William Byrd Middle School welcomes new faculty and staff for 2025-2026

By Debbie Adams

There are quite a few new faces at William Byrd Middle School and several familiar faces in
new positions. WBMS has welcomed about thirty new faculty and staff members for the new
school year.

Principal Katherine Hutchison has served as Assistant Principal at WBMS since 2019. She
was named Principal when Evan Noell moved to William Byrd High School this summer. She
was born in Canton, Ohio, but raised in Salem and graduated from Salem High School. She
holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from the College of William and
Mary and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. She
taught history for 10 years at Read Mountain Middle School in Botetourt County before
becoming Asst. Principal at WBMS.

“I decided to become an administrator because I wanted to work more closely with parents and
families while supporting our students and staff as a collective team,” Hutchison says.

“My husband is the Technology Education teacher and Associate Head Football Coach at
Northside High School, and together we are proud parents of two daughters.  As I begin my 17th
year in education, I am honored and excited to continue serving WBMS and the Vinton
community in this new capacity.”

Allison Thornton is not a new face in Vinton schools either; she has been teaching in Roanoke
County Public Schools for 20 years, 16 of those were as the Health/PE and Drivers’ Ed for
grades 9-12 at WBHS. Her first three years were at Northside High and Middle School.
In addition to these positions, she also taught the Health and PE 9 Academy course (RCPS
online) and the Health/PE 9 face to face Summer School course. She has served as the Health
and PE 9 Department Chair at WBHS since 2012 and has been responsible for certifying
students in CPR for their graduation requirements.

Thornton was the Varsity volleyball coach at WBHS for 10 years and the JV coach 2 years prior
to that.  In addition to Volleyball, she was also the JV Girls Basketball coach for 2 years and the
head WBMS softball coach for 10 years as well.

Her new duties at WBMS include being 6th grade Administrator, Building Manager, and Athletic
Director.

“The 6th grade administrator is the bridge between students, teachers, and families during a
crucial transition year, ensuring academic success, positive behavior, and a safe, supportive
environment,” Thornton says.  “As the building manager, it refers to the part of the job that
focuses less on instruction and more on operations, safety, and logistics. While principals are
instructional leaders first, they also carry major responsibility for the physical building,
resources, and daily functioning of the school.  The Athletic Director ensures that middle school
sports programs run safely, fairly, and effectively. I juggle logistics, compliance, and budgeting
while supporting coaches, student-athletes, and families.  As an administrator, I had to step away
from my coaching positions.  While I miss the everyday aspect of coaching and the relationships
I built with my athletes, this role allows me to stay on the field and court in a different role.”

Thornton has been nominated for the prestigious Roanoke County Schools Golden Apple Award
twice in recent years and was a finalist each time.

“It is a wonderful recognition, and I was surrounded by the best educators in the business.  It was
truly an honor to even be nominated.”

Thornton is a Roanoke native. She graduated from Roanoke County schools and attended
Northside High School.

“It was a great experience to begin my teaching career at my old stomping grounds.  Although I
was raised a Viking, I am truly now a Terrier at heart.  I attended Radford University for my
bachelor’s degree in Exercise, Sport and Health Education in 2007.  I graduated from Liberty
University with my Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision in 2012.

“I wanted to become a principal because I believe schools should be a place where every child
feels valued, supported, and capable of success. As a teacher, I loved working with students in
my classroom, but as a principal, I have the opportunity to impact an entire school
community—supporting students, partnering with families, and empowering teachers. Middle
school is such an important stage in a child’s life, and I am excited to help guide students
through these years, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. My passion is
creating a safe, positive learning environment where students can discover who they are and who
they want to become.”

“In my spare time, I enjoy staying active by playing pickleball and slow-pitch softball with
colleagues and friends. Athletics have always been an important part of my life, and they bring
me both joy and balance. When I’m not on the court or the field, you’ll most likely find me at the
beach—my second home—where I love to relax and recharge.”

