New Faculty 2022-2023

We're excited to introduce our newest faculty members! What an impressive group of educators and specialists! Click on each name to read bios.

List of 14 items.

  • Liz Ahern - Upper School Counselor


    Liz graduated from Amherst College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and was a captain of the women’s volleyball team. She earned a dual master’s degree in counseling and educational specialist from UNC-Greensboro and gained her National Certified Counselor status. Liz is a member of the American School Counselor Association and specializes in mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy. 
     
    Born and raised in Northern California, Liz has experience working with students all over the world including Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Italy. Before coming to FCDS, Liz worked at Hammond School as the middle school counselor, advisory program director, and volleyball coach. During her time in independent schools, Liz has also taught wellness classes, advised student-athletes, and pioneered diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She cares deeply about mental health and making sure every single student knows they matter.
     
    Liz and her partner Brian live in High Point.

  • Kirk Amos - Upper School Math Teacher


    Kirk earned his bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, chemistry, and biology from the College of Charleston and his master’s degree in education from the Teton Science Graduate Program and Utah State University. 
     
    After earning his bachelor’s degrees, he worked as a cosmetic chemist and a genetic engineer before changing careers to co-found a restaurant. He returned to teaching at the Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica, where he taught middle and high school math for four years. After earning his master’s degree, he co-founded a gifted education school in Silicon Valley where he taught for two years. 
     
    Kirk, his wife, and their son moved back to Winston-Salem to live near family.

  • Vaness Baker - Early Childhood Development Specialist


    Originally from Elkin, N.C., Vanessa earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lees McRae College and her master’s degree at Walden University in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 
     
    She worked in the elementary grades for 15 years before becoming an instructional specialist in middle grades. 
     
    Vanessa is married to Todd Baker.

  • Barbara Bell - Orchestra Director


    Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in music education K-12 from Rowan University. A veteran music teacher who has been an orchestra director since 1997, she has worked for the past 22 years with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools at Clemmons Middle School and West Forsyth High School.

    During her career, Barbara has successfully prepared her students for All-Country, Western Region, and All-State Orchestra. She was nominated for Teacher of the Year at Clemmons Middle School for several years, and was named the WS/FCS Orchestra Teacher of the Year in 2013. Barbara has long mentored first-year music and arts teachers as a STAY Coach, and she served as the WS/FCS Orchestra Chairperson.

  • Paige Bohannon - Preschool Teacher


    Originally from Oklahoma, Paige earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northeastern State University and has worked in education for nine years. 

    Paige taught preschool in Oklahoma for five years before moving to North Carolina. She taught third grade at North Hills Elementary and was promoted to grade chair after a year. Prior to coming to FCDS, Paige earned many R.O.A.R. awards for going above and beyond for her team and her colleagues.

    Paige and her husband Marvin have a son, Truth, who is joining FCDS in the 3-year-old class. They are expecting a baby girl in October.

  • Brendan Bohon - Upper School History Teacher


    Born and raised in Clemmons, Brendan earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Appalachian State University. Most recently, he worked at NC Fusion Soccer.

    Brendan and his wife Brittany Garcia have three children: Brooklyn, Dax, and Lou, who will join FCDS as a member of the Preschool 4s class.

  • Nicole Cline - Preschool Assistant Teacher


    Nicole Cline earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State. She taught in public school for one year before coming to FCDS. Prior to becoming an assistant in the preschool, she worked in the After School Program and substituted in various classrooms and age groups. 
     
    Nicole and her husband, Ray, live in Yadkinville. 

  • Sunny Cordray - Middle School Spanish Teacher

    Sunny, a native of Winston-Salem, is an FCDS alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in education from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in Spanish from UNC-Greensboro. She has studied abroad and traveled to Spain, Argentina, and Mexico.

    An 18-year veteran teacher and volleyball coach, this is actually Sunny’s third time teaching at FCDS - she previously taught Spanish in the Upper School from 2000-2006 and taught Middle School Spanish from 2012-2016. Most recently, Sunny taught at Jefferson Middle School and Lewisville Middle School.

    Sunny and her husband Joel have three children: John, Eliza, and Nicholas FCDS ’29.

    Fun fact: Sunny is a member of FCDS’s Fury Athletic Hall of Fame for volleyball and basketball.

  • Pam Deaton - Preschool Assistant Teacher


    Originally from Winston-Salem, Pam earned her bachelor’s degree from NC State University. 
     
    She has taught preschool for 18 years, most recently working in the FCDS After School Program.
     
    Pam has two adult children.

