Teaching Staff
Carolina International School is proud of its inaugural teaching staff. They represent seven countries and a combination of enthusiastic young teachers and talented, award-winning experienced teachers. They accepted the special challenges of establishing a new public charter school, and deserve commendation and support from our entire school community.
Here are brief profiles about our staff members:
Trish Valentino: Kindergarten
Two years ago, my children and I moved to Charlotte from Lockport, New York. Lockport is a small city located on the banks of the historic Erie Canal. My immediate and extended families still reside in the Niagara County region.
While raising my family, I worked for the largest health care system in the Western New York region for 14 years. I wore many hats over those years, including working as a clerk in the Ambulatory Surgery and Admissions departments. As I finished my student teaching, I also substitute taught in the Buffalo General Hospital Early Childhood Program. I also substitute taught for local school districts for a total of 4 years.
I earned my BA in English Literature from SUNY Brockport. When my son started kindergarten I had become very involved as a room mother and an active member of the PTA. That is when I realized I wanted to become a teacher. I then pursued my MS in Elementary Education and graduated from Niagara University. Upon moving to Charlotte, I taught Pre-K for two years for CMS.
I was drawn to CIS by its believe that all children are unique and learn differently. I agree that classrooms should be child-centered. Learning experiences should be hands-on and relevant to everyday life. Working with the international and environmental themes are an added bonus to working for CIS.
When not working, I help run a produce stand for a local farm. I have started horseback riding lessons and my goal is to trail ride by springtime. I enjoy swimming, gardening, reading, and spending time with my children.
Leah Wages: Kindergarten Teacher
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University where I concentrated in Science and Language Arts. This is my second year living in North Carolina where I reside in the Myers Park area with my wonderful dog Gracie.
I am dedicated to providing a learning environment which focuses on respect for the student, acceptance of all, and fosters independent thinking. I look forward to watching my students grow as they learn about their place in the global environment. I cherish the learning environment, look forward to the challenges that accompany the profession, and are excited to be an active participant in the Kindergarten experience for my students.
Kim Reese: Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
I have been with Carolina International School since July 19, 2004, working as a teacher assistant for Kindergarten in Mrs. Medina’s class. Prior to this I worked in the field of education for three years as a Preschool Teacher in Charlotte. I am a very energetic and outgoing person who is well organized and dependable. I am very creative, multi-tasking and enjoy a challenge. Having a family of my own, I am sensitive to the needs of children and work hard at providing them with a quality and nurturing environment in and outside of the classroom.
I truly love teaching and working with children of all ages because it gives me great satisfaction to see how much they are capable of learning and to know that I’ve played an important part in helping to shape their future and prepare them for their elementary years.
It is a precious thing to see the world through the eyes of a child and I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to envision things through them. I am extremely enthusiastic about working with the children this school year.
: First Grade Teacher
: First Grade Teacher
Tammy Remsburg: First Grade Teaching Assistant
I received a Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986. Upon graduation, I began an 18-year career at Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte. While at Discovery Place, I developed and taught workshops, summer camps, teacher in-service training, school programs and public shows in the Biological Science Department. In addition, I was one of 2 full-time employees responsible for the care and maintenance of the museum’s rainforest and aquarium plants and animals. I developed and taught a Learning Vacation that took participants to help sea turtles by protecting nests and monitoring the nesting females. My love of teaching has brought me to CIS. I have taught the Pre K-K Sunday School Class at church for the past 6 years. In addition, I sing in the choir and occasionally play alto sax in the service. I have been the director of Vacation Bible School for the past 4 years. I am a certified N.C. Environmental Educator, thus the philosophy and location of Carolina International School is a very exciting match for my own philosophy of the world. I hope to continue to be actively involved in making our campus a great outdoor education site!
Audra Wood: Grade Two Teacher
My name is Audra Wood. I am a second grade teacher at CIS. I was born is New York and moved to Germany until I was almost three. I was raised in Wisconsin, Florida, and North Carolina. I have lived in Concord for 16 years. I have one brother in the military and am married with a second grader and a two year old.
I graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Special Education K-12. I have taught all ages and disabilities. This will be my eighth year teaching.
I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs.
Christina Bunch: Grade Two teacher
My name is Christina Bunch and I am a second grade teacher at CIS. I was born in Pennsylvania and moved to North Carolina at six months. I grew up in the Charlotte area and made sure to return after college. I have one older brother and am married to Troy Bunch, the technology specialist.
I graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Elementary Education and a license in remedial reading for kindergarten through 12th grade. This is my sixth year teaching with experience in both first and second grades.
