Welcoming Our Newest Faculty Members

Pictured from left to right: Ms. Miller, Dr. Raja, Mrs. Allen, Mr. Nau, and Mr. Merinar

These individuals bring a wide range of experiences, talents, and passions to our campus, and we are excited for the positive impact they will have on our students both in and out of the classroom.

Mr. Joel Nau – Middle School Mathematics
A Linsly class of 2020 alum and recent graduate of West Liberty University, Mr. Joel Nau holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education for grades 5-12 and was named the 2024 Outstanding Mathematics Education Graduate. Joel brings energy, enthusiasm, and a strong foundation in teaching, with classroom experience at Sherrard and Moundsville Middle Schools, where he taught 7th and 8th grade math and Algebra I. Mr. Nau is already a familiar face to many, having served as the Assistant Coach for Linsly’s bowling team since 2021. In addition to teaching 5th through 7th grade math, Mr. Nau will also assist with bowling and support our Fine Arts productions, drawing on his background as an experienced actor and performer with Mystery Theatre Unlimited.

Ms. Maria Miller – 7th & 8th Grade English
We are thrilled to welcome back Ms. Maria Miller, a proud member of the Linsly class of 2009. During her time as a student, Ms. Miller served as Head Prefect, was a cheerleader, participated in theater, and was a key part of the annual Extravaganza. Ms. Miller holds a Master’s in Education and a Law Degree from West Virginia University. A passionate educator and community member, she also owns and operates Neely’s Grocery in Wheeling. Ms. Miller returns to Linsly to teach 7th and 8th grade English, bringing with her a love for literature, leadership, and Linsly traditions.

Dr. Masood Raja – Upper School English & Government
With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Masood Raja joins Linsly’s upper school faculty to teach AP Government and Literature & Composition. Dr. Raja earned his Ph.D. in Postcolonial Literature and Theory from Florida State University and has held professorships at the University of North Texas and Kent State University. Dr. Raja has a passion for teaching writing and analysis, as this was an important part of his educational training. He most recently served as a long-term substitute at Linsly in the Social Studies Department, after teaching English at St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School. A former Major in the Pakistan Army, Dr. Raja is also a published author with several books to his name. Fluent in multiple languages and deeply committed to global education, he and his wife are now part of the Wheeling community. He will also be supporting our college counseling efforts and working with Mrs. Cunningham.

Mrs. Sarah Allen – Algebra II & Volleyball
Mrs. Sarah Allen brings a decade of math teaching experience to Linsly, having taught middle school and high school math in local schools, most recently at Warwood Middle School. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of West Liberty University, Mrs. Allen holds a professional teaching certificate for grades 5-Adult in mathematics. She has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Curriculum Coordinator, Athletic Director, and Academic Team Leader, and has coached both Math Field Day and middle school volleyball. At Linsly, she will be teaching Algebra II and coaching middle school volleyball. Mrs. Allen and her husband live in Wheeling and are excited to join the Linsly community.

Mr. James Merinar – Physics, Statistics & Swimming
Bringing over 30 years of teaching and coaching experience, Mr. James Merinar joins Linsly’s science and mathematics departments to teach Statistics and Physics. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Teacher Education from Lock Haven University. Mr. Merinar is also an accomplished swimming coach with experience at both the high school and club levels. Most recently, he coached YMCA swimmers in Virginia and previously led varsity swim programs in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Mr. Merinar and his wife recently relocated to Wheeling. Their youngest daughter is a freshman at Linsly this fall, and their oldest is starting at Wheeling University. Mr. Merinar will be coaching both middle school and high school swimming this year.

Please join us in welcoming these outstanding educators to the Linsly family. Their experience, dedication, and enthusiasm will enrich the lives of our students and strengthen our school community for years to come.