Region 2

Early Educator Support at UNC Charlotte

Region 2 Staff

Joanie Oliphant

Regional Lead- Mentor/Evaluator

jolipha3@uncc.edu

Since beginning work with EESLPD as a partner in 2013, I have been proud to provide support on the journey of reflection and professional growth for the teachers I have served. I joined as full-time staff in 2016, and each program year has been filled with many successes as our teachers participate in the NC Teacher Evaluation Process and improve their strategies in preparing students for success in the 21st century. My exciting career as an early childhood educator has taken me from classrooms to administration to a children’s museum to product development of classroom materials. My passion for young children and families has always been at the center of my work, and with EESLPD, there is joy in every day – collaborating with a team of mentors and evaluators who truly care about every teacher we serve. We each share the same goal – to provide support to teachers as they become the best they can be, in order to increase learning outcomes for children.

Amy Jo Farrington

Mentor/Evaluator

amyjofarrington@uncc.edu

Angela Wilson

Mentor/Evaluator

awils184@uncc.edu My name is Angela Wilson, and it is my privilege to serve as a Mentor/Evaluator with the Early Educator Support, Licensure, and Professional Development Program (EESLPD), at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (West Hub). In this collaborative role, I am afforded the opportunity to support NC PreK teachers who are seeking to identify, develop, and apply strategies that will enhance their teaching practice and ultimately boost learning and developmental outcomes for young children. At the center of this significant work, are the guiding principles of best practice as outlined by the NC Foundations of Early Learning and Development Standards. During my lengthy career in the Early Childhood field, I have been fortunate to work with young children, families, and teachers through a variety of positions including owner/director of a Five Star childcare facility, NC PreK Lead Teacher, Education Specialist, and professional development workshop facilitator. I believe that whenever we expect, and look for the best in others, we will always find it.

Brooke Hough

Mentor/Evaluator

bhough4@uncc.edu Brooke Hough graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in child development and received her Master’s degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education where she obtained her teaching license from Salem College. She taught Pre-K (both public and private) for 11 years and taught early childhood classes in higher ed for three and half years. Brooke joined the EESLPD Office in September 2017. Brooke said the most rewarding thing about her job is supporting teachers in their professional growth and working with a group of supportive colleagues. On a personal note, Brooke is married with two children and loves spending time with family.

Donna James

Mentor/Evaluator

djames@uncc.edu

Gail Hicks

Mentor/Evaluator

GailHicks@uncc.edu Gail Conoly Hicks- Grew up in Hoke County and reside in Moore County. Undergraduate degree in Exceptional Education from East Carolina University and Masters in Learning Disabilities from UNC- Chapel Hill. An educator in public and private settings for children with and without special needs since 1977. I became a partner with EESLPD in 2010 and a staff member of UNCC EESLPD West in 2014. I have worked with children with special needs and their families as a classroom teacher, preschool coordinator, director of exceptional education, director of an inclusive developmental day program and mentor/evaluator for preschool teachers.

Martha Berry

LeadMentor / Evaluator

mberry25@uncc.edu Martha Berry completed her 6th year with EESLPD (started in 2013), with a total of 27 years early childhood experience; both in public and non-public classrooms (faith-based, More at Four and NC Pre-K). She completed her Master’s degree from Salem College in Birth-Kindergarten and holds a NC Birth-Kindergarten teaching license. Martha shares, “I love my conversations and connections made with the teachers that I serve and being a part of each teacher’s professional journey as we celebrate and learn together.”

Sandra Thompson

Mentor / Evaluator

sthom172@uncc.edu

Susie Connelly

Mentor / Evaluator

idavis@uncc.edu

Tara Kidroske

Mentor / Evaluator

tkidrosk@uncc.edu