FACULTY & STAFF

 

Ms. Beth, Director

 

Ms. Beth was a founder of the original pilot program at Jordan Lake School of the Arts. She has a degree from North Carolina State University in Education, coursework in Special Education and a Master's program in English from East Carolina University with a specialization in Multi-Cultural and Transnational Literature. She has taken a wide array of training in working with divergent thinkers, has worked in public and private settings with at risk and exceptional students. She was the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Breathing Underwater: Stories of Autism, has been published in and featured by national and local publications and media. Jordan Lake Creative Center, is a non profit established and led by Ms. Beth to create vocational opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities. Ms. Beth is currently hosting WayMaking: An Exceptional Living Podcast that will be available on IHeart Radio.

 

Ms. Jamiya, School Manager & Horizon's Program Instructor


Ms. Jamiya is a graduate from North Carolina Central University. Ms. Jamiya majored in Physical Education with a concentration in teaching as well as completed the Teaching Program as a North Carolina Scholar. She has participated in the initial pilot program at JLSA and has worked to build the Horizon's Program for students. She has worked in public instruction as well as Montessori settings. Ms. Jamiya has a true love for children and a desire to help them to expand their knowledge.

 

Ms. Megan, Language Arts -Humanities Instructor & Counselor

 

Ms. Megan raised in heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a dedicated education advocate with a dual Masters in Special Education and Psychology. Currently, pursuing a doctorate in Educational Psychology, Megan's decade-long career in special education encompasses roles as a curriculum writer, school director, instructor and a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Virginia. Her comprehensive skill set reflects a commitment to meeting the unique needs of diverse learners, addressing both academic and social emotional aspects. M

 

 

Mr. Micheal, Specialized Instruction Specialist & Math Instructor

 

Mr. Micheal has two degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in History with a concentration in American History and a B.A. Honors in African and Afro-American Studies. He has Master's degrees from North Carolina Central University in History and a minor in English and in Education from Capella University. He has completed his Doctorate from Walden University in Philosophy in Higher Education and was awarded a Federal Teach Grant Scholarship. Mr. Micheal has taught as a professor at college level as well as in public and private K-12 schools and has been recognized through awards and media publications for his work with at risk students. He has worked with many organizations such as The Autism Society with special needs individuals and excels in modification and differentiated instruction. Mr. Micheal is a dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students.

 

Mr. Skip, Math, Projects, & Music Instructor

 

Mr. Skip has been teaching in various capacities since graduating from North Carolina Central University in 2007. His honors include Employee Recognition for Halifax County Schools. He is an Eagle Scout, a semi-professional musician, and most importantly, a math whiz. Mr. Skip has a unique ability to communicate complex ideas to the students in a way that they can understand. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and playing music. Additionally, he has played concerts in fourteen states, and attracted an online following; his second album was released this year.

 

Ms. Elena, Primary Grades, Civics & Science Instructor

 

Ms. Elena is a passionate and experienced educator who has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their full potential. With over a decade of experience in the classroom, she has developed a deep understanding of how to engage and inspire learners of all ages. She is known for her creative approach to teaching, which involves hands-on activities, real-world examples, and a focus on critical thinking skills. She believes that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students. Whether teaching math, science, or literature, she always goes above and beyond to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed.

 

Mr. Pete, Horizon's Program Instructor


Mr. Pete understands a sense of not fitting in a typical school setting. It fueled his dedication to education and in 2001, he graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Religious Studies, English, and Geology. He graduated from NC State University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration on Middle School Social Studies. He spent years teaching students and helping struggling learners. He brings a wealth of life experiences and formal education to the classroom.

 

Ms. Adrienne, Theater & Spanish Instructor and Homework Helpers Manager

 

Ms. Adrienne holds a degree in Education from Lenoir-Rhyne College, as well as a degree from the Art Institute in Interactive Media. Ms. Adrienne has worked as an art and literature instructor with a wide range of students in schools, museums, and arts centers for many years. She has developed creative literature based programs for toddler, preschool, and elementary aged youth.
She has conducted theatrical and art programs for large and small groups. Ms. Adrienne utilizes a multi-intelligences approach and specializes in working with gifted and exceptional students.

 

 

Ms. Marnie, Small Group & Art Instructor

 

Ms. Marnie lived in England from age 9 through high school. After college at Guilford, where they majored in Sociology, she lived in Boston to be near my mother. She was a trained pastry Chef and enjoyed working in the culinary field for several years. Ms. Marnie also ran her own pet care business for ten years. She has worked in exceptional education for years beginning in day programs and working in public education in North Carolina for over ten years.

 

Ms. Tina, Instructor

 

Ms. Tina is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. As a licensed private investigator in North Carolina, she has extensive experience conducting background checks for schools and foster parents, ensuring vulnerable populations are being cared for by qualified individuals. Tina's passion for protecting the most vulnerable stems from caring for her brother with severe cerebral palsy. She is committed to making a positive impact and leaving the world a better place. With her expertise, compassion, and love for the outdoors, Tina brings a well-rounded perspective to her teacher’s aide role. Her dedication to making a difference and her diverse interests make her an excellent addition to the school community. Tina is married with two boys and enjoys many outdoor activities, especially fishing, as well as weightlifting, running, basketball, and reading.

 

 

Agape Environmental Education, Outdoor Education

 

ACE Education is the Agapé Center for Environmental Education, a carefully developed and integrated program designed to meet the goals of science set forth by the NC Department of Public Instruction. ACE Education is a creative way to meet NC Essential Standards for Science and Social Studies.

 

Play-Well TEKnologies, Legofest

 

Play-Well TEKnologies, know that kids are already naturally gifted creators. What we strive to provide is an environment where students can create without fear of mistakes, explore fundamental STEM concepts through play, and express their creativity in ways they never thought possible. With tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces and the guidance of passionate instructors, the possibilities are truly endless!

 

The Traveling Tortoise

 

The Traveling Tortoise is the mobile education outreach program of the NC Carlina Tortoise Sanctuary. They provide special programs at JLSA dedicated to making science education fun and meaningful . Their program introduces students to the fascinating world of herpetology while having an unforgettable experience learning about amazing creatures from all over the world.

 

CLAWS, Inc.

 

CLAWS, Inc. is an organization that is dedicated to helping wild and exotic animals, through educating the public as well as rescuing and rehabilitating those animals in need. Their educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation are done on a local basis: however, their exotic animal rescue has spanned the entire country. CLAWS provides special educational opportunities at JLSA.

 

Special Thanks

 

Jesse D'Bella, CPA

 

Jesse provides accounting and financial services to JLSA. He is a certified public accountant providing services to clients in and around Raleigh, North Carolina.

JJesse D'Bella is a certified public accountant providing services to clients in and around Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

Background Inquiries & Services


Background Inquiries & Services, LLC, is a full service background screening company operated by licensed private investigators.

We have access to criminal background, driving records, credit reports, resume verification, drug screening and much more, throughout the Unites States.