I am thrilled to be joining the PAVE SE team as a 2nd Grade teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. After growing up in North Carolina and earning my B.S. in Education from East Carolina University, I went on to work for a ministry that serves adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From this experience, I rediscovered my passion for educating the next generation, which has led me to begin my teaching career at PAVE SE. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our sweet dog, going on walks, and playing lots of games. I am looking forward to this year at PAVE SE!

 I was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. I attended Mount Olive College and received my BS degree in Early Childhood Education. I am entering my 22nd year in education. I have taught at both the elementary and high school levels.  I have served as department chair, school and county representative for Family and Consumer Sciences. During my tenure as a high school FACS teacher I was the lead Adviser for the student lead organization Family Career Community Leaders of America. I have taken students to state and national FCCLA conferences where they were placed in the top five as national winners. In 2012 I was named Master Adviser for FCCLA at the state and national levels. I believe that teachers should be accepting of the fact that students come from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. These differences should not be a barrier to providing the best resources to enhance their lives. I am married and have 2 daughters. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, planning events and spending time with my family.

After spending the past two years as a sixth grade mathematics teacher at a public school in Memphis, TN, I am so excited to return to North Carolina and join the PAVE community! I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2018.  My mantra for my scholars is that they “have value, feel loved, and are amazing,” and I hope to always bring a sense of wonder and curiosity with me into the classroom. I emphasize high academic expectations with students, and I am passionate about demonstrating organizational, goal setting, and study skills with scholars. When I am not in the classroom or preparing lessons, I love to read, exercise, and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen! I cannot wait to begin the year as PAVE’s sixth grade mathematics and science teacher!

I joined PAVE SE as Executive Director in August 2019. I am passionate about closing the achievement gap and eager to empower PAVE’s teachers and leaders in making its mission a reality. Prior to joining PAVE, I served nearly six years as the Chief Operating Officer for KIPP Eastern North Carolina (ENC), a region of six schools educating low income youth in rural and urban North Carolina. I received my M.B.A from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business where I studied social entrepreneurship. Prior to business school, I developed systems and strategies for Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrop Grumman. I earned a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia. I am a graduate of North Carolina’s Rural Economic Development Institute and a Board Fellow for the Tom Russell Foundation.

I have been an educator at PAVE Southeast since 2017, where I have taught 3rd and 4th grade. I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York and relocated to North Carolina to escape the brutal winters. I attended SUNY Oswego, where I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in literacy education. In my classroom, I foster student choice, advocating for yourself, collaboration, and peer encouragement.  I believe in building relationships and social-emotional learning. In my free time, I enjoy being out in nature, traveling, and spending my time with my dachshunds, Hoffman and Dallas.

I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina and went to UNC Chapel Hill for my undergraduate studies.  Post college, I moved to Brooklyn and worked as an ad agency account executive before deciding to go back to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from NYU. After graduation, I provided therapy to children who lost a parent or other significant family member to incarceration. I then worked as an after-school program manager and then Director of Middle School Programming. Before leaving Brooklyn, I worked as the School Social Worker at Achievement First Linden Elementary School. After moving to Raleigh, and before starting at PAVE SE,  I worked for Carolina Outreach providing outpatient therapy to children and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health needs. I believe social and emotional skills must be taught and are essential to a child’s success.

I am grateful and excited to be returning to PAVE SE to teach my second year.  Prior to working at PAVE, I was employed with Durham Public schools teaching 4th and 5th grades.  I have taught all four core subjects, but recently have been teaching 5th grade math and science.  I graduated with my B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.  I moved to North Carolina in 2014 and have worked with students in both the Raleigh and Durham areas.  It is both an honor and a privilege getting to know all my students, all of their families, and watching my students learn and grow throughout the school year.  My plan for this year is to keep my students’ work challenging, engaging, and fun!  I can’t wait to meet my next group of Panthers.  I’m excited to be your teacher!

I joined the PAVE family in 2017.  Originally from West Palm Beach, FL, I moved to North Carolina in 2015 with my family.  My background is in facilities and transportation.  I am responsible for the supervision and coordination of all school facility and maintenance operations.  I am a valuable member of the operations team and am always ready to lend a helping hand.  I am a husband and father of four. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing and spending quality time with my family.

I have worked in the elementary school setting for 13 years. I have served in many roles such as lead teacher, grade team lead, Beginning Teacher Coordinator, and School Improvement Plan member. I am driven to help students overcome barriers that impact their learning. My goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and shopping for the latest trends in clothing. I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on PAVE SE scholars as they grow and engage in new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers.

