6th Grade – Ms. Valerie Johnson - valerie1.johnson@cms.k12.nc.us
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Masters of Arts in Counseling, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Background and Interests:
I began my education career in 1993 as a seventh grade Social Studies teacher at Spaugh Middle School. My experiences as a teacher and a program facilitator with a local non-profit agency prompted me to attend graduate school. In 1997, I completed my graduate degree and returned to CMS as a grade level counselor at Carmel Middle School. After enjoying being a stay at home mother for 7 years, I worked at Community House for one year as the academic counselor. After four years at the elementary level, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Community House staff again in 2013.
When I am not at CHMS, I am attending church, going to Zumba classes, reading, or spending time with my husband and our adult children.
7th Grade/Department Chair– Ms. Christy Babao - christine.babao@cms.k12.nc.us
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, James Madison University
Masters in Education, James Madison University
Background and Interests:
I have been a school counselor for 27 years, and I am excited to be joining the Community House MS family for my 16th year! I attended James Madison University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Education. My family has lived in Charlotte for the past 17 years, and we consider it our home. I truly enjoy working in the middle school environment and look forward to helping students navigate these tricky years. My husband and I will be empty nesting as our daughter, Isabella, heads off to college this year. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, going to the beach, and playing with my dachschunds, Emmett and Odie.
8th Grade - Ms. Cassandra Thompson - cassandrar.perkins@cms.k12.nc.us
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Virginia
Masters of Science in Human Development and Counseling, Radford University
Background and Interests:
Hello Community House students, parents, and staff! I have been at CHMS for going on 7 years! I am originally from a small town in Virginia called Martinsville. Our one claim to fame is the Martinsville Speedway. I went to the University of Virginia for undergrad, WAHOOWA! I got my Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. I went on to get my Masters in Human Development and Counseling from Radford University, home of the Highlanders. I began my career in Roanoke, Virginia as an elementary school counselor. I worked at Roanoke Academy for Math and Science for two years before I made my way to the big city of Charlotte. In my spare time I enjoy reading and watching Harry Potter (I’m a proud Hufflepuff loyal and true). I also enjoy spending time with my pup Dutchess, shopping, and eating at my favorite restaurant Chipotle. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with you all!