FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY

Meet the HRA Team

At Hampton Roads Academy, we believe that our people are what make us great. From our talented teachers to our wonderful non-teaching office and facilities staff, our team brings a wealth of experience to our school. Additionally, our team is dedicated to bettering itself through continual education. We champion lifelong learning and career skill-building through our robust professional development program.

Explore our faculty and staff directory below!

HRA clipart dedicated faculty and staff

Our People Are the Heart of Our School

Our dedicated faculty and team members serve as the backbone of Hampton Roads Academy. With a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, they bring invaluable insights and knowledge to our classrooms, offices, and halls. Our educators are experts in their respective fields. We take pride in nurturing a culture of continuous learning, where professional growth is valued and supported.

HRA clipart professional development

Investing in Professional Development

To ensure that our faculty remains at the forefront of education, Hampton Roads Academy maintains a robust professional development program. This program includes opportunities for experts to visit our campus and for faculty members to engage in enriching experiences off-site. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, we empower our educators to inspire and challenge our students to reach their fullest potential.

Explore Our Faculty and Staff

Please select one of the divisions below to explore the dedicated individuals who make up the Hampton Roads Academy team. Whether they are part of the Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School, you will find passionate educators committed to providing exceptional learning experiences for all of our students.

HRA Team

Devi Adhikari

Devi Adhikari

Upper School Physics Teacher

BSc, Tribhuvan University
MSc, Tribhuvan University
PhD, Idaho State University
Amy Annette

Amy Annette

Foundations of Sports Medicine, Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Director

BS, Roanoke College
MS, Old Dominion University
Rebecca Beal

Rebecca Beal

3rd Grade Teacher

BA, The University of Virginia
MEd, The University of Virginia
Emily Benham

Emily Benham

2nd Grade Teacher

BA, Hood College
Roberta Bockrath

Roberta Bockrath

Middle School Spanish Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MA, Christopher Newport University
Tiffany Brakefield

Tiffany Brakefield

Lower School Science Enrichment/Computer Teacher

BA, King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
MEd, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
MEd, William & Mary
Shellie Breitbeil

Shellie Breitbeil

2nd Grade Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MEd, Old Dominion University
Kristen Brown

Kristen Brown

School Nurse

BSN, Western Governors University
Kelly Buscemi

Kelly Buscemi

Executive Assistant to the Head of School

BS, Saint Xavier University
Melinda Calloway

Melinda Calloway

Line Cook

Jayne Campbell

Jayne Campbell

Lower School Administrative Assistant

BA, University of Tennessee
Kate Carter

Kate Carter

Upper School French Teacher

BA, University of Mary Washington
MEd, Old Dominion University
Will Caulford

Will Caulford

Director of Technology

Erika Caulford

Erika Caulford

Lower School Music Teacher

BM, Christopher Newport University
Elizabeth Cavallari

Elizabeth Cavallari

Director of College Counseling

BA, Bucknell University
MEd, William & Mary
Kendra Chappell

Kendra Chappell

Upper School Physical Education Teacher

BS, North Carolina State University
MA, University of South Florida
Kim Christenbury

Kim Christenbury

Kindergarten Aide

LaVena Clark

LaVena Clark

Facilities

Jennifer Clemons

Jennifer Clemons

Middle / Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

BFA, Northern Arizona University
Jeremy Clover

Jeremy Clover

Upper School English Teacher

BA, Winthrop University
Sharon Cole

Sharon Cole

Lower School Art Teacher

BA, Old Dominion University
MAAE, University of Florida
Christine Contakes

Christine Contakes

Upper School Art Teacher

BA, Mercyhurst University
Archie Davis

Archie Davis

Facilities

Kim Davis

Kim Davis

Registrar & College Counseling Coordinator

Melissa DeBoer

Melissa DeBoer

Middle School Director of Educational Technology

BS/BA, East Carolina University
BA, Christopher Newport University
MEd, Old Dominion University
Maj. Mervyn Diaz

Maj. Mervyn Diaz

Director of Security

AA, East Coast Polytechnic Institute
BS, East Coast Polytechnic Institute
Emma Donavant

Emma Donavant

Junior Kindergarten Aide

Rachel Donavant

Rachel Donavant

Upper School History Teacher

BS, Radford University
MEd, Averett University
Farica Erwin

Farica Erwin

Upper School Math Teacher

BA, Trinity University
MAT, Trinity University
Justin Estreicher

Justin Estreicher

Communications Specialist and Webmaster

BA, University of Pennsylvania
MA, William & Mary
PhD, William & Mary
Bridgitte Ferguson

Bridgitte Ferguson

Middle School Science Teacher

BS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
MA, George Washington University
Teresa Foster