Originally from Ecuador, I have been working in the field of bilingual education for 20 years, teaching children of diverse backgrounds and grade levels. As an ELL teacher (English Language Learner), I strive to meet the linguistic and academic needs of my students. I work with WIDA/DRC administering language proficiency tests, collecting data and implementing proficiency standards. I advocate for ELL students and their families by bridging language and cultural differences between school and home to create a positive learning environment where students, teachers and parents are actively involved in the learning community. I love to travel and learn new languages and cultures. I also like music and enjoys playing the guitar and piano during my free time.

I am so excited to be joining the PAVE community as a School Counselor for the 2020-2021 school year! I was born and raised in Connecticut where I earned my B.S. in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University. Following my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Behavior Therapist for many years. During this time I specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis and taught children with ASD and other developmental disabilities in home, school, and community settings. I moved to North Carolina with my husband in 2015 and decided to go back to school to earn my M.Ed. in School Counseling from North Carolina State University. After completing this degree I worked as a Special Education Teacher and Social/Emotional Learning Coordinator for a School Readiness program serving children with special needs. I have been working with children in many different capacities over the past 8 years, but my passion lies in my role as a School Counselor. I am dedicated to building relationships with our scholars and families, supporting and teaching fundamental social/emotional and life skills, and promoting equitable opportunities for children to learn, grow, and develop into successful individuals. I believe every child is capable of greatness when provided with the supports they need. In my free time I love spending time with my husband and our pets, traveling and enjoying outdoor activities with friends!

I am ecstatic to join the PAVE SE team as an Instructional Coach for the 2020-2021 school year.  After growing up in Roanoke, VA and earning my B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech, I joined Teach For America and made the move to Eastern North Carolina.  Working at KIPP GCP Primary School for 7 years, I taught Kindergarten through second grade and was the instructional coach for Kindergarten through fourth grade as an Assistant Principal.  During my time in Eastern North Carolina, I also earned my M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston.  Outside of school, I love to play games of all kinds, root for Virginia Tech football and basketball, and hang out with my fiancé, my two cats, and my dog.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I returned to my hometown of Warrenton, NC where I taught 6th and 7th grade. I have previously worked as a registered behavior technician and facility based lead instructor, which allowed me to provide services to children with autism and various mental health needs. I have worked with children ages 3-18 with various backgrounds and abilities. I am committed to making education attainable for everyone through individualized instruction. As the daughter of a special education teacher, I understand the importance of accessible education. In my free time, I enjoy going home to visit my family, reading, writing, and watching HGTV.

I am the Assistant Principal at PAVE Southeast. I bring sixteen years of experience in education as an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher and leader. I served PAVE during the 2019-20 school year as one of the Assistant Academic Directors.  In this role, I worked as an instructional coach, helped develop and implement intervention and enrichment opportunities to meet the needs of all scholars, and contributed to various school improvement initiatives.  Throughout my career, I have supported school instructional systems locally and statewide through curriculum and assessment writing, as well as by working on school and district transformation teams.  I believe that educators are obligated to serve with excellence, and doing so makes for an immeasurable positive impact on our world. As a member of the leadership team, I will help support instructional coaches and teachers in their efforts to ensure that PAVE’s scholars are receiving a top-notch education.

I have been studying music since the age of five years old when I began playing the violin. I then switched to cello several years later, which continues to be my principal instrument today. Music has always been my true passion and calling in life. After college, I worked with an El Sistema music program for several years, studying ways of teaching music to promote social change. I have studied and use the techniques and methods of Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Orff to make the students’ experience of music education fun, exciting, and challenging. I also specializes in creative composition, which teaches students how to compose music and express themselves as individuals. My goal is to establish a learning environment that teaches self-discipline, confidence, and creativity. I believe that music is an essential tool to use in the crafting of young minds because it is a fun and safe way to express and understand emotions.

I am a graduate of St. Thomas University in Florida. This will be my 10th year in the classroom. I’ve taught every grade from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been in North Carolina for 2 years now, and love it.  I enjoy watching my students grow. I look forward to building strong relationships with my families and students this year as we head into unchartered waters. 

I have served PAVE in many roles and capacities, such as a Parent Advisory Board Member, Volunteer, Teacher, and now Operations Manager.  I have over 25 years of experience in Customer Service, Leadership, and Operations.  I am passionate about people, especially children. My life’s work and ministry has afforded me the opportunity to work with youth and young adults (particularly the underserved and disenfranchised) for nearly 20 years. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Administration and Psychology, and am currently pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,  making me a proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I love watching and attending football games, attending and participating in Fine/Performing Arts events, cooking, and spending time with my family. I am a wife and mother of five, and grandmother to four grandsons.  My life’s work is best described by a song lyric; “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain.”

