Timothy Hall is a self-proclaimed philosopher and academic, having authored several textbook supplements, curriculums, standards, and popular history texts including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to World History and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Middle Ages. Dr. Hall has many years of teaching experience and has taught AP World History, AP European History, AP Psychology, and Medieval Studies. Prior to joining Thales Academy, Dr. Hall served as principal of a large charter high school. In addition to his daily responsibilities, he continually works to expand his involvements. He has collaborated with the College of William and Mary and the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop curricular materials for the teaching of religious freedom in US history. Dr. Hall’s current research focuses on Kierkegaardian philosophy and non-cognitive education. In all that he does, he is deeply passionate about classical education and works tirelessly to develop the highest quality education for Thales Academy students.
Dr. Hall received a B.A. in History from Elon University, a M.A. in History from East Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute and University. He has received numerous awards, including schoolteacher studentships to the University of Oxford for curriculum development and research fellowships to the Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Dr. Hall serves as the Director of Operations and Academics for all campuses of Thales Academy.Melissa Edwards discovered her love for education at an early age. Through the support of her family, she has channeled her passion into a fruitful career both in and out of the classroom. Prior to joining Thales Academy, Mrs. Edwards spent ten years teaching in a variety of public and charter schools. In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Edwards has served as a Teacher-Educator for the NC Museum of Art, a Cooperating Teacher for North Carolina State University, and a presenter at the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE) Conference in Orlando, FL. She often speaks publicly at various educational conferences across the region. Mrs. Edwards is a strong believer in student success and she works daily to build positive, personal connections with students to help them achieve their full potential.
Mrs. Edwards received a Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership from Walden University and a M.A. and a B.S. of Middle Grade Education from North Carolina State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Teacher Leadership at Walden University and expects to graduate in May 2017.Olympia Agnew was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. When growing up, she always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. During her college breaks as an undergraduate student, Ms. Agnew substitute taught and through these experiences, her decision was solidified in pursuing a teaching career. Ms. Agnew has worked with students varying in age and also in a variety of settings. Ms. Agnew has experience teaching in both public and private schools. One of the many aspects of teaching that Ms. Agnew enjoys is the curiosity that the students bring to the classroom. She believes that it is important to help her students understand that they must get out of their comfort zone to promote growth and to become the best individual they can be. She also believes in fostering a supportive environment to ensure success.
Ms. Agnew received her Bachelors of Arts in Biology with a minor in Spanish from Queens University of Charlotte. She is currently working on her Master's certification in Middle Grades Science education through the online program at Appalachian State University. Ms. Agnew teaches science at the junior high level.Like many living in the Triangle, Michele Baldwin is not a native North Carolinian. Due to her father's career in the US Air Force, Ms. Baldwin was born abroad in Okinawa, Japan before moving stateside to Texas and, eventually, settling in northern California. Her small town roots led Ms. Baldwin to the University of Redlands, a private University with a student population of 1,500, allowing her to have more one on one educational experiences. While at the U of R, she entered the school of education's dual program allowing her to receive her undergraduate degree and teaching credential simultaneously. Soon after graduation, Ms. Baldwin began her career at Gompers Preparatory Academy (GPA) in southeast San Diego. In 2013, Ms. Baldwin moved to North Carolina to teach at an alternative high school in Raleigh. Ms. Baldwin, now at Thales Rolesville, is excited to be tackling yet another new and exciting educational endeavor.
Ms. Baldwin received her B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology an a minor in English: Creative Writing from the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. She is a certified Secondary English teacher for grade 6-12 in both California & North Carolina. Ms. Baldwin is teaching 8th American Literature, 11th European Literature, and 8th American History.Tonya Beauchaine claims the Southwest home, where she grew up with plentiful sunshine, cacti, and green chile cuisine. Mrs. Beauchaine relocated to Raleigh in 2009 to study nutrition at Meredith College. While in school, she developed a desire to help students develop healthful living habits. Daily, she strives to help students develop integrity and communication skills that will help them succeed in adulthood. Mrs. Beauchaine is happily married and is mother to a young daughter.
