Meet the Staff and Leaders of NC GSE | #GSE23
Terrell Adams (Fellow - Activities): UNC-Charlotte Graduate with a degree in Psychology and minor in American Studies. Currently a Personal Trainer at O2 Fitness and Head Coach of Track and Field at Willow Spring High School. I love learning and self-development! Fun Fact: I am training for the Olympics next year in Paris!
Alyssa Armstrong (Art Lead Instructor) is an artist and Visual Arts Instructor at Cary Academy, an independent school of the Triangle. She treasures previous teaching experiences with Nash-Rocky Mount and Wake County Public Schools, including excursions to Florence with her art students to revel in Renaissance classics. Originally from Long Island, Alyssa still prefers hot tea over sweet. Fortunately, she has the kind support of her Raleigh-raised husband, Pete, who she met at Barton College in Wilson while earning her Art Education degree. Her interests include embroidered portraiture, hand-built ceramics, and mixed media sculpture. Fundamental to Alyssa’s pedagogy is teaching design thinking to emphasize process over product. In her downtime, you can find Alyssa walking her two dogs, Wiggily and Scuttle. Alyssa is thrilled to be returning to Meredith for her fourth summer with GSE!
Caleb Atkins (Fellow - Math) is a junior at Campbell University currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a teacher licensure. He is returning to GSE for his second year, acting as a teacher’s assistant to the math department and a counselor to the students of GSE. Caleb currently serves as an officer and treasurer in the Education Club and is a part of the Teaching Scholars' program at Campbell University. His goal is to become a public high school math teacher in central North Carolina, teaching algebra and calculus. Some fun activities he enjoys to engage in are going to the gym, hanging out with friends, woodworking and playing/watching sports. Caleb looks forward to his time at GSE, helping to expand his experience and knowledge of working in education and helping students succeed.
Juan Ayala (Natural Science) is a Ph.D. Biology Graduate student at North Carolina State University. He is a 2020 graduate from Augusta University with a degree in cell and molecular biology as a first generation college student. His research interest is in paleobiology and the use of molecular biology techniques to characterize original proteins encased in 65 million year old dinosaur fossils. This August he will participate in a field work project excavating dinosaur fossils from Hell Creek Montana. Outside of academia he enjoys hiking, archery, movies, reading fiction, and video games.
Ashley Baucom (Fellow - Instrumental Music) is an undergraduate student at Appalachian State University. She is pursuing a major in Music Education (Instrumental, K-12) as well as a flute performance certificate. When Ashley isn't playing her flute and piccolo in Boone and surrounding areas, she loves to talk about her favorite things: Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, musical theatre, movies, and her dog Noel. You may find her knitting or reading around campus, and you are always welcome to come chat when you do!
Bernard Baze (Social Science/Area III Instructor): I am a dedicated educator with a goal of teaching various historical topics from a diverse perspective. I am a proud graduate of a premiere Historically Black College and University (HBCU), North Carolina Central University; obtaining my Master of Arts in History in 2010. Throughout my career within multiple school systems in North Carolina, I have used my educational background to teach historical information to my students for 9 years. Currently, I am a full-time High School History teacher at Cary High School as well as an Adjunct Instructor of History at North Carolina A&T State University. Previously, I have served as an Adjunct Instructor of History at Saint Augustine’s University. As an Area 1 Social Science and Area 3 instructor, I hope to expand students’ knowledge and awareness on several intriguing topics; and look forward to working in tandem with the gifted and talented students at Governor’s School East as they discover new insights and perspectives this 2023 summer.
Kassidy Bradley (Fellow - Art) recently graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She attended GSE for visual art in 2017 and has served as a fellow for the last two summers. For the last few months while finishing her degree, she has worked as a substitute teacher for Wake County Public Schools and hopes to secure a visual art teaching position soon! In her free time, you can find her exploring abandoned spaces (no breaking, only entering, involved), spending $7 on boba far too often, and playing cards with her grandma.
Hannah Brittain-DuBois (Fellow - Natural Science/Communications) I'm a science/Communications fellow. I recently graduated with my degree in mass communications and public relations from Meredith College. It is my first year as a fellow and I enjoy spending time with my cats and reading.
Chan Broome (Dean of Students/ Area III Instructor) is an alum of Appalachian State who double majored and completed a minor and a concentration. Basically she couldn't figure out what she wanted to do. No worries, she has found her way. Chan just finished up at East Carolina in the continuous education program in curriculum instruction. She has been a part of the development team for four curriculums including digital design and animation I&II, game art design, and advance game art design. Currently, Chan teaches digital design and animation and coaches cheer at Holly Springs High School. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her son, reading, watching superhero movies or shows, puzzles, playing her ukulele, and watching TikTok videos.