I have been serving the PAVE community since opening in 2015, before coming to PAVE I worked for Playworks NC as a recess coach for two years where I had the opportunity to bring safe play to all students on the playground.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from North Carolina Central University in 2012. In addition to teaching physical education I help coach Girls on the run, Yoga, and assist with coed soccer.  In my classes I hope to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. I am very passionate about teaching students how to live a healthy and active lifestyle. I am looking forward to another fun and exciting year as the physical education teacher at PAVE.

I am a Southeast Raleigh native and have 20 years of dance experience, with 11 of those years as a dance educator. I graduated from Meredith College with a B.A. in Dance with a concentration in Private Studio teaching. During college, I interned with The African American Dance Ensemble of Durham, NC. I strongly believe dance education enhances cognitive and non-cognitive development. In my class, scholars read, write, and learn French while exploring various dance concepts and genres. Over the years, I have taught local and abroad to students of all ages. Since at PAVE, I have created the Dance program, Cheer Squad, Dance Company, and Frisbee Club for our scholars. I am committed to serving PAVE, our scholars, and the Southeast Raleigh community.

I am originally from Havelock, NC and moved to Raleigh to attend William Peace University, where I earned my B.A. in Education. This will be my fourth year teaching, but my first year at PAVE. I have taught many elementary grade levels. Outside of teaching, I am a volleyball coach. I also enjoy the beach, being outside (running, walking, etc.), and hanging out with friends and family. I am looking forward to an exciting school year!

I have been an educator for almost two decades in both the public and private sector. I enjoy learning and have found that students provide a fresh, unique perspective to many situations. I have a growth mindset and like to try new things. I have worked with students with all abilities and enjoy watching their success. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, reading British romance novels, cooking, and party planning.

I have been in education for six years, working with students of all ages. I have been with PAVE since 2017, and I believe that all children have the ability to succeed and have a wonderful education.  I went to college in Ohio at Bowling Green State University where I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have spent most of my six years in grades K-2, working on growing students to reach their highest potential. I am so excited to be working with our PAVE families and look forward to a great year!

I have been an educator for seven years, working with all ages in both general education and special education. I have worked as a counselor, advocate, and educator in multiple capacities. I believe that all children have unique strengths that position them to learn and achieve their goals in their own way and at their own pace. As the EC Coordinator, I work diligently to provide excellent individualized instruction to my students in the EC program, coordinate meetings for the IEP process with families, manage data, and lead the EC teachers and related service providers at PAVE SE. In my free time, I enjoy making pottery, cooking, exercising, and spending time outdoors with my family.

I have worked in regular and special education for five years.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in music and a dual licensure in special education from Appalachian State University in 2015.  Go Mountaineers!  I moved to the Triangle after graduating and have a passion serving communities and families through working in charter schools.  I especially enjoy teaching reading and hope to pursue a reading specialization in the future.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my new baby and the rest of my family, reading, cooking, doing yoga, and crafting.

I am excited to be working at PAVE SE again this year! I have been working in education for five years and this will be my second year at PAVE. My teaching philosophy is to teach from the heart while allowing students to discover their own intellectual abilities and become positive leaders in our school community. Outside of school, I enjoy aerial dance, playing board games, and making costumes.

I have been an educator for more than twenty years, three of which have been at PAVE. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve been an administrator as well as a teacher for grades pre-K through 5th grade. I’ve also been a grade team leader, curriculum writer, mentor, and math coach. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Benedict College (HBCU), an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Francis Marion University, and an M.Ed. in Administration from the University of Phoenix. When in the classroom, I not only see myself as the teacher, but also as a student because each day I learn more and more from my scholars. In my spare time I enjoy teaching, reading,spending time with my husband, two children, family and friends, and cooking (recently vegan meals).

I was named Principal of PAVE SE in June 2020. Previously serving as a 5th grade teacher at PAVE, I bring 20 years of experience as an educator. I believe that all learning begins with relationships. My career has included teaching grades 4-12, primarily focused in Language Arts, English and Advanced Placement English.  I have had the opportunity to serve as a grade team lead, lead teacher, curriculum writer, guidance counselor and elementary school principal. I presented at the ACSI Southeast Regional conference on topics such as effective classroom management, learning through play and teacher retention/burnout.