Mrs. Beauchaine graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Communication and from Meredith College with a M.S. in Nutrition. Mrs. Beauchaine teaches Technology.Don Beck was born in New Jersey before moving to Florida for his senior year in high school. He began his career, following college working for the New York Yankees and then moving into the Parks and Recreation Field. Mr. Beck has always been actively involved in the community and with children, and has felt he could make a difference in their lives. This is when he went on to get his teaching license and has been teaching for 11 years. Mr. Beck moved to North Carolina in 2015 with his family, teaching in Wake County Public Schools before beginning at Thales in 2017-18. Mr. Beck enjoys spending time with his family and being active.
Mr. Beck received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Exercise and Sport Sciences in Sports Administration while continuing his teaching degree with Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University.Tyler Bonin was born in Hartford, Connecticut. After high school, Mr. Bonin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps; it was while living abroad during his service that he developed a passion for history and international affairs. Mr. Bonin believes that the study of history and economics is a powerful tool for not only encouraging students to participate in public discourse, but also to gain a solid understanding of today’s most pressing issues. He aims to foster in his students an explorer’s spirit by encouraging them to continually ask questions about the world around them.
Mr. Bonin received a B.A. in Government from Campbell University and a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Duke University. Prior to joining Thales Academy, he participated in research in Washington, D.C. Mr. Bonin teaches History and Economics.Nicole Boriotti was born and raised in Holbrook, N.Y. and moved to North Carolina in July of 2000. She began her teaching career in the Patchogue-Medford school district on Long Island. She taught 7th and 8th English before relocating to the South. Mrs. Boriotti earned her Bachelor of the Arts degree in English Education from L.I.U. C.W. Post and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies. Mrs. Boriotti spent 17 years teaching in Wake County Public School System until she joined the Thales staff for the 2017-2018 school year.
In her free time, Mrs. Boriotti enjoys spending time RVing with her husband & two daughters. She also enjoys running half marathons. She has completed 9 races so far, and plans to keep running until she no longer can. She plans on helping with the Thales cross country team.Brianna Brown moved from Washington to North Carolina as she was entering the 6th Grade. In college, she participated in the Teaching Fellows program at UNC Chapel Hill before beginning her career as a high school teacher. Mrs. Brown brings several years of experience to Thales, having previously taught literature and public speaking in public schools. When not teaching, she loves to spend her free time reading, traveling, and running.
Mrs. Brown received a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a Master’s degree in Education from Wake Forest University. Mrs. Brown teaches Literature, coaches cross country, and serves as the Literature Department Chair.Sarah McLaughlin was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Sarah McLaughlin always knew that she wanted to be a teacher but didn’t know which subject she wanted to teach. One day, her senior year of high school, she was taking a Calculus test and realized that she was having a good time! She went to college in Ohio, spent a semester in Austria, and after graduating, taught in San Antonio for a year. She moved to Chapel Hill this summer because she is getting married in December to her fiancé, Michael, a UNC graduate student! When she is not teaching, Sarah enjoys exercising, traveling, especially to Texas, reading, hiking, shopping, and listening to podcasts. She is excited to be joining the Thales Rolesville family and hopes her students end the year liking math just a little bit more than they did on the first day of school!
Mrs. McLaughlin received a B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in secondary education and a minor in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Mrs. McLaughlin is teaching 6th grade math and geometry.Paula Burke was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She developed a love for art through everyday experiences in the great outdoors. Ms. Burke is a firm believer that there are many cognitive and psychological benefits for children involved with visual studies. Research confirms that students who are involved in arts programs have fewer behavioral issues, perform better academically in other courses, and have improved critical thinking skills. Ms. Burke is honored to have the opportunity to foster creativity in her students.
