Ms. Beth Kuklinski, Founder & Director

Ms. Beth was a founder of the original pilot program at Jordan Lake School of the Arts. She has a degree from North Carolina State University in Education, coursework in Special Education and a Master's program in English from East Carolina University with a specialization in Multi-Cultural and Transnational Literature. She has taken a wide array of training and experience working with divergent thinkers and children with autism. She has worked in public and private settings with at risk and exceptional students. She was the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Breathing Underwater: Stories of Autism, has been published in and featured by national and local publications and media. Jordan Lake Creative Center, is a non profit established by Ms. Beth's family and where she dedicates energy, to create vocational opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities. Ms. Beth is currently writing a book on the wisdom gained through the research at JLSA.

Dr. Megan McCoy, Language Arts -Humanities, Curriculum Writer, Licensed Counselor

Ms. Megan was raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. After graduating from Concord University with degrees in History and Secondary Education, Ms.
Megan went on to earn a dual Masters in Special Education and Psychology. She recently completed her Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Ms. Megan’s
decade-long career in Special Education has included roles such as a School Director, curriculum writer, instructor, and Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
(LMHP) in Virginia. Her comprehensive skill set and holistic approach to education emphasizes the development of life skills, content rigor, and resilience.
Ms. Megan is also working on a multi-sensory poetry anthology that will be published later this year

Ms. Jamiya Allen, HIGH SCHOOL Program Instructor

Ms. Jamiya is a graduate from North Carolina Central University. Ms. Jamiya completed the Teaching Program as a North Carolina Scholar and has a specialized focus in physical education. She has participated in the initial pilot program at JLSA and has worked to build the Horizon's Program for students. She has worked in public instruction as well as Montessori settings. Ms. Jamiya has a true love for children and a desire to help them to expand their knowledge.

Ms. Adrienne Drum, SPANISH

Ms. Adrienne holds a degree in Education from Lenoir-Rhyne College, as well as a degree from the Art Institute in Interactive Media. Ms. Adrienne has worked as an art and literature instructor with a wide range of students in schools, museums, and arts centers for many years. She has developed creative literature based programs for toddler, preschool, and elementary aged youth.
She has conducted theatrical and art programs for large and small groups. Ms. Adrienne utilizes a multi-intelligences approach and specializes in working with gifted and exceptional students.

MS. LEVI SMITH, PRIMARY, DANCE & theater INSTRUCTOR

Ms. Levi is a passionate educator that has worked professionally with children and animals for the past 20 years. Their work has taken place in a wide variety of settings, from zoos and sanctuaries to Montessori schools and therapeutic programs for children with physical and learning differences. For many years, Ms. Levi specialized in primate and mammalian communication and behavior, working with chimpanzees, lemurs, gibbons, tigers, sharks, and more. They were introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 2017, and hold a BS in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Montessori as well as their AMS certification in Early Childhood. They enjoy bringing their knowledge of the animal kingdom into the classroom and sharing their love for the natural world with children.

Ms. Levi first came to JLSA 15 years ago as the director of See Spot Read, a volunteer organization that brought therapy dogs into schools and hospitals. It has truly been a full circle moment for them to return all these years later as a member of our teaching staff! Ms. Levi’s daughter, Ella, also attends JLSA and is currently in the 4thgrade program.

Mr. Skip DeLyon, Math, science, & Music Instructor

Mr. Skip has been teaching in various capacities since graduating from North Carolina Central University in 2007. His honors include Employee Recognition for Halifax County Schools. He is an Eagle Scout, a semi-professional musician, and most importantly, a math whiz. Mr. Skip has a unique ability to communicate complex ideas to the students in a way that they can understand. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and playing music. Additionally, he has played concerts in fourteen states, and attracted an online following; his second album was released this year.

MS. TRACEY CARUSO, HORIZON'S & art INSTRUCTOR

Ms. Tracey has been an educator for thirty years. Ms. Tracey attended Costa Mesa college for Education and the Fine Arts program. She has worked with a range of age groups and developed and ran a highly regarded arts program in a private school in California. Ms. Tracey enjoys living in North Carolina with her family. She utilizes her wide experiences in supporting students in leading the financial literacy, cooking, and notecard business for Horizon's Program students.

Ms. Tina Hamer, Teacher's Aide & photographer

Ms. Tina is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. As a licensed private investigator in North Carolina, she has extensive experience conducting background checks for schools and foster parents, ensuring vulnerable populations are being cared for by qualified individuals. She is committed to making a positive impact and leaving the world a better place. With her expertise, compassion, and love for the outdoors, Tina brings a well-rounded perspective to her teacher’s aide role.

SPECIAL PROGRAM PROVIDERS

PLAY-WELL TEKNOLOGIES: LEGOFEST

Play-Well TEKnologies, know that kids are already naturally gifted creators. What we strive to provide is an environment where students can create without fear of mistakes, explore fundamental STEM concepts through play, and express their creativity in ways they never thought possible. With tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces and the guidance of passionate instructors, the possibilities are truly endless!

THE Keith Stillman, Half Tracks & Honey Bees

Mr. Keith provides mobile education outreach program enabling students to learn about beekeeping safely. He provide a special program at JLSA dedicated to making environmental science education fun and meaningful. Their program introduces students to the fascinating world of native honey bees while learning about native plants and honey harvesting.

CLAWS, INC

CLAWS, Inc. is an organization that is dedicated to helping wild and exotic animals, through educating the public as well as rescuing and rehabilitating those animals in need. Their educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation are done on a local basis: however, their exotic animal rescue has spanned the entire country. CLAWS provides special educational opportunities at JLSA.