Carol Adkins is the ELL teacher in sixth-eighth grades at WBMS. She is from Roanoke and
graduated from Cave Spring High School. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and master’s
degrees from Radford University. She has been an educator for 22 years.

“I have been teaching Civics and History for 22 years, and as a lifelong learner, I decided it was
time for a new challenge,” Adkins says. “I am excited to work with teachers and students in the
ELL program.”

“My earliest memories as a child are of my parents and me living near Vinton and taking part in
the Vinton parades. My mom was our majorette instructor at the time and led us through the
performances during the parades and festivals.

“I love spending my days enjoying outdoor activities, and I am also a backyard beekeeper. I feel
fortunate to share my life with two adorable senior dogs and three delightfully sassy cats. My
husband and I are also big fans of the Railyard Dawgs Hockey team, regularly cheering for
them during the season!”

Kate Benge will be working as the School Psychologist at both Bonsack Elementary and
William Byrd Middle Schools. This is her first year officially working full-time as a school
psychologist. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from Bryan High
School through the Spanish Immersion Program. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology from Transylvania University, and a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis and
an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Cincinnati.

“I’ve been passionate about the field of psychology since my early days in undergrad, where I
stumbled into taking several neuroscience and cognitive psychology courses with an amazing
professor and mentor, Dr. Bethany Jurs,” said Benge. “She inspired me to combine the work that
I was already doing with children every day, with my love for the field of psychology, and to
pursue practicing in a school setting.

“I moved from Kentucky to Roanoke to work with Roanoke County Public Schools. After
graduating from school, I was ready for a new adventure. I was drawn to this area because of the
expansive outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a local community with thriving small
businesses.

“Outside of working as a school psychologist, I love to cook vegetarian cuisine, play with my
dog, and I recently started playing pickleball with a group of friends!”

Laura Bonta is teaching Math 8 and Pre-Algebra 8 at WBMS. She is from Vinton and
graduated from William Byrd with the Class of 2005. She earned her degree in Interdisciplinary
Studies for Grades 6-8 from Radford University. This is her 17th year teaching math at the middle
school level. She taught one year at Pulaski Middle, 12 years at Spotsylvania County Freedom
Middle, and the last three at Northside Middle School. She requested an in-county transfer to
Byrd to be closer to home.

“I love to teach math because I enjoy seeing students’ eyes light up when they get it,” Bonta
says. “My goal every year is to help students grow their love for math, create a love for math, or
to make them hate math a little bit less!”

“When I graduated from Radford, I moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and taught there. After
Covid, my husband and I decided we wanted to bring our children back to the Roanoke area to
be closer to family. We have 3 boys who will be growing up in Vinton and going through the
school system. The oldest will be starting Kindergarten this year, the middle is 2 years old, and
our youngest is 10 months.”

Edward Braun will be teaching 7th and 8th grade mathematics at WBMS. He is originally from a
small town in Ohio, but his teaching career has been in Atlanta, Georgia, Charleston, South
Carolina, and Roanoke. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Toledo University and a Master’s
degree from Central Michigan University.

“I have taught mathematics to grades 4-8 but most of my experience has been in 6th grade,”
Braun says. “While traveling we came through this area and fell in love with the mountains so
when the opportunity arose, I decided this is where I should relocate. My interests are anything
that keeps me moving such as hiking, walking, or time in the gym. I am looking forward to
becoming a part of the Roanoke County School District team.”

William Brodmerkel is teaching 8th grade Civics and Economics at WBMS while also teaching
AP-U.S. Government and Politics to seniors at William Byrd High 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 teaching 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, who attends WBHS),
daughter Samantha (7), and 3 dogs (2 Pugs & 1 German Shepard) and 2 cats.

“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.”
Allie Canino is teaching 8th grade English at WBMS. She is originally from Virginia Beach, but
now lives in Blacksburg after graduating from Virginia Tech.

“My passion for making English accessible and exciting for all students drives me as a teacher,”
Canino says. “Subbing at WBMS solidified how amazing the community and people working for
the students are, and I am super excited to join the Byrd family!”