Keaton Brower (Lead Theatre Instructor/Area III Instructor) is a Winston-Salem-based theatre artist and educator returning for his sixth summer at GSE after attending as a student in 2013, serving as a Theatre TA/C (now known as Fellow) in 2018, 2019, and 2021, working as an Area III Instructor starting in 2021, and spending one summer as Technology Coordinator in 2022. He is incredibly excited to start his new role as Lead Theatre Instructor. Keaton has worked at companies and organizations including Triad Stage, New Repertory Theatre, the Boston Center for American Performance, the NC Shakespeare Festival, Goodly Frame Theatre, the Cherokee Historical Association, Castle McCulloch, Piedmont Players Theatre, NC Thespians, and more. He also served as a producer for the internationally-screened short film Night. Education: BFA in Theatre Arts, Boston University; Diploma in Classical Acting, LAMDA; High School Diploma in Drama, UNCSA.
Kiyoshi Carter (Instrumental Music Lead Instructor/Area III Instructor) is the Director of Bands at Northern Guilford High School. Previously, he was the Director of Bands and Orchestras at Western Guilford High School from 2011 – 2018. Kiyoshi received his Masters Degree in Instrumental Conducting (2010) and Music Education (2011), summa cum laude from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While at UNCG, he taught instrumental methods courses and marching band techniques, and was guest conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Band, and Casella Sinfonietta. Kiyoshi can be heard conducting the UNCG Wind Ensemble on their 2011 CD Finish Line. Kiyoshi served as the Director of Band and AP Music Theory teacher at Southwest Guilford High School from 2004- 2008. As a first year teacher, Kiyoshi was named the 2004 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. He was chosen by his colleagues to conduct the 2009 and 2017 Guilford County AllCounty Band clinics. In 2015,Kiyoshi was recognized by School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of 50 band directors that Makes a Difference, an honor only awarded to one music teacher in each state and in 2017 Kiyoshi was a Grammy Award quarter- finalist. Since 2007, Kiyoshi has served on the faculty of the North Carolina Governor’s School East campus and now serves as lead teacher for Instrumental Music.Kiyoshi is the founder and conductor of the Guilford County Brass Ensemble and the founder and trombonist of the Gate City Brass, a professional brass quintet comprised entirely of music educators. Kiyoshi serves as the fulltime conductor of the Greensboro Concert Band, a community concert band comprised of approximately 90 members.
Matt Charles (Natural Science Instructor) is teaching at Governor's School for the first time this year. He has 14 years of teaching experience in North Carolina Public Schools. After earning his bachelors degree in Chemistry from Appalachian State University, he worked as a high school and middle school science teacher in Mitchell County in western NC for 13 years. Last year, he started teaching science at Southern Lee High School in Sanford, NC. He has taught chemistry, physics, earth science, and AP Environmental Science among other courses in his career. In 2019 he earned a Masters in School Administration degree from Western North Carolina. He has hopes of becoming a school principal in the future.
Yvonne Chazal (Math/Area III Instructor) is a tutor and a former mathematics instructor at Wake Technical Community College. She attended the NC School of Science and Math before graduating in 2017 from NC State University with a very accelerated masters in pure mathematics. She stays involved in independent music by working for Hopscotch Music Festival as well as Kings, a venue in downtown Raleigh, by playing music herself, and by volunteering with Girls Rock NC for the past 9 years. She is thrilled to be back at GSE for her third summer.
Malachi Cobb (Fellow - Instrumental Music) is a rising senior at Chowan University pursuing B.S. Instrumental Music Education (k-12). This is Malachi’s first year at GSE. When not at school, he resides in Washington, NC. He plays Alto & Tenor Saxophone in the CU Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band. He also was the Woodwind Instructor for John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, NC, and Music Director at his local church (piano) . Outside of music Malachi is a part of several leadership roles at Chowan University ( President Ambassador, President CU NAfME Chapter, VP of Pi Kappa Lambda Chapter). In the future he plans to become a Middle or High School Band Director and plans to obtain a master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting or Performance. He is excited to be a part of the 2023 GSE Instrumental Music team !
Ryan Doggett (Communication Coordinator) is an alumnus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where he received a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing Education. Ryan is currently the Athletic Director at Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC. He enjoys coming back to Governor’s School each summer and he is very much looking forward to a great summer with new students here at GSE. In his spare time, you can find Ryan watching football or hockey, curating new music on Spotify, designing graphics for various marketing projects, coaching wrestling, or learning how to perfect his cooking skills with hopes of one day becoming a chef.
Beverly Edwards (Office Manager) – is an alum of St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC who majored in Business Administration and a minor in International Business. She had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Moscow and was granted the opportunity to work at the VA Medical Center under the Clinton Administration. She is thrilled to be here at GSE serving the students and staff and helping to ensure all students have a full, holistic experience at Governor's School.
Elizabeth Ekstrand (Fellow - Social Science) is a resident of Chapel Hill, NC and a rising junior at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN, where she studies political science with a minor in statistics. She was accepted to GSE for French in 2020, but thanks to COVID, this will be her first summer in the program! She has served as an intern at the Minnesota State Senate, a sustainability organizer, a world history tutor, and a camp staffer at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. Her academic interests include voter participation, legislative politics, and constitutional law. When she's not working, you can find Elizabeth in ballet class, writing sci-fi or reading up on the latest international election. She looks forward to making everyone's GSE experience the best it can be, and would be happy to answer any questions about Minnesota winters!
