Get to Know the Department

Counselor and student

6th Grade/Department Chair– Ms. Christy Babao - christine.babao@cms.k12.nc.us 

Education:

Background and Interests:

I have been a school counselor for 26 years, and I am excited to be joining the Community House MS family for my 15th year! I attended James Madison University where I earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Education. My family has lived in Charlotte for the past 16 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 also have a high schooler as our daughter, Isabella, is in 12th grade this year. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, going to the beach, and playing with my dachschunds, Emmett and Odie.


7th Grade - Ms. Cassandra Perkins - cassandrar.perkins@cms.k12.nc.us 

Education

Background and Interests:

Hello Community House students, parents, and staff! I have been at CHMS for going on 6 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!


8th Grade – Ms. Valerie Johnson - valerie1.johnson@cms.k12.nc.us

Education:

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.


School Psychologist– Ms. Hasmig Holder – hasmig1.holder@cms.k12.nc.us

Education:

Background and Interests:

I am a New England native, growing up in Maine and attending college and graduate school in the Boston area.  During my junior year in college, I studied abroad in London, England where I interned at the Anna Freud Center, working on a research study team focused on child development. This experience, along with my passion for helping others,  ultimately led me to pursue a career in school psychology.  I moved to Charlotte from Boston in 1997 and have worked in a variety of K-12 schools in the district since.  This is my 6th year at CHMS working with staff and families to support and improve the learning and social emotional needs of our students.  At home, my husband and I embrace the daily challenges and rewards of having two active children in high school 😊.  My afterschool hobbies include exercising and trolling on Pinterest for fashion and home decorating inspiration.  I look forward to working collaboratively with our amazing teachers and families.