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.Michelle Skerlos was born and raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois before moving to Raleigh with her husband and three children. Mrs. Skerlos has been actively involved in her community and dedicating herself to local schools. Mrs. Skerlos works in the front office at Thales Rolesville and assists the staff, parents, and students when needed. Having had a student go through the Thales school system, Mrs. Skerlos is impressed with the level of education students receive while attending Thales and looks forward to seeing the continued growth in the schools.
Mrs. Skerlos completed coursework in Business at Western Illinois University before beginning her career in Administrative Services.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.Will Begley was born and raised in Vermont, but moved to North Carolina a few years ago. In college, he couldn’t decide among literature, history, philosophy, logic, and music, so he picked all of the above by majoring in Classics. He loves English literature and all Latin literature and is deeply grateful to get to share those loves with young people as part of the Thales curriculum. He has taught courses at UNC in medical terminology and Latin, and he teaches high-school Latin at Thales Academy.
Mr. Begley received a B.A. in Classics from Davidson College, an M.A. in Latin and a Ph.D. in Classical and Medieval Latin from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Begley teaches Latin.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.Charity Brandsma grew up in California and at a young age realized her passion for teaching, cross cultural interaction, and philosophy. By the time Mrs. Brandsma was finishing her bachelor’s degree at California Baptist University, she had moved to Thailand in order to engage various people groups in conversation about differing worldviews and beliefs. Now living in Raleigh with her husband and son, Mrs. Brandsma looks forward to using her passion for teaching to walk alongside students as they grow in thought and character, which is one of the reasons she loves Thales so much. While Mrs. Brandsma is usually reading a good book, she also loves adventure sports outdoors like backpacking, whitewater kayaking, and windsurfing.
Mrs. Brandsma has a degree in Christian Ministries from California Baptist University, and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Apologetics and Christian Philosophy at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mrs. Brandsma teaches Trivium.Laura Copp was born in Raleigh before her family moved to Middleburg, VA where she graduated from Notre Dame Academy. She continued her studies by returning to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University. One of her greatest career accomplishments is holding 3 patents on enhancing immune responses to different viruses and cancers. Ms. Copp enjoys sharing her love of science with Thales students. She hopes to inspire them everyday to embrace opportunities for learning and use scientific knowledge and tools for their own expeditions.
Ms. Copp received a B.S. in Zoology and Pre-Medical studies at North Carolina State University. She then received an M.S. in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at Georgia State University. Ms. Copp teaches Science.Wendy Cheng was born and raised in Salisbury, North Carolina. Growing up, she always had a passion for music and was shown how rewarding teaching can be by her high school band director. Music became the forefront of her life while in college as she studied music education. She has performed with various ensembles, including local groups and also performed with the United States Air Force Band. Ms. Cheng is excited to be a part of Thales Academy and strives to share her love of music with her students.
Ms. Cheng received a B.M. in Music Education from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Ms. Cheng teaches Music and conducts Band.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.Stephanie Merinoff is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She moved to North Carolina after completing her undergraduate studies at Brandeis University. She recently graduated from North Carolina State University’s Master’s program in History where she decided to pursue her teaching career. Ms. Merinoff is pleased to teach Literature at Thales Academy where she inspires her students to become lifelong readers and learners. When she is not teaching, Ms. Merinoff plays music in the Triangle area.
Ms. Merinoff received a B.A. in Classical Studies and History from Brandeis University and an M.A. in History from North Carolina State University. Ms. Merinoff teaches Literature.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.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.Shane Dalziel is an Army veteran born and raised in Vermont. He attended both the University of Vermont and Champlain College, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree. Mr. Dalziel, his wife, and two daughters moved to NC four years ago like most New Englanders seeking the allure of nicer weather and more opportunities for their growing family. He relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences with students, believing each student has immeasurable potential. Mr. Dalziel is an instigator of innovative thinking and a perpetuator of positivity.
Mr. Dalziel received a B.S. in Computer and Information Systems from University of Vermont and an A.S. in Web Development from Champlain University. Mr. Dalziel teaches Science and P.E.Hagen Donahue was born in Northern Virginia and raised in Cary, NC. When she began teaching at Thales Academy, her passion for literature and history paired well with her appreciation for educational enterprise. Regarding school leadership, Ms. Donahue previously served as Literature Department Chair and humanities instructor at Thales Academy Apex 6–12. Ms. Donahue was also instrumental in upgrading the Thales New Teacher Orientation to an online format. After successfully completing the Thales Leadership Program in 2017–2018, Ms. Donahue accepted the position of Interim Assistant Administrator for 2018–2019.
Ms. Donahue received a B.S. in Secondary English Education from Appalachian State University and is currently pursuing her Masters of School Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Stacey Egger grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri. She studied History and English at Hillsdale College, and worked in the college archives and library and tutored at the campus writing center. She was educated according to the classical model from second grade through high school, and is well aware of what a blessing that education has been. She is very excited to work at a school whose mission is to form young minds in this way. Ms. Egger feels fortunate to be making the transition from student to teacher at a school as organized, passionate, and effective as Thales Academy.
