Administration

Mr. Thomas R. Smigiel, Jr., Ed.S., Principal

Mr. Smigiel is a lifetime resident of Norfolk and was raised in the Ocean View and Bayview sections of Norfolk. An award-winning educator, Mr. Smigiel has dedicated his professional career to helping the children of Norfolk be successful in school and their personal lives. He was recognized as the 2007 Norfolk Teacher of the Year and subsequently was selected as the 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year.  Also, in 2008, he became the first Norfolk teacher, and only the fifth Virginian, to be one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year.  He was also honored for his work in education with the 2009 Old Dominion University Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Mr. Smigiel is a graduate of Norview High School. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Interdisciplinary Studies (4th – 8th Grade Science and Social Studies) from Old Dominion University.  He also received a Minor in World Geography, as well as completed an endorsement in Earth Science.  While attending Old Dominion University, he served as Student Body President and was recognized for his leadership and vision by being named Student Leader of the Year and was a finalist for the distinguished Kaufman Prize.  He later returned to school and received his Master’s Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Cambridge College.  Mr. Smigiel also obtained his Education Specialist Degree from Walden University.

In 2000, Mr. Smigiel returned to his alma mater Norview, and taught earth science and leadership for eight years. He helped increase pass rates on the Virginia Standard’s of Learning tests from 29% to 85%. For his work, he was recognized as Norfolk Public School’s Science Teacher of the Year. In 2005, he developed a leadership program to help at-risk 9th graders stay in school, which was successful and raised the promotion rate.

Mr. Smigiel was an Assistant Principal for six years, serving at both Granby and Lake Taylor High Schools.  After serving five years as an Assistant Principal at Granby High School, in July 2014 he was selected as a planning principal to develop a new citywide lottery specialty program at the former Lafayette-Winona Middle School.  In 2015, Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (known as ADL) opened its doors to over 600 third through eighth-graders from across the city. The school eventually grew to 750 students, specializing in Project-Based Learning and becoming a fully authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.  In 2019, ADL was recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as an Exemplar School for Continuous Improvement and a Purple Star School Award.

As an administrator, Mr. Smigiel has worked in all aspects of school leadership and management.  He particularly enjoys working with teachers on increasing their pedagogical content knowledge, helping students realize their potential, building a strong and inclusive school culture, and increasing parental/community involvement at the school.

His wife Shannon is a Norfolk Public School’s Elementary School Counselor, and they have three children, two who currently attend Norfolk Public Schools. and one daughter, Devin, who graduated from Granby High School in 2024. They live in the Ocean View section of Norfolk.

Focus Area(s):
Building Cleanliness & Conditions
Overall School Accountability
 - Accreditation
 - Attendance
 - CSIP
 - Evaluation of Staff
 - Instructional Program
 - On-Time Graduation
School Communications
School Partnerships
Staff Activities

Evaluation and Supervision
All Staff (Collaboration)
Assistant Principals
Athletic Director
Attendance Technician
Custodians
Graduation Coaches
IB Coordinator
Office Staff
School Counselors

Ms. Lisa Hillian, Assistant Principal

Ms. Hillian is a lifetime resident of Norfolk and was reared in the Larrymore Lawns section. She attended Larrymore Elementary, Rosemont Middle School (Now Academy of International Studies) and Lake Taylor High School. While in Middle and High School, she was in the Gifted Performing Arts Program Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory. Ms. Hillian comes from a line of educators. She has always believed that a child’s future is important and will do anything to ensure their success.

Ms. Hillian attended Winston-Salem State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Elementary Education. During her last year of college, she joined the Army National Guard and served from 2001-2008. She later returned to school and received a Master’s of Business Administration-EB degree (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. Finally, in 2009, she received her Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree from The George Washington University in School Administration and Supervision.

Ms. Hillian began her teaching career in 2001 as an English Teacher at Lake Taylor Middle School. In 2004, Ms. Hillian became an English teacher at Granby High School. She worked with the Freshman Success Program. From 2009-2015, Ms. Hillian worked as Dean of Students at Azalea Gardens and Northside Middle Schools. Finally in 2015, she returned to Granby High School as an Assistant Principal. As an administrator, her current duties consist of Special Education, 504 Plan Supervision, District and State Testing, Summative Evaluation Matrix and Meeting, State and National Surveys, and the Professional Development Calendar.