Kevin Ferris (Social Science/Area III Instructor): Ferris is excited to be back for his fifth summer at GSE, and his first as Social Science Lead Instructor. He is much too young to be in charge of anything. A GSW Social Science ‘04 alum, he found that his loyalties to the West were easily transferable. After graduating with a BA in Political Science from Wake Forest University in 2009, he served as a Teach for America corps member in New Orleans, where he taught English for four years. Since returning to North Carolina in 2013, Ferris has jumped between subject areas teaching IB/AP Psychology, civics, English, and theatre around the Piedmont Triad. He is currently an English teacher and Speech coach at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro. Outside of the classroom, he directs plays and musicals, hikes, and is an internationally awarded butter sculptor. Ferris is also a youth mental health advocate, suicide prevention educator, a former TEDx speaker and member of the Board of Directors of the Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre in Snow Camp, NC.
Casey Griffith (Fellow - Area II/Area III/Communications) (they/she) is incredibly excited to be joining the GSE staff this summer as a TAC for Area II, III, and Communications! They are a GSE Choral Music 2019 alum and a current journalism student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Outside of Governor’s School, Casey loves playing with her dogs, Tucker and Toby, and studying languages.
Gwen McLeod Hall (Choral Music Lead Instructor/Area III Instructor/Area III Coordinator) is returning for her 7th summer, is a retired, 27-year veteran teacher who served as Choral Director at Jordan-Matthews High School in Chatham County for 5 years, and Southwestern Randolph High School in Randolph County for 22 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Music from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. She was the 2008 North Carolina Music Educators High School Choral Teacher of the Year, and in 2017, was inducted into the North Carolina Music Educators High School Choral Section Hall of Fame. Gwen has conducted all-county choruses for Asheboro City, Chatham County, Guilford County, Randolph County, Rockingham County, Pitt County, Wayne County, and Wilkes County Schools. She has served the choral sections of North Carolina Music Educators Association as collaborative pianist for over 50 NC All-State and Honors Choruses, and since 2006, has served as composer of the sight-reading material for North Carolina High School Choral Music Performance Adjudication. Gwen is a published composer whose works can be found at Hinshaw Music, Inc. and Gentry Publications. She is grateful for the opportunities to serve as a visiting composer for Governor’s School East Choruses 2012, 2013 and 2014, and to serve as choral music faculty since 2015. Gwen has been married for 41 years to fellow musician, Bernie Hall. They have two children (also professional musicians) and four grandchildren.
Ally Harvel (Fellow - Choral Music) is returning for her second summer as a Fellow in Choral Music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Music from Davidson College and her studies emphasized music composition. She is a member of the Charlotte Master Chorale and teaches middle school choir in Gastonia, NC. In her (very limited) free time, she enjoys Nintendo (Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Zelda), playing piano, and getting active in nature.
Clara Haver Haverstic (Fellow - Theater) hails from southwest Missouri. She graduated from Cornell College (Iowa) this December with a degree in Political Science and Statistics. She connected her love of theatre to her academics by studying political satire. This is her first summer with North Carolina Governor’s School, but in 2017 she attended the Missouri Scholars’ Academy.
Elias Horowitze (Fellow - English) is a rising senior at UNC-CH studying History, Public Policy, and Jewish Studies. They are heavily involved with the Campus Y, one of UNC's oldest student centers for social justice work, and previously interned with the UNC LGBTQ Center. This summer, in addition to working as a Fellow, they are conducting student research on book selection and censorship in public school libraries through the UNC Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. Elias is originally from Cary, NC where they attended Cary High School and served as a Speech Captain for the Speech and Debate team. They attended Governor's School East in 2019 for English in the Memoir and Creative Nonfiction track. They love frogs, possums, Jewish and queer history, and the musical Hadestown.
Amanda Oakley Hort (Dance Lead Instructor) is thrilled to be at GSE again this summer! Born and raised in Durham, NC, Amanda trained at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill, with the Company Dancers of Durham, at the UNC School of the Arts, the American Dance Festival, and at NC Governor’s School West! After high school, Amanda studied intensively at the UNC School of the Arts and graduated in 2001 with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance. She danced professionally for a short time on Martha’s Vineyard and in New York City, but quickly discovered her passion for teaching and choreography. Amanda has taught students of all levels from theater and dance majors at East Carolina University to young novices in the public schools of Onslow County and currently serves as the dance director at Arendell Parrott Academy, a private college preparatory school, where she teaches creative movement and dance to students of all ages. She has been a guest artist at numerous competitive, recreational and pre-professional studios and schools across the east coast. Amanda has served on the Board of Directors for the NC Association for Scholastic Activities and serves as a guest teacher at the UNC School of the Arts Festival of Dance annually. She attended GSW in 1996 for dance and became the lead dance instructor for GSE in 2018. Amanda is the proud mom of three wonderful kids who love to dance, and she cannot wait to share her love of dance and Governor's School with this year's GSE community!
