Ms. Beth, Director & Instructor

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 Degree in English from East Carolina University with a specialization in Multi-Cultural and Transnational Literature. She has taken a wide array of training in working with divergent thinkers, has worked in public and private settings with at risk and exceptional students prior to JLSA. Ms. Beth is certain that some students need a different type of learning environment and is dedicated to providing a once in a lifetime learning experience for children.

Ms. Sheena, Primary Grades Instructor

Ms. Sheena Holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science from St. Augustine’s College. She has worked for the City of Raleigh for years in the role as a Before/After-School Care Director and provider. As a care provider for the City of Raleigh she has experience working One-on-One with students that have Autism as well as other students that think out the box and that are very gifted. Ms. Sheena worked as a Practicum Assistant with students in a Special Education Program through Peace College where she earned her teaching certification. She has also worked with the students at Millbrook Exchange Center holding different educational events and activities. Ms. Sheena has a passion for helping others and working with students. She is reliable, patient, energetic, and very caring.

Ms. Jamiya, Horizons Program & Foreign Language Instructor

Ms. Jamiya is a graduate from North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina. Ms. Jamiya majored in Physical Education with a concentration in teaching as well as completed the Teaching Program in Fall 2011. Graduating from Wallace-Rose Hill high school as a North Carolina Scholar she has always loved academics. 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.

Mr. Skip, Math & Science Instructor

Mr. Skip has been teaching in various capacities since graduating from North Carolina

Central University in 2007. His honors include November 2017 Employee of the Month 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. Mr. Skip lives in Knightdale with his pets: a crested gecko named Archie, and a tarantula named Webster. 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 will be released later this year.

Ms. Liz, Academic, Civics & Theater Instructor

Liz studied drama at the Long Island, NY High School of the Performing Arts, Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York City, Herbert Bergdorf Studio, and The Real Stage. Liz has performed as an actor in numerous venues, was a founding member of the Rogue Theater Company, and has been teaching, coaching, and directing professional and student actors for nearly 20 years. Liz has been teaching specialized academics for years and is trained through the Augustine Literacy Project in reading instruction, utilizing the Orton Gillingham & Wilson methods, as well as a Scientific Learner Certified provider.

Mr. Zach, Supervising Aide & Teacher Support

Zachary holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill. He started his journey helping individuals on the spectrum as a counselor for the Autism Society of North Carolina at Camp Royall. He has a great passion for reading and writing of all sorts and loves sharing that passion with the students at our wonderful school. Currently he is working towards national certification in the principles of applied behavioral analysis, which he implements to great effect at JLSA.

Ms. Brooke, Math Teaching Assistant & Art Instructor

Originally from New York, Ms. Brooke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, minoring in Studio Art from SUNY New Paltz. Drawn to working with children, Ms. Brooke started her career volunteering at a youth program for disadvantaged children, and then went on to become a direct support professional- working one-on-one with children and adults who had mental disabilities. Ms. Brooke then worked for years as a case manager, building experience with emotional dysregulation, coping strategies and de-escalation techniques, as most of her case load suffered from severe mental illness. This, paired with experience teaching studio art, has helped her become confident in her abilities to support the children of JLSA in the ways they need most. Ms. Brooke has a passion for working with children, helping them grow, and teaching art.

Ms. Lise, Teaching Assistant

Ms. Lise is an artist and educator from Northern Virginia. A photographer and graphic design artist, she incorporates the joy of creation to help children find their voice through art. She has worked at museums as a docent to teach patrons of all ages about the art that was exhibited. She hopes to return to school to become an art therapist to neurodivergent and chronically disabled as someone who is both. In her free time, Ms. Lise enjoys meditative dance, vegan cooking, and cuddling with her cats.

Agape Environmental Education, Outdoor Education

ACE Education is the Agapé Center for Environmental Education, a carefully developed and integrated program designed to meet the goals of science set forth by the NC Department of Public Instruction. ACE Education is a creative way to meet NC Essential Standards for Science and Social Studies.