New Faculty 2021-2022

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 12 items.

  • Zeynab Badreddine - JAC Academic Coach/Subject Tutor


    Multinational and originally from Lebanon, Zeynab was educated at Lyon University in France, moving to the United States in 2015. She holds two master’s degrees - one in educational sciences and one in research management - and a Ph.D. in science education. She is a specialist in video data analysis in education and humanities. 
     
    She is married to Nizar Noureddine, and their children attend FCDS: Jasmine ’33 and Adam ’35.

  • Amanda Baird - Lower School Science Teacher


    Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and her master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. 
     
    Amanda and her husband Spencer have two children at FCDS: Hunter ’31 and Finley ’34.

  • Sam Bishop - College Counseling Associate


    Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Sam earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, graduating cum laude with a double major in communication and psychology.

    Sam started working in education while still in high school, where he volunteered with second graders at a local public school in Montgomery, Alabama. While at Wake Forest, Sam worked one-on-one with third graders at Speas Elementary School. 

    After his graduation from Wake, Sam became a 2020-2021 Winston-Salem Fellow. The myriad professional and personal development opportunities the program offered helped him realize his passion for helping high school students discover who they are. Sam worked with Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, where he reviewed student's college application essays, moderated and hosted Zoom webinars for rising seniors, and connected seniors to scholarships that fit their needs, interests, and passions.

  • Stacy Bodek - JAC Language Development Teacher


    Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Stacy earned her master's degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport and a reading specialist certificate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
     
    Prior to moving to Winston-Salem in 2013, Stacy owned and operated a national learning center in Pittsburgh focused on helping students from K-8 improve their reading, writing, and math skills for 16 years. She is in the process of completing Associate level coursework and presently participating in an Associate Practicum to prepare for application to the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
     
    Stacy and her husband Ken live in Winston-Salem and have one daughter, Audrey.

  • Laura Bonsall - JAC Academic Coach


    Laura has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Gettysburg College and a master of public health from Benedictine University with a concentration in health education and promotion. She has over 20 years of experience in academic consulting, specializing in professional school and college applications. Her daughter Lindsay graduated from FCDS in 2021.

  • Katie Brewer - Director of College Counseling


    Katie has over 20 years of experience in counseling, recruitment, advising, and program administration. A graduate of Wake Forest University, she spent many years on the other side of the college counseling desk working in college admissions at Texas State University - San Marcos, Loyola University Chicago, Saint Louis University, Wake Forest, DePauw University, and Salem College, where she led the Office of Admission as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment. 

    Before coming to FCDS, Katie was the Director of College Counseling and Assistant Head of Upper School at Woodlawn School in Mooresville, N.C., where she worked since 2018. Katie developed and led the school’s first comprehensive college counseling program for students in grades 9-12. In this role, she helped students determine an appropriate list of colleges and programs for them, assisted in the research and application process, provided constructive feedback on college essays and resumes, and counseled students on their final college decisions. Katie made regular communication with parents a priority, keeping them informed during the application process and holding semi-annual parent presentations and coffees to educate and build relationships. 
     
    Katie also taught seminar-style classes to foster students’ social-emotional development and college and career planning for students in ninth to twelfth grade. These focused on nurturing curiosity and self-exploration, empowering students to advocate for themselves, setting realistic goals, and academic planning.

  • Jessica Clark - Biology Teacher (Long-term Sub)


    Originally from Jacksonville, N.C, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Winston-Salem State University and her master’s degree in biology from the University of South Florida. 
     
    Jessica has been teaching high school science for five years.

  • Laurie Clark - Lower School Art Teacher


    Laurie grew up in Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art history with a focus on multiculturalism in art from San Francisco State University and her master’s degree in children’s museum exhibition design from the Corcoran College of Art. Laurie has studied art in France, Italy, and South Africa, and her graduate thesis was the creation of a mobile children’s museum that would merge art and science to bring artistic theory to underserved communities.
     
    She served on the board of Sawtooth School of Visual Art for six years. Prior to coming to FCDS, she taught preschool art at Sawtooth and taught preschool at St. Paul’s Preschool. 
     
    She and her husband Brad have two boys: Taylor ’30 and Elliott ’32.
     