“MathRob” Houck (Math Lead Instructor) –MathRob serves as the lead math teacher and is beginning his twenty-third year as a Math instructor at GSE. He holds a BS in math from Liberty University and an MA in math from Wake Forest University. He spent quite a few years at the University of Michigan studying Set Theory. He teaches mathematics at Longleaf School of the Arts, a charter school in Raleigh. His answer to the question, “Can we talk about math?” is always, “When are you free?” In addition, he enjoys apologetics, fantasy sports (baseball), philosophy, numismatics, and the wonderful consequences of the theory of relativity. Almost every evening, you can find him sitting on the steps of Vann and talking with anyone who stops by. He hopes you will stop by for as long of a chat as you wish on whatever topic you wish.
Noah Hudson-Camack (Fellow - Instrumental Music/Office) is a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in music composition and minoring in computer science. Noah writes and arranges for a variety of instruments and styles from orchestra, to marching band, jazz and even acapella. He recently premiered a work for wind symphony at the Collegiate Band Directors National Association’s conference and is looking forward to bringing his music writing training to GSE. When not making or listening to music, Noah enjoys creative writing, game development, and long walks in nature or the city.
Allie Jessee (Fellow - Theater) s a recent graduate of East Carolina University with a BFA in Theatre Arts (concentrations in Musical Theatre and Acting). She also graduated Summa Cum Laude from the ECU Honors College and founded a sexual assault awareness & advocacy club, Find Your Voice, for her Honors capstone. Allie is originally from Apex, NC, and is an avid Duke basketball fan, as well as a lover of good books, ice cream, and singing very loudly in the shower. She went to Governor’s School East in 2017 for Choral Music and credits her intense love of collaborating musically with others and creating art with intention to her time here at Meredith. This is her second summer as the Theatre Fellow, and she can’t wait to create magic with a whole new group of students!
Bryson Kagy (Mathematics Instructor) is a PhD student at NC State working under Seth Sullivant. His research interests are in graph theory, algebraic combinatorics, phylogenetic trees, fair division and Gerrymandering, Graph coloring, discrete harmonic analysis, combinatorial optimization, Sum of Squares analysis and pretty much any discrete math . He did his undergrad in math and physics at Georgia Tech and he has a master in math from NC state. He has been involved in multiple public math outreach projects such as “The 7 Bridges of Konigsberg” an interactive dance about the founding problem of graph theory, “Mathapalooza” an event that had math skits, interactive math games and math art for the public to interact with and enjoy, and “Math Doesn’t Bug me” a part of Raleigh’s BugFest which involved math games themed around bugs. He has a passion for getting people excited about math and believes that everyone can appreciate the beauty inherent in mathematics.
Somanita Kheang (Office Associate) is pursuing her second doctoral degree (PhD) in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. She earned her first doctoral degree (EdD) in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. She has a master’s degree in Non-Formal Education at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. She was a co-instructor and a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development at NC State. Currently, she is a managing editor of the Journal of Transformative Education and the president of the Adult, Workforce, and Continuing Professional Education Graduate Student Association (AWCPE GSA) at NC State. Her research interests focus on andragogy, transformative learning, impostor phenomenon, international students, and nontraditional students in postsecondary education. This is her first year with NC Governor’s School East (GSE) as an Office Associate, and she is excited to work with everyone at GSE to provide a wonderful experience for all the students who chose to spend their summer with us this year.
Amber King-Farthing (Area II Instructor) is thrilled to be joining GSE for the first time this summer as an Area II instructor! "Hometown" is a tricky word for her (military family), but she's been living in Lenoir, NC for the past eleven years, so that counts at this point. She has been teaching English to high school juniors (particularly AP Language and Composition) in Caldwell County for 12 years and can't imagine doing anything else. She received her B.S. in English, Secondary Education from Appalachian State in 2011; she also recently completed her MA in English from UNC Charlotte in 2021 where her capstone focus surrounded new digital media and the identity communities created within those compositional frameworks. One of her favorite aspects of her career as an educator is building relationships with her students and using that connection to make some pretty huge ideas digestible while helping students see their true potential. Outside of the classroom, she loves talking about music (all of it), adding to her vinyl collection, music festivals, hiking, and is ALWAYS down to see pictures of your cats (She has three; they are terrible and wonderful).
Rory Klink (Fellow - Area II/III/Office)
Luke LeGrand (Area II Instructor) is a Ph.D. student in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media at NC State University. His academic interests center around Phenomenology, Epistemology, and the relationship between discursive structures, self, society, and experience. Luke recently completed his Master's Degree in Computational Media at Duke University. Before this, Luke studied Law at UNC-Chapel Hill and effectuated his undergraduate degrees in Classical Language and Literature, Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoarchaeology, and Philosophy at UNC-Greensboro. Even earlier, Luke grew up in NC Public Schools, attended Governor's School '07, and ultimately hails from Asheville, NC—where he dreamt of growing up to teach Area II!