Teresa Foster

Reception

Jaclyn Fritz

Jaclyn Fritz

3rd Grade Teacher

BS, Indiana University
MEd, Xavier University
Courtney Gardner

Courtney Gardner

Director of Advancement

BA, Mary Washington College
BS, Mary Washington College
Maribel Gendreau

Maribel Gendreau

Upper School Science Teacher

BA, Anna Maria College
MS, University of Connecticut
PhD, University of Connecticut
Scott George

Scott George

Upper School English Teacher

BA, Randolph-Macon
MA, Old Dominion University
India Getchell

India Getchell

Facilities Coordinator

Karen L. Gillespie

Karen L. Gillespie

Interim Director of Middle School

BA, William & Mary
Kate Goddin

Kate Goddin

Director of Theatre, Upper School Public Speaking Teacher

BA, University of Mary Washington
Lynwood Goens

Lynwood Goens

Facilities

Jordan Gray

Jordan Gray

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
Brian Grieb

Brian Grieb

Middle / Upper School Band Director

BA, Virginia Tech
Laurie Hager

Laurie Hager

Upper School English Teacher, Dean of Student Life

BA, William & Mary
MA, William & Mary
Christopher Hailey

Christopher Hailey

Upper School History Teacher, Associate Director of College Counseling

BA, William & Mary
MA, William & Mary
Arkady Heifetz

Arkady Heifetz

Upper School Strings Teacher

MA, USSR Conservatory
Hannah Hislop

Hannah Hislop

Middle School English Teacher

BS, Concordia University Chicago
Jordan Hoffmann

Jordan Hoffmann

Admissions and Communications Coordinator

BA, Virginia Commonwealth University
MAT, Liberty University
Mesha Jackson

Mesha Jackson

Accounting Manager

BA, St. Leo University
Christopher Joyce

Christopher Joyce

Upper School History Teacher

BA, Emory University
MAT, Emory University
Christine Crumlish Joyce

Christine Crumlish Joyce

Middle School History / Latin Teacher

AB, Mount Holyoke College
Emma Kamerer

Emma Kamerer

Middle / Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

BFA, Cornell College
MA, Eastern Illinois University
MFA, Ohio University
Jemma Kennedy

Jemma Kennedy

Middle School Math Teacher

BA, Mount Holyoke College
MA, University of Georgia
MA, Teachers College, Columbia University
Gai Kenney

Gai Kenney

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

Josephine Kovalcik

Josephine Kovalcik

Kindergarten Teacher

BA, James Madison University
Colette Kunkel

Colette Kunkel

Upper School English Teacher

BA, Hollins University
MS, Columbia University
Elffie LaChance

Elffie LaChance

Communications Specialist

BS, University of Maryland- College Park
Staci Lanier

Staci Lanier

1st Grade Teacher

BS, Augusta State University
MEd, Augusta State University
Emilly Lasley

Emilly Lasley

Advancement Associate

BS, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Jay Lasley

Jay Lasley

Head of School

BA, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
MEd, Elon University
Jennifer Lassiter

Jennifer Lassiter

Upper School Math Teacher

BA, University of the Incarnate Word
MS, University of the Incarnate Word
Tony Lawrence

Tony Lawrence

Facilities

Kadejah Lawrence

Kadejah Lawrence

Facilities, Transportation Coordinator

Kerry LiBrando

Kerry LiBrando

Middle School History Teacher

BA, Providence College
MA, American University
Destiny Lindsay

Destiny Lindsay

Kindergarten Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
Tiny Liverman

Tiny Liverman

Line Cook

Shanna Lopez

Shanna Lopez

Reception

BS, Christopher Newport University
MS, Old Dominion University
Kat Lutz

Kat Lutz

Facilities

Amanda MacDonnell

Amanda MacDonnell

Librarian

BSJ
MSEd
Candice Mason

Candice Mason

Kindergarten Aide

Jennifer Massengill

Jennifer Massengill

4th Grade Teacher

BA, William & Mary
MEd, William & Mary
Karen Massengill

Karen Massengill

Middle School English / Reading Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MAT, Christopher Newport University
Kim McCrum

Kim McCrum

Human Resources Manager

BS, James Madison University
MS, The George Washington University
Stefanie McDermott

Stefanie McDermott

2nd Grade Teacher

MA, University of Maine
Michelle Miesko

Michelle Miesko

Middle School History / English Teacher

BA, Kutztown University
Jennifer Miller

Jennifer Miller

Upper School Spanish Teacher

BA, University of Minnesota
MA, Virginia Tech
Chris Mills

Chris Mills

Upper School Physical Education Teacher, Assistant Director of Athletics

BA, Virginia Wesleyan University
Zach Minor

Zach Minor

Middle School Science Teacher

BA, James Madison University
MAT, James Madison University
Cynthia Montgomery

Cynthia Montgomery

Middle School Administrative Assistant

Sarah Moore

Sarah Moore

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

BA, Hollins University
Lindsay Morena

Lindsay Morena

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

BS, Messiah College
Henry Morgan

Henry Morgan

Facilities

Kim Morgan

Kim Morgan

1st Grade Teacher

BA, Virginia Commonwealth University
MEd, Virginia Commonwealth University
Amber Nierman

Amber Nierman

3rd Grade Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MEd, Christopher Newport University
Lauren Oaks

Lauren Oaks

Upper School Science Teacher

BA, Virginia Tech
MS, Virginia Tech
Jennifer Olivares

Jennifer Olivares

Kindergarten / 1st Grade Aide

MA, Grand Canyon University
Marcy Ouellette

Marcy Ouellette

Middle / Upper School Science Teacher

BS, Fitchburg State University
MS, University of Memphis
Elizabeth Parisher

Elizabeth Parisher

Upper School French Teacher

BA, Randolph-Macon Women’s College
MEd, University of Richmond
Nichole Patrick

Nichole Patrick

Middle School English Teacher

BS, Old Dominion University
MS, Old Dominion University
Liza Perez

Liza Perez

Lower School Spanish Teacher

BA, The University of Puerto Rico
Quiseam Perry

Quiseam Perry

Line Cook

Callie Poole

Callie Poole

Advancement Associate, Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach, Program Coordinator

BS, University of Mary Washington
Steve Redfearn

Steve Redfearn

Facilities

William (Billy) Redfearn

William (Billy) Redfearn

Facilities

Noelle Rennolds

Noelle Rennolds

Upper School Spanish Teacher

BA, Canisius College
MS, Canisius University
MEd, Canisius University
Kelley Rhodes

Kelley Rhodes

1st Grade Teacher

BA, James Madison University
MEd, The Ohio State University
Chyna Roberts

Chyna Roberts

Middle School Math Teacher

BA, Eastern Mennonite University
Shymil Robinson

Shymil Robinson

Facilities

Benjamin Rous

Benjamin Rous

Assistant Head of School, Director of Upper School

BA, University of Colorado Boulder
MA, Dartmouth College
Elizabeth Rous

Elizabeth Rous

Upper School Psychology Teacher, Upper School Counselor

BS, College of Charleston
MS, Francis Marion University
Jesse Rowe

Jesse Rowe

Sous Chef

AAS, Johnson & Wales University
Uwe Schluszas

Uwe Schluszas

Executive Chef

Katie Schwizer

Katie Schwizer

Upper School Science Teacher

BS, James Madison University
MS, St. Joseph’s University
Jeff Scott

Jeff Scott

Middle School Physical Education Teacher

BS, Old Dominion University
Marshall Severin

Marshall Severin

Middle / Upper School Choir Director

BM, Christopher Newport University
Kathy Shepherd

Kathy Shepherd

Business Office Associate

Tina Silberhorn

Tina Silberhorn

Middle School English Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MEd, William & Mary
Ron Sims

Ron Sims

Lower School Physical Education Teacher

BS, Old Dominion University
MS, Old Dominion University
Liesel Sorensen

Liesel Sorensen

Middle School Math Teacher

BS, Brigham Young University
Gretchen Speece

Gretchen Speece

4th Grade Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MAT, Christopher Newport University
Jocelyn Spencer

Jocelyn Spencer

Assistant Director of Admissions

BA, Virginia Wesleyan College
MEd, Old Dominion University
Ashley Spruill

Ashley Spruill

Middle School Counselor

BS, Christopher Newport University
Laura Stoner

Laura Stoner

Director of Athletics

BA, Colgate University
MAT, Christopher Newport University
Ace Strickland

Ace Strickland

Director of Facilities & Transportation

Susanne Swain

Susanne Swain

Director of Lower School

BA, William & Mary
MA, George Washington University
Ed Swanson

Ed Swanson

Director of Admissions

BA, Sacred Heart University
David Swinney

David Swinney

Facilities

Shirley Tanguy

Shirley Tanguy

Director of Ancillary Programs

Lisa Thatcher

Lisa Thatcher

Director of the Student Support Center

BA, Briar Cliff University
MS, Springfield College
Caroline Thatcher

Caroline Thatcher

Kindergarten Teacher

BS, Old Dominion University
MEd, Old Dominion University
Kennetta Tingmen

Kennetta Tingmen

Facilities

Kimmielene Trower

Kimmielene Trower

Facilities

Lee Underwood

Lee Underwood

Upper School Math Teacher

BS, Christopher Newport University
MEd, Walden University
Eve Ware

Eve Ware

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

Mason Whitaker

Mason Whitaker

Middle School History Teacher

BA, Hampden-Sydney College
Savannah Whitten

Savannah Whitten

4th Grade Teacher

BA, Christopher Newport University
MA, Christopher Newport University
Tommy Yevak

Tommy Yevak

Director of Alumni Relations

BS, University of Virginia
Rafael Zornitta

Rafael Zornitta

Upper School Math Teacher

BS, Austin Peay State University

Charting Futures, Shaping Leaders

Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm