LNC Administration

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Ms. Shannon Stein: Superintendent

Shannon has served as a school leader at Lake Norman Charter for over a decade (since 2010). Prior to that, she has experience as the high school principal at Lomira High School and associate principal at Baraboo High School, both schools located in her home state of Wisconsin. In addition to her administrative assignments, Shannon has six years of MS/HS classroom teaching experience (broad-field science).

Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (MS/HS) from the University of Wisconsin, as well as a Master’s Degree of Education–Educational Administration. She has also earned her Ed.S. in District Administration (Superintendent), Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services. 

Shannon is passionate about serving the community through various organizations such as Charlotte Loaves & Fishes, Huntersville Rotary, Lake Forest Church, Hands On Charlotte, and Charlotte LoveINC.  She has been a board member of the North Carolina Coalition of Charter Schools (current), the Portage County Court Appointed Special Advocates Board & Sauk Co. Girl's & Boy's Club Board of Directors. Shannon has been recognized with the Charlotte Woman Extraordinaire award by Business Leader Magazine (2011) and as “One of the Most Powerful Women” in Lake Norman (Huntersville Herald, 2013 & 2015). She lives in Cornelius with her husband, Adam, and has a son, Ryan, a 2015 alumnus of LNC, who currently serves his country in the US Air Force as a pilot. 

Email:  SStein@lncharter.org

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Mr. Mark Maleck: Principal, High School

Mark Maleck serves as the principal of Lake Norman Charter High School after beginning the 2024–25 school year in the interim role. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from West Virginia University and holds a Graduate Certificate in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Mark began his career as a high school Social Studies teacher and also spent time in the private sector as a project manager and technical account manager. He has over eight years of school administration experience in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, having served as assistant principal at Joseph W. Grier Academy, Parkside Elementary, and North Mecklenburg High School here in Huntersville.

Throughout his leadership career, Mark has prioritized building collaborative learning environments where staff, students, parents, and the broader community work together to shape and achieve shared goals. He’s no stranger to the LNC family—his wife, Korrine, is a kindergarten teacher at LNC Elementary. Outside of school, Mark enjoys spending quality time with his growing family, staying active, and cheering on his beloved Buffalo Bills.

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Mr. Marcus Funchess: Assistant Principal, High School

Marcus is a graduate of NC School of Science and Mathematics and earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from NC Central University. He entered education in 2003 as a middle school Science teacher in Durham, NC, and eventually got his Math licensure and was able to teach both Math and Science in Raleigh, NC. While teaching in Raleigh, Marcus attended NC State University to obtain a Master’s in School Administration. He did a full-time Principal internship at C.E. Jordan in Durham and then secured an Assistant Principal position at Northwood HS in Pittsboro, NC. He spent 4 years as an Assistant Principal at East Lincoln HS. He has been a part of the LNC family since 2017. Marcus' duties include scheduling, 504’s/IEP administration, College Board testing and discipline along with assisting Mr. Smith with other high school duties. Marcus is passionate about preparing our youth for life once they leave HS.

Email: MFunchess@lncharter.org

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Mr. Nicholas Carlascio: Principal, Middle School

Nick is originally from Rochester NY, where he attended St. John Fisher College and received his Bachelors in Childhood Education and Special Education.  He relocated to the Charlotte area where he earned his Masters of Arts from Gardner Webb University and was a teacher/administrator in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.  During his time in CMS he was a finalist for “Teacher of the Year” in 2007. In 2012 he took a leadership position in Kannapolis City Schools.  In his 10 years in Kannapolis, he was principal at three different schools: Jackson Park Elementary, Forest Park Elementary, and Kannapolis Middle School.  He was selected as “Principal of the Year” in 2015 for Kannapolis City Schools.  Nick joined the Lake Norman Charter staff in July of 2022.  He is excited to have an impact on the community he resides in and develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Outside of school, Nick and his family are very involved in athletics and most of their weekends are spent at the lacrosse field, where both his kids play. He lives in the Davidson area and is a proud parent of two Knights, Jacob and Lilly. 

Email:  NCarlascio@lncharter.org

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Ms. Michelle Holland: Principal, Elementary School

Michelle Holland has been a dedicated member of the Lake Norman Charter community since 2008. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Houston, and a School Administration License from Gardner-Webb University. In 2021, Michelle was honored as a top 10 finalist for the North Carolina Charter School Principal of the Year. Michelle is passionate about fostering LNC’s school culture in every aspect of campus life. She works diligently to align the school’s goals with its strategic focus areas, supervises all staff, and leads the preparations each August to ensure a warm and welcoming start for our youngest, newest, and returning Knights as they begin a new year of learning, leading, and serving. Michelle lives in Huntersville with her husband. Both of her children are proud LNC alumni; her son graduated from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business, and her daughter is currently a senior at the University of Kentucky.