Michelle Lewis (School Counselor): I have my degrees from Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I currently work with the Wake County Public School System helping students and their families with academic planning & college and career planning. This will be my first year here at Governor’s School East and I’m thrilled to share the next four weeks with our students and staff.
Eric Luke (Choral Music Accompanist)
Sheaon Mayes (Area II Instructor) joins us from Fayetteville, NC where she serves as a math teacher in a Title One charter school. She has served as a math educator for 10 years. She has a B.A. in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her career began in 2016 when she joined Teach for America- Miami Dade. There, she became passionate about math education, data-informed instruction, and empowering students to fall in love with problem solving. In her previous roles, she's also served as DEI coordinator where she created affinity groups to lift the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQIA students and education consultant improving classrooms across New York City. Sheaon loves cultivating relationships with students, teachers, and families to ensure that learning is equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.
Brian McDonald (Area II Instructor) has been teaching over 20 years at Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina. He currently teaches AP Government and Politics, AP Seminar, Multicultural Studies, and Poverty in America, the latter of which he created for Durham Public Schools. He oversees the Advanced Placement Program and was recently named the school's first AIG Coordinator. Additionally, he works as an adjunct professor in the Professor in Education at Duke University. McDonald is the author of Not the end, But the Beginning: The Impact of Race and Class on the History of Jordan High School, 1963-1988. He lives with his wife and two children in Hillsborough.
Mary Molloy (Area I Coordinator/English Instructor/Area III Instructor) She received a Bachelor of Science in English Education from the State College University at Buffalo and a Master of Library Science from East Carolina. She also has National Board Certification in Adolescent Young Adult/English Language Arts. In education for twenty-nine years, she taught high school English for fourteen years and is now enjoying a wonderful career as a high school Media Coordinator. She has also served as a Technology Facilitator and Magnet Facilitator for an arts magnet school. This is Mary’s 20th summer teaching for Governor’s School East. During her years at GSE, she has taught Area I (English), Area II and Area III.
Dan Monek (Choral Music Instructor) is thrilled to be returning to GSE for his third year. He is a Professor and Head of the Department of Performing Arts & Technology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. In addition, he serves as the Director of the North Carolina Master Chorale's HS Youth Choir. Having taught and conducted choral music from middle school to university for more than thirty years, Dr. Monek combines his work in early music styles with a passionate interest in new music having commissioned and premiered more than 25 choral and orchestral works. His interests include choral literature (esp. new music), choral/vocal pedagogy, use of gesture/movement in rehearsal, arts administration, and music education (learning outcomes and assessment). He has degrees from the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and earned his Ph.D from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland after having lived there for seven years.
Marilla Morrison (Activities Coordinator/Area III Instructor) is an NC native hailing from Burlington. However, ask her about her schooling from 6th-12th grade, and she will talk your ears off about Saxapahaw. Marilla graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in English and minors in Secondary Education and Dance. She is excited to return for her fourth summer at GSE after attending for dance in 2018 and serving as a Teaching Assistant/Counselor in 2021 and 2022. Marilla’s favorite topics of conversation include poetry, Disney, and how you (yes, you) are really doing.
Neil Oatsvall (Area II Instructor) is returning for his second consecutive and eighth overall summer at GSE (from 2005-2010 he was varyingly a ta/c [now fellows], office assistant, and taught Area I, Area II, and Area III). He has degrees in history and Asian Studies from UNC (BA 2005), NCSU (MA 2008), and KU (PhD 2013). During the "off season," he is a history teacher at the Triangle Math and Science Academy (Apex, NC).
Eesim Oon (Lead Spanish Instructor) After attending Governor's School East in 2011 in English, Isa has never forgotten the freedom, creativity, and space she discovered and is excited to be a part of creating that space for new learners this summer. From a young age, the demographics of where she grew up in East Durham led to early contact with Spanish speaking families. After graduating from her high school in Durham North Carolina, she attended UNC Chapel Hill for Global Health and Hispanic Linguistics. Her passion for linguistic justic led to a Masters degree in Translation and Interpretation for public service while she taught in the bilingual education system in Madrid, Spain. After 5 years, she is thrilled to be back in North Carolina sharing her passion for the Spanish Language with with the state's talented youth, both at Cary Academy during the school year and at GSE during the summer.
Tucker Owens (Mathematics Instructor) is an alumnus of the 2016 Governor’s School West, attending the program as a mathematics student. From there he went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Edinburgh and is currently applying to Master’s programs for mathematics in Germany. Tucker also worked as a mathematics Teaching Assistant/ Counselor at Governor's School West in 2019 and 2021, and he is thrilled to be joining us this summer as a Mathematics/ Area III instructor.
Jacob Pascual (On-Call Medical) is a medical student at UNC School of Medicine in his final year. He attended GSE in 2014 for Instrumental Music and is excited to return this year to support student wellness. This summer he will be a point of contact for any health and wellness needs at night and on the weekends. He obtained his Bachelors at UNC in 2019 as a psychology and chemistry double major. Outside of medical school, he loves video games, continues to play percussion, and is a competitive powerlifter. He will graduate with his M.D. in 2024 and will apply to be a family doctor.
