Joined Team CCS - July 2019
Experience
Prior to beginning my career in education, I served as a Juvenile Court Counselor/Training School Specialist in Catawba, Caldwell, and Burke Counties for eight years. I began my career in education as an elementary School Counselor and classroom guidance teacher for three years in Alexander County at both Bethlehem Elementary School and Hiddenite Elementary School before moving into school administration.
I began my administrative career as an elementary school assistant principal. I served in this capacity for three years, before moving into the role of Principal of Bethlehem Elementary. During my three years as the principal, the school was recognized as an Honor School of Excellence - the highest status awarded North Carolina elementary schools at that time - for two years, and as a School of Distinction for one year.
Before moving to Bandys High School, I served as the Principal of West Alexander Middle School. During that time, West Alexander Middle School was recognized for Exceeding Expected Growth for five of the seven years I served as the school's principal. The school also was recognized as a National School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. This recognition has been granted to less than 50 North Carolina Middle Schools in the last fifteen years. West Alexander Middle School also was recognized for the last three years of my tenure there as a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Exemplar School, the highest level recognized by the NCDPI in the state.
During my administrative career in Alexander County, I was recognized as ACS Principal of the Year on three separate occasions. I was also recognized at the ACS Educational Office Professionals Administrator of the Year and the NC Educational Office Professionals Regional Administrator of the Year. Since moving to Catawba County, I received the Administrator of the Month for the CCS, after only four months in my current role as Bandys High School.
Education
B.S. in Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University
M.A. in School Counseling, Lenior-Rhyne University
Ed. S. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University; Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University
Why I Became an Educator
During my eight years as a Training School Specialist/Juvenile Court Counselor, I realized quickly the value of a positive support system on the lives of today's youth. Often times, I found myself thinking what if I could have intervened when they were younger? Perhaps I could have made a difference and ensured this young man/woman had taken a different path. In order to have the opportunity to do so, I quickly realized I needed to seek a career in elementary education. Consequently, I pursued my M.A. in School Counseling to afford me this opportunity. After spending the first nine years of my career in elementary education in several roles, including administration and school counseling, I made the move to middle school, where I spent seven years. Currently, I am excited by the opportunity to be able to help students at the high school level at Bandys High School. I can now see the full K-12 progression take shape. I have devoted the last 25 years of my life to helping children, adolescents, and young adults, and I hope to have the chance to continue my journey for many, many more years as the Principal of Bandys High School. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity, as well as for the journey and the path that led me here.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
Being an outdoorsman, I enjoy the Jacob's Fork River, Catawba River, and Lake Norman.
Favorite Activities
I enjoy fishing, hunting, attending sporting events, competing in rodeo competitions, riding ATVs, and spending time with my family and friends.
Something Unique About Me
My paternal ancestors were Cherokee Indians. I have qualified and competed in the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Championship Show on three separate occasions.
