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 has extensive 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 working on a podcast and book publication in conjunction with the Chatham Historic Society including JLSA students.

Ms. Jamiya Allen, HORIZON'S Program DIRECTOR, HIGH SCHOOL & Project 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 for over thirteen years. 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. ALLIE HORREL, Assistant Director, primary lead & civics INSTRUCTOR

Ms. Allie has been working in the education field for over six years. Currently she is completing an education degree with a double major in Special Education & History. She has experience leading and coaching dance and sports teams, civics, theater and is a natural teacher. She has worked as an aide in Wake County schools, as well as providing mentorship to exceptional teens. She relocated from Indianapolis, Indiana ten years ago and is passionate about family, volunteering in the community, and making a difference.

Ms. Keirsten Caliguire, Primary & Theater Instructor

Originally from Topsail Island, NC, Ms. Kiersten is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education specializing in theater. She leads theatre workshops with local companies and has experience working with children in summer camps, public schools, and daycare settings. Passionate about making theatre and education accessible to all, she strives to create meaningful, authentic experiences that foster creativity, empathy, and connection. As a teaching artist, her goal is to meet students where they are and inspire a love of arts and self-expression.

Ms. Cathleen Connor, Horizon's Program Assistant & Arts program Instructor & Director

Cathleen has a Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education and a Masters in Special Education. She has taught more than 25 years in public schools in NY, VA and Oregon. Most of those years were at the elementary level with some experience in middle and high school as well. She also has raised 2 sons who are now young adults. Her younger son, due a reaction to medication with resulting brain chemistry changes, struggled in school until he graduated from high school. She also trained in NLP, the Body Talk System, Yoga Calm system, Inelia Benz method and courses with Access Consciousness.(R) She loves the outdoors - swimming, hiking, and boating.

MS. Priscilla Tsang, Math Instructor & Teaching assistant

Ms. Priscilla completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Appalachian State University, North Carolina. She gained a variety of experiences working with children with autism at public and special education schools. She is originally from Hong Kong and brings her international experience to school culture at JLSA. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and playing music. She is passionate about helping children achieve their full potential while providing the level of support that they need.

Ms. Adrienne Drum, Langauge arts & spanish instructor

Ms. Adrienne holds a degree in Education and a Master's in Art Education and has enjoyed working with youth for over 30 years. She has taught in public and charter schools, worked as a youth librarian and programmer, instructed GED students, and led programs at museums, art centers, and summer camps. Experienced with diverse learning styles, Ms. Adrienne likes to assist students in recognizing their unique abilities and developing their strengths. She incorporates both visual and theater arts into the curriculum whenever possible. In her spare time, Ms. Adrienne enjoys pottery, watercolor painting, gardening, cooking, Zumba, dancing and roller skating.

Ms. Alicia Hull, Math & Science Instructor

Ms. Alicia. grew up on the other side of the lake in Hillsborough. After graduating from NC State with a degree in Education, she explored many jobs, states, and countries. Fulfilling a love of childcare and an Education licencesure with East Carolina University, she began a more than decade long teaching career. Over the course of teaching 1st to 8th grade, she traveled through all 50 states & several more countries. Her love for teaching has taken the shape of an educator, tutor, a substitute and even a Mad Scientist. She is continuing her journey educating the future at JLSA & bringing her life experiences to inspire the next generation.

MR. Brian davis, Math & Music instructor

Mr. Brian holds degree in education and has been working in education for more than two decades. He has special training in behavior support and has worked in public and private settings. He is a 26 time author/recording artist and speaker. Mr. Brian represents and works with talent in the music industry and has traveld the world. From the US to many countries, his life's purpose is to empower all for a life of better.

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.