Meet Heather H. Houser, Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2003

Experience 
I have spent the last 17 years in public education. After graduating from UCA Asheville in 2003 with a degree in literature and secondary education, I started my teaching career at Bandys High School as an English Teacher and the Varsity Volleyball Coach. After five years of teaching, I became the Assistant Principal at Sherrills Ford Elementary, under Principal Shelly Black. After three years at Sherrills Ford, I received my first principalship at Union Elementary in Lincoln County and spent seven years there before coming back home to Catawba County Schools. I have spent the last two years at Mountain View Elementary as principal. 

Education 
B.A. Literature, University of North Carolina Asheville
M.A. School Administration, Gardner Webb University 

Why I Became an Educator
My high school principal, Debbie Long, influenced me to pursue my dream of being a principal. As a child, I always played school and I never even considered any other job than becoming a teacher. After having Ms. Long as my principal at Maiden High, I knew I wanted to become a leader like her. I was a three sport athlete in high school, and at the time, it wasn’t a common practice for an administrator to come to sporting events, especially female sporting events. Ms. Long came to every single game we had - home or away. I remember looking up into the stands during a basketball game while playing at a school far away from Maiden and seeing her cheering us on. I also remember her taking the time to talk to me about a difficult decision she had to make. Instead of not listening to what a teenager had to say, she was attentive and understanding and allowed me to share my concerns openly. I watched her lead by example. She was always on the front line and never asked her staff to do something she wouldn’t do. I knew one day I wanted students to look up to me like I looked up to her. To this day, she still takes the time to encourage me and let me know how proud she is of me for pursuing my dreams!  

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is being at the Maiden High School football stadium on a Friday night. I love to hear 2001:Space Odyssey come over the speakers, watch the boys in blue run out in smoke from the tunnel, and join in as the band and cheerleaders play the fight song. Of course, I'm a Foard Tiger fan too, so I'm always pulling for the girls and boys in light blue too!  

Favorite Activities
I love to run, kayak, and attend sporting events with my family.

Something Unique About Me
I have run three half marathons, and my favorite is the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Savannah, Georgia!  There are bands at every mile!!

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
My husband Caine, of 16 years, is the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Maiden High School. We have two children, Cooper and Cannyn.  
 

I am beyond blessed to be a part of the Catawba County Schools team, because it was my dream to come home and give back to the same school system that made such a significant impact on my life during my elementary, middle and high school years. 

Meet Tara Killian, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2012

Experience
I am beginning my 20th year in education. I began teaching in Alexander County at Taylorsville Elementary in a self-contained special education class. I taught these amazing students for 4 years. I completed my National Board Certification while at Taylorsville Elementary and was awarded National Board Certification in Special Education. I got married during my last year at Taylorsville and moved to Vale, N.C., so I needed to find something closer to home. I found a job at Webb A. Murray, which was also a self-contained classroom. During that year, I had the opportunity to teach at Conover School, which is a separate public school for students with severe disabilities. This was always a dream - to work with students with the most severe disabilities, so I transferred to Conover School. I taught there for 5 years. While teaching at Conover School, I received my masters in school administration. I started looking for other opportunities and was thrilled to have the opportunity to be an EC Program Specialist in Burke County Public Schools. I served all elementary schools in the county and supported teachers with paperwork compliance and difficult meetings. I served Burke County Schools for 2 years, and then was able to come back home to Catawba County. I becme an EC Program Specialist for CCS and served Maiden Middle, Maiden Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Startown Elementary. I served as an EC Program Specialist for 3 years in CCS when I decided it was time to move into administration. That is when I became Assistant Principal for Mountain View Elementary.  I have served this school for 5 years and have loved every minute of it.  

Education 
B.A. Special Education, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
M.A. School Administration, Appalachian University

Why I became an educator
I have had early opportunities to volunteer at camps for children with disabilities.  These experiences made me realize how much I wanted to work with this population.  I love their heart and excitement for life.  

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is Jacobs Fork Park.  We love taking our dogs on trail runs, and this is a great trail to run alone or with dogs. 

Favorite Activities
I love outdoor activities, such as hiking, playing with my dogs, and swimming.  

Something Unique About Me
I have a variety of animals.  I have 4 dogs, 3 chickens, a peacock, and 2 sheep.  We love spending time with our furry babies!

I joined Catawba County Schools to be close to home. I was an EC program specialist and had worked with the EC Director during my teaching years. I knew the philosophy of the EC department was to do what is best for kids.That is what matters the most!