Ms. Burke graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.A. in Fine Arts and Design. Ms. Burke teaches Art.Ashlie Canipe’s love of the ancient world began with the study of Latin in high school, but she became truly invested when she first read the startling expressions of human suffering and courage in Stanley Lombardo’s translation of the Iliad. Ms. Canipe strives first to understand the needs of her students, and then to encourage them to address their needs with her support. She hopes that all of her students leave her classroom understanding more deeply themselves, ancient Rome, and the world in which they live.
Ms. Canipe earned a B.A. in Classics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also graduated with highest honors in Poetry Writing. She later received a M.A. in Classics from Florida State University and served as a Graduate Summer Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Hellenic Studies. Ms. Canipe teaches Latin.Melanie Chappell was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. She always wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until she became a peer tutor in high school that she fell in love with teaching math. She strives daily to inspire her students to enjoy math and loves to see the smiles on their faces when they have successfully solved a challenging problem. Mrs. Chappell wants her students to understand the importance of math in their daily lives and future careers. When not teaching, she enjoys reading a good book, watching movies, cooking, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and fur-babies.
Mrs. Chappell received a B.S. in Mathematics Education from East Carolina University and a M.A. in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. Mrs. Chappell teaches Mathematics.Keith Church was born, raised, and educated in North Carolina. Following high school graduation, he spent four years in the Marine Corps as a cryptologic technician. After earning an engineering degree, Dr. Church worked as a process engineer in the fiber optic cabling industry, spending time in research and development as well as in manufacturing. Feeling the call to ministry, Dr. Church attended seminary and served in his local church for ten years. While teaching with Liberty University online and working with youth, he discovered a passion for education and teaching young people. Dr. Church finds teaching to be much more than a “job,” as he finds great joy in helping young people to love growing in knowledge and wisdom. As a teacher in science, math, and engineering, Dr. Church endeavors to inspire students to live a productive life in an increasingly complex 21st century environment.
Dr. Church received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University as well as a M.A. of Divinity and Ph.D. in Philosophy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as an adjunct faculty member for Liberty University Online since 2010. Dr. Church is the Director of the Luddy Institute of Technology.Paula Cynar grew up just outside of Detroit, in the suburb city of Novi. When asked, she will reference her birthplace by the use of her hands, using the well-known metaphor of the “Michigan glove.” Ms. Cynar is a physical activity enthusiast. She loves to take part in activities both indoors and outdoors, and she has found a joy in opening opportunities to students through physical education classes. She believes that physical education is a place for students to express themselves while improving the health of their minds and bodies. Ms. Cynar grounds her students with the fundamental skills needed to be healthy and active lifelong learners.
Ms. Cynar received her B.S. in K-12 Physical Education with a minor in Biology at Grand Valley State University. She is currently pursuing an Athletics Administration degree from Ohio University. Ms. Cynar teaches Physical Education and Personal Fitness. She also coaches girls’ basketball and soccer.Adriane De Moerloose was born and raised in Bucks County, PA and eventually moved to Chester County, PA after college. Mrs. De Moerloose worked within sports and software organizations in various roles of public relations, marketing, and event management for 8 years and had the pleasure of working for clients and with colleagues worldwide from the UK, Europe, India, Canada, and South America. She decided to go back and pursue her passion in teaching all while starting a family and had the pleasure of working at G.A. Stetson Middle School for a few years. She recently moved to North Carolina with her family in 2016.
Mrs. De Moerloose received a Bachelor of Arts in Writing from La Salle University. She received two PA certifications in Elementary K-6 and Middle Level English 7-9, as well as a Masters in Education from Cabrini College. Mrs. De Moerloose teaches 6th and 7th grade Trivium.Amanda Gruber was born in Sacramento, California, where her parents completed their military contracts before moving the family to Virginia and eventually to North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Gruber moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to study marine science. She then completed graduate studies in environmental science and worked with the South Carolina State Park Service at Hunting Island State Park outside of Beaufort, SC, becoming a certified Lowcountry Master Naturalist and Sky Ranger. Mrs. Gruber is now a proud member of the Thales family and firmly believes in making learning engaging and fun.
