Faculty

Mr. Bruce Major is a dedicated educator and visionary leader with an extensive background in educational administration, school psychology, and curriculum development. With a proven track record of success across diverse educational settings, Mr. Major has consistently demonstrated a passion for fostering student growth, implementing effective instructional practices, and building strong partnerships within school communities.

Mr. Major holds a Master of Arts in School Administration and a Postgraduate Certificate in School Administration. He has also earned an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology, complementing his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. These academic credentials have equipped him with a robust foundation to lead transformative educational initiatives.

Throughout his career, Mr. Major has served in leadership roles in both international and domestic schools. Most recently, while serving in administrative roles in Dubai, UAE, he implemented strategies that improved student outcomes, enhanced teacher development, and strengthened community connections. Under his leadership, the school experienced significant growth in enrollment, adopted data-driven instructional models, achieved key accreditations, and celebrated 100% student placement in post-secondary colleges and universities.

His international experience also includes serving as Head of Schools for two progressive international schools in China, where he contributed to their organizational growth and success. Domestically, he has held administrative roles in one of North Carolina’s largest inner-city charter schools, further showcasing his ability to lead diverse educational environments.

Mr. Major excels in strategic change management, system enhancement, and cultivating collaborative relationships with stakeholders. His deep commitment to student achievement, community engagement, and educational innovation positions him to lead the Excel Center to new heights of excellence and success.

Rebecah F. Smith is the Lead Teacher at the Excel Center in Roanoke, bringing over 30 years of experience as a dynamic educator and instructional leader. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Radford University and a Bachelor’s in History and Political Science from Old Dominion University, Rebecah has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and literacy coach. Her leadership in multiple school divisions reflects a career dedicated to improving student outcomes through instructional excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity. Recognized with numerous honors—including the VSLA Literacy Leader Award and multiple educational grants—Rebecah combines strategic vision with hands-on support to mentor teachers and ensure high-quality instruction across all subject areas. Her passion for student achievement and professional development drives the Excel Center’s mission of transforming lives through education.

Ashley Huff serves as the Lead Life Coach at the Excel Center in Roanoke, where she leverages over two decades of experience in education and counseling to support adult learners in achieving their academic and personal goals. Holding a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Lynchburg, Ashley brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to life coaching that fosters resilience, growth, and self-efficacy. Her background includes leadership roles as a principal and case manager, as well as extensive work with diverse populations in both educational and therapeutic settings. A skilled communicator and community collaborator, Ashley is passionate about helping students overcome barriers, develop life skills, and create pathways to long-term success.

Dana Glenn serves as the Sciences Teacher at the Excel Center in Roanoke, bringing over two decades of classroom experience and a deep commitment to student success. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Science from Belmont Abbey College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Secondary Education from Appalachian State University. Dana specializes in differentiated science instruction, project-based learning (PBL), and creating safe, engaging learning environments. Her background in classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional technology allows her to connect scientific concepts to real-world applications, helping adult learners thrive academically and professionally. A certified environmental educator and lifelong learner, Dana fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for STEM within every student she teaches.

Samantha Diaz Steffen is the English Language Arts Teacher at the Excel Center in Roanoke, where she brings a rich blend of instructional expertise, leadership, and a passion for inclusive education. With over fifteen years of teaching experience and a Master’s Degree in Literature from Longwood University, Samantha is dedicated to helping adult learners develop strong literacy skills that empower academic and professional success. Her background as both a college and high school instructor, combined with her work in curriculum design and instructional leadership, equips her to tailor learning experiences that meet diverse student needs. A committed advocate for equity, Samantha fosters a dynamic classroom environment where critical thinking, creativity, and communication are at the heart of every lesson.

Jamie Misztalski is the Manager of Operations and Administration (MOA) at the Excel Center in Roanoke, where she ensures seamless day-to-day functionality and compliance through expert organizational management and administrative support. With over a decade of experience in operations, office management, and human resources—including support for over 600 employees across 17 school sites—Jamie brings a high level of precision, professionalism, and problem-solving to her role. Her proficiency in student management systems, onboarding, and regulatory compliance makes her an essential backbone of the school’s infrastructure. Known for her exceptional communication skills and commitment to service, Jamie fosters a welcoming, efficient, and responsive environment that empowers both staff and students to thrive.

Christopher Haning is the History Teacher at the Excel Center in Roanoke, where he brings a strong background in social sciences education and a passion for engaging students in meaningful exploration of the past. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State College and has taught U.S. History in both public schools and correctional education settings, demonstrating a commitment to accessible, inclusive, and standards-aligned instruction. With expertise in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and educational technology platforms such as Canvas and Nearpod, Christopher creates dynamic and responsive learning environments that support student success. His experience working with diverse learners—including advanced students and those with special needs—reflects a versatile and student-centered approach to teaching history as a vital tool for civic awareness and personal growth.

Alexandra Hatfield is the Math Teacher at the Excel Center in Roanoke, where she applies her strong foundation in mathematics and data analytics to empower adult learners through practical, standards-based instruction. A Magna Cum Laude graduate with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, Alexandra has taught high school Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, including co-taught classes for students with special learning needs. Her approach blends analytical rigor with a deep commitment to inclusivity, creating supportive, engaging environments where learners can build confidence and competence in math.

In her spare time, Alexandra also serves as a Director for After-School Enrichment in the Roanoke Valley area, where she helps develop and guide programs that foster academic growth and personal development for local youth. With additional experience in child development, healthcare, and enrichment programming, Alexandra brings empathy, adaptability, and a student-centered mindset to her teaching—helping learners overcome challenges and reach their academic goals