Dr. Lynell A. Powell (Dr. Joy)
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Dr. Joy is the Founder of Joy Work EDU, where she helps organizations build emotionally aware systems and joyfully connected spaces for both adults and young people. Through coaching, consulting, and professional learning, she supports schools, youth programs, and child-serving agencies in strengthening leadership, fostering emotional accountability, and creating cultures rooted in reflection, connection, and joy.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Course Instructor
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Norfolk, VA
07.2022 - Current
- Monitors learner course progress and proactively offers support.
- Fosters student learning by incorporating principles of the science of learning.
- Creates and leads professional learning sessions focused on emotional competency.
- Conducts and oversees live sessions for student engagement and academic support.
Founder, Joy Work EDU
Various Organizations
Norfolk, VA
01.2018 - Current
- Facilitated professional learning utilizing CASEL’s SEL framework and Universal Design for Learning.
- Organized leadership coaching sessions with YMCA executive teams to enhance emotional regulation.
- Supported Boys & Girls Clubs’ directors in developing leadership structures based on emotional accountability.
- Guided strategic planning efforts to integrate SEL and emotional intelligence into organizational frameworks.
Program Mentor
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Norfolk, VA
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Provided student support with progress toward degree completion through a one-by-one lens.
- Collaborated with departments to ensure cohesive, responsive student experiences.
- Created and curated supplementary resources to enhance student communication and engagement.
Evaluator
Western Governors University
Norfolk, VA
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Evaluated student submissions for competency demonstration.
- Acted as a subject matter expert to establish best practices.
- Offered data-based insights to support continuous enhancement of courses.
- Met high standards for scoring accuracy and articulation.
Assistant Principal
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2017 - 03.2019
- Partnered with the Principal to establish high academic standards through positive cultural development.
- Coached team members using growth-focused feedback to enhance classroom and instructional effectiveness.
- Promoted emotionally supportive learning environments for students.
- Designed and facilitated professional development centered on culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed care, and staff emotional competency.
Professional Learning Specialist
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Created and implemented ongoing, job-embedded professional development programs.
- Developed leadership skills by partnering with school and district leaders.
- Provided directive and reflective coaching to educators and leaders, aligning support with adult learning theory.
- Spearheaded the division-wide implementation of personalized learning.
Associate Professor
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Norfolk, VA
09.2008 - 12.2015
- Provided reflective learning opportunities through varied instructional methods.
- Delivered prompt, meaningful feedback to enhance student development.
- Adopted various communication strategies to improve clarity, availability, and significant engagement with learners.
- Served as a subject matter expert in designing and improving general education courses.
Teacher Leader
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Collaborated with school administrators and central office staff to elevate teacher performance through coaching.
- Supported professional development focused on responsive instruction, emotional intelligence, and cultural relevance.
- Organized learning experiences focused on fostering a culture of growth.
- Developed tools and resources to guide educator growth and promote reflective practice.
Elementary School Teacher
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2005 - 07.2013
- Developed and implemented a curriculum aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning, integrating innovative instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Designed and facilitated data-driven instruction, utilizing student performance data to refine teaching practices, and differentiate learning experiences.
- Implemented components of a balanced literacy program to enhance literacy skills and encourage academic growth in reading and writing.
- Led professional learning communities to foster collaboration, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement in instructional approaches.
Elementary School Teacher
NORFOLK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2001 - 07.2005
- Served as a key member of the Instructional Leadership Team and the Principal Advisory Committee.
- Chaired the academic team, overseeing curriculum development, instructional strategies, and professional development initiatives.
- Planned and facilitated school- and district-wide staff development sessions, focusing on innovative teaching methods, and metacognitive strategies.
- Integrated character education into daily lessons.
Education
Doctor of Educational Leadership -
University of Phoenix
Virginia Beach, VA01.2015
Master of Educational Leadership -
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05.2004
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies -
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA05.2001
Skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Leadership development
- Organizational culture
- Instructional design
- Professional development
- Youth development
- Reflective practice
- Trauma-informed care
- Universal design for learning
- Conflict resolution
- Strategic planning
- Social-emotional learning
- Team collaboration
- Adult learning strategies
- Joy-centered coaching
Professional References
- Dr. Katherine Everett, Principal, 757-408-7112, KEElemPrincipal@yahoo.com
- Dr. Paulette France, Coordinator for Professional Learning, 757-202-9009, Paulette.France@vbschools.com
- Mr. William Armstead, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs, 772-577-8630, warmstead@bgcofscl.org
Affiliations
- Woman's Club of Norfolk
- Rotary Club of Norfolk
- Norfolk State Alumni Association
- Board Member of Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation
Accomplishments
- William Allen High School 2023 Distinguished Alumni
Certification
- Postgraduate Professional License-State of VA
- Advanced Online Facilitator - University of Phoenix
- Adult Mental Health First Aid
Timeline
Course Instructor
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
07.2022 - Current
Program Mentor
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
08.2021 - 07.2022
Evaluator
Western Governors University
02.2019 - 08.2021
Founder, Joy Work EDU
Various Organizations
01.2018 - Current
Assistant Principal
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
07.2017 - 03.2019
Professional Learning Specialist
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
07.2015 - 07.2017
Teacher Leader
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
07.2013 - 07.2015
Associate Professor
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
09.2008 - 12.2015
Elementary School Teacher
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY SCHOOLS
07.2005 - 07.2013
Elementary School Teacher
NORFOLK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
07.2001 - 07.2005
Doctor of Educational Leadership -
University of Phoenix
Master of Educational Leadership -
Regent University
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies -
Norfolk State University
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