William Byrd High School is welcoming several new faculty and staff members for the 2025-
2026 school year, including a new principal, Evan Noell, along with Olivia Body, William
Brodmerkel, Resheria Campbell, Tristian Crockett, Morgan Edberg, Joshua Flippen, Laura
Green Berg, Brad Greenway, Olga Guverich, Shayna Hastings, Lillian Mullens, Caitlin Pannell,
Mathew Parish, Karolina Upton, Corey Slater, Holly Wakeland and Scott Whitehead.
Evan Noell is the new principal of William Byrd High School. He joined Roanoke County
schools in 2010 as an instructional assistant at Green Valley Elementary School. In 2011, he
became a special education teacher at Northside Middle. He moved to teach at Glenvar Middle
School in 2014 and Glenvar High School in 2017. In 2019 he was named the assistant principal
at W. E. Cundiff and then became principal at William Byrd Middle School in 2023.
Noell was born and raised in Salem and graduated from Glenvar High School. He was a four-
year starter on the Glenvar baseball team and captain his senior year. He was recognized as
Roanoke Times All Timesland as a catcher for his final two years.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Coastal Carolina University (where he played
baseball all four years), a master’s degree in Special Education from Radford University, and his
educational leadership certificate from Liberty University.
Noell coached baseball at Hidden Valley High School for two years and at Roanoke College for
six years.
“I chose to become an administrator due to the similarities with coaching,” Noell says. “I have
always wanted to lead people in some capacity. I have been fortunate to have worked for very
talented mentors who have guided me and assisted me when I transitioned from the classroom.
My biggest excitement about coming to William Byrd High School is learning the traditions that
make this place special. I am fortunate to have worked alongside a large portion of our students
and families in recent years. I feel it is going to be an exciting year.”
Noell enjoys being with his wife Sara and their two sons, going to sporting events, and going to
the beach.
Olivia Body will be teaching 11th grade AP/Dual English, and 10th grade Advanced English. She
is originally from Roanoke and a graduate of Cave Spring High School. She graduated from Hollins University and Concordia University—Portland. She has been teaching for 12 years. In addition to teaching, she will be the yearbook adviser.
“I was an English major in college and tutored refugees and immigrants during that time, so I
had a love for education early on,” Body says.
She taught at William Byrd Middle for the past three years and “I love Byrd schools.”
She is a wife and mother of “3 beautiful sons. We have two dogs, Frankie and Luna, and enjoy
traveling often.”
William Brodmerkel is teaching AP-U.S. Government and Politics to seniors at William Byrd
High School and 8th grade Civics and Economics at William Byrd Middle School.
He is originally from Queens, New York, and graduated from Forest Hills High School in
Queens with the Class of 2006. He earned his BA in History from City University of New York
(CUNY) Queens College in 2012 and his MAT in Secondary Education from Liberty University.
He has worked in the field of education for five years—the first two as an Instructional Assistant
in the PBIS program at Northside Middle School and then taught Civics/Economics for three
years at Northside Middle.
“I have always had a passion for history, which I can credit to my grandfathers (Veterans of
World War II and the Vietnam War, respectfully) as well as the countless educators throughout
my New York City public school academic career,” Brodmerkel says. “After teaching at the
middle school level for the past 3 years and earning my master’s certification in history through
Hollins University, I wanted to pursue and teach at the high school level. I am hopeful to teach
Dual Enrollment Government in the near future, and long-term teach at the college/university
level.
“In my spare time I enjoy reading, exercising, travelling, and immersing myself in different
cultures/traditions. My travels have taken me throughout the United States to Mexico, the
Caribbean and as far as South America (Argentina).
“Over the past few years, I have coached Boys Basketball at Northside Middle/High School in
both the assistant/head coach role.
“Over the summer, I spent a week at the National Archives in Washington D.C., learning and
working alongside a cohort of educational professionals about primary sources, such as the
Declaration of Independence & Constitution.
My wife and I relocated our family to Roanoke several years ago, with the goals of pursuing
higher education, changing careers and providing for a more stable and fulfilling family life. We
are a family of 9! This includes my wife Jacqueline, stepson Blair (15), daughter Samantha (7),
and 3 dogs (2 Pugs & 1 German Shepard) and 2 cats. His stepson is currently a sophomore at
WBHS.
“Before switching careers, I worked for Walgreens and CVS Health, in retail pharmacy
operations, managing pharmacies throughout New York City and Long Island for over 10 years.”
Resheria Campbell is an Instructional Assistant in the special education program. She is from
Giles County originally but grew up in Goodview and attended Staunton River High School. She
attended American National University for Applied Health Science.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working in healthcare but have decided that I want to explore other
rewarding fields. I look forward to growing with students and making a positive, meaningful
impact in their academic and life skill achievements.