Ms. Hillian enjoys working with students on all levels to reach success; supporting teachers in growing in their craft of teaching; developing organization and processes that help the school run on a daily basis and working with parents.

Ms. Hillian enjoys living a healthy lifestyle, running and weightlifting. She believes this prepares her to help students, staff and parents each day. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Norfolk Secondary Principals Association (NSPA). Ms. Hillian resides in Norfolk.

Focus Area(s):
Principal Designee
Attendance, Student Conduct and Safety
 - Cohort 2026 Students
CCCRI Monitoring
Data Reporting (w/Smigiel)
District & State Testing
 - District Testing
 - SOL Remediation Plans
 - SOL Testing
 - STAR Testing
Other Testing
 - Industry Certification
Special Education Compliance
 - Student Assistance Team
 - VAAP Testing
 - 504 Plan Supervision

Evaluation and Supervision
Career and Technical Education
School Psychologist
School Social Worker
Special Education
 - Speech Pathologist
 - Itinerant Teachers
 - Paraprofessionals 

Mrs. Kim Jackson-Dinnall, Assistant Principal

Entering her third year of Assistant Principalship at Granby High School, Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall is married, mother to two sons, and grandmother to six children (5 girls, 1 boy). Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall was raised in Boston, Massachusetts but frequented the Hampton Roads area throughout her life. She began her teaching career in Lynn, Massachusetts as an elementary substitute schoolteacher and was hired as a Grade 7 English teacher at the William H. Breed Middle School where she quickly moved up the ranks, working closely with the English Senior Coordinator and receiving personal training from John Collins, creator of the Collins Writing program. She became the Cluster Leader her second year and English department chair her third year of teaching at the William H. Breed Middle School.

Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall received her undergraduate degree in English from UMASS/Boston. While working as a middle school teacher, Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall graduated Magna Cum Laude earning a Master of Education degree in Secondary English from Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts. After relocating to Richmond, Virginia to care for her paternal grandmother and teaching in the Henrico County for three years, Mrs. Kim Jackson-Dinnall returned to Norfolk, Virginia in 2005 and interviewed at two high schools before accepting an English teaching position at Granby High School.  She acquired her second Master of Education degree in Leadership; graduating at the top of her class from the School of Education at Regent University in 2008.

After teaching English at Granby High School for three years, Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall accepted an English department chair position at the William H. Ruffner Middle School where she led the English/Communication department to its highest writing and reading scores for three consecutive years. Love of the content prompted her to return to Granby High School in 2010 where she soon became the English department chairperson. This marked a crucial time as the VDOE had redesigned the SOL assessment to include technology-enhanced items, yet the English department maintained passing rates of 85% and higher throughout her leadership.  Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall joined Granby's Administrative Team as an Assistant Principal in July 2018. 

Mrs. Jackson-Dinnall has faithfully served her community through creating her own non-profit called T.E.A.C.H! (Tidewater Educational Action for Change Here!) in 2014, remediating up to 25 students out of her home (one schoolhouse personalized model) until she acquired a building in the Wellington Oaks section of Norfolk at no cost to participants. Promoting the success of others is her lifework and the legacy that she will leave behind.

Focus Area(s):
Attendance, Student Conduct and Safety
 - Comet Core Students
Advanced Placement Overall
Accountability & Testing
Data Reporting (w/Smigiel)
COGNIA Year 4 Prep
Edmentum Implementation
 - Courseware
 - Exact Path
 - Flex Path
FEV Tutor Implementation
Homebound Instruction
Professional Development
 - New Teacher Center Coaching
 - On-going PD & Support
 - Pre-Service Week PD
 - Teacher Mentors
VDOE Monitoring
Virtual Scholars Academy
Liaison 

Evaluation and Supervision
AP Teachers (In Collaboration)
English
Gifted Resource Teacher
Science
SOL Teachers (In Collaboration) 

Dr. Stacie Armstead, Assistant Principal

Dr. Stacie L. Armstead is a proud Norfolk native and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lynchburg College and began her professional career with Norfolk Public Schools. Recognizing her desire to make a greater impact on student achievement and educational outcomes, Dr. Armstead pursued advanced studies at Norfolk State University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Urban Education: Administration and Supervision PreK-12.