  • Sawyer Dohn - Facilities Manager


    A native of North Carolina, Sawyer earned an associate’s degree in computer information technology and an associate’s degree in electronic engineering from Surry Community College. 

    He is experienced in low-voltage systems including fire alarms, security systems, access control, and more and is dedicated to customer service. 

    Sawyer and his wife Hanna live in Clemmons.

  • Lisa Eck - Preschool Teacher


    Lisa and her family recently relocated to the Winston-Salem area from Louisiana. Lisa graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. 

    Lisa has twelve years of experience teaching elementary school. For nine years before coming to FCDS, Lisa worked at St. Joseph Catholic School in Ponchatoula, Louisiana as a Pre-K 4 teacher assistant and Pre-K 4 lead teacher.

    Lisa and her husband Timmy have a son, Connor.

  • Tiffany Ehnes - Upper School History Teacher


    Tiffany earned her master’s degree in gifted education from Barry University and taught for more than 18 years in South Florida and North Carolina.

    Honored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for her work in education, Tiffany has taught both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) social studies courses. Her International Baccalaureate training was through the United Nations in New York. She is also an internationally published author with more than 20 years of publishing industry experience. 

    Tiffany and her husband  live in Advance.

  • Joyce Griner - Middle School Science Teacher


    A native of Winston-Salem, Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree in intermediate education with a Spanish concentration and her master’s degree in education from Appalachian State University. She is licensed in gifted education and middle school science education. 

    Before coming to FCDS, she worked in the Davie County Schools for 17 years, teaching sixth grade science at three different schools as well as teaching K-6 Spanish, ELA, serving as science department chair, and working on the Gifted Education Service Team. She is a former member of the NCAE, FLANC, and NCSTA.

    Joyce and her husband Rich have two adult children, Maddy and Richmond.

  • Michelle Hiatt - Preschool Assistant Teacher


    Born and raised in Florida, Michelle has lived in the Winston-Salem area for 22 years. 
     
    She started at FCDS in the After School Program, and she has worked in the preschool Turtles class since April 2022.
     
    Michelle and her husband have four children and two grandchildren.

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  • Michelle Hopkin - Lower School Teacher


    Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science with a minor in interior design from Utah State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Governors University. 

    Michelle worked for more than three years in the Guilford County Schools before coming to FCDS. She has two children: Sydney Hopkin FCDS ’21 and Mitchel Hopkin FCDS ’23.

  • Katie Hubbard - JAC Language Development Specialist


    Originally from Garden City, Kansas, Katie earned her bachelor's degree in TSS advocacy with a concentration in special education from Salem College, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and Mortar Board honor society.
     
    Katie started working in the FCDS afterschool program in May 2021 and served as an assistant teacher in the preschool’s Hedgehog class during the 2022 summer term.

  • Jessica Hurst - Lower School Teacher


    Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Jessica has lived in the Winston-Salem area for more than 30 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Piedmont Baptist College and her master’s degree from Appalachian State University. She has her AIG certification from Western Carolina University. 
     
    Jessica has been an educator for 28 years, teaching kindergarten and first grade primary reading for eight years, third grade for 11 years, and fourth grade for five years.  
     
    Jessica and her husband Steve and have two adult children.

  • Mike Kneisel - Upper School History Teacher


    Originally from East Islip, New York, Mike has a bachelor’s degree in history from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina.

    A veteran teacher, Mike taught history at Mount Tabor High School for 28 years, specializing in AP History (US and World) for the past 20 years. Mike has attended the AP Reading since 2007 and is currently a Question Leader for AP US History.

    He was Mount Tabor’s Social Studies Department Chair for 10 years and the head golf coach for 24 years. For the past 15 years, he also worked for the NC Virtual School, where he taught myriad courses and wrote and designed courses in AP World History, AP US History, and Medieval Studies.

    Mike and his wife Tina have four children: Katy, Kenny, Abby, and Ella.

  • Amanda Koenigsman - Assistant Athletic Trainer


    A native of Kansas, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Kansas and her master’s degree in sport psychology from California University at Pennsylvania. 

    Before coming to FCDS, Amanda served as an athletic trainer at Catawba College working primarily with cross country, track and field, and football.

  • Gerry Lauber - Upper School Math Teacher


    Gerry earned his master’s degree in education from St. Louis University and has taught math for more than 20 years. 

    Prior to coming to FCDS, he taught AP Statistics and Honors Geometry at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, S.C. He has also taught Algebra I, Algebra II, and Introduction to Calculus. 

    Gerry and his wife, Dr. Angela Sharkey, have three adult children.

  • Jimmy Martin - Systems Support Specialist


    A native of Wallburg, N.C., Jimmy earned his degree in information technologies from Forsyth Technical Community College and has 16 years of experience in information technology. He is  A+ Certified in his field. 

