Staff

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Sheila Spangler has had the pleasure of teaching middle school students for over thirty years. After  retiring in North Carolina, she taught eighth grade language arts at Ewing Middle School in Gaffney, South Carolina and is currently a teaching at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, in Rutherford County, North Carolina. She has a bachelor’s degree in intermediate  education, a master’s degree in middle grades education, and National Board Certification in Early Adolescence English Language Arts. 

Mrs. Spangler said, “As a young girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. I have always enjoyed helping  students learn new things and refine what they already know. Each school family that I have had the honor to be a part of has a special place in my heart. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented educators through the years, and I treasure all  that I have learned from them. There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of a group of professionals who want to help children learn, grow, and succeed. I am excited to join a new school family at Cherokee Charter Academy.”

 She and her husband Russell live in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and have one grown son. Reading,  watching movies, taking long walks, and having fun with family and friends are some of her favorite things to do.

My name is Travis Horton. I was born and raised in the great state of Virginia. Go Hokies!! I attended Covenant College on Lookout Mtn., GA where I met my wonderful wife, Emily. I earned my Masters in Elementary Education from Converse College. In our 21 years together, we have lived in Mississippi, South Carolina, and now North Carolina.
After 10 years of marriage, we were blessed with our daughter and 2 years later a son. They attend Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, where my wife teaches. Through my kids, I have seen how impressive the Core Knowledge curriculum is and I knew I wanted to be a part of bringing this great opportunity to Cherokee County and the surrounding area.

I have had the privilege of teaching at Corinth Elementary for the past 13 years. So, sadly I am leaving the Cougar family, but with great excitement opening a new chapter by joining Cherokee Charter Academy. Go Patriots!!

My name is Elora White. I am so thankful and excited to have the opportunity to teach music at CCA. I live in Rutherford County, NC with my husband, Terry. He is a Baptist minister in Forest City, NC. We have two grown wonderful children and six grandchildren. Terry and I both are looking forward to my new adventure at CCA. My journey through education came a little at a time and later in life while I was raising my children. I graduated from Limestone College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in music. For the past eighteen years I have taught music to grades K-12 at The Master’s Academy in Forest City. I taught chorus, guitar, piano, hand bells, and high school ensembles. My joy and satisfaction comes from working with students and instilling confidence in them as they grow and learn music. My ultimate goal is that they enjoy as they learn. I enjoy reading “how to DIY projects” and being part of plans coming to fruition. My husband and I enjoy playing guitars together and attending concerts. My favorite past time is spending time with all my children. I look forward to working with the teachers at CCA in the Core Knowledge program and implementing musically what they are teaching in the classroom. I’m looking forward to the fun challenge ahead!

My name is Carrie Nenonen.  I live in Blacksburg, SC with my husband and four wonderful children.  I am a local girl.  I grew up in Gaffney, SC and moved to Blacksburg when I was a teenager.  My husband is from Southern Illinois.  Our paths crossed while working on the mission field in Mexico while we were both very young adults.  We were married in 2005 and have been blessed with two daughters and two sons.  My favorite pastimes are reading and spending time with my family and friends.

I attended Limestone college in Gaffney where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  After completing my education at Limestone College, I went on to add the area of Special Education to my certification.  I have been teaching Special Education for twelve years.  I have worked with all age groups as well as various types of disabilities through the years.  I have spent the last eleven years teaching in Kings Mountain North Carolina.

I am so excited to be a part of Cherokee Charter Academy!  I feel very blessed to be able to start this new season of my life with my new family at CCA.  I love working with kids and watching them make progress and grow.  There is nothing better! I can’t wait to get started!

Hi, my name is Trina Caldwell. I am so excited to be joining the Patriot Family. I recently retired, after 33 years, from Rutherford County Schools. I spent 30 years of my career at Harris Elementary so I guess you can say I am a loyal employee! I grew up in Boiling Springs, SC and graduated from Boiling Springs High School. Afterwards I attended Isothermal Community College before going to work in the school system.

My husband and I have been married for 34 years and have two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters. We enjoy camping and spending time with our granddaughters whenever possible.

I am thrilled to be a part of Cherokee Charter Academy. It is exciting to be a part of this new school and having the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives.

Cherokee Charter Academy's School Director Tessa Waldrep is recruiting a top staff of educators to help develop the next generation of American citizens!