Carl Peay (Area II Instructor/Coordinator) has been an Area II instructor at GSE for over a decade and is an alumnus of Governor’s School himself. When he is not at GSE, Carl teaches philosophy, writing, literature, and cultural studies at the high school and college level. His hobbies include cats, board games, and debunking the merits of the Heimlich Maneuver.
Tristan Ream (Fellow - Choral Music) is a rising Senior at Appalachian State University studying Choral Music Education (K-12). This is his second summer working for Governor's School East and he is an alumnus of Governor's School West where they went for Choral Music during the summer of 2019. At ASU, Tristan sings with the University Singers and Chamber Singers, while assisting as a section leader and student conductor for the Appalachian Chorale, Appalachian Youth Chorale, Appalachian Treble Choir, and the Appalachian Glee Club. Outside of ensembles, Tristan serves as the ASU chapter President of the American Choral Directors Association. After graduation, they hope to start their career teaching High School Chorus with the intent of returning to school to pursue a master's degree in Choral Conducting.
Tammie Register-Smith (Medical Coordinator) has been a nurse for 12 years. Her previous work experience includes attending deliveries, mother/baby, special care nursery, women’s and children’s services. Outside of GSE, she is a school nurse in a middle school setting. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, pickleball, bike riding, swimming at the lake, kayaking, cooking, reading and hanging out with friends.
Michaela Rehbein (Fellow - Dance) is excited for her first summer with Governor's School East working as a Dance Fellow. She is from Smithfield, North Carolina and is a rising senior at Meredith College. She is double majoring in Dance and English with a minor in Professional Writing. She is currently a full company member of the Meredith Dance Theatre, Meredith Jazz and Tap Company, and Meredith College Dance Crew. She is also the President of the Meredith Dance Association. She has choreographed 3 collegiate level pieces since arriving at Meredith, and is looking forward to choreographing 3 more pieces during the upcoming school year. Prior to attending Meredith, Michaela grew up as a competitive dancer at DanceArt Studio where she trained in a variety of different dance styles. She then was a full member of the West Johnston High School Dance Team and served as the captain during her senior year. Michaela plans to attend graduate school after she graduates from Meredith and hopes to obtain her MFA in Dance. She is thrilled to be able to continue pursuing her passion for dance as a Dance Fellow, as well as sharing this passion with the dance students who will be attending Governor's School East this year.
Genesis Romero (Fellow - Spanish) is a rising junior at Meredith College. She is studying Computer Science with a minor in Applied Mathematics. She is originally from Costa Rica but grew up in Georgia. She received the Golden Door Scholarship which allowed her to transfer into Meredith College. In her free time, she loves hello kitty, working out, and rewatching Marvel movies. She hopes to learn and grow here at GSE. She can't wait to implement her Spanish culture to GSE and get to know the students!
Laura Sam (Site Director) joyfully returns to GSE for her 12th year – where every day is the Happiest Day at Governor’s School East! A North Carolina native, Laura Sam has been a choral conductor and music educator for the past 39 years, directing choruses at Walter M. Williams High School, Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Cary Academy, North Carolina Governor's School East, and Front Street United Methodist Church. Since 2019, Laura has served as the Artistic Director of Women’s Voices Chorus in Chapel Hill. Laura was chosen to conduct both the North Carolina High School All-State Women’s Choir (2015) and the North Carolina Middle School All-State Mixed Chorus (2017), and frequently conducts festival choruses at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has led numerous choral tours throughout Italy, Austria, and the United States. In 2007, Laura was honored as the North Carolina Music Educators High School Choral Director of the Year, and in 2018 was inducted into the North Carolina Music Educators Association High School Choral Section Hall of Fame. In 2020, Laura was honored as the recipient of the NC American Choral Director’s Association’s Lara Hoggard Award for Distinguished Service in Choral Music in North Carolina. When not at GSE or conducting a chorus, Laura is probably hiking with her husband, Andrew, on one of their favorite trails close to home – the Haw River Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or the trails of Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. She is also an avid audio/video designer/editor and spent the pandemic creating more virtual projects than she can count! Laura loves traveling the world with Andrew and is always ready for adventure – especially as Site Director of the 2023 session of Governor’s School East!
Jeffrey Sandlin (Fellow - Instrumental Music) is an upcoming senior at Western Carolina University pursuing a B.A. in Music and B.S.Ed in Music Education (instrumental). He attended GSE for Instrumental Music in 2018. When not at school, he lives in Richlands, NC. He plays Horn in the WCU Wind Ensemble, Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, WCU Horn Ensemble, Balsam Brass Quintet, and the WCU Woodwind Quintet. He also has played in the pit orchestra for the Musical Theatre department at WCU and has subbed in as the 4th horn of the Asheville Symphony in March 2022. In the future, he plans to become a High School Band Director, but he may attend a Graduate School to obtain a Master's degree in Music Education or Music Education.