“I live in Vinton with my husband and three children, one of whom graduated last year. My
family and I are super close and love spending time exploring new things/places. I enjoy
peaceful walks to think and ground myself and a good book to end the evening with.”
Tristian Crockett is the new Athletic Trainer for all of the sports at William Byrd. He is from
Salem and attended Glenvar High School. He graduated from Emory & Henry with a Bachelor
of Science in Athletic Training and has been an athletic trainer for six years.
“I have always loved sports and the medical field,” Crockett say. “Luckily, I was able to find a
career where I can be involved in both.
“I am moving back to the area after four years of working in Virginia Beach. I saw there was an
opening in Roanoke County and jumped quickly to apply. It feels good to be able to work for
the county I grew up in. I have multiple friends who went to William Byrd growing up. I also
used to play against William Byrd athletes throughout high school as well.
“I just recently got engaged in April. I met my fiancé while living in Virginia Beach 3 years ago.
She is currently enrolled in Radford’s Physical Therapy program. We also have a Corgi named
Cannoli.” Crockett has served in the Virginia National Guard for five years.
Morgan Edberg will be working as a SPED teacher, co-teaching Geometry. She was born and
raised in Vinton and graduated from WBHS and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Business
from Virginia Tech. This is her first year in teaching.
“After leaving my career in sales, I was ready for a change of pace. I began substitute teaching
for Roanoke County last year and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed being in the
classroom. That experience inspired me to apply for a full-time position, and I couldn’t be more
excited to return to my alma mater in a new role.
“I was born and raised in the Vinton area. My husband and I spent several years living in
Christiansburg, but when our careers gave us the opportunity to move back, we jumped at the
chance. Most of my family still lives in this community, and there’s truly nowhere else I’d rather
raise my children.
“I’m entering my fourth season as a cheerleading coach at William Byrd Middle School. As a
former cheerleader myself, I have a deep passion for the sport. I love being part of shaping its
future and supporting the incredible talent we have right here in our community.”
Joshua Fippen is teaching 9th and 10 h grade math. He grew up in Dorchester County, South
Carolina, in the town of Summerville.
“At the time of my attendance, there was a Summerville Intermediate High School campus
which held 9th and 10th grade students. I attended SIHS from 1983-1985, then moved to SHS until
I graduated in 1987. When I arrived in the summer before starting my 9th grade school year, I met
an assistant principal named Mr. Greene. He looked at my card and asked if my 4th grade teacher
was Ms. Greene. She was! He was her husband, and apparently, he heard enough about me from
Ms. Greene that he still remembered my name 5 years later–I hope she had told him good things
about me!
“I started out at College of Charleston (SC) in the fall of ’87, but I ultimately dropped out without
earning my degree due to a serious medical condition my mother contracted. I returned to college
part-time in 2015 at Polk State College, a community college in Winter Haven, Florida, with the
intention of securing my bachelor’s in business. Polk State started up an Elementary Education
program, so I decided to switch up to that program and I graduated in the spring of 2019 with my
bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
“As it turned out, elementary school was not right for me, and in the fall of 2019, I decided that
I’d switch to a legal assistant career path. I’d long been interested in Law, so I figured I’d try it
out. A little late in life for me to start up law school (no ‘Paper Chase’ moments in my future!),
but legal assisting would be fun. Unfortunately, because I had a bachelor’s degree, I couldn’t get
student loan financing for an associate degree. No worries! I enrolled in the University of
Illinois, Springfield campus for a Master of Legal Studies program. It was 100% online, so easy
enough to do from the comfort of home. As I was nearing completion of the program, I decided
to find a job—but I couldn’t get a legal assisting job yet. I applied to be secretary at any local
(driving distance) school which advertised openings. I went on a half-dozen interviews before I
met Mr. Lane, principal of Haines City High School. As he and Ms. Appling, his secretary, were
interviewing me, he noticed that I had a teaching license. I explained to him that I couldn’t
succeed at elementary school, but he told me that he believed I could do better in high school. I
was doubtful, but I accepted a job as teacher at Haines City High. Mr. Lane was right;
I can teach high school! I began in the fall of ’22, and I’m starting my fourth year this fall. I
finished my Legal Studies program while working my teaching gig, and so have attained my
Master’s degree.
