Staff

---

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 Cristina Gibbons. My family and I just moved to SC in August of 2019 for my husband’s new job. In 10 years of teaching I've been blessed to experience different grade levels from preschool through fifth grade. Having spent several of those years teaching at a charter school that utilized the Core Knowledge curriculum, I must say, it is absolutely THE best choice for me and my own children.

My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary in August ❤️. We have two wonderful children who will also attend CCA. Our daughter is a rising fourth grader and our son will begin his kindergarten adventure at our new school. My favorite things to do are reading, painting, and taking evening walks in a park near our house. 

My family and I are all very excited to see what this new chapter holds for us. I could not be more thrilled to be teaching the Core Knowledge curriculum at Cherokee Charter Academy! GO PATRIOTS!

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 Megan Hamrick! I am a graduate of Appalachian State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education as well as a masters in reading education. I have always had a passion for teaching, and all the hard work that includes. I believe in meeting each student at their level for growth as well as pushing them to their full potential. The gradual release model and student based discussion approach works well in my classroom to create the best critical thinkers and eventually well-rounded adults. Most importantly, I believe in students. I believe that every unique and diverse child has the right to learn and will succeed with the right tools. I am excited to do my role in making that happen! Let's make learning fun together! 

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!

Leah Minor joins the Patriot Team, Welcome!

My name is Leah Minor. I grew up in Cherokee County. I attended Newberry College where I played volleyball for four years as a setter. I earned a B.S. in Physical Education with a Teacher Certification and minored in Coaching. 

I taught Physical Education at Foster Park Elementary in Union, SC, for the last three years. I also had the privilege of coaching the Union County High School varsity volleyball team. While I am sad to end my journey as an Eagle and Yellow Jacket, I am very excited to see where the Cherokee Charter Academy PE Program is going to go! LET’S GO PATRIOTS!

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!

My name is Brooks Corder, one of the Physical Education teachers at Cherokee Charter Academy. I am a recent and a proud Western Carolina University graduate and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. I am entering my first year of teaching and super excited to be a part of the Patriot family.

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.

My name is Deanna McClain. My family and I live in Gaffney, which is where I have lived for the majority of my life. I have five children. Two of my children are in college, one is in high school, two are in elementary and will be attending CCA.  I enjoy spending all my time with my family. We love to travel together, do outdoor activities, watch movies and do crafts. I also enjoy going on motorcycle rides with my husband to the mountains.

 I absolutely can not wait to begin this new career path as a Teacher Assistant with CCA! I believe we are going to have lots of fun!

Go Patriots!

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