My hobbies include painting, reading, and traveling. My travels have taken me to England, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and all states in the United States excluding Alaska. I value my time with my family and my time to travel with my husband.
: Third Grade Teacher
Jessica Kawski: Third Grade Teacher
I am originally from Hyde Park, NY. Some people have heard of this town because it is on the Hudson River. But the Culinary Institute of America is there, it is Franklin D. Roosevelt’s hometown, and the Vanderbilts had a vacation mansion there.
I attended St. Bonaventure University (Go Bonnies!) for both my Bachelors Degree (Elementary Education with a secondary concentration in Creative Writing) and my Masters Degree (Reading Education – K-12).
Right after college, I moved to Concord, NC to teach at the School for Environmental Studies with Mrs. Duncan. I am so pleased to be reunited with her here at CIS. I have taught grades 4-6 and specialize in Reading, but also love Science.
I am married and, sadly, have no pets.
When I’m not working on school things (which isn’t often), I like to travel (especially snorkeling), scrapbook, take pictures, watch movies, play games, and have friends over to my house. I am also considering taking scuba diving lessons this year.
Brenda Mauldin: Fourth Grade Teacher
I was born in North Carolina and have lived my entire life in this beautiful state. I moved to the Charlotte are in 2001 when my husband’s job changed. I have been married for twenty-two years and have two daughters who will be attending CIS this year; Devon is in tenth grade and Kristen is in sixth grade.
I am a life long learner and my education continues daily, but my formal education took place at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where I received my BA in English Education and at Fayetteville State University, where I received qualifications for K-6 certification. Striving to always learn more, I began work on National Board Certification in the 2004-2005 school year and was blessedly rewarded with National Board Certification in November of 2005. I was also fortunate enough to travel to England in the summer of 2006 to study Creative Writing at Exeter College, a part of Oxford University. I plan to return there again next summer.
This year marks my twelfth year as a teacher. I taught high school English for four years before taking six years off to be a mother to my children. I returned to teaching in 1999 as a fourth grade teacher, and I have taught fourth grade ever since. I taught for two years in the elementary school that I attended as a child with some of my own childhood teachers before moving to this area. That was a wonderful experience! Since moving here I have worked diligently on integration of subjects in the fourth grade curriculum to improve the quality of education for my students. In my time in this area I have been a Teacher of the Year at my former school and a state finalist for Academically Gifted Teacher of the Year. I love the fourth grade curriculum and the age of the children. They are curious, intuitive and eager to learn.
I am thrilled to be a part of CIS this year. I consider this to be a brilliant opportunity to be a part of such a motivational and child-centered school. This is going to be a fantastic year of learning and fun for fourth graders!
Jennifer Ruff: Fourth Grade Teacher
I am thrilled to be a part of the CIS team!
I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 1999 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am currently working on a Master of Arts in Teaching at Pfeiffer University. My experience is with elementary as well as high school education.
My very first teaching experience was with Kindergartners through fourth graders. This was a very challenging year with a strong focus on individualized teaching. The next two years were spent teaching a combination third and fourth grade class of academically gifted students. For the past two years, I have been working with high school students who have various learning disabilities. The many different modifications and strategies that I have learned are invaluable to teaching any grade and any student. Also during the past two years, I have aided in the development of a Career Preparatory curriculum for grades seven through twelve.
I am a nature person. I enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, etc. I am married, have a ten year old daughter named Madison. I am surrounded by pets including a pound puppy, two cats, a copperhead, and a Durango Mountain king snake. I also enjoy photography and reading.
: Fifth Grade Teacher
: Fifth Grade Teacher
Zoe Lamm: Sixth Grade Math Teacher
I started my post-high school education at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland where I received a BS in Zoology. As part of my education there I spent a year studying at the University of Guelph in Southern Ontario, Canada. This opportunity opened my eyes to the wonderful environment and wildlife in North America. After receiving my zoology degree, I worked as a wildlife intern with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, mainly identifying and counting ducks during the migration, but also banding birds and catching frogs.
After getting married, moving to Minnesota and starting a family, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I was particularly interested in teaching our children about the importance of the environment, after my work for the fish and wildlife service. I attended Minnesota State University in Moorhead to receive a degree in Life Science Education, and worked at the Regional Science Center teaching outdoor education - like bird identification and winter survival skills - to elementary school children. Upon the completion of my teacher’s license, I taught science in Minnesota before deciding that I needed a warmer climate.
