Beta Epsilon 

🌟 Member Spotlights🌟

Kelsey Hensley, Beta Espilon’s newest member, began her teaching career over a decade ago after moving to North Carolina. She currently lives with her husband, Zach, and their two daughters, Addison (5) and Ryleigh (3). As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors and making memories through experiences like visiting zoos and aquariums. They also love cheering on Addison in sports such as t-ball, soccer, and basketball.

Kelsey started her teaching journey at Bessemer City Central Elementary, where she taught 4th grade for three years before transitioning to 3rd grade for another three years. She later joined Tryon Elementary, where she spent two years teaching kindergarten. For the past two years, she has returned to her passion—teaching 3rd grade. Next year, she will continue to teach 3rd grade at Cherryville Elementary. 

Kelsey was drawn to the teaching profession by a desire to shape young minds, make a positive impact in her community, and empower students to discover their voice and passions. Her favorite part of teaching is the meaningful and lasting relationships she builds with her students.

With over three decades of teaching experience, Leigh Herman has been blessed to spend her career helping younger learners grow and thrive. She taught first, second, and third grades for 31 years at Tryon Elementary and will begin her third year teaching second grade at Gaston Christian School in the fall. She considers it a joy and privilege to teach in a Christ-centered environment where faith and learning go hand in hand. 

Her husband, Mike, and she celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in June 2025. They treasure time with their family and the memories they continue to make together. They attend Temple Baptist Church and she teaches a women’s Bible study group with her daughter, Emily. She loves being able to serve with Emily in this role as they all grow in their relationships with God and each other. 

She has been honored, for the past 20 years, to be part of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, serving alongside so many outstanding women educators who share a passion for excellence in education. She is grateful for the journey God has given her as a teacher and looks forward to the adventures each new year brings.