  • Rachel Clark - Upper School Ceramics


    Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel earned her bachelor’s of fine arts from Tennessee Technological University and her master’s of fine arts from East Carolina University. A teacher for more than 10 years (five at the college level), Rachel invented a technique called Oxide Fusion Printing, and she specializes in digital technological application onto traditional craft material and locally sourced "wild" clay and glaze. She has also worked in blacksmithing, fiber arts, glass blowing, fine metals, and woodworking.
     
    Rachel is married to Brendan Mims.

  • Laura Clay - Upper School Assistant Director


    A native of Virginia Beach, Laura has spent the majority of her career in Winston-Salem. She received her bachelor's degree in history/social studies education from Pfeiffer University and her master's degree in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a passionate leader and career teacher/educator with experience and success in diverse academic environments. She engages, directs, and promotes students’ academic and social development through insight, compassion, motivation, and humility for the benefit of the individual and the greater community. 

    Prior to coming to FCDS, Laura was the Dean of Students/Assistant Head of School at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in Sewanee, Tennessee. At SAS, she was also the Interim Dean of Admissions, taught history and English, and coached middle school basketball. Most recently, she was the Dean of Athletics at Chatham Hall, where she developed and implemented a health and wellness initiative, taught civics and ethics, and coached field hockey and lacrosse. Laura began her teaching career in the WS/FCS system, earning Teacher of Year awards at both Clemmons Middle School and Reagan High School. She also taught history at Salem Academy, receiving the Joel Weston Award for Teaching Excellence. 

    Laura and her spouse, Beth, have a son, Kip, who currently attends the University of Montana.

  • Abby Hoffman - First Grade Teacher


    Originally from Winston-Salem, Abby earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from North Carolina State University. She taught first grade for five years in Wake County and Forsyth County before coming to FCDS. 
     
    Abby and her husband Justin are excited to be back in her hometown.

  • Jordan Holbrook - Preschool Assistant Teacher Fours


    Originally from Greensboro, Jordan earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a concentration in communications from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
     
    She taught elementary school for four years and worked in marketing for a company that sells preschool curricula and resources. She lives in Kernersville with her husband Will.

List of 12 items.

  • RJ Hooker - Assistant Director of College Counseling


    RJ earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his MFA in creative writing from George Mason University. 

    Over the course of his 10-year career as a college counselor, educator, and writing specialist, he has engaged students in writing centers, college classrooms, public and independent high schools, and as an admissions essay specialist. Before coming to Forsyth Country Day School, RJ worked as Assistant Director of College Counseling at Greensboro Day School. 

    He lives in Greensboro with his wife and two daughters.

  • Chris Johnson - JAC Academic Coach & Baseball Coach


    Originally from Winston Salem, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern University. 
     
    Prior to coming to FCDS, he worked in the North Carolina Community College system in student development, serving as the Director of Student Life. He also worked in special education in the WS/FCDS and in Virginia.
     
    Chris has more than 20 years of experience in the coaching, sports, and fitness industry, coaching at the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA collegiate levels and at the high school level in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. 
     
    Chris and his wife Rachel have a son, Landon Kai.

  • Adam Keener - ASAP and Enrichment Coordinator


    Adam earned his bachelor’s degree from Berea College and his master’s degree in divinity from Wake Forest University. 
     
    He has many years of experience working with children and young adults 
     
    Adam and his wife Becky have two children who attend FCDS: Callie Jo ’25 and Casel ’28.

  • Melissa Mann-Bailey - Upper School Counselor


    A 19-year education veteran, Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University, her master’s degree in HRD/counseling from the University of Bridgeport, and her doctorate in educational organizational leadership K-12 at Grand Canyon University. 
     
    Melissa began her career as a social worker specializing in adolescents, then carried that passion for working with young people into education, where she has held positions as varied as Middle School division head at The Mead School in Stamford, Connecticut to Dean of Students at Harlem Village Academies in New York, New York to counselor and learning specialist at High Point Friends Academy in High Point, N.C. 
     
    An experienced mental health professional, Melissa has provided individual and group counseling in diverse areas, supporting the behavioral and academic needs of students to encourage and implement guidance and leadership. She works collaboratively with teachers and parents in order to develop strategies that support students’ academic achievement and personal and social development, taking an enthusiastic approach to creating a positive, safe, and equitable environment that fosters a sense of community, growth, and learning for all students, faculty, and families. 
     
    She and her husband Lennox have a daughter, Tillaya.

  • Yolanda McClure - Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning


    A native of Durham, N.C., Yolanda is a passionate educator who believes that literacy can change lives. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in education at Northeastern University. 