Joe Carnes will be teaching at WBMS, along with one class at Hidden Valley Middle. He
teaches 6th and 7th grade Interest Block Art classes and 8th grade Art. He grew up in Roanoke
County and Salem and graduated from Salem High School. He earned his English (Literary
Studies) degree with Honors and his Visual Arts degree with Honors and a minor in
Education/Teaching from Roanoke College. This is his seventh year of teaching—all in Roanoke
County public schools.

“As a parent and a local Scoutmaster, I always enjoyed any opportunity to teach the things I
knew,” Carnes said. “Additionally, I have always had a passion for Art and creative
design. Teaching Art was a great fit!

“I love to make art–especially sculpting, working with clay, and all sorts of 3D art. I also enjoy
planning/planting/sculpting unique plant features around our yard that often interact with our
house or nearby supporting structures.

“I was the Lego Robotics team coach at Herman L Horn Elementary for the last 3 years. We are
currently working on creating a middle school Lego Robotics team at WBMS. My hope is that
we can provide our middle school students a chance to continue learning about coding and
engineering, and to be able to compete in local, regional, and maybe even the state
championship!”

Kelsey Harris is teaching Advanced 6th grade Science at William Byrd Middle and 7th grade
science at Northside Middle.

“I love science!  I want to inspire students to see how amazing science can be in their everyday
life.”

She is from Roanoke and has “lived in Bonsack most of my life.” She graduated from William
Byrd in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Roanoke College, and completed
her graduate studies at Longwood University. She is also US Lacrosse Level III trained. She has
taught for four years in the Roanoke County Schools Alternative Program, ASTEP, as a
Facilitator.

“During my breaks at Roanoke College, I would substitute teach at WBMS.  I discovered that I
really enjoyed teaching and wanted to guide my education to that end.  Directly after college, I
began my career with Roanoke County at the ASTEP program.  I had wonderful mentors in Tina
Turner and Michelle Lionberger who guided me in becoming an educator.   Once I completed
the requirements for my teacher certification, I knew I wanted to come back to William Byrd.

“I have been the Head Coach for the girls Lacrosse Club at WBMS for the past six years.  I have
watched our club grow; it is consistently known for having exceptional character in students both
academically and socially. My mother, Gloria Harris, is also a long-time employee at WBMS
and my brother, Noah Harris, is a custodian at Bonsack Elementary.  We are truly a family of
Roanoke County public schools. I also volunteered for many years for WBMS with the school
dances and any other events they needed help with.”

She enjoys fishing, online gaming, and most of all reading.  She reads about two books each
week and dedicates a lot of her free time to lacrosse.

Melissa Harron is the Speech Pathologist at WBMS. She is from the Bonsack area and
graduated from William Byrd. She earned her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Radford
University.

Steven Horn is teaching 8th grade special education at WBMS. He is originally from Covington
and a graduate of Covington High School. He earned his degree from Ferrum College. This is his
fifth year in education. He chose to work in special education to “make a bigger impact on
students.”

Shawna Kotz is teaching 6th grade social studies at WBMS. She grew up in Vinton, and is a
graduate of WBHS and of Virginia Tech. She has been an educator for 23 years.

Daniel Letz is an Instructional Assistant at WBMS this year.

Kevin Lewis is teaching 6th and 7th grade English/Language Arts at WBMS. He is originally from
Quakertown, PA, but moved to Vinton when he was four.

“I was actually practicing with the Byrd football team when our practice field was taken over by
the construction equipment clearing and building for Byrd Middle.”

“I grew up here and my family owned and operated the McDonald’s in Vinton for nearly 50
years.  I spent a decade working in the family business.  I was a football player and wrestler for
the Terriers from 1984-1988.”

Lewis, a “Terrier Tried and True” graduated from WBHS in the Class of 1988. He earned his
BS in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and then pursued his Master in
English and Virginia Teachers Certification at Radford University.

He spent one year with 6th and 7th graders at Glenvar Middle and eleven years of teaching and
coaching gymnastics and ninja at Gym-Nation and The Dance Academy in Buffalo, MN.