My family and I moved to North Carolina in 2004, and I started teaching for CMS. During my time with CMS, I obtained my US citizenship. As soon as I discovered Carolina International School, I knew this was the environment I wanted my own children to grow up in. After attending an open house, I knew it was the place that I wanted to teach about the environment in a hands-on way, and where I would be able to share my international background to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Kathleen Morris: Sixth Grade Teacher
I am originally from Bethesda, Maryland and came to the Charlotte area after living in Dallas, Texas; Vail, Colorado; and Encinitas, California. I have a younger brother with three daughters and a sister with one son. My parents live in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I have five children of the feline variety who keep me very busy.
I have been very fortunate academically even though I absolutely hated school, except for P.E., recess and lunch. I was blessed with a private education, graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where I earned a B.A. in physical education, along with an all-level teaching certificate. I took a few classes in Educational Administration and many in teaching modifications. I also attended UNC-Asheville and earned a K-6 elementary classroom teaching certificate.
I have been teaching for a total of fifteen years. It would be impossible for me to sum up all of my experiences in a paragraph. However, I can list where I have worked and what I have taught. Immediately upon graduating from college in 1982, my parents afforded me the luxury of being a ski instructor in Vail, Colorado. Thereafter I moved to Encinitas, California where I attempted to get a “real job”. I missed teaching and children. I taught physical education for eight years. One of those years I was honored with the Teacher-of-the-Year by my peers at Park Road Elementary School for my creation of a peer tutor program for my artistic students. Then in Asheville, NC, I taught at an alternative school and the juvenile jail facility. I was hired by CMS after completing my work at UNC- Asheville, and taught in the fourth and fifth grade classrooms in a Title 1 school. I am now pleased to be teaching at CIS.
I feel very fortunate that my teaching path crossed with CIS. I have been intrigued and now excited teaching in a school where learning differences are respected. I absolutely believe that it is for my children to learn from my teaching style. I am constantly on my toes. Because I was never an enlightened or motivated student, I feel it is my charge to motivate all my children and inform my parents, no matter what it takes. Teaching is my life’s passion.
Lorraine Belachew: 7th and 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Caitlin Krauss:
Junior High School Math Teacher
I’m originally from San Francisco. I graduated from California State University at Hayward, Now Cal State East Bay, with high honors and a degree in math with minors in computer science and economics. I also have a degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming. I came out to North Carolina in 1983 on a Fellowship from Duke University. Between these years I worked as a satellite operations engineer and a mission controller for Lockheed Missiles and Space. Upon leaving duke I taught numerous courses at Durham Technical community College before accepting a position in the department of Surgery at Duke programming and doing electronics for surgical research teams. Upon leaving this position, I ran a game store in Durham. The Independent Newspaper ran an article on my store calling it the best place in the triangle to watch boys think. (We did have some girls thinking too.) I then worked in sleep medicine for about a year before I returned to teaching, this time via a teaching certificate in mathematics. This is my 6th year of teaching kids, and I’m very happy being at CIS. I hope we have a long future together.
: 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Jason Giersch: 9th and 10th Grade Social Studies Teacher
I am a resident of Charlotte's University City area where I live with my wife and our dog, Rafiki. I hold degrees from William and Mary and Penn State University, and I am currently working on a PhD in public policy at UNC Charlotte. Over the past decade, I have taught high school social studies in suburban Philadelphia and undergraduate courses in education, political science, humanities, and psychology at Gwynedd Mercy College in Pennsylvania and at United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya. My career path has brought me to CIS, and I am excited to have found an institution where students can learn about the world around them and its amazing possibilities. Beyond my career, I enjoy travel, athletics, and politics. I have visited 20 countries, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and run marathons on three continents. I expect that teaching at CIS will bring many more adventures, for both me and my students.
Corine Baker: 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher
Teaching science skills and science content to middle school students is a uniquely challenging endeavor. Unlike many of the core classes, middle school science is a new world for most students. Science has a whole new language and methodology that when learned well can expand a students critical thinking skills for a lifetime.
Before becoming a teacher I worked many years as a land planner and a Landscape Architect, a profession that requires a high degree of accuracy, creativity and scientific knowledge. I grew up in New England and as a child was selected to attend a lab school for advanced learners, at this school I was exposed to very nontraditional teachers who used unique teaching methods. These early pioneer teachers left me with powerful lessons. As my children progressed through school I noticed amazing differences. Where was the project based leaning I loved as a child, where were the thematic lessons, where was the energy and enthusiasm I saw in my progressive if not somewhat eccentric teachers? Where was the joy of learning? It left me with a nagging feeling wishing that somehow I could make a difference. Many years passed before that opportunity came to call.