I am passionate about social justice, trauma informed teaching, and social emotional learning, all of which play a huge part in my daily interactions with students. As a first-generation college graduate, my ultimate desire is to see underserved children receive an outstanding, equitable education that prepares them to confidently pursue post-secondary endeavors, along with a wide range of civic and global opportunities.

As the new Director of Finance and Operations for PAVE SE, I bring more than 31 years of fiduciary experience in the non-profit sector, having served as the Director of Finance and Operations for 15 of those years with NCCHCA.  I have a passion and love for education and served on the Board of a potential Charter school for three years.  I also have love for the performing arts, which led me to become involved with The Gifted Arts, a non-profit performing arts organization, where I currently sit on the Board of Directors.  I will be tasked with the responsibility of directing the school’s Finance, Human Resources, Compliance, and Operations areas.  I hold an MBA with a concentration in Management from Strayer University and a BS in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.  Her hobbies include reading, trying new recipes, taking in a good show (plays, concerts, or movie), fashion, and traveling.

I am a proud graduate of one of our local Historically Black Colleges, Saint Augustine’s College. I have been an educator in Wake County for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have served as Grade Level Chair, Beginning Teacher Mentor, Graduation Coach, and Crisis Team Leader. My goal is to teach the whole child, preparing them for life, as well as academic success. Although I have lived in Raleigh for many years, I am a New Yorker at heart, born and raised. My loves are family, travel, shopping, and animals. I look forward to building positive relationships with families that foster success for our children.

I grew up along the coast of NC and made Raleigh home after graduating from college. I attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (Go Spartans!!). This will be my sixth year in an elementary classroom. I taught in kindergarten and first grade for five years before taking some time to be home with my two sons. I am excited to get back in the classroom and can’t wait to see what this year holds.   As a teacher, I believe that every child has the capacity to learn, even in the face of adversity. I am a lover of hands-on learning and find every opportunity to incorporate movement, games, crafts, and songs into our daily lessons/routines. I believe that my job as a teacher is to facilitate learning rather than feeding them information. I welcome questions and curiosity as a driving force for every lesson that I teach. Every child learns in different ways and at different rates, so I feel it is important to meet each individual child where they are. In my free time I enjoy baking, shopping at local farmers markets, and going on adventures with my little family. I’m happy to be a part of the PAVE family and am looking forward to an awesome year. 

I have enjoyed working at PAVE since I started in 2018. Before working at PAVE, I taught Grades K-5 and have had the opportunity to work in different schools and in diverse communities. I am passionate to see children learn, grow and develop holistically. I believe that every child has the ability to learn and see my role as guiding, supporting and encouraging students to maximize their full potential and become lifelong learners. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in math and I look forward to working at PAVE this year. When I am not at PAVE, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing tennis, cooking, riding my bike and going to church.

Before coming to PAVE in 2015 as a founding teacher, I taught in Virginia Beach Public Schools. I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina to work at PAVE. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Virginia State University. I also received a double Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I am passionate about teaching and making a positive difference in the lives of our community. In addition to teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel and experience new things.  I am committed to the change that needs to happen in education. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

I was born in South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2011. I moved to North Carolina to begin my career in education shortly after. I have been an educator for nine years and have taught both 2nd and 3rd grade. I have been at PAVE for the past four years. At home, I have three scholars who will also be embarking on their remote learning journey this year. I also have two bearded dragons! I love nature and spending time outdoors. I look forward to a very vibrant school year!

During my matriculation at the illustrious Morgan State University (HBCU) School of Education & Urban Studies, I fell in love with teaching! I started teaching for a non-profit organization for underprivileged and low income poverty schools, Elev8 Baltimore. I served two years with the program prior to receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Throughout my teaching career, I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach all subjects, specializing in mathematics. I am certified to teach in Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. As the first college graduate of my family and neighborhood, I believe all children can learn, but the purpose of the educator is to motivate the child’s desire to learn by setting high expectations, praising achievement, and  meeting students where they are. Overcoming childhood adversity inspired the tenacity I have today. I am an advocate at heart, and love to see the glass half full!

My husband and children are my life! We adore outdoor activities such as camping and zip lining! My therapies are hot tea and arts & crafts! I own an online bracelet boutique, GlamUrWrist Bracelets, and I enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Steelers (my home team) win Super Bowls.

