Joined Team CCS - August 2003
Experience
I have spent the last 21 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 six 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 20 years, is the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Maiden High School. We have two children, Cooper and Cannyn.
