Kristin Carpenter
Founder & Head of School
B.A. Louisiana State University
M.A. Georgetown University
M.A. George Mason University
Kristin founded Linder EC in 2008 and The Linder Academy in 2021, providing students and families with the supports they need to succeed in school.
Kristin is a developmental psychologist and balances working with clients at Linder with conducting academic research. She specializes in learning disabilities and developmental disorders. Her graduate work focused on cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, cognitive development, and molecular neuropharmacology. Kristin is a member of the MRES research team at George Mason University. She strives to stay current in neuroscience and psychological research, and to provide evidence-based interventions to Linder clients. A large part of her work involves helping families move the outside support Linder provides to in-school supports through 504s and IEPs. She is one of 450 people nationwide in the past ten years that have earned the Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law.
Kristin has been featured in interviews in Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and on radio shows about education. She was a One to Watch Under 40 in 2018, the Face of Educational Coaching 2017 and 2020, and Linder EC won the Best of Arlington in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the Best of Northern Virginia in 2017 for tutoring and education.
Kristin has two boys, Aubry (5) and Wesley (3). She is working on her first book, Intelligence, which examines how recent research on stress and epigenetics impacts our understanding of intelligence, and what this means for policy surrounding poverty and education. Kristin is successfully completed the Mongol Derby in 2022 which is the toughest and longest horse race in the world.
Amber Sullivan
Assistant Principal & Director of Special Education
B.A. Arizona State University
M.S. Northcentral University
Amber has been serving multicultural and neurodivergent students in the classroom, as an administrator, and as an executive volunteer for more than 20 years. She specializes in child and adolescent developmental psychology in clinical and educational settings. Having dedicated her professional career and extensive volunteer pursuits to the education of children, Amber passionately believes every child should be provided the opportunity to grow and develop into their full potential.
A military spouse of 30 years, Amber has had the privilege of educating, mentoring, and developing multicultural and ethnically diverse children and adolescents and aiding their caregivers across the United States and portions of Asia in a variety of settings. As a special education instructor, she has provided one-to-one specialized instruction to students in public, private, and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) settings. As a teacher for typically developing children, Amber has taught subjects ranging from Pre-Algebra to the Physical Sciences and from U.S. History to English Language Arts.
As a professional and volunteer educational administrator, Amber has previously held positions as a Campus Director, Youth Program Coordinator, Education Director, Executive Board Member, and on the leadership team of a local Parent Teacher Organization.
Amber graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Child Development. She graduated With Distinction from Northcentral University with a M.S. in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology. Amber is a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist. She has completed Orton-Gillingham training for the Kindergarten through the Third Grade levels and holds a certificate in mathematical pedagogy from the Stanford Graduate School of Education. Amber is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and Alpha Sigma Lambda, an Honor Society for Adult Learners in Continuing Higher Education.
Amber and her husband, John have three sons and two beautiful daughters-in-law. The Sullivans are expecting their first grandchild in April of 2024. In her free time, Amber enjoys outdoor activities, sports, reading, playing games with her family, event planning, and volunteering in support of her local church and military families.
Carly Robb
Chief Operating Officer
B.S. Washington and Lee University
M.Ed. The George Washington University
Carly has been serving students for almost 20 years – at the classroom, district, and federal level. Over the course of her career, Carly saw first-hand that education should not, and cannot be, a one size fits all solution. She is excited to be a part of the Linder community, working alongside students, families, teachers, and staff to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for all.
As a secondary math teacher, she taught everything from Algebra I to Pre-Calculus at HD Woodson High School, TC Williams High School, and at the SEED School, the nation’s first charter, college-preparatory boarding school.
She was able to pair her teaching experience with her business degree while working at DC Public Schools headquarters. This work focused on the operational side of the school system, building systems and increasing efficiencies for facilities and administrative functions. Prior to joining Linder Academy, Carly served as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Education at the US Department of Education.
Carly grew up in New Bern, North Carolina. She lives in Alexandria with her husband, Corry; her two daughters, Ellie (13) & Campbell (8); and her dogs, Maggie & Dolly.
Kim Dykes
Elementary Teacher
B.A. University of West Florida
Kimberly Dykes grew up in a military family that frequently moved — 15 moves across the world until her senior year of high school, when her family settled in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Kimberly attended University of West Florida, where she earned her degree in Primary Education.
Kimberly has over 20 years of experience as an educator teaching Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade, as well as a district reading coach and mentor teacher. She has won the Best and Brightest Teaching Award three separate times. She is an experienced literacy interventionist and helped launch a new literacy intervention program for a district in Florida. Kim has completed Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive training (K-3) and holds a certificate from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in mathematical pedagogy.
She loves children and always knew she wanted to work in education. Kimberly enjoys the challenge of working with "at risk" learners from different backgrounds. It is priceless seeing the growth and development in children.
In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys sailing, yoga, building furniture, and creating epoxy paintings.
Mindy Fortier
Elementary Teacher
MEd, Northcentral University
BA, Trinity University
Mindy grew up in a military family. She was raised on the Gulf coast of Florida in Ft. Myers. She then went on to marry into the Military where she was lucky enough to live all over the country. She has moved over 22 times in the last 30 years. Mindy is also the proud mother of two. Both of her children are also severing in the military. Mindy has been teaching for over 20 years from preschools to 1st grade. For the last 17 years she has taught here in the Alexandria, VA area. The last 10 years she has taught with the Arlington Catholic Diocese. Mindy has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (BA), and a master’s degree in early childhood education (M.Ed.). She is also Orton-Gillingham trained through the Comprehensive level. She is licensed and is certified to teach in Virginia, Maryland and DC and is excited to be part of The Linder Academy.
Cherie Fowler
Elementary Teacher
B.A. Delaware State
M.ED Delaware State
Born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Cherie graduated from Delaware State University with B. A in Elementary Education and a Master's in Special Education. She has over 10 years of experience. Cherie has taught PreK- 1st grade and served as a director of a privately owned daycare. Cherie worked as a co-special education teacher for Arlington County Schools and also worked in self-contained settings. Teaching brings Cherie a lot of joy. She believes that all students learn at their own pace and can do all things.
Cherie has four busy kids and became an advocate for students with disabilities after learning of her son's Autism diagnosis. She continues to educate herself and others on how important it is to have an inclusive environment for all students. Cherie is very passionate about mental health in youth and teens. She is currently getting her Master's in Social Work and working with her children's school to provide help to teens and parents to address depression and anxiety. Cherie's goal is to close the achievement gap and make learning fun and exciting for all students!
Warriner Gould
Middle School Teacher
B.A. Franklin & Marshall College
M.Ed. Lesley University
Warriner was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He worked as a middle school math teacher in Maryland public school for six years, taught science, math, and was a curriculum coordinator and grade team leader at Rising Tide Public Charter School and The Dorchester Collegiate Academy.
After getting his BA, he served as an AmeriCorps Notre Dame Mission Volunteer for two years: one year in Cincinnati Ohio working with elementary and middle school children and another year in Boston teaching ESOL and citizenship classes to adults. After earning his Master’s degree at Lesley University he worked in Plymouth Massachusetts for ten years teaching math and science. He served as 6th grade team leader, school-wide science curriculum coordinator, and a member of several committees at The Rising Tide Public Charter School. In 2009 he left to help start up a charter school dedicated to holistically helping elementary students from Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury who had behavioral and academic troubles. This involved working with Children’s Hospital, anger management psychologists, depression therapists, and local members of the community, while at the same time maintaining high academic standards for students. There he served as math curriculum coordinator, science and math teacher, mentor, and participant on steering committees. Warriner left Boston and moved to Arlington in 2013 where he worked for six years at The Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg Maryland. There he taught math, from compacted 5/6th grade mathematics to Honor’s Geometry and all other math classes offered in between over a six-year time period.
Warriner enjoys hiking, reading, and listening to live music. In his free time, he enjoys volunteer work. He has volunteered at the Capital Area Food Bank, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, and currently volunteers at The Lost Cat and Dog Rescue and is looking forward to the upcoming school year.
McKenzie Johnson
Elementary Teacher
B.S. Old Dominion University
McKenzie was born in Toledo, Ohio but has lived in Virginia most of her life. She grew up in Prince William County, Va and then attended Old Dominion University where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology (B.S).
McKenzie is trained in Orton-Gillingham through the comprehensive level. She has been in the education field for 5 years and has experience teaching in early childhood education through 1st grade.
Previously, McKenzie worked as an Assistant Director of an early childhood education center but quickly realized her heart belonged in the classroom. McKenzie relocated to Alexandria to work at The Linder Academy. She loves using a multi-sensory approach to learning in her classroom and believes in a "meet children where they are at" approach.
In her free-time McKenzie loves to paint and spend quality time with her Black Lab, Bean.
Laurieann Portell
Elementary Teacher
BS Missouri State University
M.ED Missouri State University
Laurieann grew up in a military family and then went on to become a military wife and mother. She studied early childhood education and child life sciences at Missouri State University. While attending university Laurieann pursued interests in fine art ceramics and interior design. After graduation she accepted a teaching position in central Texas, which was comprised mostly of military dependents. During Laurieann’s tenure teaching she provided instruction to elementary students that demonstrated a significant need for early interventions and specialized behavioral supports. As a master teacher Laurieann was able to participate in a mentoring program with Texas A&M University, where she provided oversight and mentorship for student teachers and studied educational psychology.
Her professional development includes International Baccalaureate: Primary Years Program training in both assessment and inquiry. Emotional intelligence and cooperative learning are primary to her core foundation of educational practices. She strongly feels that community involvement and field based instruction are paramount to scaffolding student achievement. Laurieann has assisted students in creating an awareness campaign for flood and water safety, organized a fund raiser to build a preschool in Sri Lanka and worked closely in collaboration with the Military adopt a school program.
As an educator Laurieann witnessed a need for support outside of the traditional school setting for many individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Laurieann worked for many years in the social work field servicing individuals and their families with significant global developmental delays, with both complex and multiple diagnoses. She provided direct support for individuals to meet educational objectives, address independent living outcomes, achieve vocational goals and foster community involvement.
Personally, Laurieann has four children, three of which are now young adults. Her oldest son served in the Army and has a PHD in computer sciences. He is married and has three young girls. Laurieann’ s oldest daughter is also married and has three young boys of her own. Her youngest daughter will be attending Missouri State University studying forensic sciences. Laurieann’s youngest son is sixteen and learning to drive along with exploring his continuing education pursuits.
Viki Wilson
Elementary Teacher
BS Alfred University
Viki was born and raised In New York and has lived in Alexandria for the past 5 years. She went to college and studied Early Childhood Education with a concentration in psychology at Alfred University. She has a passion and love for education and working with children. Her career consists of over 10 years in the educational setting, working with students from Pre-K to 6th grade. After teaching in NY, she moved to Alexandria to accept a position with Fairfax County Public schools to teach 4th grade. While working with FCPS she collaborated with Girls on the Run as a coach and ran alongside her students in two 5K races. Proceeding her employment with FCPS she joined Arlington Public schools as a 4th grade gifted teacher and 4th grade team lead.
She has completed many professional development trainings in Multimodal Math Workshops, SEL and Social Studies to guide her pedagogy. Viki holds a VA teacher license for Pre-K through 6th grade and is Orton-Gillingham trained.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter. As well as working out, running, and reading.
Katie Lyons
Middle School Teacher
Katie grew up and spent most of her life in Metro Detroit, Michigan. She attended Oakland University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in middle school language arts and social studies. She taught for three years in Michigan and then was hired to teach 7th grade in Alexandria City Public Schools in 2015. After two years of teaching and a year of being a department chair, she earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction. In 2017 she moved to Glasgow Middle School in Fairfax County Public Schools. Here is where she became a founding teacher for a new interdisciplinary program that served 500 students over four years. Katie’s passion is making literacy accessible and inspiring to all students in ways that suit their individual needs.
Katie, her husband, and her dog live in Alexandria and she spends her free time traveling, gardening, cooking, and visiting family as much as she can. She is looking forward to teaching Linder students and cultivating a strong classroom community and fostering positive relationships with students!