Email:  MHolland@lncharter.org

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Ms. Melanie Latza: Assistant Principal, Elementary School

Melanie joined Lake Norman Charter Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher during its inaugural year and began serving as the assistant principal of the elementary school in 2019. Prior to joining the LNC family, she taught in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for 16 years and served as the Director of Camp Invention at Torrence Creek and Grand Oak Elementary. Melanie holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia State University and a Master's degree in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

Melanie directs the Beginning Teacher Support program for new staff at Lake Norman Charter School, directs the summer reading camp for elementary students and collaborates in developing and implementing school policies, programs, curriculum and budgets. She is committed to building positive relationships with all stakeholders and instilling a love of learning, leading and serving in children. Melanie lives in Concord with her husband, Bryan, who serves as a Captain at the Huntersville Police Department and her daughter, Makenna, who is a senior at Lake Norman Charter School.  Melanie’s son, Bronson, graduated from high school in 2021 and is pursuing a career as a diesel mechanic.

Email: MLatza@lncharter.org

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Mr. Scott Abel: Director of Facilities

Scott was born and raised in Orange County California and relocated to the Charlotte area in 2005. He holds a certificate in electronics and is a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor as well as a licensed home inspector. Scott has 15 years experience in IT administration and over 10 years experience in construction and maintenance. His main responsibilities as Director of Facilities are to oversee building and grounds maintenance.

Email:  SAbel@lncharter.org

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Mr. Lon Chang: Director of Technology

Lon moved to Charlotte, NC from Pittsburgh, PA in 2006.  He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State College and a graduate degree in Information Systems Management from Strayer University.  In addition to his formal education, he also holds 2 IT certifications: CompTIA Project + and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).  Lon has been in the educational industry for over 16 years, starting as a technician who worked up to a management role.  He is part of the IT team who manages the school’s technology infrastructure.  In his free time, Lon loves to participate in half/full marathons with his friends.

Email: LChang@lncharter.org

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Dr. Cherié Graham: Director of Academics

Cherié, a native of Portsmouth, VA., joined the LNC family in September 2016 after serving the students of Cumberland County for 19 years. She holds degrees from Fayetteville State University (B.S. in Psychology), UNC-Pembroke (Masters of School Administration) and East Carolina University (Doctorate of Educational Leadership). She proudly served as the middle school principal for six years and currently serves as the Director of Academics for LNC. Her primary responsibilities include directing the district-wide program of study, curriculum, instruction, vision and professional development to ensure all students have access to achieve at levels that align with future goals. She also serves as the Title IX Coordinator for the school district.

Cherié is passionate about helping all students achieve success and remains committed to maintaining LNC’s standard of academic excellence by working to enhance learning opportunities for our students. She is married and is the proud mother of twins, Logan and Nia.

Email:  CGraham@lncharter.org

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Ms. Lori Hughes: Exceptional Children's Coordinator

Originally from Upstate New York, Lori attended the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She has over 30 years of experience working with students with special needs in both Texas and North Carolina. Her major responsibility at LNC is to oversee the Exceptional Children's program at the elementary, middle and high schools.

Email:  LHughes@lncharter.org

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Ms. Sara Lay: Director of Community Relations

Sara has 18 years experience in marketing, development, communications and branding in both for-profit and non-profit entities. Born and raised in southeastern Michigan, she is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in marketing. Sara’s main responsibilities at LNC include communications, development, sponsorships, volunteer programs and relations with our families, alumni and local communities.

Email:  SLay@lncharter.org

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Mr. Matt Schlegel: Athletic Director

Matt was born and raised in Webster, New York where he attended Webster Schroeder High School. Matt graduated from Greensboro College where he earned a degree in Exercise, Sports Studies. Matt joined English Lacrosse and spent one year in London as a Local Development Officer where he taught physical education courses in several elementary and high schools. Matt was also the head lacrosse coach at London University and Canterbury University. In all, Matt has over 20 years of coaching experience. His major responsibility as Athletic Director is overseeing the athletic programs at both the middle and high schools.

Email: MSchlegel@lncharter.org

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Ms. Hayley Wilson: Director of Business Services

Hayley joined Lake Norman Charter in May 2017. Prior to joining LNC, she served as the Senior Accountant for Harris County Department of Education in Houston, TX. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s of Science in Professional Accounting from Strayer University.

Hayley has worked in the professional accounting industry for the past 12 years, specializing in governmental and not for profit. In her role as Director of Business Services, she is responsible for all aspects of the financial and accounting functions at LNC. Hayley lives in Concord with her husband Steven and two daughters Chloe and Kennedy.

Email: HWilson@lncharter.org