Lynnhaven School Expands New Leadership to Accommodate for Student Growth

Robin Thomas

Alyson LeMaster

LaShanda Melendez

Lynnhaven School welcomes Robin Thomas as the Director of Finance and Operations, Alyson LeMaster as the Director of Admissions and College Counseling, and LaShanda Melendez as the Director of Teaching and Learning.

​July 21, 2022

(Henrico, VA) - Lynnhaven School announced today the appointment of Robin Thomas as the Director of Finance, Alyson LeMaster as the Director of Admissions and College Counseling, and LaShanda Melendez as the Director of Teaching and Learning.

• Robin Thomas brings over 20 years of experience working in the private school environment beginning her career at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, where she initially volunteered and worked her up as the Assistant Director of Development to Director. She served in that capacity for over a decade. Most recently, she served as the Director of Development and Marketing at Peninsula Catholic High School in Newport News, VA, where she oversaw the development and marketing team.

• Ms. Thomas is a veteran of the United States Air Force. She worked as an Air Craft Maintenance Technician and Crew Chief while working on fighter planes. Ms. Thomas has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in Business Management. She also earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Virginia Wesleyan University.

• Ms. Thomas is a military child who grew up in Virginia Beach and currently resides in New Kent. She has two adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting live theater, visiting wineries, being outside, and spending time with family. ​​

“Lynnhaven is very fortunate to have Robin join the administrative team. Her rich experience in areas of development, business management, and organizational leadership will greatly benefit the school,” said Johnathan Harris, Co-Head of School-Chief of School Advancement .

• Alyson LeMaster brings a wealth of experience to Lynnhaven. She is a native of Hampton Roads and currently resides in New Kent County, VA. 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.

• Ms. LeMaster began her higher education career at Ferrum College as a Residence Hall Educator. During her tenure at Ferrum, she developed relationships with local businesses and helped many students find balance and navigate their first year in college. She continued her higher education career as the Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly Thomas Nelson Community College), where she developed the satellite center’s curriculum/schedule, assisted with the Federal Student Aid process, and advised students on which courses would lead them towards their end goal at Virginia Peninsula Community College.

• Prior to Lynnhaven, Ms. LeMaster served as the Director of Admissions at Peninsula Catholic High School. She successfully increased student enrollment and retention and found innovative ways to showcase the school to the surrounding community. Ms. LeMaster’s experience with admissions and enrollment at the secondary and collegiate levels leaves her well equipped to assist prospective and current Lynnhaven families.

“Ms. LeMaster brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of admissions, college counseling, and community engagement. She is a strong believer that education comes in all forms, which is in step with our school’s founding principles and values,” said Casey Hitchcock - Co-Head of School - Chief of Staff

LaShanda Melendez will serve as the Director of Teaching and Learning. After making a splash as the Dean of Academics and Middle School Humanities Teacher last year, she will be stepping out of the classroom to support faculty and students. As Director of Teaching and Learning, Melendez will ensure that curriculum development is mission-aligned and that the delivery method is effective. She will be leading the charge as Lynnhaven welcomes our first official dual enrollment partnership with Marymount University. She will also be designing and implementing faculty development programs focusing directly on Progressive Education.

• 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.

• 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 ensures the curriculum of Lynnhaven is mission-aligned and that the delivery method is effective.

"Ms. Melendez is a one of those rare individuals who understands how to engage learners and inspire teachers alike. The Lynnhaven community is fortunate to have her our team," said Mr. Harris

The new school year begins August 15, 2022.