Mrs. Gruber received a B.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and a M.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology from Green Mountain College. Mrs. Gruber teaches Science.Lauren Haas was born in the cold, white Northeast and moved to Cary, NC as a young child. She proudly has adopted the distinguishing term, “y’all,” and considers herself to be a Southerner as well as a NC State Wolfpack fan. Mrs. Haas has been fortunate to work with children in a variety of age groups, from pre-kindergarten to 10th Grade—but certainly enjoys the junior high and high school grades the most. A firm believer in the “love what you do, do what you love” philosophy, Mrs. Haas immensely enjoys teaching History to her students and aims to bring all studies of the past to life. She believes encouraging students to investigate history and unlock its mysteries allows for a full understanding of the foundations of Western Civilization. When she isn’t guiding her archaeologist-students through various time periods in the classroom, you can find Mrs. Haas leading the Thales chapter of the National Junior Honor Society or spending time with her husband around Raleigh.
Mrs. Haas received a B.S. in Middle Grades Education from North Carolina State University and a M.A. in Curriculum Specialization from Appalachian State University. Mrs. Haas teaches History and serves as the History Department Chair at Thales Academy Rolesville.David Harris was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mr. Harris grew up in a household that encouraged learning and education, so he knew he wanted to become a teacher from an early age. Through his travels with his family, he fostered a love for history in the rich stories of each culture he visited. With that in mind, he went on to study Education, Language Arts, and Social Studies in college. Mr. Harris enjoys teaching students and coaching them to maximize their potential in everything they do.
Mr. Harris received his B.A. in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Mr. Harris teaches Physical Education and Health.Jeremy Hartzell was born, raised, and schooled as a military brat in Jacksonville, North Carolina with a short stop in Illinois, the Land of Lincoln. Mr. Hartzell’s love for education and its value in society started at home when he was just a child. Mr. Hartzell’s first and most prominent professional role model was his own mother who blazed trails in education first as a teacher and then ultimately as a successful and respected administrator. Mr. Hartzell strives on a daily basis to live up to her shining example. He strongly believes that learning should be rigorous, thoughtful, patient, hands-on, and whenever possible—fun. Mr. Hartzell wants students to be able to take away one essential skill from any course they may take: critical thinking. Mr. Hartzell is a strong believer in the mission of Thales Academy to change the world through the simple goal of graduating good people who will go on to do great things.
Mr. Hartzell received a B.A. in English from Eastern Illinois University and a M.A. in English (Creative Writing) from East Carolina University. Mr. Hartzell also acquired a background in secondary education from North Carolina State University through the NC TEACH program. He also taught as a lecturer in the first year writing program in the English department at North Carolina State University for twelve years. Mr. Hartzell is currently participating in the Thales Teaching Fellows Leadership program. Mr. Hartzell is a teacher of Literature and the Interim Assistant Administrator of Thales Academy, Rolesville.Joshua Herring was born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee and Virginia. His father has been in the Southern Baptist ministry for over thirty years, and his mother homeschooled him before he attended Hillsdale College in Michigan. While in college, he met his wife and then relocated to North Carolina after graduation. Mr. Herring began teaching at Thales Academy two years ago and loves inspiring junior high and high school students to appreciate their intellectual inheritance. When not teaching, Mr. Herring spends his time pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.
Mr. Herring holds a B.A. in History from Hillsdale College. Mr. Herring teaches Literature and History.Jennifer Herring grew up near Frederick, Maryland. She decided to venture to the Midwest for college, where she met her husband, and attended Hillsdale College. She never regretted that decision except in the middle of winter. In 2011, she began a Masters in Library and Information Science degree at University of North Carolina Greensboro. After completing that degree, she worked for four years as a children's librarian with Wake County Public Libraries enjoying all the science explosions, biographical discoveries, weird facts and fantastical stories she was able to share with the children who came to her programs. She is excited to join Thales Academy Rolesville faculty for 2017-2018! She looks forward to returning to her love of Latin and sharing it with her students.