    Jimmy is married to Jamie.

  • Grace Mason - Upper School History Teacher


    Originally from Michigan, Grace has lived in New York for the past eight years. She earned her  bachelor’s degree in social studies, history, and secondary education from Eastern Michigan University and her master's degree in educational psychology from Hunter College (CUNY).

    Grace taught in China and Taiwan for a few years before settling in New York, where she taught at Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx. She helped develop and teach the AP Capstone program, served as history department head, and mentored teachers through the NYU Fellowship program. 

    Fun fact: Grace is married to fellow FCDS teacher Thomas Streblow, an FCDS alumnus.

  • Tonya Moss - Lower School Teacher


    Tonya grew up in East Bend, N.C., earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNC-Wilmington and her master’s degree in language and literacy from Salem College.    

    A veteran teacher, Tonya taught first grade for 22 years in the Yadkin County Schools. She is a National Board Certified teacher. 

    Tonya and her husband Jack have two daughters, Marley Grace and Kinley Faith. Kinley joins FCDS this year as a fourth grader.

  • Keira Murphy - JAC Single Course Math and Subject Tutor


    Keira grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kenyon College and her master’s degree in education in curriculum development from the University of Phoenix. 

    Trained in Singapore Math, she has 30 years of experience as an independent school math teacher and administrator.

    Keira and her husband Gary have three sons: Matthew, Kevin, and Liam.

  • Shelton Parks - Administration Fellow


    Originally from Harmony, N.C., Shelton received his bachelor's degree in education from Western Carolina University in 2013. He is completing his internship for his master’s degree in school administration at UNC-Charlotte as FCDS’s Teaching and Learning fellow. 

    Shelton has 10 years of experience as a teacher and coach, and has previously served as an athletic director and dean of students. He has one daughter, Emory Parks.

  • Alejandra Paulino Malloy - Lower School Spanish Teacher


    Born and raised in New York, Alejandra earned her bachelor’s degree in education at  Universidad Pedro Henriquez Ureña.

    She spent 17 years teaching at a private international school in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and six years teaching in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Dual Language Program. She is ESL certified and Spanish World Language certified. 

    Alejandra is married to Robert.

  • Susan Perry - Associate Head of School for Wellness and Belonging


    Dr. Perry has more than 30 years of experience working in educational settings as an executive leader, teacher, coach, senior consultant, school counselor and director of counseling, and assistant head of school. She is an interdependent, relational leader, colleague, and learner who has worked at institutions including Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, Phillips Academy - Andover, The Asheville School, and Ravenscroft School. She is also a North Carolina-licensed clinical social worker who has worked at Duke University and at the University of North Carolina Health Alliance Population Health Team (Chapel Hill region). 

    A graduate of American University, Arizona State University, Walden University (Ph.D. in educational administration), and Smith College (master’s degree in social work), she has also undergone extensive training at the Center for Creative Leadership, has completed the Racial Equity Institute Groundwater and Phase 1 training and the Principal’s Center at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education program in Race, Equity, and Leadership in Schools.  

    Prior to coming to FCDS, Dr. Perry was Assistant Head of School for Student Life at Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut. In this position, she provided vision, leadership, and oversight of the fiscal, clinical, administrative services, and educational outreach of the school related to the learning and development needs of students.

    Previously, she served as the Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, where she initiated efforts to support the developmental needs of student health, faculty development, and community wellbeing. Notably, Dr. Perry co-chaired the design team that led to Ravencroft’s pioneering partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership and the school’s community leadership development model Lead from Here.

    Dr. Perry and her wife Kathryn Keicher have a son, Owen Keicher.

  • Sara Rucker - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Shelburne, Vermont, Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in English from the University of Vermont.  
     
    Sara is returning to FCDS! She taught first and second grade for three years in New York City before moving to North Carolina in 2000, where she taught third grade for eight years at FCDS.
     
    Sara is also a personal trainer and fitness instructor who spent the last 12 years working with clients in the Winston-Salem area.  
     
    Sara and her husband Alex have a son, Charles.

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  • Jennifer Scott - Middle School History Teacher


    Originally from Long Island, New York, Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Elon University and her master’s degree in language and literacy development from Salem College, where she also completed her teaching certifications in Middle Grades, Academically Gifted Education, and K-12 Reading.

    Jennifer taught seventh grade social studies in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for eight years, serving as a seventh grade lead teacher, a seventh grade team leader, and working on school improvement teams and chairing the School Leadership Team. Jennifer was also a  new teacher mentor and club sponsor for various clubs. 

