Joined Team CCS - July 2018
Experience
I have had the honor of being an educator for 21 years. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in School Leadership. I received my Doctoral Degree in 2018 from Gardner-Webb University. I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching in Burke County. I was blessed to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, where I was honored to receive the 2006 Burke County Teacher of the Year. I became an Assistant Principal in Catawba County in 2007 and served at Maiden Middle School, Catawba Elementary, and Banoak Elementary. In 2012, I began my first principalship in Alexander County Schools at Hiddenite Elementary, where I was honored as Principal of the Year in 2018. After 6 years at Hiddenite, I came back home to Catawba County and have been serving at Oxford for the past two school years. My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. My educational philosophy is based on my belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. I believe that as educators, we have a responsibility to educate the whole child, socially, emotional, and academically. I believe that students are capable of achieving any goal they set their mind to, and by giving them the skills that they need to be good citizens in our community, we are creating a bright future for our world.
Education
B.S. Elementary Education, West Virginia University
M.A. Elementary Education, Gardner-Webb University
Masters of School Administration, Appalachian State University
Doctor of Education, Gardner-Webb University
Why I Became an Educator
As the oldest of 8 grandchildren, I have always had a love for children as I "mothered" my siblings and cousins. As I grew, I knew that I wanted to spend my life working with children. Becoming a teacher was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is a calling, a passion, and one of my greatest accomplishments.
Favorite Activities
My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.I have two children, Kennedy, who is 19 and a sophomore at Western Carolina University, and Payne, who is a senior at East Burke High School. Family time and loving on my 4 legged pals, Rilee, Minnie, Pumpkin, and Simba is by far my greatest joy.
Something Unique About Me
I am originally from West Virginia and a proud alumni of West Virginia University. I bleed Blue and Gold. Go MOUNTAINEERS!
