I am a veteran educator with over 30 years in education. I love my job, my staff, and my students. As an out-of-the-box administrator, I thrive in helping our most "at-promise" students find more ways to be successful. I created our program, Pitt Academy, twelve-plus years ago and have helped our program grow and change throughout our times of incredible change both pre and post-Covid. Helping spread the word of our collective ideas, with our stakeholders in our communities, and in our district offices as well as encouraging and nurturing our colleagues as they start or restart their programs and schools has been a focus of mine for the past few years. Helping our students and each other improve the conditions for all our students and communities. 

I have over 30 years in education.  I attended North Carolina State University and completed licensure requirements through UNC-Charlotte in 1994. I also completed a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education from Appalachian State University in 1998. After spending many years in the classroom as a Math and Science teacher, at all levels including local community colleges and UNC-Charlotte, I moved into an Instructional Facilitator role. Continuing my work with Title 1/At- 1/AtRisk schools, I led Low-Performing Middle Schools through necessary and impactful change to meet educational growth. From there I completed my School Administration licensure from Gardner-Webb University and moved into an Assistant Principal role at Asbury Academy Alternative School in Lincoln County Schools for two years. In 2020, I was recruited to Newton-Conover High School where I served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction as well as serving as the Secondary Curriculum Liaison. I was presented the opportunity to move to Burke County Public Schools to lead change at Hallyburton Academy this school year utilizing my background experience in Alternative Education and At-Risk Schools.

I currently serve as the Adult High School Coordinator at Cape Fear Community College. I oversee instructors, manage multi-campus operations, design curriculum, and establish partnerships that expand student opportunities. I focus on creating programs that not only help students earn their high school diploma but also prepare them for meaningful post-secondary education and career pathways.

 As a veteran educator with over 16 years of experience in K–12 and alternative education, I have had the privilege of designing and implementing programs that address both the academic and emotional needs of diverse learners. My leadership experience includes launching a trauma-informed alternative school, coordinating a virtual academy, and providing professional development for educators in alternative and adult education settings. I am passionate about building systems that promote equity, access, and instructional excellence.

As an administrator, at the heart of my work is a belief that alternative education is not just about offering second chances—it is about designing systems that respect the complexities of learners’ lives and honor their goals. One of my guiding principles comes from Rita Pierson, who said, “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” I strive to be that champion for every student and to build programs that empower both learners and educators to reach their fullest potential. That is why I am passionate about serving on the NCAAE—I believe deeply in the power of alternative education to transform lives. 

I began my journey in education in 1997 as a Music Teacher, teaching Band, Chorus, and General Music in Robeson County, NC. Over the years, I expanded my expertise by working in various school districts and earning advanced degrees—a Master of Music Education from UNCG in 2002 and a Master of School Administration from NCSU in 2006. Since then, I have served as a secondary-level school administrator.

In 2022, I was honored to become the principal of Booker T. Washington Learning Center in Reidsville, NC. My passion lies in serving students and families within the Alternative Learning setting. Having faced significant challenges in my own childhood, I connect deeply with my students, assuring them that I truly understand their circumstances and that their current struggles are not the end of the road. Together, through teamwork and dedication, we can help them achieve the future they envision.

I am committed to empowering educators in Alternative Education settings, advocating for their voices to be heard, and ensuring all students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.

I am a 23 year veteran in public education. Throughout my career as an educator, I have served as a Social Studies Teacher, Dropout Prevention Counselor and a School Administrator. I served as a

principal for 10 years prior to becoming the Coordinator Alternative Learning for Pitt County

Schools. It is truly an honor to serve students, families and our community. My experiences in education have taught me that implementing effective programs and developing strong community partnerships, greatly increases student opportunities for success. As an NCAAE representative, it is my hope to work with fellow educators to promote growth through the exchange of best practice strategies and ideas within the area of alternative education. 

"My heart for education evolved from coaching sports.  After co-facilitating the first basketball practice of my career, I understood how coaching athletes and teaching students were synonymous with each other.  My background in coaching helped me build a solid foundation as a classroom teacher for 10 years - as well as serving as a school administrator for 10 years.  

Currently, I am proud to serve as the program coordinator at ONE Academy in Siler City, NC.  Our goal is to provide an educational experience tailored to each scholar's need/s.  This role continues to ignite my passion to help scholars scale their own ladder of success.  

Serving as an NCAAE member and representative, I hope to continue the great work this organization has already started, as well as glean from my colleagues within the field of alternative education. 

I have served public education for over 18 years, in which I worked in the traditional sense with alternative education by sending students into these programs as an Assistant Principal and Principal. I also supported Alternative Education as the Director of Secondary Education within a school district. Now as an Education Administrator with Eckerd Connects, I have the opportunity to provide effective learning environments and new initiatives for students in the Department of Juvenile Justice. I would like to utilize my experience and perspective of serving Alternative Education from the traditional and non-traditional sides to aid in creating new opportunities for our students of Alternative Education.

I have served as the Principal of our alternative school in my district for 12 years. During this tenure, I have developed a school community and culture that empowers our students and staff for optimal behavioral, social, mental, and academic success. I understand the challenges and the need for advocacy of our programs as well as the need for continued support, especially for restorative practices and mental health supports. I have presented at the NCAAE conference in the past as well. 

I have over 20 years of experience in public education, beginning after serving in the U.S. Army and earning an M.A. in Secondary Education. My career spans teaching Science, Math, and Project-Based Learning at various schools, including Challenger Early College, where I was named Teacher of the Year in 2007. I’ve also served as Assistant Principal at Catawba Rosenwald Education Center and Oxford Elementary, leading initiatives like Project ESTEEM, creating an intramural program, and collaborating with the Chamber of Catawba County on a veterans’ transition pipeline and education storytelling. My work has focused on leadership, critical thinking, and fostering innovative programs.

With a B.S. in Chemistry and Life Sciences from West Point, advanced degrees in education, and an ongoing Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, my path to teaching was shaped by a calling after health challenges ended my military career. A profound personal experience led me to pursue education as a way to serve my community. Teaching has become my life’s mission, empowering students to overcome obstacles and find their own paths to success.

Dr. Roderick Brown is the new principal at Davidson River School. He comes from Brevard Middle School and prior to that educational experience in several schools in Henderson County and at Brevard High School. Dr. Brown is a longstanding resident of Transylvania County and is deeply invested in the success and well-being of the TC school system. Dr. Brown is married with five children; his wife is a TCS employee and his five children are TCS students. He is dedicated to listening, learning, and guiding this generation of future leaders toward a brighter tomorrow.