Student Support Team
Meet Our Team
Elementary Guidance and Behavior Specialist - La-Tasha Merritt
Hello, I am La-Tasha Merritt and I am happy to be the Elementary Guidance and Behavior Specialist! I am new to the role this year, but I have worked here at EWA for five years as a Kindergarten Teacher. I have 20 years of experience in Education. I graduated from the best school in North Carolina, ECU, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. After graduating, I obtained a job as a teacher assistant, where I fell in love with teaching. This passion drove me to complete a teaching degree in Elementary Education. My love for education and learning led me to pursue my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with a Behavioral Certification. I had the opportunity to complete an internship with a licensed play therapist, where we provided individual therapy and small group therapy. We provided interventions for behavior concerns, social skills training, and other services to address emotional needs.
As the Elementary Guidance and Behavior Specialist, I have been able to incorporate some of those supports here at EWA. I offer "Lunch Bunch" groups that addresses anxiety, social skills, and anger management. I provide support for teachers and students. I push into the classroom each afternoon to teach our school research based social-emotional learning program, "Second Step," where students build social-emotional skills to nurture positive relationships, learn how to manage their emotions, and set goals. These skills will help them thrive in school and also in life!
Please reach out if I can provide support to your student and family!
(919)404-0444 ext.6024
Middle Academy School Counselor - Mary Maxton Fowler
Hey there! My name is Mary Maxton Fowler and I am the Middle Academy School Counselor at East Wake Academy. This is my second year at East Wake Academy and I am overjoyed to be working with you! I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill (go Heels!) in 2018 with an undergraduate degree in both Psychology, and Human Development and Family Studies which is where my spark for school counseling began. Before attending graduate school, I worked for four years at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina as I also had a passion for serving my community in the nonprofit realm. This opportunity allowed me to work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, and continued to fuel my interest in connecting with students. I recently graduated from North Carolina State University with a master's degree in School Counseling and I had the pleasure of completing my internship with EWA last year!
In my time here at EWA, I have been working to support students through individual counseling and small groups where they are able to express themselves and identify coping skills that work for them. I look forward to working more with you, so that students feel they have support wherever they turn.
Please reach out if there is ever anything I can do to support you and your student!
(919) 404-0444 ext. 2212
High School Counselor - Jennifer Keene
Hello! My name is Jennifer Keene, and I have been the High School Counselor at East Wake Academy since March 2023. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following graduation from UNC Chapel Hill, I moved to Washington, D.C. and served two years as a full-time volunteer with an AmeriCorps program called City Year. This was an incredible learning experience and solidified that I wanted to work in the field of human services. I returned to North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2014 with my Master's Degree in Social Work. I have since gone on to obtain my License in Clinical Social Work, and have served in many capacities including as a bereavement counselor, school based therapist, and in the field of public health.
Since starting at EWA, I have been getting to know students through individual counseling, providing active listening and encouragement, and helping students to identify healthy ways of coping with stressors. My goal is to provide social and emotional support to our student body. I strive to have an open door policy where students feel safe and welcome to come discuss any concerns they may be having.
Please let me know how I can best support you and your student!
jkeene@eastwakeacademy.org
(919) 404-0444 ext. 1062
K-12 Section 504 and Testing Coordinator - Mrs. Erin Cracchiolo
Hi! My name is Erin Cracchiolo and I am the Section 504 Coordinator as well as EWA’s Testing Coordinator. Additionally, I have a degree in Social Work and plug into the Student support team in different areas school wide. I love my job which allows me to wear many hats.
Throughout the year I work in several programs that are available school wide such as Backpack Buddies and our annual Giving Tree at Christmas. As Testing Coordinator, I am involved in all things State testing and DPI training throughout the school year. I am also the 504 Coordinator for grades K-12.
A little about me: I received my Social Work degree from Barton College and have worked at East Wake Academy since 2007. My son and daughter and daughter in law are all three proud EWA graduates!
Please reach out if I can provide resources or support for you/ your student(s).
Erin Cracchiolo
ecracchiolo@eastwakeacademy.org
(919) 404-0444 ext. 6002