    She and her family live in Clemmons.

  • Abby Shaver - Early Childhood Development Specialist


    Abby earned her bachelor's degree from Catawba College in therapeutic recreation and psychology. Prior to earning her degree, she worked at FCDS in the afterschool program for 5 years. Upon graduating, she worked as a registered behavioral technician and gained experience working with children who had been diagnosed with autism. She’s excited to be back at FCDS working with the preschoolers and coaching cheerleading at the high school.

  • Leah Simpson - Middle School English Teacher


    From King, N.C., Leah earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Appalachian State University, where she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. 
     
    She has 30 years of experience teaching in the middle grades and is AIG-certified and National Board Certified.  
     
    Leah and her husband Robert have two college-age children, Ian and Natalie. 

  • Brook Smith - Lower School Teacher


    From Pinnacle, N.C., Brook earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Peace College. 
     
    A veteran teacher, Brook taught at Millennium Charter Academy for 19 years. She was Teacher of the Year twice during her career. 
     
    Brook and her husband Travis have four children: Ethan, Eli, Belle, who attends FCDS, and Ella.

  • Adam Speas - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Rural Hall, N.C., Adam earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Montreat College. 
     
    Adam has seven years of educational experience, most recently at Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. He has taught, been a teaching assistant, worked one-on-one with students, and worked with an organization dedicated to helping students reach their personal goals. 
     
    Adam and his wife Michele have a son, Brody.

  • Thomas Streblow - Upper School Spanish Teacher


    Originally from Winston-Salem, Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State and his master’s degree from Universidad de Alcala in Alcala de Henares, Spain. 
     
    Fluent in Spanish, Thomas lived, taught,and studied in Spain for four years and taught Spanish in New York City for eight years at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx. 
     
    He is married to fellow FCDS teacher Grace Mason. 
     
    Fun fact: Thomas is a Fury alum who attended FCDS in seventh and eighth grade.

  • Alice Tassart - Middle and Upper School French Teacher


    Originally from Arras, France, Alice has a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French teaching from Université d'Artois in Arras, France. She completed graduate coursework in teaching French as a Foreign Language at Université Stendhal, in Grenoble, France and is working on her graduate certification in teaching at UNC-Charlotte. 

    Alice worked in private and public French Immersion Elementary schools in Minnesota for seven  years, then taught French at the Lower, Middle, and Upper School level at the International School of Minnesota for five years and at Visitation School for two years. 

    Alice returns to France every year to visit her family.

  • Bruce Tippette - Preschool and Lower School Music Teacher


    Originally from Garner, N.C., Bruce earned two bachelor’s degrees in music from Appalachian State University (music education and music composition/theory). He also earned a master’s degree in music from UNC School of the Arts. 

    An NC Teaching Fellow Recipient, Bruce is a trained classical pianist, vocalist, and percussionist as well as a professional composer with more than 60 publications geared toward the world of K-12 educational music. A former high school chorus/band director, for the past nine years Bruce has taught pre-school, elementary, and middle school students in youth choirs at a downtown church and led several handbell choirs (children, middle/high school, and adults). 

    Bruce and his wife Elizabeth have a son, Liam, and a daughter, Madeline.

  • Chris Tobin - Upper School English Teacher


    Originally from Martinsville, Virginia, Chris earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Roanoke College and her MFA in creative writing from UNC-Greensboro. 

    Chris started teaching in Roanoke, Virginia in 2000. Prior to coming to FCDS, she worked at Oak Hill Academy. She has also taught composition and literature at UNC-G.

  • Molly Todd - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Florida, Molly earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies with a concentration in public engagement and a minor in health and human services from Wake Forest University. 

    Molly has worked with students of all ages in group and individual settings as a tutor, teacher, and nanny.

  • Ethan Varner - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from East Bend, Ethan has a bachelor’s degree in English from Appalachian State University.
     
    He was a substitute teacher at FCDS for the last few months of the 2022 school year and worked in the Johnson Academic Center.

  • Cindy Wilkinson - Lower School JAC Teacher


    Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cindy earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in reading education from Miami University of Ohio.
     
    Cindy has more than 18 years of experience working with students, most recently at Carolina International School in Concord, N.C. 
     
    Cindy and her husband John have four children: Taylor, Nicholas, Noah, and Natalie.

  • Louise Wittenberg - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Denver, Colorado, Louise earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand Canyon University.
     
    A Winston-Salem Fellow, Louise has worked in schools, mentored, and served as a nanny for children and teens of all ages.
Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
5501 Shallowford Road
Lewisville, NC 27023
Phone: 336-945-3151