Teresa Transou
I am the media coordinator at Baton Elementary. I have previously taught in Stokes and Wilkes Counties. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University. I am married and have two daughters. I enjoy teaching Sunday School, gardening, watching the Tar Heels in any sport, and, of course, reading.
Amy McMasters
I have been the media coordinator at Collettsville School for 10 years. Before moving to the library, I was an eighth grade ELA/Social Studies teacher at Collettsville. In fact, I attended Collettsville School as a student for nine years which means that I am Collettsville through and through. I can honestly say that I love my job; I enjoy teaching the students, promoting reading and the usage of imagination, and creating fun environments. It is a challenging joy to teach nine grade levels where I have the opportunity to truly witness a child grow physically, academically, and socially.
Andrew Cook
I delved into the educational arena after limited commercial success in my musical career. As a fallback plan, I have been blessed to work in amazing schools with passionate staff and awesome students. Transitioning from Freshman English to Broadcasting/Graphic Design and eventually to Digital Learning has been a fulfilling journey and one that I am excited to complete.
Vicky Cornett
I have been in the media center at Dudley Shoals for the past two years, but am starting my 17th year at DSES. I previously taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade. I received both my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree in Educational Media/Instructional Technology from Appalachian State University. I am a Caldwell County native and have lived in the Dudley Shoals area for most of my life. I even attended Dudley Shoals Elementary when I was a child. So I am very much connected with the Dudley Shoals community and take great pride in working with the students there.
I am married and have two grown children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling!
Rebecca Tester
"I’m the Digital Learning Specialist at Gamewell Elementary School. I teach media classes to our K-5 population as part of the Specials Team. My Bachelors in Science is in Elementary Education from Appalachian State and my Masters is in Instructional Technology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Prior to teaching at GES, I taught first and second grade at Kings Creek School. When I am not teaching and learning, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, hiking, and playing video games! I believe technology, like books, opens doors to new adventures and boundless learning opportunities."
Elizabeth McQuaid
I began my journey into education as a middle school English/Social Studies teacher while also teaching developmental reading to adults at Western Piedmont Community College. After getting my Masters of Library Science degree in 2005, I was the Media Coordinator at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia before luckily accepting the Media Coordinator/Digital Learning Specialist position at Gamewell Middle. This "West Side" school has been my home for the past 15 years.
Gracie Green
I have been with the Caldwell County school system since 2005. I received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lenoir Rhyne University and a Masters in Library Science from Appalachian State University. I taught 4th grade and 1st grade before beginning my journey in the media center. Granite Falls Elementary has been my home for the last 18 years. I hope to continue at GFES until retirement. I enjoy the outdoors and being anywhere there is sunshine and water.
Anna ReYnolds
Before becoming a Digital Learning & Media Specialist, Mrs. Reynolds taught CTE Engineering for five years. She earned a bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education and a master's degree in Library Science at Appalachian State University. Mrs. Reynolds enjoys reading, learning about trending educational technology, and spending time with her husband and 4 children.
Emily Cook
This is my first year as the Digital Media Coordinator at Happy Valley. I have worked at Happy Valley for 7 years. I have taught Second grade for 3 years, and 6-8 Math and Science for four years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Middle-Grade Math, and Science. I also have a Master's Degree in Library Science. I grew up attending a K-8 so naturally, I enjoy teaching at one too. I have had many teachers that have influenced me to be the best teacher I can be. I aim to get to know all of the Digital Media Coordinators in the county and learn from them. I am excited about my new role in the Media Center and I hope to support my students/staff.
Rebecca Johnson
I have been the media coordinator at Hibriten High School since 2016. I have a degree in Agriculture Education with a minor in Animal Science from North Carolina State University. I taught agriculture for 6 years before coming to Hibriten. I also have a masters degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University. I am married and have a daughter. We live on my family's farm and enjoy riding horses and camping. I love helping students find books they love and I also love helping teachers make reading more fun for students.
