Faculty

Bernadett Carter

Teaches Mathematics and serves as the Dean of Students

Over her 20 plus years in the education arena, Mrs. Carter most recently served 5 years as an adjunct instructor at John Tyler Community College. She has also worked for Rappahannock Community College as an instructor, and Richmond and Henrico County Schools. Mrs. Carter graduated summa cum laude from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Math, and a Masters of Science in Math Education. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her children's activities, reading, and participating in various church organizations. This is her sixth year at Lynnhaven.

Amanda Dougherty

Teaches Upper School History

Ms. Dougherty has been teaching for 2 years. She grew up in Mantua, NJ, but moved to Virginia during her middle and high school years. She started her educational career at JEJ Moore Middle School in Prince George County teaching US History II 1865- Present. Ms. Dougherty received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences from Radford University where she also received a collegiate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education with endorsements in History and Social Sciences. In her free time, Ms. Dougherty enjoys reading, movies, playing catch with her dog Bandit, and spending time with her loved ones. This is her second year at Lynnhaven.

Keyona Hood

Teaches Middle School Math and Science

Ms. Hood has been teaching for two years. She grew up in the small town of Danville, Va. Ms. Hood started her educational career in early childhood education working with toddlers and moved up to teach middle school math and science in a special education program. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Liberty University and she’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in education. In her free time, Ms. Hood enjoys reading, going to the park, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones. This is her first year at Lynnhaven School. 

Mitchell Imbriani

Teaches Upper School Science

Mitchell has worked in the education field for four years in various teaching capacities. He was born in southern Florida, but relocated to south western Virginia at a young age. Mr. Imbriani attended Christopher Newport University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies as well as a Master of Education from Concordia University with a focus on Curriculum and Development and Environmental Education.. Prior to Lynnhaven, he was employed as a teacher assistant at St. Michael’s School. In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, going for runs, and tending to plants. This is his first year at Lynnhaven.

Marika Kidd

Physical Education Teacher and Head Track & Field/XC Coach

Ms. Markia Kidd teaches Physical Education and is the Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach.  Ms. Kidd is a Virginia native and grew up in Franklin County.  She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia State University. Ms. Kidd is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education Curriculum at Virginia State University. She serves our country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Virginia Army National Guard. She enjoys writing poetry, DIY home projects, and playing with her dog Ollie during her free time. This is her second year at Lynnhaven. 

Israel Melendez

Teaches Spanish and Humanities and is the Dean of Faculty

Mr. Israel has been teaching & mentoring youth for 23 years. Mr. Israel grew up in Los Angeles, California and after completing his military service in the United States Air Force, he made Virginia his home. He began his educational career as a middle school Social Studies teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He received baccalaureate degrees in African American Studies from California State University, Northridge, and Spanish from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. Mr. Israel holds a collegiate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education with endorsements in K-12 Spanish, Driver’s Education, and Carpentry and he is a certified NASP® Basic Archery Instructor. During his free time he enjoys cycling, reading, watching movies, archery, target shooting, and spending time at home in the country. This is his third year at Lynnhaven. 

LaShanda Melendez

Teaches Middle School Humanities and is the Dean of Academics

Mrs. Melendez is a native Virginian and grew up in Newport News. Her teaching career spans 20 years in a range of positions including gifted education, Middle School Science, Spanish, partial Spanish immersion, Middle School Math, and World Geography. She has taught in Newport News, Richmond, and Henrico public schools and at a private school in Newport News.  As a teacher leader, Mrs. Melendez has served as science lead teacher, accreditation co-chair, literacy lead teacher, and social studies lead teacher. She currently serves on the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Teacher Advisory Council and the American Civil War Museum Teacher Advisory Council. Mrs. Melendez earned her Bachelor's Degree in History from Christopher Newport University. She received a collegiate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education with endorsements in Elementary Education PreK-6, English as a Second Language K-12, and Gifted Education K-12. Mrs. Melendez enjoys reading, visiting museums and historical sites, boating on the lake, and spending time with family.  This is her first year at Lynnhaven.

Amalia Oswald

Teaches Upper School English

She holds a BFA in Theatre-Acting from Adelphi University and has many years of amateur and professional theatre work behind her. She started her educational career as an Early Childhood Educator at a Reggio-Emilia inspired preschool. Later, she returned to school and received her MA in English Literature from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to Lynnhaven, she was the Drama Teacher at the Village School in Charlottesville. Her personal academic research works in and around Medieval, Early Modern and dramatic literature and cultural studies. She is also a certified Vinyasa, Barre, and Aerial Yoga teacher. Outside of school, she works with local theatre companies, plays Dungeons and Dragons, and is constantly trying out new activities and skills. Recently, she learned how to snowboard. She lives with her partner and their black lab mix, Harriet Louise. This is her first year at Lynnhaven.

Jim Frago

STEM Teacher

Jim Frago is a native Californian, who moved to Virginia after living with family in Guatemala, Central America. Jim attended Radford University where he earned a BS in Psychology, and an MBA from the University of Mary Washington. He has taught History, Civics, STEM and Life Science during his 3 years at Goochland County Public Schools. While there he began ModernSmarts, a student-led organization that engaged and completed STEM based projects whose products were used in both the community and school system.  In his free time, Jim enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with his family.

Support Staff

Dawn Gallmeyer

Office Coordinator

​​Prior to Lynnhaven, she was employed at Henrico County Public Schools, where she worked for 20 years. She spent the first 10 years of her career at Seven Pines Elementary. Ms. Gallmeyer has since worked as School Registrar and School Counseling Secretary at Elko Middle School and finished her time with Henrico at Quioccasin Middle School. Dawn loves baseball, enjoys fishing, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. This is her first year at Lynnhaven. 

ShaKira Powell

Lynnhaven Bus Driver

​ShaKira was a bus driver for Henrico County Public Schools. She's been a professional bus driver since 2018. Ms. Powell graduated from Rasmussen College where she received an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician. Ms. Powell enjoys to travel, dance, and read books with her children. This is her first year at Lynnhaven.