Throughout her educational career, Dr. Armstead has served as a Science Teacher, Science Department Chairperson, and Dean of Students at both the middle and high school levels. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal at the high school level, where she provides instructional leadership, supports student success, and works to create environments that foster academic achievement and personal growth.

Dr. Armstead completed her doctoral studies at Hampton University, where her research focused on Urban High School Teachers’ Perceptions on Culturally Responsive Teaching. Her research reflects her commitment to understanding educators’ perspectives and advancing instructional practices that support equitable and meaningful learning experiences for all students.

Dr. Armstead’s vision of education is rooted in the belief that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered. She believes that culturally responsive teaching strengthens education by connecting students’ experiences, cultures, and identities to the learning process, creating stronger relationships and opportunities for student success.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Armstead extends her leadership beyond the school walls. She remains committed to serving her community and supporting initiatives that promote educational advancement, student achievement, and positive changes to the community-at-large in the City of Norfolk.

Focus Area(s):
Attendance, Student Conduct and Safety
 - Cohort 2028 Students
English Language Learners
Military Transition
 - MFLC Liaison
Schoolwide PBIS
 - Discipline Alternatives
 - Hall Sweep Program
 - In-School Suspension
 - Late to School
 Accountability
 - Restorative Practices
 - Teacher-Student
 Relationships
 - Wraparound Services Coordination
Testing
 - Access for ELLs/WIDA Test

Evaluation and Supervision
Behavioral Specialist
CEIS Counselor
English Learner Teachers
FASN
Health and Physical Education
In School Suspension Teacher
NJROTC
TDT Services

Ms. Marie Mileur, Assistant Principal

Ms. Marie Mileur was born and raised in Norfolk, where she graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Granby High School in 2005. Both of her parents retired from careers at Norfolk Public Schools.

She attended Longwood University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. After graduating in 2009, she was hired to teach elementary school and spent the last eleven years at Ocean View Elementary. She later graduated from The George Washington University, where she worked with an NPS cohort to earn her Master’s Degree in School Administration in 2015.  While at Ocean View, Ms. Mileur served as a grade-level chair, Lead Mentor, and was named the 2015 Ocean View Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Mileur joined Granby's Administrative Team as an Assistant Principal in July 2020. Ms. Mileur is a Comet through-and-through and loves to work with the faculty, students, and families of Granby High School.

Focus Area(s):
Attendance, Student Conduct and Safety
 - Cohort 2027 Students
Admin. Coverage at Events
Bell & Lunch Schedule
Building Use
Chromebook Distribution & Technology
Duty & Grounds Patrol Schedule
Master Schedule
New Student Orientation & Transition
Student Activities
Student Morale, Recognition & School Spirit
Testing
 - In-School SATs
 - PSAT Testing 

Evaluation and Supervision
Arts (Visual Arts, Performing Arts)
ITRT
Math
Media Specialists
Network Engineer

Dr. Curtis Young, Assistant Principal

Dr. Young hails from the great state of Texas and is an extraordinary and unique educator and administrator. Dr. Young is a distinguished First Sergeant (1SG) retired and combat veteran of the United States Army. He served his country with reverence, integrity, and honor, and now has the esteemed privilege of devoting the same dedication and enthusiasm to the students at the Norfolk Public Schools communities.

Dr. Young is a graduate of David W. Carter High School, Dallas, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, Maryland. While working as a middle school teacher, Dr. Young earned a Master of Education in PreK-12 Administration & Supervision from University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, Dr. Young continued to pursue education and attained his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia in 2022.

Dr. Young is a life-long learner and has dedicated his career to being the change agent that helps students become successful and contributing members of society. He began his career as a history teacher at Lafayette-Winona Middle School from 2007-2011. He worked with the Male Mentorship, JROTC, and Student Council Association (SCA) programs. Moreover, Dr. Young served as the history Chairperson from 2011-2013 at Lafayette-Winona and led the department through the VDOE Standard of Learning (SOL) assessment redesign which included technology-enhanced items, achieving 76% and 81% pass rates for the 2012 & 2013 school years, respectively. Furthermore, Dr. Young served as Dean of Students at Lafayette-Winona and Blair Middle Schools from 2013-2016. Finally, Dr. Young was promoted and served as an Assistant Principal at Booker T. Washington High School from 2016-2023 and joined Granby's Administrative Team in August 2023.

