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Welcome! My name is Lori Smith, and I am honored to serve as the Exceptional Children's Coordinator at New Dimensions Charter School. This is my eighth year at New Dimensions and my twenty-first year serving students with exceptional needs.
My passion for special education began when I was just 19 years old as a Special Education Teacher Assistant. From that moment, I knew I had found what I wanted to pursue as a career. While working full-time as an assistant, I earned my teaching degree, raised my family, and began my teaching career in rural Missouri before moving to North Carolina in 2013.
Since joining New Dimensions in 2019, I have had the privlege of teaching and now supporting our students, families, and staff as the EC Coordinator. I believe that every child deserves to feel valued, included, and empowered to grow, belong, and achieve their fullest potential. Together, we strive to create a learning environment where every student is supported, celebrated, and given the opportunity to succeed. I am grateful to work alongside such a caring school community each day.
Outside of school, I enjoy camping, fishing, traveling, photography/videography, exploring the Appalachian Mountains, discovering hidden waterfalls, and learning about the rich history of the region. School breaks are often spent making memories with my children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff as we continue creating a school where every learner is supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive. It is truly a privilege to be part of the NDS family!
Hello! My name is Taylor McKee and I serve as the Middle School Exceptional Children’s Resource Teacher! I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and this will be my 5th year at New Dimensions! My husband, our children, and I reside in Morganton, where we spend most of our time outside and traveling! I am passionate about creative learning accommodations and looking forward to another year at the BEST school!
Hello! My name is Ms. Chue. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching for 5 years, and have loved every minute of it! I am excited to be a part of NDS! In my free time I love shopping, snuggles with my pups, and paddle boarding.
My name is Kristan Buchanan and I am currently in my seventh year of teaching. I served one of those years as a Behavior Specialist for Hickory City Schools. Prior to becoming a Behavior Specialist, I spent four years at Freedom High School in the Extend 1 classroom and one year at Mountain View Elementary School in the K-2 Self-Contained Classroom. I graduated from Western Carolina University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. I have a passion for working with students with a disability and I am blessed to continue pursuing my passion teaching at New Dimensions!
Kelly O'Toole, EC Self Contained Teacher
828.437.5753
828.437.2980 (Fax)
Info coming soon
Related Services Contacts:
Julia Johnson, Occupational Therapist
julia.johnson@ndschool.org
828.437.5753
828.437.5753 (FAX)
Julie has been a pediatric specialist in Occupational Therapy for over 30 years with an additional Master's Degree in Health Sciences/Neuroscience emphasis. She is a Kentucky native and completed graduate work in Indianapolis, but has made North Carolina her home for more than 25 years with her husband and two children . She has worked in a variety of hospital, school-based, outpatient/clinical, and residential facilities with experiences in orthopedics, neuro, developmental disabilities, and mental health services. It is her passion to help students with special needs participate successfully in their educational programs and use their personal strengths to help them succeed. She has worked in two countries, on two continents, multiple states, and many different school districts, but she loves it here at NDS!
Amber Hamby, Guidance Counselor
ahamby@ndschool.org
Devin Guidner, Guidance Counselor
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