NSA Welcomes New Faculty and Staff to Start 2026-27 School Year

You'll be seeing some new faces around NSA this school year!

On August 10, new faculty and staff returned to our campuses to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. The group includes eleven new employees spanning our two campuses. Each new NSA faculty and staff member has a mentor to guide them in what it means to be a Saint. Please join us in welcoming the new members of the NSA family!

Lower School

Harbour View

Priyanka Bhende, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Priyanka Bhende is a dedicated educator with 10 years of teaching experience. Before joining the NSA family, Mrs. Bhende taught at Christopher Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree from George Mason University. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her sons and traveling across the country to support them in their tennis journey as national-level players. She also enjoys cooking and volunteering and values opportunities to give back to her community.

Sydney Enderlin, Kindergarten Teacher

Sydney Enderlin obtained her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 2017 from Longwood University. Mrs. Enderlin taught briefly in Suffolk Public Schools before moving to Texas, where she spent five years before returning to Virginia to be near family. While in Texas, Mrs. Enderlin earned her Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction and had the opportunity to lead her department and serve as a clinical teacher for undergraduate students. After spending six years in the classroom, she saw firsthand how foundational social-emotional learning is to students' overall academic success and decided to pursue a second master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.
 

Mary Kathryn Fashjian, Librarian and Media Specialist

Mary Kathryn Fashjian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012. She taught fourth grade, as well as reading to second, third and fourth grade students in Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving with her family to Suffolk, Virginia. She and her husband are proud parents of three NSA students, Silas '36, Harvey '39 and Rory '42. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, reading and spending time outdoors gardening.

Leda Perry, Pre-K4 Teaching Assistant

Leda Perry is a graduate of Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she earned her B.A. in English in 1991. As a Navy wife, she worked for several school districts as an instructional assistant and substitute teacher. Mrs. Perry became a certified teacher in 2022 through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, earning credentials in core subjects for grades 4-8, special education K-12, English as a second language PK-12 and the science of teaching reading. She worked as a sixth grade special education ELA co-teacher in Texas and as a K-3 learning disabilities teacher for Chesapeake Public Schools. Since joining the NSA family in 2023, Mrs. Perry has served as a pre-K4 teaching assistant and substitute teacher at the Harbour View Campus. Outside of work, Mrs. Perry enjoys reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing and basically anything crafty. She loves spending time with her husband, Todd, her two Yorkies and her four adult children: sons Taylor and Austin, daughter Faith and daughter Kaylee '23.

Kaela Whitlock, Kindergarten Teacher

Kaela Whitlock earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in childhood studies from Christopher Newport University in 2016, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching from CNU in 2017. Mrs. Whitlock taught both third and fourth grade in Newport News before taking time away from the classroom to raise her two children, Jack '40 and Ellie '42. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, baking and swimming.

Main Campus

Kala Mackenzie, Pre-K4 Teaching Assistant

Kala Mackenzie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern Vermont College. While living in Vermont, she worked as a therapeutic advocate supporting students in early elementary grades before moving to Virginia in 2018. In Virginia, Ms. Mackenzie worked as a pre-K lead teacher at The Goddard School before joining Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in 2021 as a teaching assistant and extended day leader. She stepped away from the classroom for two years to be a stay-at-home mom before returning to NSA as a pre-K teaching assistant in 2026. Outside of school, Ms. Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family and animals and relaxing by the pool.

Middle School

Carolyn Turner '87, Middle School Teacher

Carolyn Turner is a 1987 graduate of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. She attended Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she earned an undergraduate degree in communications and a master's degree in education. She also holds an endorsement in gifted education and has extensive experience working with academically gifted students.

Mrs. Turner has more than 30 years of experience teaching students in grades K-8. She taught in Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Suffolk Public Schools before returning to NSA in 2026 as an eighth grade teacher. Middle School rocks!

Outside of work, Mrs. Turner enjoys spending time with her family, including her two sons, both of whom graduated from UVA and now work in engineering. She also enjoys taking her two miniature dachshunds, Daphne and Xander, on long walks, reading and decorating.

Upper School

Jessie Dobson '04, Upper School History Teacher

Jessie Dobson is a 2004 graduate of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Virginia Tech in 2009 and an Associate of Science in graphic design from Tidewater Community College in 2015. Ms. Dobson worked as an interactive designer and technical project manager before returning to NSA in 2026. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching and playing sports as well as spending time with her friends, family and pets.

Anita Roy, Registrar

Anita Roy earned her B.S. from Vanderbilt University in 2004 and her M.Ed. from Old Dominion University in 2015. After graduating from Vanderbilt, she was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, where her assignments included coordinating security for the presidential helicopter squadron and serving in communication strategy and operations.

Mrs. Roy later served as a Naval ROTC instructor at Texas A&M University, where she was an academic advisor and associate professor of leadership and management. After transitioning from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve, she pursued her passion for education by teaching elementary special education. She continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve, supporting Marines, veterans and military families throughout the Hampton Roads community.

Mrs. Roy and her husband have two daughters, Audrey '35 and Madilyn '36. As both a Marine and a Marine spouse, she and her family have called many places across the country home. Outside of school, she enjoys running, live music, cheering on her daughters in their many activities and traveling. She has visited 49 states and 26 countries and is always ready to add another to the list!

Taylor See, Choral Director

Taylor See is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, and earned a Bachelor of Music (2020) and Master of Music (2023) in voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has taught private voice and piano, served as adjunct music faculty at the College of Southern Nevada and taught elementary music, choir and handbells at Faith Lutheran Academy in Las Vegas. As a classical singer, she has performed with professional opera companies throughout the country. She enjoys traveling, caring for animals, spending time with family and friends and inspiring a love of music in her students.