    While working on her master’s, she served as the site coordinator of a Freedom School at Davidson College, where she led a team of eight teachers in their daily instruction of students in K-eighth grade. Yolanda has a long and diverse career in education, working in both urban and rural communities with students of different ages and backgrounds, honing her ability to listen, analyze data, and center students. 

    Yolanda has served in numerous leadership roles including instructional facilitator with the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools. During her tenure, she led teams of teachers in providing an educational experience for students that was grounded in research-based practices.
     
    Yolanda and her husband Sean have two young sons, McKinley and Harrison.

  • Kelly McMurray - Preschool Assistant Teacher Twos


    Born in Asheville, N.C, Kelly grew up in Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University. 
     
    Prior to coming to FCDS, Kelly taught preschool for nine years at New Philadelphia Moravian Preschool.   
     
    Kelly has been married for over 20 years and has three children.

  • Chasity Merrell - First Grade Teacher


    Originally from Mount Airy, Chasity earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from High Point University. 
     
    Prior to coming to FCDS, she taught first grade for 13 years at Forsyth Academy charter school, where she also served as a reading interventionist, teacher mentor, and teacher content leader. Chasity was named Teacher of the Year, earned the Vision Award, and received the Excellence in Teaching Award for two years in a row. 
     
    Chastity and her husband Mike live in Lewisville with their son Brody.

  • Lauren Muñoz - Third Grade Teacher


    Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in education with EC-4 certification from the University of Texas at San Antonio. 
     
    A 13-year teaching veteran, Lauren taught third grade for seven years and formerly taught pre-k and kindergarten prior to joining FCDS. 
     
    She has a son, Shane, who is in college.

  • Helen Naples - JAC Academic Coach


    After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, Helen owned and operated a women’s fitness business in Winston-Salem for more than 25 years. During that time, she was honored by the W-S Chamber of Commerce as Small Business Person of the Year. Helen spent the past few years living and working full-time for an internationally recognized anti-human trafficking NGO in Thailand. 
     
    Helen has two grown daughters.

  • Shannon Overby - Upper School English Teacher


    Originally from Alabama, Shannon earned her bachelor’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and her master’s degree in journalism and creative media from the University of Alabama. 
     
    Certified to teach both English and social studies, Shannon has taught for more than 10 years. Prior to coming to FCDS, she earned the student-centered award from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in 2017. 
     
    Shannon and her husband Joe have a daughter, Charli.

  • Kristin Philpott - First Grade Teacher


    Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Kristin’s family roots run deep in the Triad community. After graduating from RJ Reynolds High School, she attended Appalachian State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education. 
     
    She began her teaching career in Yadkin County, where she taught kindergarten, first, and second grades at Forbush Elementary over a span of 18 years. During her time at Forbush, Kristin served as the chair of multiple committees, a new teacher mentor, and was twice nominated for Teacher of the Year.
     
    Kristin and her husband Cabell have two teenage daughters, Ella and Maggie.

  • Lynn Pocock - Lower School Language Development Specialist


    Lynn Pocock earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in child development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her master’s degree in teaching (M.A.T.) from Salem College. A member of the International Dyslexia Association, Lynn is in the process of completing Associate level coursework and presently participating in Associate Practicum to prepare for application to the Academy. She began her teaching career at FCDS in 2003, where she taught pre-kindergarten and fourth grade and helped to develop and implement a 3-year-old program. After leaving FCDS in 2007, Lynn worked in preschool intake and as an exceptional children’s teacher for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Most recently, she served as a first and fifth grade assistant teacher and a fifth grade lead math teacher at Summit School. Lynn and her husband Don have two children, Norie (FCDS 2027) and Miller (FCDS 2028).  

List of 12 items.

  • Casey Proctor - Preschool Lead Teacher Fours


    A native of Winston-Salem, Casey earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University. She has worked in the public school system for nine years and taught for five. 

    Casey knows 4-year-olds well - her daughter turns 4 in September 2021!

  • Ray Ragusky - Academic Coach/Subject Tutor


    A native of New Jersey, Ray earned his bachelor’s degree in American political systems from the United States Naval Academy. He served as a naval officer in a number of capacities, retiring as a Commander after 21 years of service. One of his duties during his naval career was serving as the lead instructor of marine engineering for mid-grade officers. Upon completion of his naval service, Ray joined the corporate world as a project manager for AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Time Warner Cable. He first joined the Forsyth Country Day School faculty in 2014 as an academic coach in the Johnson Academic Center and is excited to be back. Ray and his wife Beth have four children and two grandchildren.