Six years ago I was sitting in my Landscape Architecture office planning for yet another 55 or older sub-division when my daughter called and told me I was a grandmother. What was I doing in my office? I had a long think about my life. What I really wanted to do was be out giving back the gifts in life I had received, a novel and inventive early education, 12 years at the best colleges and Universities in America, and 50 years of traveling throughout the world. I remembered the best of my early education and I went to my local school and volunteered to substitute teach. Instead the Principal hired me on the spot. I became a teacher under the “teach under a waver” program in Massachusetts. After five years I can tell you it has been an interesting journey, but every day I am grateful for each parent who sends me the best kid they have, to learn all I know.
Lindy McCurry: 9th and 10th Grade Science Teacher
I attended primary (elementary) school and high school in Cape Town, South Africa, and continued my education at the University of Stellenbosch, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Botany and Zoology and a Diploma of Education, majoring in Science.
I started teaching in a bilingual (English/Afrikaans) school in Simon’s Town, a small naval base on the Cape Peninsula. After a year, I transferred to another High School in Constantia, a suburb of Cape Town, where I taught for 8 years. I then accepted a promotion as vice-principal of a Middle School in Fish Hoek, another suburb of Cape Town. I taught there for two and a half years. Throughout my years of teaching in South Africa, I have always coached some kind of sport, from swimming to netball to cross country.
My parents and brother and sister live in South Africa. The van Niekerks (my maiden name) have lived in South Africa for several generations and so far I am the second one that ventured over the waters. The first van Niekerk to come to the US was my grandfather, who was an engineer and worked for General Motors after the second World War. I grew up with him telling me stories about his experiences and always wanted to do something similar. My opportunity came in the form of a Teacher Recruitment program and I jumped at the chance to experience life in the US for two years short years. That was the original plan.
My husband, Chad, and I met after I arrived in the US and we got married two years later. We now live in Mount Holly, NC.
I am interested in anything that concerns our natural environment, which was my main reason for applying at CIS. I love hiking, swimming, repelling and just being outside. I also enjoy reading and eating good food.
I love the fact that we have a strong environmental focus, with actions following words, at CIS. Together with that, our global emphasis ensures that our students can become well-adjusted people with broad horizons that can make a true contribution to their communities in years to come.
: Junior High School Math Teacher
Michele Persin: 9th and 10th Grade Language Arts Teacher
I just moved down to Charlotte from the Detroit area to teach at this wonderful school! Before I began teaching at CIS, I taught high school English and history in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certificate programat the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I also have several credits toward a Master of Artsdegree in curriculum and instructionfrom the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
I am thrilled to be at CIS because of all of the wonderful people here—teachers, staff,and students. They are creative, warm, patient, and open-minded.
In addition to teaching, I enjoy writing, reading, hiking, cross-country skiing, yoga, and ballet.
Specialists:
Rosemary Giraldo: Spanish teacher
Hola Estimados Padres e Hijos:
Me llamo Rosemary Giraldo, soy profesora de español y es un gran placer para mí formar parte de esta magnífica escuela. Me gradué de Queens College City University of New York con honores del Departamento de Lenguas. Y recientemente recibí el gran honor de ser una profesora certificada nacionalmente. Este es un gran acontecimiento en mi carrera profesional. He enseñado alrededor de seis años y mi mayor anhelo es estimular y desarrollar en mis estudiantes el aprecio por la diversidad cultural, el lenguaje y el deseo de aprender nuestro idioma. Soy de Barranquilla, Colombia y hace 5 años me mudé aquí desde Nueva York. Carolina del Norte es un estado muy agradable y acogedor. En mi tiempo libre me gusta pasar tiempo con mi familia, estudiar la palabra de Dios la Biblia e inculcarles a mis hijos el amor a Dios y al prójimo. También me encanta viajar y conocer otros países, y culturas al igual que disfrutar de una buena taza de Café Colombiano junto aquellas personas que amo J
Hola Dear Parents and students:
My name is Rosemary Giraldo. I am one of the Spanish teachers at Carolina International School. It is a great pleasure for me to be part of this wonderful school. I graduated from Queens College City University of New York with honors in Spanish, as well as Cum Laude. Recently, I have been blessed and honored by receiving my National Board Certification. I am very excited about this recognition. I have been teaching for six years and my desire is to stimulate and develop my students’ appreciation for cultural diversity, language and the desire to learn Spanish.
I am from Barranquilla, Colombia and I moved to here from New York five years ago. North Carolina is a very nice state with very warm people. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, studying God’s word the Bible and inculcating in my children to love God and others. I also enjoy traveling and getting to know other countries and cultures as well as drinking a good cup of Colombian Coffee with those whom I love.
