An organization’s strengths come from its individual team members.
LHJNA is fortunate to have a deeply caring, passionate, and experienced staff.
LHJNA’s Staff
Christy Orthner
Christy Orthner – This is Mrs. Orthner’s first year serving as admin at LHJNA, but she has been a part of the school for three years prior. She is fulfilling the role of Head Teacher. Mrs. Orthner has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Meredith College in North Carolina. Due to her love of the educational field, Mrs. Orthner has held numerous jobs such as Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center, Home/Hospital Teacher, private tutor, public school teacher, and more. She will also teach Middle School Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Study Skills.
Michael Hallett
Michael Hallett – This is Mr. Hallett’s thirteenth year at LHJNA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served in various nuclear propulsion and surface warfare billets before retiring in 1989. He then taught secondary mathematics in California and Maryland for over twenty years. He holds a BS in Engineering, an MBA, and an MEd in instructional technology. Mr. Hallett will teach Algebra 2 and Geometry.
Bernard Lake
Bernard Lake – This is Mr. Lake’s first year at LHJNA. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1988. He earned an MBA from Nova-Southeastern University in 1992 and taught business courses at Kirkwood Community College, IA. Mr. Lake then did a two-year full-time military duty in the US Army preparing Soldiers for battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Lake returned to reserve service, moved to Maryland, worked as a CTE teacher in St. Mary’s County Public Schools, and earned an Ed. S. in education administration from Walden University 2019. Mr. Lake has held several teaching and management positions in Iowa, the USVI, and the eastern Caribbean.
Matthew Waalkes
Matthew Waalkes – Matthew Waalkes is the new science teacher at LHJNA. This year is his first here, during which he will teach chemistry and life science. In 2013, he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelors in Biology. From there, Matthew has been involved in both science education and research, including teaching middle school science and toxicology research for the Environmental Protection Agency. Most recently, he completed his Master of Science at West Virginia University, where he used zebrafish as a model organism to help decode visual behaviors. Matthew loves science and hopes to teach the next generation using hands-on activities.
Chelsea Dorn
Chelsea Dorn – This is Chelsea Dorn’s first year on staff. Ms. Dorn graduated from Ottawa University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts and in 2011 with a Masters in Human Resource Management. Chelsea’s love for working with youth is evident through her work as a Scoutmaster and substitute teacher. Ms. Dorn will instruct a Russian Independent Study and serve as the interim High School History teacher.
Karen Simmons
Karen Simmons- This is Mrs. Simmons’ first year at LHJNA and will be teaching High School World History. She received her undergraduate degree from Catawba College with a double major in Sports Medicine and Physical Education. She received her Masters degree in Education from East Carolina University. Mrs. Simmons received her post Master’s Certificate from Notre Dame of Maryland University with the Specialization in Administration I. She taught in the St. Mary’s County Public School system for eight years, but took time off from teaching to pursue a career in Real Estate. Mrs. Simmons is very excited to get back into a classroom and teach world history where she can incorporate her love of traveling into the lesson plans of world history.
karen.simmons@lhjna.com