  • Acacia Real - Preschool Lead Teacher Twos


    Originally from Monrovia, California, Acacia earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in child development from the University of La Verne.
     
    Acacia worked in early childhood education for 16 years in various settings and roles - from directing a Lutheran preschool to working in classrooms of large corporate centers - prior to joining FCDS.
     
    Her daughter, Island ’37, attends FCDS.

  • Mike Russell - JAC Academic Coach & JV Basketball Head Coach


    Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Mike is a graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School. He worked as a 1:1 community support specialist and coached basketball at different high schools in Winston-Salem Forsyth Country. Mike is the lead developer at CP3 Basketball Academy and enjoys interacting with kids and developing relationships with people of all ages.

  • Taylor Simmons - Lower School & Preschool Spanish Teacher


    Originally from Winston-Salem, Taylor [Isenhour] Simmons graduated from FCDS in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Spanish and French and is working towards her master’s degree in teaching in world language instruction at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  
     
    Taylor, who speaks French, Spanish, and Russian, has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for four years. She and her husband Hayden have two sons: Peter, who attends ABC of NC, and David, FCDS ’37.

  • Alexandra Slentz - Orchestra and Music Teacher


    Born in French-speaking Canada, Alexandra earned bachelor’s degrees in music education and music performance from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, graduating with outstanding achievement in both programs. She earned her master’s degree in music performance (conducting) from the University of Toronto. 

    An accomplished violinist and trombone player, Alexandra was the IB Senior and Middle School Music Teacher at Branksome Hall in Toronto, where she taught strings and band to students in grades seven to twelve. She conducted the school’s Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber String Ensemble. Prior to that position, Alexandra was the senior school music teacher at Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill, Ontario, teaching band to students in grades 9-12 and conducting the senior and intermediate bands, the jazz and brass bands, and the string ensemble. 

    Alexandra was active in the Toronto music scene and the Music Director and Conductor of the Toronto Community Orchestra.

    Alexandra is married to Ian Slentz.

  • Bridgette Stauffer - Fourth Grade Teacher


    Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bridgette earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood/special education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to FCDS, she taught third grade in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, winning the 2018 PROMISE New Teacher of the Year Award. She was also the Teacher Candidate for the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports program in 2019 and 2020. 
     
    Bridgette and her husband Josh have a young son, Isaac.

  • Becka Stone - Preschool Lead Teacher Fours


    Originally from Florida, Becka earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Salem College. She has lived in Winston-Salem for the past 15 years. 

    Becka has spent a lifetime working with young children - from babysitting to serving as a nanny to working as a teaching assistant or lead teacher for the past four years.

  • Dana Strauch - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Colorado, Dana earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford University and her Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School
     
    After she chose to stop practicing law, Dana became involved in community volunteer projects, many of which involved children and education - including working as a substitute teacher at FCDS.
     
    Dana and her husband Jack have two children who are FCDS alumni: Nick ’19 and Julianne ’17.
     

  • Sarah Thomas - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Sarah earned dual degrees in mathematical statistics and Spanish from Wake Forest University. 
     
    Sarah has incorporated 1:1 work and mentorships with students of all ages in roles in Washington, D.C., Spain, and most recently at Wake Forest University, where she worked for three years before joining FCDS. 
     
    Sarah is married to John Thomas.

  • Rachel Warner - JAC Academic Coach


    Originally from Winston-Salem, Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte and her master’s degree in counseling from Wake Forest University. 
     
    Prior to coming to FCDS, Rachel was an academic coach at Wake Forest for two years during her graduate program, where she supported studies by helping students with study plans, time management strategies, and academic stress.

  • Harry Windsor - Systems Support Specialist


    Originally from Burlington, Harry has a long and successful career in Information Technology which began as a computer-aided design (CAD) specialist at an architectural engineering firm. For over 20 years, he has worked in various IT positions at Advanced Home Care in High Point - serving as a systems analyst, technical services manager, network engineer, and eventually in management as technical services manager overseeing the Help Desk and Client Services Teams. 

    Harry and his wife Christie have two daughters, Hannah and Alayna, and a son, Justin.
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