Meredith Scott (Fellow - Social Science/Area III Instructor) is very excited to be joining everyone for her first summer with GSE! Meredith graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in Classical Studies, and she starts her graduate program at UNC-Charlotte in August! Currently teaching high school Civics at her alma mater, Meredith spends most of her time focusing on how to better serve her students and community. Outside of that, you can find her reading an outrageous number of romance novels, listening to music far too loud, or completing jigsaw puzzles with her 17 year old black cat, Wynonna. (Wynonna isn't much help with the puzzles, but she's a great supervisor.)
Hiwot Shaw (Fellow - Dance) is a Dance Fellow and an undergraduate student at Duke University. She is pursuing a major in Environmental Science and Policy, maybe minoring in dance with a certificate in Ethics and Society. Hiwot is considering law school and becoming a lawyer. When she isn't being indecisive about her career, she is always dancing! Her favorite things include SZA, 6LACK, better brownie batter ice cream, reading, the environment, and traveling!! She is excited about being a fellow and seeing students grow into incredible leaders and people.
Alexis Springs (Night Dean of Students) is an alumnus of North Carolina State University with a major in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education. Alexis was born and raised in Onslow County (military child!), before moving to Raleigh, NC. She started teaching engineering courses in her hometown, before going to a high school in Raleigh where she now teaches Drafting, Architecture, and Digital Design & Animation. When Alexis isn't at work or GSE she enjoys traveling with her family and fiancé, reading, walking her dogs, cooking, doing hula, and having family game nights. This is her second year with Governor School East, and is super excited to be coming back and working with the bright young minds of tomorrow..
Kevin Streich (Instrumental Music/Area III Instructor): Clarinetist Kevin Streich enjoys an active performing and teaching career. He is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at UNC-Pembroke and teaches several students in his home studio in Raleigh. Kevin is Principal Clarinetist with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and with the Union Symphony Orchestra, and plays regularly with the North Carolina Symphony, NC Ballet, and NC Opera. His other performing engagements include the Carolina Philharmonic, Cape Fear New Music Festival, Mallarme Chamber Players, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra, and the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra (Lansing, MI). He has studied with Dr. Elsa Verdehr, Dr. Linda Bartley, Dr. Margaret Donaghue, and Curt Blood, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Connecticut. Kevin is a student, practitioner, and teacher of the Alexander Technique, a somatic discipline that helps individuals to integrate their minds and bodies in ways that enhance their sense of ease, pleasure, and optimal functioning as human beings in their various activities. Kevin lives in Raleigh, NC with a thoroughly spoiled brown tabby named Ziva. When Kevin is not playing or teaching the clarinet, he enjoys experimenting with culinary delights in the kitchen.
Chuck Sullivan (English Lead Instructor/Area III Instructor) was born in New York City to a working class Irish Catholic family. Chuck graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in NYC with academic honors, and was recruited by the legendary Al McGuire for a basketball scholarship at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. After graduating from college, he spent a year as a VISTA volunteer, working with migrant laborers in Florida and West Virginia. Marriage, a son and daughter then settled Chuck for nine years at Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina as Varsity Basketball Coach/Athletic Director and Chairman of the department of Humanities. Chuck completed his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina/Greensboro, and after his poetry appeared in Esquire magazine, Red Clay Books published his first book of poems, Vanishing Species, in 1975. Following that was A Catechism of Hearts, A Dream of Lions, The Juggler on the Radio, Longing for the Harmonies, and Alphabet of Grace. His most recent collection is entitled Zen Matchbox. In 1980, A Catechism of Hearts won South Carolina's Best Poetry Book of the year, and Longing for the Harmonies (St. Andrews Press, 1992), received North Carolina Poetry Council’s best book award for 1992. In 1989, PBS filmed and broadcast a documentary about Chuck, also titled Longing for the Harmonies. His poetry has appeared in Esquire, Rolling Stone, Texas Quarterly, Southern Poetry Review, Carolina Quarterly, International Poetry Review, and numerous other publications. In 1996 Chuck also co-founded Moving Poets Theatre of Dance, a professional performing arts company, with Dancer/Choreographer Till Schmidt-Rimpler and Actor/Director Randell Haynes. He wrote the text for the theatre group's productions of Dracula, Frankenstein, Romeo & Juliet, and MacBeth. A gifted educator, Chuck was the NEA Poet-in-Residence at Butler University in Indiana, and is currently Poet-in- Residence in North and South Carolina. Every summer since 1979, Chuck teaches poetry and philosophy at North Carolina Governor’s School East, where he is chairman of the English Department. Chuck has also been the recipient of the Sam Ragan Award which is a prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Fine Arts in North Carolina. The Mary Frances Hobson Award was presented to Chuck, as well, in recognition of Excellence in the Literature of the South. This is Chuck's 41st summer at Governor's School!