Mrs. Herring graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in Classical Studies in 2011. She then received her Masters in Library and Information Science in 2013. Mrs. Herring will teach 7th and 8th grade Latin.Michelle Hicks was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and spent her childhood in California, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. Ms. Hicks has known since the 9th Grade that she wanted to be an English teacher. Her philosophy of teaching is that every student has the potential to do well and that the greatest thing we can learn is to be compassionate toward others. She was awarded with a North Carolina Kenan Fellowship for the Advancement of Education in 2014 and she regularly works with the Kenan Institute to develop curriculum and train teachers across North Carolina. In her spare time, Ms. Hicks likes to write, run, play tennis, and—most importantly—read.
Ms. Hicks received a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature and highest honors in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.Ed. from Harvard University. She was awarded a North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship as a high school senior. Ms. Hicks teaches Literature.Nathaniel Johnston was born in Upstate New York and raised in Graham, North Carolina. As a young child, he developed a passion for anything sports related (especially soccer) and a love for reading. He is blessed to have the opportunity to educate and inspire young adults both on the soccer field and in the classroom. Mr. Johnston’s goal is to mold students into self-motivated, continuous learners who express their ideas clearly and concisely. His desire is that all of his students will live a life marked by a strong work ethic, integrity, and intentional character development.
Mr. Johnston received a B.S. in History from North Carolina State University, where he spent four years training in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Mr. Johnston teaches Physical Education and History and coaches varsity soccer at Thales Academy Rolesville.Laura Jones was born and raised in Argentina, and later moved to Turin, Italy where she attended middle and high school. It was there that she developed a passion for foreign languages, western history, literature, and philosophy. She has taught in the elementary classroom and is excited to bring her education and passion to Thales Junior High students learning Literature. Mrs. Jones believes in character formation as a paramount objective of education, and relishes the opportunity to instill and teach fundamental values to all her students. As important as hard work and character are, she also values having a sense of humor and warmth in daily interactions with her students. Each child is unique and has a personal contribution to make!
Mrs. Jones earned her B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is currently enrolled in the Thales Teaching Fellowship.After attending Governor’s School for a summer during high school, Ashley Judy realized her passion for math and soon craved a career that would inspire others in the same way. After completing high school, Mrs. Judy moved to Greenville, NC, where she attended East Carolina University and served as a Teaching Fellow. Following graduation, she journeyed to Japan for a time to experience a more diverse lifestyle and expand her own thinking. Upon her return, she spent four years teaching high school before joining Thales Academy. Mrs. Judy is thankful to call Thales home and strives daily to empower and inspire her students to embrace their own learning.
Mrs. Judy received a B.A. in Mathematics Education with a minor in Mathematics from East Carolina University. Mrs. Judy teaches high school Mathematics and serves as the Mathematics and Science Department Chair.Mary Lewis was born and raised in Gardiner, Maine. As a child, she developed an appreciation for the mystery behind the way things worked and always had a passion for using math and science together. Ms. Lewis uses this passion to inspire students to solve logic puzzles and understand a variety of mathematical concepts. In her spare time, Ms. Lewis enjoys athletics and researching the application of mathematics in chemistry.
Ms. Lewis received a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Bates College and a M.S. in Applied Mathematics from North Carolina State University. Ms. Lewis teaches Mathematics.Sonia Mabry was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Mabry believes in teaching her students by posing engaging problems relevant to their lives and their passions. She helps her students to approach mathematics with an attitude of success, rather than fear. She encourages students to seek out challenges on their own by looking for mathematics in everyday life. Daily, she aims to foster an environment where students are encouraged to rise to meet high expectations, working hard to find the best solutions.