“I enjoy working with young minds–people who aren’t afraid to work hard and try new things,”
Lewis says.  “Writing, English and Language Arts are passions of mine.  Yes, it’s spelling and
vocabulary, but it opens the mind to thinking, discerning, evaluating sources of information to
gain understanding form opinions and be open to new information.

“After taking time to write and support my first book I knew I had more to give.  I am super
thankful and excited for the opportunity to return to ‘The Terrier family’. I am excited about
getting back into the classroom, working with students and alongside the wonderful staff.

“I have an amazing daughter who just graduated with a BFA in dance.  She is currently
auditioning for dance companies throughout the country. I enjoy writing and reading…a real
shocker I know for an English teacher.  On the weekends, I also enjoy watching college football
or wrestling. And after church on Sundays, it’s all about The Philadelphia Eagles…Let’s Go
BIRDS!”

Sharon Long is teaching 6th and 8th grade English with special education students. She is
originally from Ridgeway, Virginia, and a graduate of Magna Vista High School. She earned her
Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Radford University and her Master’s in Reading
and Literacy from Walden University. She has been an educator for 24 years.

“I have always worked with students with special abilities!” Long says.  “I worked at a summer
camp while in college with adults with varying disabilities and my heart knew I was meant to
work in the Education Field.”

She has moved to Vinton “to be closer to family. I have lived and taught in Bahrain, Virginia,
Washington, Hawaii, and North Carolina. I enjoy bowling and wreath-making!”

Keith Martin is teaching 8th grade math. He is from Roanoke and a graduate of Patrick Henry.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Roanoke College. For the past two
years, he has been the Algebra Readiness Tutor at Cave Spring and Glenvar Middle schools.

“I have a side business where I make jewelry using the tiniest beads ever made. I won the
Taubman Museum of Art’s Sidewalk Art Show merit award for best in the fine craft/jewelry
category.” His extra duties this year will include Beading Club.

Christian Moore is teaching Math 6. He is from Vinton and a graduate of WBHS. He earned his
Bachelor of Elementary Education from Liberty University. He has been an Instructional
Assistant for six years with RCPS, making this his 7th year in education.

“I have been in many math classes in which I have been able to see how there are many ways to
make math lessons fun and engaging. I am excited at the opportunity to give my students an
interactive and engaging experience as they learn.”

“I was originally working as an IA at Penn Forest Elementary School and when I accepted the
WBMS Boys soccer Head Coach position, there was an opportunity open to be an IA which
allowed for me to transfer in and I have remained at WBMS ever since.”

“This past year was my last year coaching the WBMS boys soccer team. This upcoming year I
will be on the sidelines for the high school helping coach the WBHS Varsity soccer team. I will
also be helping with the WBMS Boys basketball team.”

He stays active in many of the local adult sports leagues in Roanoke.

Sherry Nicely is the Attendance Clerk at WBMS. She is from Manassas and graduated from Old
Dominion University with a Communication degree.

“I’ve worked at Herman L Horn as an IA and Bookkeeper for the past 10 years.  All of my three
children attended Bonsack and graduated from William Byrd.  I just became a new grandma and
wanted to spend time with my family more in the summers. I also wanted to stay with Roanoke
County Schools, so the attendance job worked perfectly. I look forward to working at the middle
school and seeing familiar faces.

Caitlin Pannell is teaching 6th grade science at WBMS and biology at WBHS. 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.

Alexa Powell is a special education teacher working in 7th grade math. She is originally from
Vinton and a graduate of WBHS. She graduated from the University of Lynchburg with her
undergraduate and master’s degrees. This will be her first year of teaching.

“I was a part of the 2019 State Championship softball team at William Byrd and played 5 years
of collegiate softball at University of Lynchburg.”

Kristy Price is splitting her time between WBMS and Cave Spring Middle. She is teaching 6th ,
7th , and 8th grade chorus, alternating days between the two schools. She grew up in Loudon
County and moved to Roanoke in 2022. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for
Science and Technology in Alexandria, “which basically just means I’m a really big nerd.”

