Faculty & Staff

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all students, parents, and visitors. We are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and innovative school community. From administrators to custodial staff, everyone works tirelessly to ensure that our school operates smoothly and efficiently, enabling students to focus on their education and personal growth.

Lynnhaven's faculty and staff come to us with their own stories and diverse experiences. They are here to guide you along your journey through high school with a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion for creating engaging and dynamic learning experiences.  We understand that education is a collaborative effort between the school, parents, and the wider community and we value the strong partnerships we have built with parents and the support they provide to our students. Together, we strive to create a positive and inclusive school culture that celebrates diversity, fosters mutual respect, and encourages open communication. We are confident that with our collective efforts, we can inspire and empower our students to achieve their goals and become successful global citizens and we look forward to embarking on this incredible journey of learning and growth together.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Casey Hitchcock
Head of School

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. 

Mr. Gary moved to Richmond after retiring from fifteen years as an English and social studies teacher (and fencing coach) for the New York City Department of Education. He also  worked as an adjunct professor, teaching college English and history courses at various colleges.  Gary’s educational credentials include a BA in writing from Michigan State University, MA in Popular Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, coursework completed towards the PhD in US History from SUNY Stonybrook, and education courses for NYS certification from CW Post/LIU.

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Mr. Frago, a native Californian with a diverse background that includes residing with family in Guatemala, brings a wealth of innovation to his educational endeavors. His academic journey commenced at Radford University, where he pursued a BS in Psychology, followed by an MBA from the University of Mary Washington. Throughout his three-year tenure at Goochland County Public Schools, Mr. Frago showcased his versatility by instructing various subjects such as History, Civics, STEM, and Life Science. As the Dean of Technology and Innovation at Lynnhaven School, Mr. Frago assumes a pivotal role in leading the widespread implementation of AgileClassrooms across the curriculum. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Frago enjoys the great outdoors and cherishing quality time with his family.

Mrs. Brown teaches courses in wellness and practical arts and is the Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach.  Mrs. Brown 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 and a Master’s Degree in Education Curriculum at Virginia State University. Her experience includes serving 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.

Mrs. LeMaster has over a decade of combined higher education and private school admissions leadership experience. She is an alumnus of Radford University having earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She completed graduate work and received a Master of Science in Community and College Counseling from Longwood University. Mrs. LeMaster leads all admission and college counseling initiatives at Lynnhaven. ​She is a strong believer that education comes in all forms, which is in step with our school’s founding principles and values.

Mr. Liddiard comes to Lynnhaven School from a diverse and varied background, including experiences working for a US Senator and co-owning a French bakery. For the past 15 years he has worked in the field of public history and education, most recently as a civics teacher for Chesterfield County and an adjunct history professor for the Virginia Community College System. Previous work includes the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the Library of Virginia, and Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation where he focused on inquiry and primary source learning. Mr. Liddiard received both his BA and MA in American History from VCU, with concentrations in 20th century American history, public history, and history education. Originally from Utah, he has made Virginia his home for nearly 40 years. During his free time he enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with his wife, Katie, daughters, Vera and Cora, and their blue heeler, Kiwi. 

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. 

Mrs. Melendez's 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.  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 ensures the curriculum of Lynnhaven is mission-aligned and that the delivery method is effective. As a life long learner, Ms. Melendez is currently pursuing a Master of Education with an Emphasis in Curriculum and Development at the University of Virginia.  

​Ms. Powell has been a professional bus driver since 2018. She has professional commercial divers license, which permits her to drive school buses and other heavy equipment. Ms. Powell is a graduated from Rasmussen College where she received an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician. Her primary responsibilities are to coordinate the transportation schedules, maintain the fleet of vehicles, and transport students from the designated pick up and drop off locations. Ms. Powell enjoys to travel, dance, and reading books with her children. 

​Chase Radovic is a native of Akron, Ohio. He received an Applied Associates Degree in Wildlife and Resource Management from Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio. While at Hocking College, he focused on Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance, Invasive Species Removal, Field Biology, Ornithology, Wetland Ecology, and Mycology. Upon graduation from Hocking College, he enrolled at West Virginia University, where he achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree with an emphasis in Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Ms. Thomas has over 20 years of experience working in leadership positions at independent schools in Virginia. She is an alumnus of New Hampshire University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management followed by a Masters in Business Administration from Virginia Wesleyan University. Ms. Thomas is a veteran of the United States Air Force where she worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Crew Chief on fighter planes. She leads the school in human resources, finance, and business operations. ​​

Brittany has spent nearly a decade as an educator creating interdisciplinary, student-led learning experiences in schools, after-school programs, and summer camps. She has taught traditional STEM classes as well as innovative, project-based courses in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Her work is rooted in the belief that educational institutions are microcosms of a democratic society and should support students to be informed, engaged citizens. Most recently, she served as the K-12 Programs Manager for Touchstones Discussion Project, where she ran professional development and supported schools in building inclusive discussion-based classrooms. Brittany holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she supported Dr. Karen Mapp’s research on school-family partnerships. She also holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech. When not in schools, she enjoys building up her microfarm, reading, yoga, and spending as much free time as possible outdoors with her husband and dog.