“When I began teaching in Haines City High, I was an ESE teacher. That’s ‘Exceptional Student
Education’ and I worked with students who had IEPs (Individual Learning Plans). Toward the
end of my first year, Mr. Lane called me (and a few others, but separately) into his office. My
position was downsized, and if I wished to continue working at HCHS, I’d have to switch
subjects. My College of Charleston days saw me seeking a Chemistry degree, but those positions
aren’t very common. However, there were several Math positions. Math was my second choice
behind Chemistry, so I pounced on the opportunity like a kitten on a ball of yarn. In my
worldview, math and science are really just different facets of the same thing: an analysis of the
natural laws governing the operation of the Universe, so Math was an awesome opportunity.
Although I don’t teach Chemistry, I do weave Chemistry into my classes whenever possible.
Teaching algebra—my students will definitely come to know PV=nRT. Although I say Math is my second choice, I feel that I’m exactly where I belong, both in my career and in the lives of the
students I’m teaching.
“I lived in Florida from September 2006 until July 2025. Having grown up in South Carolina, I
wanted to return to the southern US. I know Florida is very much ‘south’; but it really doesn’t
feel like ‘the South’ to me. While I didn’t wish to return to SC, I wanted to be somewhere in
which I’d feel more at home. I’ve always been drawn to the mountains. We considered Asheville,
NC, but when the hurricane came through last year, well, that’s a lot of what I’m running away
from in my hejira from FL! Roanoke seemed like an ideal place, and research into the
community confirmed that it was a viable destination. We’re now in the process of buying a
beautiful home about 25 minutes away from William Byrd High. I hope to make new friends
here and join into the community and become a true ‘Roanoker’ in the coming years.
“I’m an avid stamp collector, something I’ve done since I was a little kid. I have a special area of
interest within the hobby: I collect revenue stamps. In fact, I’m trying to build a 21st -Century
State revenues and taxpaids collection. Coming to Virginia was also an opportunity to gather
State and local revenues and taxpaids. (‘Taxpaids are defined in the hobby as revenue/fiscal
stamps without monetary denomination.)
“I’m sponsoring a stamp club at Willian Byrd High. It’s my understanding that there hasn’t been
such a club at the school in recent memory, so hopefully I can introduce the students to this
possibility. Stamp collecting offers a glimpse into the various cultures of the world; what
different nations value, for example. It also allows a ‘longitudinal’ look at changes across time.
Postal history is about more than just the stamps: where was a stamp cancelled, how was it used,
what happened at the time it was used? Covers are incredibly interesting glimpses into a moment
in time. A wartime delivery, first flights, special delivery, receiving Post Office markings.
I hope to find some interested students who wish to embark upon a journey around the world
from the point of view of the front of an envelope. I’d also like to explore the possibility of
creating a local post within William Byrd.”
Laura Green Berg will be teaching Latin II in grades 9-12 at both William Byrd and Northside
High Schools. She is originally from Fairfax and earned her B.S. in Animal & Poultry Sciences
and her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a Latin minor from Virginia Tech. She has
been teaching since 2005.
“I adore the Latin language and teaching students about all languages. I believe in the power of
knowing a second, or more, language.”
One of her favorite things about Vinton is the Old World Style Pizza at New York Pizza.
Brad Greenway is teaching Sports and Entertainment Marketing at WBHS. He will also
continue as the Boys Basketball Head Coach. He is originally from Vinton and a graduate of
WBHS. He earned his Business Administration degree from Roanoke College and his Master’s
in Education from Virginia Tech. He taught for seven years before becoming a full-time realtor.
Greenway says he is “passionate about the topic of sports and entertainment for starters. I’ve
been out of education for 7 years, but this position opening up at a time when I am looking to better align my life with where I’m at…family, job, basketball, etc., while still being able to
maintain my real estate business, is why I decided to jump back in.
Olga Guverich is an Instructional Assistant this year at William Byrd.
Shayna Hastings is teaching Geometry. She grew up in Salem and graduated from Salem High
School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech and then took
education courses at UVA-Wise to obtain her teaching license. She has been in education for ten
years, nine of them as a teacher.
“I’ve always loved math, and I enjoy breaking down math concepts in ways that make sense to
students. I don’t believe anyone is truly ‘bad’ at math—sometimes it just takes a different
approach or a little more practice. What I love most are those light bulb moments, when
something finally clicks, and a student lights up with understanding. That’s what keeps me
passionate about what I do.
“William Byrd High School’s strong reputation and welcoming environment made it the perfect
fit, and I’m excited to be part of it. I have lived in the area for twenty years, and my husband’s
family has deep ties to William Byrd—my father-in-law graduated here and was part of the first
year of the Reindeer Club, and my aunt taught math at the school. It feels like a full-circle
moment to now be teaching here myself.
“I will be sponsoring WBHS’s new Math Honor Society. Our application for a chapter of the
national organization is in progress. More info coming soon!
