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, Intermediate & 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.

Dr. Kashi Bazemore, Resident Master Teacher

Dr. Kashi is a graduate from East Carolina University, with additional Master's and Doctoral degrees from North Carolina State University. She has an extensive teaching career in both public and private settings. Dr. Kashi is an expert in AI, as we as educational research. After many years of making a profound difference in the lives oif children, Dr. Kashi will begin practicing law in 2027. Her final year of teaching will be at JLSA, teaching and training students and teachers as she continues her legacy for helping the commun ity outside of education.

Ms. Megan Downing, primary, Civics & SPANISH INSTRUCTOR

Ms. Megan is originally fr0om Northern Virginia and has been teaching for many years. She has led educational classes in private and public settings, workjing with a diverse group of learners. Ms. Megan models her teaching after Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, because her motto is "Take Chances, Get Messy, Make Mistakes!) When not teaching she enjoys travel and spending time with her family.

Ms. Keirsten Caliguire, Primary, Science & 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.

Mr. Samuel Scannell, Math & Physical Education Instructor

Mr. Sam has a background teaching a range of math levels. He has previously held positions at several top New Eng;and boarding schools. He holds a degree in Applied Math from the University of Rhode Island, where he played hockey. Mr. Sam is a pioneer as a professional FlingGolfer and has brought a pilot program to JLSA.

MS. Phong Ho, Math Support & ART Instructor

Ms. Phu0ng came from Vietnam with her family. She attended and graduated NCSU with Graphic design degree. She has been working with children for 5 years as elementary teacher's assistant and middle school Art teacher. She finds working with kids very

fulfilling and rewarding. She is working to earn a second degree in Education. Her hobbies are reading, arts and craft, pottery,

gardening, swimming, hiking.

Ms. Cathy Hacker, Math Instructor

Ms. Cathy has a Bachelors in Mathematics from Indiana University and a Masters in Secondary Education from Xavier University. Teaching is her second career and she has spent most of the past 10 years teaching math in private schools in Ohio. She is passionate about helping students grow as thinkers and problem solvers and believes that learning math helps strengthen the mind for challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

MR. Brian davis, Vocational Lead & Music instructor

Mr. Brian holds 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.

Mr. Terrill Wright, One on One Instructor

With over twenty years of experience instructing yoga and asana poses to practitioners of yoga at all levels, he originally received the majority of his early yoga training and certifications in Venezuela, before returning to the States; while teaching English and Spanish in different settings. His extensive experience educating others in language arts has been provided to students of all ages for over twenty years in schools, institutions, and private classes. He excels in Spanish and English language class flow and creativity. His care and consideration for the learner’s psychological safety, so that they will have their needs met, is foremost in the relationship set forth between him as a teacher, and the students assisting each other to have the best opportunity for themselves in success.

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!

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.