Bethany Christian
I have been with Caldwell County Schools since 2008 beginning as a classroom teacher in 1st and 2nd grades then making the transition to the Media Coordinator at Hudson Elementary School. I am a proud Appalachian Alum and received both my B.S in Elementary Education and Masters in Library Science from ASU. I truly love my job and interacting with the students and teachers on a daily basis. I strive to share the joy and excitement of reading with every child I work with and promote a love of lifelong learning.
Christinia Davis
I have worked for Caldwell County Schools since 2000 as both a classroom teacher and a digital learning & media specialist. I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Library Science from Appalachian State University, as well as having National Board Certification in Library Science. Working with students to help them find what inspires them, to help them grow as learners, and information seekers is a passion of mine. I also enjoy working with teachers and other digital learning & media specialists to create excitement in our learning environments.
Kirsten JAMES
I am the media coordinator at Kings Creek. Previously, I worked in Burke County as a 7th grade math and social studies teacher. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education as well as a masters of Library Science from Appalachian State University. I truly enjoy working with students and sharing the love of reading with them. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends, travel, and read.
Brooke Parker
I am the media coordinator at Lower Creek Elementary. Before coming to Lower Creek, I taught 4th, 3rd, and 1st grades in Caldwell County. I received my teaching degree and my Masters Degree in Library Science at Appalachian State University. I love helping kids discover the love of reading! When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. We like to kayak, travel to the beach, and love Braves baseball!
James Dillard
I am a native of Wilkes County, North Carolina and currently reside in the Hickory area. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Broadcasting. Later earning my Masters Degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University. After graduate school I was employed by Person County Schools from 2012 through 2016. I became a part of the Caldwell County Schools Media team in June 2016. In addition to being a Media Specialist, I am also a Testing Coordinator, a liaison to the county Technology Department, and coach Battle of the Books.
I am an avid reader, traveler, outdoorsman, and a fan of nature and the arts.
Will Swaba
I have been with Caldwell County Schools since 2013. I have spent time as both a classroom teacher and a digital learning & media specialist. I have been fortunate enough to spend time in elementary, middle, and high school as a digital learning & media specialist. I went to college at Caldwell Community College and then transferred to Appalachian State University, where I got a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. From there I got my masters degree from Appalachian in Educational Media, with a concentration in Instructional Technology. Along with a Graduate Certificate in School Administration from Appalachian. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and watching/playing sports.
Megan Simms
I graduated with my masters in Library Science from NCCU. This is my first year as a digital learning specialist and I am so excited to get started. I have also been an assistant in kinder, first, and second grade. I have always loved reading and escaping to the media center to explore my interests and I hope to be that escape for the students.
I am married and have two terrific dogs who I love to take on the road with me. I love to read, travel and garden.
Christy Brayton
Hello, I am Christy Brayton, and I am happy to be the media coordinator here West Caldwell High School! I have 13 years of experience with library media in Tennessee and North Carolina & 22 years experience in education. I became a librarian because I love learning and helping others. I also love technology, research, and books, and I consider it my duty to assist students in preparation for their future college and career goals.
I have one son who is eight, in third grade, and my husband and I have been married 13 years. In my free time, I like to read, game, bake, and cook, and I love working with new technology. I love to laugh and to continue to study as a lifelong learner. I hope the West Caldwell High School Media Center is a warm, inviting place of learning and educational assistance for educators, students, and the community.
Emily Absher
I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. I taught Computer Skills and Applications at William Lenoir Middle School for five years before returning to ASU where I earned my Master’s in Educational Media with a concentration in Online Learning and Professional Development. This is my second year as a Digital Learning Specialist at Whitnel Elementary School. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters.
Monica O'Quinn
I graduated with a Master's Degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University. I have always loved reading and learning new things. I wanted to share that love with students and teachers. This is my tenth year as a Library Media Specialist/Media Coordinator. I have also worked as an Assistant Teacher in Kindergarten and First Grade. My interests include playing with my son, spending time with my husband and friends, reading, creating clay earrings, watching television shows and movies, and listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks.