Mr. Benjamin E. Shindler
Associate Principal

Mr. Shindler graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science and a minor in secondary education. After graduation, he began his teaching career in Chesterfield County. During his 16 years in the classroom, he taught U.S. History, World History, and U.S. Government. He later earned his Master of Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia and became the dean of students at Matoaca High School. He is in his 3rd year at Matoaca, now serving as associate principal.

You can follow him on Twitter @benshindler

Dr. Scott Birmingham
Assistant Principal

Dr. Birmingham graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in French with a Business Option/Minor. After graduating, he pursued a degree at the University of Virginia and obtained a Masters in Teaching Foreign Language degree (while minoring in Spanish & pursuing advanced graduate courses in Spanish). While he pursued a post-graduate certificate in Administration and Supervision at Virginia Commonwealth University, he eventually got a Ph. D. degree in Educational Leadership from the school. Dr. Birmingham has 27 years of educational experience having taught French & Spanish for 7 years (levels 1-AP), served as Chesterfield’s Instructional Specialist/Supervisor for World Languages, and has been an administrator for 18 years.

Mrs. Stephanie LaSmith
Assistant Principal

Mrs. LaSmith graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a BS in Exceptional Education. She continued her education by attending the University of Texas, El Paso; the University of Alaska; and Alaska Pacific University. After moving to Virginia, Mrs. LaSmith obtained a Masters in Collaborative Education from The College of William and Mary and certification in Leadership and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mrs. LaSmith has more than 37 years of educational experience. She has provided direct instruction to students from preschool to high school. She has been a transition coordinator and an adjunct professor for Virginia Commonwealth University. Mrs. LaSmith has been an administrator for 16 years.

You can follow her on Twitter @Stephanielasmit

Ms. Meghan Perno
Dean of Students

Ms. Perno earned her BA in English from Christopher Newport University, Masters in Education from Old Dominion University, and an Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership from Virginia Tech. During her 14 years in the classroom, she taught middle school English in Poquoson, served as a school librarian and 5th-grade teacher for Hampton City Schools, and most recently taught 4th grade at OB Gates Elementary School in Chesterfield County. This is Ms. Perno’s second year at Matoaca High School where she serves as the dean of students.

You can follow her on Twitter @MrsPerno