In her spare time “I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my family. I also love
crafting—it’s a fun way to be creative and unwind.”
Lily Mullens is teaching Algebra I and Geometry. She is originally from North Canton, Ohio,
where she attended Hoover High School.
“I recently graduated from Roanoke College in May with my degree in Secondary Math
Education. Due to my recent graduation, this will be my first-year teaching in a classroom
setting, but I have been teaching children how to swim, as well as coaching swim teams for over
five years now.
“I chose math because I have a strong passion for helping students understand that there is no
such thing as a ‘math person.’ I believe that everyone has the ability to do it, but I am also aware
that there are a lot of anxious feelings around it. My goal as a teacher is to get my students to feel
confident in their math abilities and challenge them to do what they think they cannot do.
“I was drawn to WBHS and Roanoke County Public Schools because of the community that I
spent the last four years in at Roanoke. I love the feel of a close-knit community and William
Byrd offers exactly that! I also find it noteworthy that I was a competitive swimmer at Roanoke.
I have a deep love of the sport, so eventually, I would like to pick up coaching again as it is
something that I have always enjoyed.”
Caitlin Pannell is teaching biology at WBHS and 6th grade science at WBMS. She is originally
from Botetourt County and a graduate of Lord Botetourt. She earned her BS in Biology from
Virginia Tech and a Masters in Instructional Design from WGU. She has worked in the field of
education for 17 years. She did her student teaching at WBHS and then spent two years here as
the ITRT.
“I missed teaching and ended up at Hidden Valley High School, then Lord Botetourt, before
moving back to Byrd. I love science and getting kids exciting about science.”
Her husband also teaches and coaches at WBHS and her children attend Herman L. Horn.
Mat Parrish is teaching special education at Byrd. He earned his bachelor’s degree in
Elementary Education from Liberty University. He has been in education for two years,
including previously at Herman L. Horn. He grew up in Vinton and attended Vinton Baptist. His
wife, Alexis, teaches at WBMS. They have two children, Bear and Ella. In his free time, Parrish
loves to play golf. He is a baseball coach at William Byrd.
Corey Slater is an Instructional Assistant, working one-on-one with a freshman student. She is a
graduate of Roanoke Valley Christian School. She previously worked at Patrick Henry High
School and Woodrow Wilson in Fishersville. She says that she finds working in special
education “very rewarding.” She is also an artist.
Karolina Upton is teaching Biology and Chemistry at Byrd. She grew up in Fairfax and
graduated from Robinson Secondary School there. She is a graduate of James Madison
University with a degree in Integrated Science and Technology, concentrating in biotechnology
and energy.
This is her 11th year in teaching. She previously taught in Fairfax and Prince William Counties.
“I am a career switcher: before teaching I worked for a biotechnology company in Maryland
working in molecular diagnostics. I have a love for all things science and truly enjoy sharing my
passion with my students. Watching students make connections between what they learn at
school and examples in their everyday lives is so rewarding. I hope that my classes help students
see that science is exciting and approachable, and maybe even a little fun.
“My family recently relocated to Roanoke County. We have been wanting to move here for quite
some time and are thrilled that it has finally happened. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity
to teach here and I look forward to becoming a part of the community.
“My husband and I have 2 girls, ages 11 and 5, who will also be attending Roanoke County
Schools this year. We enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and playing in the many parks and
creeks. My children particularly are enjoying trying out the many ice cream shops for their
favorite flavors.”
Holly Wakeland is a librarian at both William Byrd Middle and High Schools. She is originally
from Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson Forest High School. She earned her degree in
English from Virginia Tech, her Educational Leadership Master’s Degree from Radford University, and her endorsement in Media Services from UVA-Wise. She is beginning her 26th
year in education. She taught English at WBHS for many years.
“I have always loved to read and am now ready to share that love with students and to help
teachers in any way that I can. I love the community and am excited to be back!”
“I love to read, go see live music and hang out with my two cats and dog.”
Scott Whitehead is teaching Personal Finance at WBHS. He grew up in Bristol and graduated
from John Battle High School. He earned his degree in Interdisciplinary English with a Math
Concentration from Emory and Henry. He has been teaching at William Byrd Middle School for
24 years.
“I am excited to teach something that has an inordinate impact for our students.”
He has lived in the Vinton area for 25 years and enjoys the relationships he and his family have
formed.
“I had coaching opportunities here and fell in love with the Vinton community and chose to raise
my kids and teach here. My wife, Beth, and I have been in Roanoke County for 23 years
together. It is home to us. We are excited to be a part of the community! “
He hopes to get back into coaching and will be sponsoring the FBLA at Byrd.