Ms. Egger has her B.A. in history from Hillsdale College. Ms. Egger teaches Trivium.Bryan Farnsworth was born and raised in Virginia and moved to Orlando, Florida for High School and college. Following high school graduation Mr. Farnsworth enlisted and served four years in the U.S. Navy in the nuclear power program. Mr. Farnsworth has hands-on engineering experience with Lockheed Martin, Parata Systems, Rini Technologies, and Champion Industries. He has been a contributor on more than 13 patents in the field of pharmaceutical automation. He has also spent several years working as a Director of Coaching (Challenge Division) for the Capital Area Soccer League as well as teaching/tutoring at Wake Technical Community College. Through his past roles of coaching, teaching, and mentoring youth, he developed a love for teaching. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience in engineering at Thales Academy to develop future engineers.
Mr. Farnsworth earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Material Science from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Farnsworth teaches Technology.Alexis Franco was born and raised in Miami, Florida. For over ten years, she has served in various roles within education, from teacher to curriculum director for a charter management organization. Having grown up in a Cuban-American family and experienced various Hispanic cultures in her travels, Mrs. Franco is excited to share her love of Spanish culture with her students. In providing an interactive, acquisition—rich environment, Mrs. Franco strives to provide her students the tools necessary to become fluent in a second language.
Mrs. Franco holds a B.A. in Business Management and a B.A. Religious Studies from Florida International University. Mrs. Franco teaches Spanish.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 a teacher for seven years across several disciplines and a wide spectrum of age groups. Mrs. Haas joined Thales Academy as a Humanities teacher, and she became a department chair and the advisor for National Junior Honor Society. As a teacher, Mrs. Haas believed in the importance of forming authentic relationships with her students and their families. Now in her work with Admissions, Mrs. Haas feels fortunate to help families learn about Thales Academy and all that it has to offer. Mrs. Haas is passionate about students finding an educational environment that allows them to thrive and meet their fullest potential.
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.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.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.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.Edgar Jones grew up in Oklahoma where he earned academic and baseball scholarships to Coffeyville Community College and later to Northwest Missouri State University. While in college Mr. Jones discovered a passion for history and a desire to help others develop the skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing world we live in. Upon completion of his coursework, Mr. Jones began his teaching career in Iowa but has spent the past 12 years teaching a variety of history classes in Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Jones is looking forward to working with faculty, students, and parents that place a high value on academics as well as the development of the whole person.
Mr. Jones received a B.S. in Social Science Education from Northwest Missouri State University and an A.S. from Coffeyville Community College. Mr. Jones teaches History.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.Justin Keever grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Mr. Keever is a proud United States Navy Veteran, serving overseas on several deployments and completing his naval career in the United States Navy Reserves. From his experience and travels with the military, he is passionate about teaching history so that students can use their knowledge of the past to better prepare for the future and to learn about their own history as well as others so that they can operate proficiently in our globalized world. Mr. Keever strives to create ethical, responsible, and independent learners and is excited to challenge the students at Thales to appreciate, learn, and build on the past.
Mr. Keever received his B.A. in Political Science/History Minor at UNC Chapel Hill. He pursued his Master's Degree (MAT) in Middle Grades Social Studies at North Carolina State University. Mr. Keever teaches History.Nikole Kelly grew up in a military family where moving place to place was normal for most of her early life. Through her childhood experiences, Ms. Kelly fed her curiosity about the world around her and pursued an education in history. Ms. Kelly has taught public high school and college undergraduates in specific content spanning different historical periods, outdoor education, and multicultural education. Ms. Kelly believes each teaching experience allows her to gain and create relationships with her students, schools, and community, which she strives to do at Thales Academy as well.
Ms. Kelly earned an M.A. in cultural anthropology from North Carolina State University. Ms. Kelly teaches History.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.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.Mrs. Nelson has known for decades that educational choices matter to her family and so many others. She spent many years teaching in homeschool cooperative programs and providing private tutoring services in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas. Her family relocated to North Carolina for her husband’s career, and Mrs. Nelson discovered that Thales Academy is a learning institution that matches her educational philosophies. As a devotee of literary classics, Mrs. Nelson enjoys teaching many genres of Literature in addition to Trivium.
Mrs. Nelson holds a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University, and she is currently pursuing a M.A. in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mrs. Nelson teaches Literature and Trivium.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.Amy Ray grew up in Charlotte, NC. After completing her undergraduate degree, Ms. Ray began her career in college athletics as a media relations director. Desiring a change from the public relations field, Ms. Ray discovered she had a true passion for teaching. After ten years as an elementary teacher, including six years at Thales Academy, Ms. Ray now shares her love for math with 6th through 12th Grade students. She also enjoys assisting the cross country team, watching other sports, and volunteering in her free time.
Ms. Ray received her B.S. in Electronic Media and Broadcasting from Appalachian State University. Ms. Ray teaches mathematics.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.Jonathan Rodrigues was born and raised in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada, before he set out to study Theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. During his time there, he developed a passion for ancient language and literature, and decided to pursue studies in Classics. Now he hopes to bring into the classroom his dedication to that rewarding discipline, allowing students to discover the beauty of Latin and the wisdom of those who spoke it. For Jonathan, Thales embodies the best of classical education today, and is not afraid to adapt modern approaches to the ethical and holistic goals of a Socratic pedagogy. He is eager to foster the intellectual and personal growth of his students, and to be an active part of the school’s vibrant community.
Mr. Rodrigues earned a double B.A. in Theology and Classics from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Mr. Rodrigues teaches Latin.Rebecca McLane 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. Mrs. McLane 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.
Mrs. McLane 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. Mrs. McLane 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.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.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.