|
Prosperity Church Campus |
|
Johnston Oehler Campus |
High School Faculty and Staff
Middle and High School Administrator AMS Secondary I Certification - Houston Montessori Center M.A. Environmental Education – Montclair State University B.S. Zoology – University of Maryland Countryside Montessori High School Teaching Staff Biographies 2009-2010 School Year ENGLISH I arrived in Wayne Glenn (Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Integrated Math): My wife and I moved to Mick Stukes (Pre Calculus): When the weather is nice, you can find me outside either riding my bike or playing ultimate Frisbee. As a multi-sport athlete, I have competed in an Ironman Triathlon and was a member of Team Susan Pai (Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science): I have a degree in Zoology from Farida Jacobs (Physics): I grew up in different parts of the world: Pam Harding (Spanish): I have been a member of the Countryside family since 1985 in varying roles: first as a parent, lower elementary Spanish teacher, classroom volunteer, substitute teacher and now finally as a pioneering member of the high school faculty. Born and raised in the "There are two great days in a person's life- the day we are born and the day we discover why." The quote by William Barclay is one that gives me a great sense of gratitude from knowing that I have found my calling as a Spanish teacher. Before moving to Charlotte I worked with the Florida Virtual School, and online public high school. I aslo had the opportunity to teach grades 6-8 at a private school in clearwater, Fl, an experience I loved. From my first moments with the language I have been enchanted by the sounds and customs assoicated with Spanish cultures. If have been fortunate to study in Spain and spent time living in Puerto Rico after graduation from UNC Asheville. I come alive in the classroom and find great value from sharing with my students something I hold near and dear. Because education is a journey that has no final destination, I am beginning my Masters in Latin American Studies at UNC Charlotte this fall. I am enthusiastic about sharing the knowledge I glean with my students. I hope that my travels, experience and education are something that will add to the great community at Countryside and look forward to my first year here. John Colbert (World Geography, World I earned my B.A. in International Business from Sedi Devoe (Visual Arts I): I was born and raised in
HEIDE PUTT
Lindsay Van Loon (English):
A native of Michigan, I fled my small hometown early on and lived in many places in the U.S. and abroad before settling on Charlotte, which feels like home already. After receiving my degree in English and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame in 2001, I went to teach English literature at the American School in Mexico City, Mexico. I completed my Master’s degree in Humanities at the University of Chicago in 2004 and returned to teach at the American School once again. Eventually I ended up at the Culver Academies in Indiana, where I had the opportunity to teach Humanities for three years and experience the boarding school lifestyle. I am excited to join the Countryside family this year. I am a voracious reader and traveler, and I am interested in just about everything the world has to offer, so I will refrain from listing it all here. Most of all, I love to learn, and I love to facilitate learning for my students. I am happiest when working with my students, who teach me more every day.
MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE
Karen Booker (Science):
Ideation is my strength and learning is my passion. I get a thrill from trying new things, listening to others and helping others learn. My passion was ignited during my early childhood. In Ohio, I grew up in a rural environment and was able to attend Montessori school. In 1996 I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in from Ohio Dominican College as well as my teaching license. I immediately started teaching in 1996, in 2001 I earned my National Board Certified Teacher status, and in 2002 I published the first version of my science activity book. I enjoy sharing my passion for learning with my family: Tom- wonderful husband, handyman, and teacher, Kate- super polite, gorgeous, and creative 6 year old, and Ellie- my daredevil, headstrong, and beautiful 2 year old. I will play volleyball at any opportunity, I enjoy participating in sprint-triathlons, I love to watch movies and read, and I collect glass objects.
SPANISH
Patricia Close (Spanish 1):
SOCIAL STUDIES
Jason Giersch (History):
I grew up in Pennsylvania and taught for several years at the very high school where I had been a student. Wanting to expand my horizons, I accepted an opportunity to teach at a university in Nairobi, Kenya. The experience inspired me to pursue a PhD in Public Policy, which I am currently working on at UNC Charlotte. I have a Bachelor’s degree in government from William and Mary and a Master’s of Education from Penn State. I have taught in a wide variety of settings, but I think the Montessori approach opens the doors to opportunities in teaching and learning I have not experienced in my past positions. I enjoy the outdoors and traveling; one of my goals is to run a marathon on each continent (but I’ll probably skip Antarctica).
FINE ARTS
Glenn Roberson (Digital Photography):
I am a professional photographer with a studio in the Lake Norman area, specializing in portraiture, weddings and magazine work. I earned my photojournalism degree at the University of South Carolina in 1985 and was an award-winning newspaper photojournalist earlier in my career. I have long been associated with Countryside Montessori Schools as a parent, as a cross-country coach and by providing photography services as a contribution to the schools. In addition to photography, I enjoy running and have completed four marathons and several half-marathons. I also enjoy reading, learning the piano and being with my family.
Meredith Swanson ( Music, Drama, Songwriting, Glee Club):
I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York and earned my Bachelors of Fine Arts from East Carolina University in Musical Theater in 2005. After college I became a performer in Walt Disney World’s “High School Musical” and “Playhouse Disney Live” in Orlando, Florida. I have performed professionally throughout the United States and am a member of the Actors Equity Association. After moving to Charlotte in 2008, I was a lead soloist in Charlotte’s own Carolina Voices “Singing Christmas Tree.” In my spare time I teach private voice, piano and acting lessons and enjoy performing in live theater. My husband and I love traveling and caring for our two cocker spaniels.