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.

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, 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. 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. ALLIE HORREL, 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. Priscilla Tsang, 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 herr 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. Ariana Lurie, Math Instructor & Teacher Support

Ms. Ariana has a degree in Genetics from North Carolina State University. She has teaching experience teaching science and leading science camps at Catawba Science Center. She has experience in administration as well as utilizing her high level of organization in curriculum planning. Ms. Ariana brings an uplifting and dedictaed energy to all shes does

Ms. Adrienne Drum, Langauge arts, spanish, theater instructor

Ms. Adrienne holds a degree 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.

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.