Mrs. Mabry received a B.S. in Mathematics from Hampton University and a M.A. in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mrs. Mabry teaches Mathematics.Sara Crews was born in Florida, but lived in both Oklahoma and Florida before moving to Raleigh to attend Meredith College. Mrs. Crews has been involved in music her entire life, starting with preschool church choir. As she began to take piano lessons, play in an orchestra, and join several choirs as a child, she realized how much she appreciated music. Her eighth grade choir teacher truly inspired her not only as a musician but also as an example of what a great teacher could be. Throughout her four years in college, Mrs. Crews had the opportunity to study and teach music, as well as perform in numerous operas and musicals. Mrs. Crews is excited to share her love of music with students, and hopes they will come to admire it the way she does.
Mrs. Crews received a B.M. in Music Education from Meredith College and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in English as a Second Language at Meredith College. Mrs. Crews serves as the Chair for the Specials Department, and teaches chorus and performing arts.David Quackenbos grew up in Chesapeake, VA before going to college in Lynchburg, VA. He comes from a family of teachers, his father teaching at the college level and his mother as a middle school teacher. He met his wife (also a teacher) at college and they moved to North Carolina in 2016.
David has a Bachelor’s degree in History from Liberty University and a Masters degree in Ethics from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is passionate about history, philosophy, and reading and is looking forward to teaching at Thales!Brittany Rathvon was born in Columbia, Maryland, but grew up in the Tar Heel State. After completing dual degrees at Elon University, she returned to the Triangle to begin her teaching career. As an educator, Ms. Rathvon firmly believes in the importance of understanding the constructed nature of history. She aims to provide her students with the tools they need to be perceptive to bias and to question the concept of a single historical narrative. Her goal is to provide students with the knowledge to understand the complexities of the world in which they live and to nurture their curiosity concerning the events that shaped it. Ms. Rathvon believes the key to becoming a lifelong learner is to always question what you already know.
Ms. Rathvon received two B.A. degrees in History and Art History from Elon University. Ms. Rathvon teaches humanities.Melanie Roberts was born in El Paso, Texas. A child of a military family, she grew accustomed to moving often and developed a sense of adventure. Ms. Robert’s favorite part of teaching is watching a student’s eyes light up with understanding and self-discovery. She encourages scientific questioning in all aspects of life, applying the scientific method to a variety of subjects. There was once a day when scientists were also philosophers, and Ms. Roberts hopes to help develop a generation of thinkers once again. She strongly believes that each student who enters her class is capable of great things. As Ralph Waldo Emerson so famously put it, “What lies behind you, and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies within you.”
Ms. Roberts received her B.S. in Life Science with a minor in Pedagogy from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Ms. Roberts teaches Science.Rebecca Romeo was born and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She developed her passion for reading and writing at a young age, and she continually works to foster that same love and passion in her students. Ms. Romeo believes that communication and critical thinking are fundamental to human development, and she incorporates the development of these important skills into each of her lessons.
Ms. Romeo received a B.S. in K–12 Subject Matter Education and a B.A. in English with a minor in Writing Arts from Rowan University. Ms. Romeo teaches Trivium.From homeschooling on a small farm in Virginia to studying the Classics in college, Joseph Ruhl has enjoyed every moment of his Classical education and holds a deep-seeded passion for the ancient scholars. It seemed only fitting that Mr. Ruhl should teach at Thales Academy, a school with a great books curriculum. He seeks daily to enable his students to “stand on the shoulders of giants,” as Isaac Newton aptly stated, by introducing them to the timeless narratives of history. Mr. Ruhl is also a strong advocate for the formation of character and discipline as essential elements in the process of education.