Dr. Young is the recipient of the Presidential (George W. Bush) Commendation, 2005; Meritorious Service Medal, 2006; the NPS School Bell Award, 2010; and Inspiration award for Most Outstanding in History/ Social Science in 2011-2012.  

Focus Area(s):
Attendance, Student Conduct and Safety
 - Cohort 2029 Students
McKinney-Vento Monitoring
NPS Transportation
School Safety & Security
 - Crisis Management Plan
 - District & State Safety
 Audit
 - Keys & Building Entry
 - Lockers
 - NPS Transportation
 - School Safety & Security
 - Weapon Detection System Training
9th Grade Advisory
Planning & Data Monitoring

Evaluation and Supervision
Child Nutrition
Nurse & Wellness Assistant
School Resource Officer
Security Officers
Social Studies 

Mrs. Stephanie Ogborn, Administrative Associate

Mrs. Ogborn started at Granby in January 2026, as an Administrative Associate.  She started her career in education working in Juvenile Detention and Alternative Programs in the Richmond Area teaching English.  She joined Norfolk Public Schools in 2003, and has taught English at Lake Taylor High School, Azalea Gardens Middle School, and recently Academy for Discovery at Lakewood.  

Mrs. Ogborn was recently selected as the Norfolk Public Schools 2027 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Ogborn received her Masters in Educational Leadership from Regent University in 20212 and her Bachelor's of English from Bridgewater College in 1996.

Mrs. Ogborn's husband is a teacher and she has two children who graduated from Norfolk Public Schools, with her son a recent graduate of Granby High School.

Focus Area(s):
Assists IB Coordinator
Assists with Discipline (Cohorts 2029 & 2028)
Attendance & Truancy
On-Time Graduation (Class of 2027)

Evaluation and Supervision
World Languages 

Mr. Chris Harris, Athletic Director

Chris Harris joined the Granby team as the new Athletic Director, July 2020.  Coach Harris grew up in Richmond and graduated from Freeman High School where he was a regional champion and All-State Wrestler.   Chris was an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Mills Godwin High School in Richmond, before becoming the Head Coach in 2009.  In 2014 and 2015 he was named the Conference 11 Wrestling Coach of the Year after leading his team to two Conference 11 Team Championships. 

Coach Harris received his undergraduate degree in Health and Human Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2008 and then recently went back to school, earning his Master’s Degree in School Administration and Leadership in 2020. While at VCU Coach Harris was a four year member and starter on the Rugby Team.  

Prior to coming to Granby, Coach Harris was a Physical Education Teacher at Mills Godwin High School and then moved to Hampton Roads in 2015.  He served as a Physical Education Teacher and the Athletic Director at James Blair Middle School in 2015-2016 and then moved to Academy for Discovery at Lakewood as a Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director and has been there the last four years.  While at ADL he helped lead the athletic program to two Superintendent’s Championship Cups for Best Middle School Athletic Program.

As a wrestling guy, Coach Harris is excited about being at Granby High School which is famous around the world for the “Granby Roll” in wrestling which is a wrestling reversal named for Granby High School, where it was popularized by former Granby Wrestling Coach Billy Martin, Sr.  Coach Harris believes his purpose as the athletic director is to instill character, sportsmanship, and academic success into Granby’s culture. 

During his free time, you can find Coach Harris on the water surfing or fishing. 

Mrs. Tanisha Samuel, Office Manager

Mrs. Samuel was promoted to Office Manager in September 2025, after serving as the Main Office 12 month secretary since 2022.  She has over 20 years of experience as an office professional, serving as a quality assurance administrator, secretary for a public defender, secretary/legal assistant for a law firm, and accounts clerk for a school board office in Louisiana. 

Mrs. Samuel is a graduate of Norview High School and lives in the Bayview section of Norfolk.  She has two daughters who both graduated from Granby High School.  

Focus Areas: Purchasing, Managing Payroll, Budget, and School Credit Card; Managing School Bank Checking Account and Student Activities’ Funds; Human Resources Issues (FMLA, Workman’s Compensation, Accident Reports)

Evaluation and Supervisions: All Secretaries in the building