Nieves Villasenor (Instrumental Music Instructor) Dr. Nieves Villaseñor III is the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. At UIW, he is the Director of the UIW Marching Cardinals, directs the UIW Wind Ensemble, and leads the UIW Cardinal Red Basketball Band. This past year, Nieves served as Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he served as Assistant Director of the 535-member, Sudler Trophy award-winning, JMU Marching Royal Dukes, Director of the JMU Pep Band, and conducted the JMU Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. He was also Artist-in-Residence at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) serving as a programming liaison between the JMU School of Music and the VMRC community. Nieves hails from the transient military community of Jacksonville, North Carolina. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting with a cognate in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Florida, a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Syracuse University in New York, a Bachelor of Arts in Music in Saxophone from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and an Associate of Fine Arts in Music and Music Education from Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, North Carolina. As a strong advocate for community music and avid collaborator of area musicians, Nieves was the founder and artistic director of the San Antonio Community Wind Ensemble, a program offering of Crossmen Productions, Inc. and ensemble-in-residence at Texas A&M University San Antonio. He served as the Director of Secondary-School Music at Jubilee San Antonio Charter School and developed the school’s first-ever band and color guard program. Nieves was also a performer in the WGI Independent World Class Silver Medalist Indoor Winds unit, Crossmen Winds, and a saxophonist with River City Big Band based out of San Antonio. In New York, Nieves competed with DCA Open Class Finalist corps, White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps, was a performer with activist ensemble, Unity Street Band, and became co-founder, of the region’s first WGI Independent Indoor Winds unit, Vortex Indoor Winds, where he currently serves on their Board of Directors. In 2022, Nieves was selected as the recipient of University of Florida’s Graduate Teaching Award for his work with the introductory music-major conducting course. When Nieves isn’t teaching or performing, he enjoys traveling the country and the world with his family and partner (both in person and via Google Earth), trying all the spiciest foods he can find, and geeking out over random topics ranging from regional accents, aerial maps and images, drum corps, and beyond. As a 2005 alumnus of GSE, Nieves is ecstatic to return for his 5th summer in one of the most special places on the planet!
Amanda Wallace (English Instructor) just finished her 26th year of teaching. Most of those years have been at Watauga High School in Boone, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies, and a certification in 9-12 English. She has a Master of Arts in Reading Education and National Board Certification in Adolescent Young Adult/English Language Arts. A variety of experiences have influenced Amanda's teaching, including a U.S. State Department teaching field experience in Pakistan and The Philippines. She also completed a fellowship with Hope Street Group as a teacher leader and a policy advocate. Amanda loves living in Boone, where you see at least four people you know everywhere you go, and where it sometimes snows in May. She also loves her 110-year-old farmhouse, even though something is always breaking. She spends her time with her husband Chuck (who is always up for an adventure), her sons (who can sometimes be talked into an adventure), and her dogs Jake and Lurch.
Samantha Watson (Natural Science Instructor) is a Biology and Chemistry teacher and student council advisor at Cary High School where she has worked for the past 9 years. She graduated from Meredith College in 2014 with a degree in biology and from NC State in 2022 with a master's in education. Samantha lives in Raleigh with her dog Georgie, but is originally from Tarboro, a small town in Eastern NC. In addition to science, Samantha loves to travel; some recent travel destinations include Mexico, France, Germany, and Amsterdam. She also loves reading, pop culture, pastel colors, Taylor Swift, and leisurely strolls through Target. This is Samantha's first time working at Governor's School, and she can't wait to learn with the Natural Science students this summer!
Annabelle Webb (Social Science/Area III Instructor) is entering their second year on the GSE staff and fourth year in education. AB graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2020 and North Carolina State University in 2022. After three years in high school teaching World History, American History, and Civics, AB is moving to East Millbrook Magnet Middle School to teach 6th Grade World Studies. Ask them about history, politics, music, Harry Styles, or Fleetwood Mac!
Katherine ("Katie") Whitehouse (Fellow) Is a rising Junior Music Education Student with a focus in Flute Performance at Western Carolina University. Katie has taught at multiple programs from middle school to serving as Woodwind Caption Coordinator for The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at WCU last year. She also teaches private flute lessons to middle and high school students. In her senior year of high school, she placed 2nd at the SCBDA Masters Recital and made the SC AllState Band. While in college she has played in the WCU Wind Ensemble for the past four Semesters and in the WCU Wind Quintet for three. Also, last fall she was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota, which is a Non-Male Professional Music Fraternity, which focuses on the advancement of music in the community and around the world. This is Katie's first year as a GSE Instrumental Music Fellow and is look forward to all the learning opportunities that come her way!
Karen Xu (Fellow - Social Science/Communications) is excited for her first year with GSE! She is a rising junior at Duke University studying Public Policy, Education, and Documentary studies. At Duke, she is a trumpet player in the marching band, a volunteer at the Puppy Kindergarten, and the News Photo Editor for the Chronicle. She is originally from Washington DC, which she credits for her intense interest in all things government. Some of her favorite things include dogs, weightlifting, Settlers of Catan, sweet tea, college basketball, BeReal, and Breath of the Wild.