By Debbie Adams
When Roanoke County Public Schools opened for the 2024-2025 school year on August 15,
Bonsack Elementary welcomed six new faculty members– Morgan Buzzo, Crystal Lineburg,
Sandy Peterson, Melissa Sladin, Jessica Wingle, and Kayla Witt.
welcomed several new faculty and staff members for the 2024-2025 school year including (from
left) Jessica Wingle, Sandy Peterson, Crystal Lineburg, Melissa Sladin, Morgan Buzzo, and
Kayla Witt. (photo by Debbie Adams)
Morgan Buzzo is teaching fifth grade math. She grew up in Roanoke County and graduated
from Hidden Valley High School. She then earned her degree in elementary education from the
College of William and Mary. This is her fourth year in teaching.
“I started coaching cheerleading for Hidden Valley youth sports when I was in seventh grade,
and that taught me that I was destined to work with kids in some capacity,” Buzzo says. “After
working in a summer camp during college and taking a class on education, I realized that the
classroom was where I was destined to be!
“I decided early last school year that I wanted to move back home to Roanoke County. I've
always heard wonderful things about Bonsack Elementary, so I was very excited when I received
the offer to join!
“Growing up, my brother and I would go trick-or-treating with my cousin, who lived in Vinton. I
also cheered competitively in middle school and high school, and loved participating in Battle at
Byrd as everyone was always so nice and welcoming! I am so excited to be back in the area!
“In my free time, I love to read and spend time with friends and family.”
Crystal Lineburg is a new kindergarten teacher at Bonsack, teaching all subject areas. She is
from Vinton and previously taught at Herman L. Horn Elementary. She attended W.E. Cundiff
Elementary and William Byrd Middle Schools and is a graduate of William Byrd High School
and Radford University.
“I have lived in Vinton my entire life and absolutely love all the Vinton and Bonsack
communities,” Lineburg says.
“I am going into my 23rd year of teaching,” Lineburg said. “All of my teaching has been with
Roanoke County Public Schools.
“Education is my life. My mother and father are retired educators. My sister is a teacher, and my
husband is a principal. I have always been around teaching my entire life. Teaching is my
passion.”
Her father was the head basketball coach and a PE teacher at William Byrd for many years,
where her mother taught English. They both retired from Roanoke County Public Schools.
Lineburg’s husband, Paul, was an assistant principal at WBHS for several years.
In her spare time, “I love going to sporting events. I have two daughters, and they are involved
with dance and other sports. I love watching them. My family is the most important part of my life. We love to travel. I also love photography and taking photos at any chance I get. I have a
puppy at home that likes to keep me on my toes.”
Sandy Peterson is working at Bonsack Elementary in the REAP program. She worked for three
years at Penn Forest Elementary as an ABA coach.
She is a graduate of Hidden Valley High School, earned her associate degree at Virginia
Western, and then her bachelor’s from Liberty University.
“I am currently attending Liberty for my MAT in teaching. I chose the REAP program because
students with autism are so bright and deserve the opportunity to learn and show their skills. It
makes my heart so happy to see my students accomplish a task that they did not think would be
possible.
“My special hobbies include hiking, reading, and crafts. I also love spending time with my two
cats and my fiancé.”
Melissa Sladin is the school psychologist serving Bonsack Elementary and William Byrd
Middle School.
She is originally from Chicago, lived in Colorado for the last 20 years, and moved to Roanoke
this summer.
She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a BA in Psychology; from
Naropa University with her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and from Emoria State
University with an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology. She has worked for 10
years in the mental health field, three of those in schools.
“I love helping kids find their best selves and get all the tools and supports they need!” Sladin
said. “I want every student to have a joyful and supportive school experience.
“My husband is a teacher at Community School, and we have two kids, ages 9 and 13. I love
hiking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and working on our old home!”
Jessica Wingle is teaching first grade at Bonsack. She was born and raised in Michigan and
graduated from the University of Toledo. This is her eighth year of teaching. She previously
taught three years of PreK and four years of second grade.
“I really enjoy making learning FUN for my students and seeing them excited to come to school
every day,” Wingle said. “I love to create a positive classroom environment where all of my
students feel welcome and valued!
“When I moved to this area with my family, I decided to substitute teach throughout the district
to become familiar with the schools. The staff and students at Bonsack have always been so
welcoming to me, and I am very grateful I get the opportunity to teach in such a wonderful
school!”
In her spare time, she loves to “craft, cook, shop, and spend time with my family and pets.”
Kayla Witt is a new first grade teacher at Bonsack. She was born and raised in Roanoke and
graduated from William Byrd High School.
“I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Radford University,”
Witt said. “I was named the 2023-2024 Outstanding Student in the School of Teacher Education
and Leadership at Radford.
“This will be my first official year as a classroom teacher. I have wanted to be a teacher since I
was 4 years old. I am getting to live out my dream and passion! I loved school when I was a kid
because of the amazing teachers I had. I want to be that for my students– the teacher they know
who loves what they do, so in turn my students will love learning!
“I am so excited to be at Bonsack– the staff and community here are something special!”
“In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends, wedding planning for my March
2025 wedding, playing pickleball, and volunteering with the kids’ program at my church.”
Leanne Leftwich remains the principal at Bonsack Elementary. Stephanie Burris continues to
serve as assistant principal.