Operations and Facilities

Robin Patterson, Transportation

Robin Patterson graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1985. Before becoming a school bus driver, she worked as a dental assistant. She says her career in school transportation has been rewarding and she considers it her calling.

Mrs. Patterson married her soulmate, Buddy, in 2002, and she enjoys spending time with him and her granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, sewing, taking her Jeep to the beach and spending time at home.

In addition to welcoming new faculty and staff to NSA, we'd like to congratulate several of our returning faculty and staff who are transitioning into new roles for the 2026-2027 school year!

Lower School

Harbour View Campus

Mary Hunter Hardison '01, Head of Lower School, Harbour View Campus

After graduating from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in 2001, Mary Hunter Hardison attained her undergraduate degree in human development from Virginia Tech. She then went to William & Mary, earning a Master of Arts in education. She joined the NSA faculty in 2006. Mrs. Hardison taught first, second and sixth grades and served as the director of college counseling and AP coordinator. In 2026, she was named Head of Lower School at our Harbour View Campus. Mrs. Hardison and her husband, Matt, have a son, Ben '33, and a daughter, Hattie Jane '35.

Stephanie Hewitt, Office Manager

Stephanie Hewitt serves as the office manager for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy's Harbour View Campus. Since joining the NSA family in 2018, she has worked as a kindergarten instructional assistant, where she built strong relationships with students, families and colleagues through her caring nature and commitment to supporting young learners.

In her role as office manager, Stephanie is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every family who enters the Harbour View Campus. Her deep knowledge of the school community, combined with her warm and approachable personality, makes her a trusted resource for students, parents, faculty and staff.

Specials

Nicole Tyger, Lower School Music Teacher

Nicole Tyger earned her Bachelor of Science in music education in 2016 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Music in Music Education in 2021 from the University of Florida. Ms. Tyger taught K-8 general music, choir and theatre for seven years in Las Vegas, NV, and taught high school choir in Newport News, VA, before joining the NSA family in 2025. Ms. Tyger enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her dog, Winston, and traveling.

Upper School

Jenny Eliason, College Counselor

Jenny Eliason is a 2004 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a concentration in English and communications. She also holds a teaching certificate in teaching English as a second language.

Mrs. Eliason taught English and communications in northern Virginia, Hawaii and Maryland prior to moving to Suffolk in 2014. She has had the opportunity to live in many different states due to her husband's naval career.

Mrs. Eliason enjoys reading, running and spending time with friends, husband Mitch and her three Saints, Chase '27, Charlotte '28  and Cole '30.

Office of Advancement

Kenda Council '91, Director of Philanthropy

Kenda Goldberg Council is the director of philanthropy at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. A lifelong Suffolk resident, she graduated from NSA in 1991 and James Madison University with honors in 1995. Mrs. Council and her husband, Michael '91, have two daughters who graduated from NSA. She is a member and past president of the Suffolk Rotary Club. A graduate of the Suffolk Leadership Academy in 2000, Mrs. Council coordinated the Suffolk Leadership Academy for 10 years. She is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Hampton Roads, past member of the NSA Board of Trustees, past president of the NSA Alumni Association, past chairman of the City of Suffolk’s United Way Campaign, past board member of Suffolk Tomorrow, past president of the James Madison University Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter and past board member of Riddick’s Folly. Mrs. Council won the Suffolk Jaycees Outstanding Young Person of the Year award in 2000, the United Way of South Hampton Roads Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004, Inside Business “Top 40 Under 40” in Hampton Roads in 2011 and Outstanding Fundraiser in Hampton Roads by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2017.

Melissa Hlinovsky '02, Director of Advancement

Melissa Holland Hlinovsky is the director of advancement at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and joined the advancement team in 2006. She oversees the Annual Fund initiatives, including donor outreach and retention via direct mail, online donations, phonathons and the Development Advisory Committee, in addition to planning and executing NSA’s major special events, such as the Art Show and Sale, Golden Saints Club, Fleur-de-E@uction and the Art Jones Memorial Golf Tournament. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as the board secretary and is actively involved with the Hampton Roads Chapter. In 2010, she completed the Suffolk Leadership Academy.

Mrs. Hlinovsky graduated from NSA in 2002 and was an All-American tennis player. She competed at the collegiate level as a member of the Elon University women's tennis team and graduated from Elon University in 2006. Mrs. Hlinovsky has also enjoyed coaching tennis at NSA as a JV and Varsity girls' tennis coach. As an active supporter of Elon University alumni engagement, Mrs. Hlinovsky serves as an Elon alumni peer agent. She and her husband, Jon, have two children, Wesley '31 and Macy '33, who attend NSA. In her free time, Mrs. Hlinovsky enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to the beach, lake and other adventures.

Operations and Facilities

Kristy Brett '87, Director of Transportation and Housekeeping Manager

Kristy Brett is a 1987 graduate of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in health and physical education in 1994 and a Master of Science in education administration and supervision in 2001 from Old Dominion University. She retired from Suffolk Public Schools in July 2025 after 30 years in education. She served as a high school athletic director, physical education teacher and coach of several sports during her tenure with SPS, and returned to NSA to work part-time in the transportation department in 2025 before she became director of transportation and housekeeping manager in 2026. Ms. Brett enjoys golfing, watching her two favorite teams, the Washington Commanders and the Duke Blue Devils, and spending time with family and her three fluff balls Duke, Ellie and Jaxon.