Jennifer Ju: Chinese Teacher
I’m originally from Taiwan and had my Master degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. My husband and I moved to Charlotte from California three years ago. Immediately, both of us settled into the relaxed life style here. We go fishing, golfing, and skiing together. Personally, I love to spend time writing Chinese Calligraphy, playing piano (still learning) and shopping..
At first, I came to Carolina International School to apply position in Exceptional Children department. Then Dr. Beall challenged me to launch a new Chinese program here. I accepted and enjoyed so far with the support and love from students, parents, and staff members.
It’s the second year of the Chinese program. My goals are to provide a new and friendly global language experience for the students. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural understanding are the primary objectives.
Troy Bunch: Technology Specialist
I am a North Carolina native and a graduate of East Carolina University. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6 with a concentration in Social Studies. I have seven years of teaching experience in elementary school.
Over the past seven years I integrated technology into my teaching as well as administered several technology programs. I participated in an after-school program with third through fifth grades to increase socialization as well as improve end-of-grade test scores. I attended workshops at East Carolina University on integrating math and art. I also successfully completed the Pitt County Educational Foundations Teacher Executive Institute.
I enjoy traveling and recently took a two-month road trip across the United States, tenting and hiking along the way. I already have plans to complete touring the continental United States next summer.
Jennifer Hommes: Music Teacher
After living and working in Madison, Wisconsin for 10 years as a Rehabilitation Counselor and student in music education, I am excited about returning to North Carolina to teach music at CIS! I’m originally from Wilmington, North Carolina and moved to Chapel Hill to complete my first undergraduate degree in Exercise & Sport Science. I then journeyed to Madison to pursue a Master’s in Rehabilitation Psychology and subsequently accepted a position with a local non-profit working with adults with severe physical disabilities. In the meantime, my passion for music resurfaced and I began exploring the possibility of merging my love for music with my experiences in the non-profit world as a counselor and educator. I soon was admitted into the School of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis in instrumental music. My primary instrument is the bassoon.
In addition to my new teaching position at CIS, a primary motivation for returning to North Carolina was to be closer to my family. Both my mother and father, who are originally from The Netherlands, still live in Wilmington while my brother lives in Charlotte. This Dutch upbringing gave me the opportunity to learn a foreign language as well as spend multiple summers in a European country to learn about my heritage. Regarding my personal interests, I of course love music and traveling, but I also love cooking and spending time outdoors hiking, boating, biking, and kayaking. I grew up on a farm where our family grew cut flowers to sell to wholesale florists. I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and hope to share this appreciation through my teachings.
Overall, I am very enthusiastic about my first teaching experience with the staff, teachers, students, and parents at CIS and feel that I’ve found a school that embraces a philosophy similar to my own. While at CIS, I hope to take students on a musical adventure that not only opens the door to various genres of music, but makes music an accessible and ongoing source of pleasure throughout their lives!
: Grades K-1 and 7-9 Physical Education Teacher
: Grades 3-6 Physical Education Teacher
Becky Aranyi Art Teacher
Support Staff:
Exceptional Children Teaching Staff:
Joyce Myers: Exceptional Children Coordinator
Ms. Myers will play key role in the CIS staff in coordinating our efforts to meet the educational needs of exceptional children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, with seven years of experience in school settings. She last taught EC students at a CMS middle school, assisting them with the NC Standard Course of Study requirements along with study skills. She also prepares Individual Education Plans and conducts IEP meetings. She has experience “pushing in” EC students to regular classrooms, as well as “pull out” programs and resource rooms. She is a committed educator who believes that all children can learn. We feel fortunate to have such a caring and conscientious professional in charge of this important aspect of our educational program.
: Exceptional Children Teacher
Denise Schwartz: BASP Director/Office Manager/Records Office
I moved to North Carolina 4yrs ago from New York. I have a daughter who is a student in CIS. This is my second year as director of the Before and After school program. Before working for CIS I operated my own daycare facility inside my home. I had 12 children enrolled between the ages 1-8. Throughout the years I still wanted to work with children however, I wanted to do so outside my home. I assisted the director and teachers of all grade levels working for a Montossori school. Before becoming a parent and working with children I went to college seeking a degree in business management. I also am a licensed cosmetologist and have owned and operated my own business as well as managing 8 salons at one period of time. My future goal is to work towards a degree in early childhood education. I look forward to grow here at CIS as well as watching the students complete there education through out the years.