I am thrilled to join the PAVE SE Raleigh team as an Instructional Coach.  As a proud North Carolinian, I grew up in Hickory, and graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in English Secondary Education.  I began my journey in the classroom through Teach For America Eastern North Carolina in 2013 and taught high school English for four years in Warrenton.  After my fulfilling years as a teacher, I joined the Teach For America staff full-time as a Director, Leadership Coach.  Additionally, I serve as a founding board member for ENC Prism, an LGBTQ+ and Allies advocacy group working alongside LGBTQ+ educators and students in rural, eastern North Carolina.  When I’m not hanging out with my two cats, Marmalade and Milkshake, you might find me reading a good book, enjoying time outdoors, or cooking with my fiancé.

I grew up in Wake County and always knew I would be a teacher. I have been an educator for nine years and have taught grades Kindergarten through Second grade.  I graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2011 with a B.S. in Education. I have served in many roles during my teaching career such as Grade Level Chair, School Improvement Team, and Intervention Committee member. As an educator, I am always looking to learn something new that will help my students achieve excellence. I strive to make my classroom a place that sparks curiosity, where students love learning, and feel like they belong.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs. We love to work on home improvements and trying new recipes.  I am so excited to begin another year at PAVE watching our students grow and achieve.

I have been working at PAVE SE Raleigh for three years as Discipline Coordinator and Associate Dean of Culture. I am very excited for this upcoming 2020-2021 school year with my new role as Behavior Interventionist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from New Jersey City University and an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey. In addition, I have over 20 years of  experience in working with at-risk youth and adolescents. I am a highly motivated professional that believes in collaborating with teachers, parents, and community volunteers to best meet each student’s unique needs. Throughout my career, I’ve gained a wealth of experience fostering youth engagement rapport, behavioral management plans, and understanding reasoning behind behavioral deficiencies in children. My goal at PAVE is to help support our students, teachers, and families with interventions that will ensure students feel safe, empowered, and loved.

I have taught elementary school for the past three years and am excited to continue inspiring PAVE SE scholars as an Instructional Coach. I hold a B.S. from Hampton University and a Master of Science Degree in Education/Reading & Literacy from Capella University. I am dedicated to educational equity and closing the achievement gap. As an educator, I strive to use my platform and resources to enhance the experiences of my students and help them overcome barriers that impact their learning. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, participating in church ministries, writing poetry, walking trails, or watching cooking shows.

I have been working with students in special education for 20 years. I have worked as a self-contained learning disability teacher, Exceptional Children (EC) case manager, EC coordinator, PRC 20 coordinator and assistant principal.  I believe that students can learn when shown compassion, rigor and patience. I currently serve as an EC case manager and also facilitate small group instruction. I am a graduate of Alabama State University and obtained a Master’s Degree in Administration from Grand Canyon University. I am active in my church with the scholarship ministry, where I support students to enroll and stay in college. I am also active in the community through coaching baseball, basketball and football. In my free time, enjoy fishing and spending time with my family. In my limited free time, I enjoy golf, cooking and working out.

I am so happy to be working at PAVE SE again this year.  I am a graduate from Rowan University in NJ, and hold a BA in Elementary Education and English.  I have been in a classroom setting since 2011, starting as instructional support for students K-5 and moved my way up into the classroom.  I moved to NC with my family in 2014 and have worked with students all over the Raleigh area.  I enjoy getting to know all my students and watching them learn and grow. My plan for this year is to keep work rigorous, keep students engaged, while keeping learning as fun as possible.  Welcome to the Panther Family, we are excited to have you!

Originally from Johnston County, I am a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where I received a degree specializing in Kindergarten-6th grade education, as well as a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.  I have been an educator for over 20 years, teaching  2nd and 3rd grade students.  I have had many different roles in my education career. This will be my first year teaching 6th grade students.  I have three wonderful children. I am looking forward to an exciting school year.

I began my teaching career at PAVE in 2017 after graduating from NC Central University with my BS in Computer Information Systems. I have served as a Teacher Aid, a Technology teacher and a 1st Grade teacher while at PAVE. My teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that no matter the cards my students were dealt in life, it is up to them to change the narrative. I want to be the voice in my scholars’ ears that encourages them to do the impossible. “To be an excellent educator is a gift – a gift to our students, our families, and our communities. Being an excellent educator is, in fact, a gift to our humanity. “– Jimmy Casas

I am the cafeteria manager for PAVE SE. I have had a passion for cooking since a young age. I hold a degree in culinary arts and am also an Army Veteran. I have always been dedicated to serving people with a smile. It is an honor to be a proud member of the PAVE family.