categorical teacher here at Little River. 

I have my Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta in Oneonta, New York (2007) and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Western Governor's University. 

 I reside in Winchester, VA, with my dog, Luna, and enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing a round of golf, spending time outdoors hiking, and unwinding with a good book.