Mr. Ruhl earned his B.A. in Classical and Early Christian Studies at Christendom College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mr. Ruhl teaches Latin.Jill Sugg has always loved to read, ever since her parents handed her The Golden Book of Fairy Tales when she was three. She grew up in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and moved to North Carolina in 2005. She has been teaching for 30 years. She taught in public schools in Florida for many years and switched to private schools for the last decade. She heard about Thales and knew it was where she belonged. She believes in the power of stories and the impact great literature can have on the life of a student. When she isn’t teaching she enjoys running, ballet, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Sugg earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Florida State University and an M.Ed with an emphasis on Literature from Elms College in Massachusetts.Casey Thacker grew up in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. She pursued her dream job of teaching young Classicists all the way to North Carolina (with her two cats in tow), coming to Thales Academy to teach Latin. She believes that studying Latin allows students to walk in ancient authors’ footsteps on their own terms, making history vivid and alive. Ms. Thacker strives to infuse all-important grammar lessons with the history and culture of the Romans themselves, and she encourages students to make their own connections and develop new thoughts and ideas. When not teaching, Ms. Thacker enjoys sponsoring Thales Academy Rolesville’s Junior Classical League, as well as a variety of relaxing pursuits including reading, watching movies, and dining with friends. At this time, she has wisely decided not to take sides in the Chapel Hill/Duke/NC State rivalries.
Ms. Thacker received a B.A. in History with minors in Latin and Ancient Greek from Utah State University and a M.A. in Classics from the University of Kansas. Ms. Thacker teaches Latin.Courtney Van Kleeck was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts and moved to North Carolina when she was five years old. Ms. Van Kleeck played a vital role in assisting Thales Academy’s first graduating class during their college admissions process, helping them to gain acceptance to a number of prestigious institutions. This year, she is formally stepping into the role of College Advisor, working with all high school students from freshman year to senior year to assist them in preparing for, applying to, and gaining acceptance to colleges and universities. Ms. Van Kleeck is honored to serve at Thales Academy and she plans to continue to develop Thales’ college advising program into a program of excellence.
Ms. Van Kleeck obtained a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Music from North Carolina State University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. Ms. Van Kleeck is Thales Academy’s College Advisor.Caroline Wehmann grew up in nearby Alamance County, but her love of the Spanish language did not bloom until she volunteered with the NC Farmworker Health program to teach both children and adults English as a Second Language. Her Spanish studies have taken her to México, Perú, Argentina, and Guatemala. In addition, Mrs. Wehmann has served three years as an Americorps volunteer in Florida and one year in Uruguay as a Fulbright Grant recipient. Mrs. Wehmann believes that foreign language opens the door to new cultures, peoples, and opportunities and looks forward to discovering the world of the Spanish culture with her students. Her daily goal is to encourage her students to embrace opportunities for exploration and to use the tools she has given them to lead their own expedition.
Mrs. Wehmann received a B.S. in Spanish Education from Appalachian State University and a M.A. in Spanish from North Carolina State University. She is a US State Department Fulbright Grant recipient. Mrs. Wehmann teaches Spanish.Heather Williams was raised in a military family, which took her to many far-away places including Virginia, Scotland, Tennessee, Italy, Maryland, Hawaii, and North Carolina. As an adult, Mrs. Williams continued her travels and lived and worked in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico City for twelve years with her husband and two children. She has taught classes from the elementary to the college level, giving her a diverse range of experience in education. Always thorough in her preparation, Mrs. Williams loves to challenge students to reach their full potential. Crafting exciting and dynamic learning environments is her passion, and she constantly searches for new ways to help her students develop their thinking.
Mrs. Williams received a B.S. in Microbiology from North Carolina State University and a degree in Christian Education from Louisiana State Baptist University. Mrs. Williams teaches Science.David Mahaley has been involved in education for over 28 years as a teacher, technology consultant, and administrator. He has led education technology initiatives for much of his time in schools as well as authored several books on iPads for use in the classroom. Mr. Mahaley has organized numerous workshops for educators looking to maximize the benefit of technology in the classroom including sessions at SITE, ISTE, EdMedia, FETC, and NCTIES. He also founded the Teaching & Learning with the iPad Conference Series, a conference that draws educators throughout the region. Today, Mr. Mahaley assists Thales Academy in developing effective technology initiatives that enhance student learning.
Mr. Mahaley received B.A.s in Geography; Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures; and Middle Grades Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University. He serves as a technology consultant for all Thales Academy campuses.