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia with a double major in Music and
American History (Wahoowa!) and her Master of Music degree in Music Education from
Appalachian State University (Go Neers!).

“I taught high school and middle school choir for four years before starting my family, and
between raising children and moving around for my husband’s job, I’ve been out of the
classroom for quite a while. I’m really looking forward to working with choral singers on a daily
basis again!

“High school choir was a formative experience in my life. I’d always loved to sing, but there’s
nothing quite like singing in harmony with an ensemble. Choral music brought me joy, gave me
confidence, helped me find belonging and lifelong friends, and has taken me to incredible places.
I’m passionate about giving other young singers the same enriching experience that I was so
fortunate to have.”

“I spent the 2024-25 school year subbing for some of the music teachers close to my home. I’m
incredibly lucky that RCPS created this new choral teaching position just as I was starting to get
back into the music education world, and I jumped at the chance to apply!”

“I’m celebrating my twentieth wedding anniversary this August, and my husband Gabe and I
have two great kids: JP, who goes to CSMS, and Caroline, who goes to Clearbrook Elementary.
When I’m not singing, I love to read, knit, and bake, and I do the NYT Wordle and Connections
every morning without fail.”

Shane Shepherd is teaching Health and PE in 6th , 7th , and 8th grade at WBMS. He is from
Roanoke and a graduate of Franklin County High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science
from Radford University in May. This is his first year of teaching.

“I have always loved sports and coaching, being able to make an impact on students.” He will be
coaching the middle school wrestling team.

“I grew up in Roanoke County and have always loved this area that I live in. I enjoy golfing
when the weather is nice, as well as coaching wrestling in the winter. I am happy and excited to
be following in my late aunt’s footsteps who graduated from Radford University and was a PE
teacher in Roanoke City Schools until she retired!”

Danielle Tolley is the 504 Coordinator at William Byrd Middle, Glenvar Middle and High,
Burlington Elementary, and Mount Pleasant Elementary schools. She will be doing student
observations, student testing, and writing 504 plans. She is originally from Cloverdale and
graduated from Lord Botetourt. She earned her degree from Bridgewater College. She has taught
elementary special education for 17 years.

“I love teaching, but I’m excited to help teachers in this position!”

“I live in Botetourt with my husband, two kids, 16 chickens, some cows, a dog and a cat. I love
reading and being with my family!”

Brittany Treat is an Instructional Assistant at WBMS—her first year. She was born in Forest
and graduated from Brookville High School and Central Virginia Community College. She
moved to Vinton in 2019. This is her fifth year with RCPS “but I have worked with children of
the younger ages on and off for many years. I choose to move up with the student that I have
been working with because I already know her, and she knows who I am, and I felt as though she
needs the consistency in her life, so I wanted to continue to be a positive influence for her.”

“My interests are working out and weightlifting, cooking, and reading a good book; I love to sing
and dance and have fun. In the summer, you will find me always sun-tanning near water–the lake, pool, or beach. In the fall, my husband and I love to go to the mountains and see the pretty
leaves; we also go on hikes sometimes as well. My husband and my family mean the absolute
world to me, and I adore them and love spending time with them.”

This year 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.”

Raymond Whitis is teaching 6th and 7th grade math at WBMS. He is from Roanoke and a Patrick
Henry graduate. (His father graduated from William Byrd.) He graduated from Radford
University with a degree in Middle School Education (Math and Science). This is his second
year in teaching and his ninth year in education. He says he loves math and the Roanoke area.

As for his special interests, “My father and I love kites and try to attend the kite festival every
year. I also make medieval armor.”

Lindsay Divers will take on the role of Math Specialist. Laurie Dunn will be teaching one
FACS class at the middle school in addition to her classes at WBHS. Melissa Vaughan has the
role of Special Education Coordinator at WBMS this year. Laury Ward has previously taught at
WBMS and returns this year to teach Latin I to 8th graders. Michelle Yamatani is currently the
testing coordinator at WBMS but will also be teaching one 8th grade math class this year.