CLOVER GARDEN SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Middle School / High School, Teacher
Hello, I am happy to be a part of Clover Garden! I am a licensed teacher with a Bachelors and Masters degree. I believe that music develops many life skills. Music allows students to challenge their mind, and express creativity. I believe that we can never stop learning no matter how old we are. I hope to inspire students to become lifelong learners! I love spending time outside with my pup and husband. Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing guitar, yoga, photography, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Parent Elected Member
My name is Anna Ballard and I am the K-12 dance instructor here at Clover Garden School. I live in Burlington, NC with my husband Brandon and our dogs Maggie and Bri. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance and choreography with a K-12 teaching license from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I joined the CGS family as a teacher in 2020, starting as a student teacher and eventually landing as the dance teacher in 2022. I have a passion for dancing, but when I'm not at the school or in the studio, you can find me reading, enjoying the outdoors with my pups, and traveling over the summer! I love the quote, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain". This reminds me to embrace all of life's challenges with creativity and an open mind!
My name is Ashley Ellis and I currently teach third grade at Clover Garden School. Some interesting facts about me that you might not know is that I am an alumni from CGS! Once a grizzly, always a grizzly. I graduated from Clover Garden in 2014, I was a part of the very first kindergarten class when we first opened in 2001. I am very happy to be back at "home" in my grizzly roots. I have been teaching for a total of 6 years, I am happily married and I have two beautiful children, Micah and Skylar. The thing that I love most about Clover Garden is our family atmosphere!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Treasurer
I have been married to JD Weed for 15 years. I have a daughter, Nikole, who will be in 7th grade at CGS. I have a son, Jake, who will be in 2nd grade. I love most all sports. Softball is by far my favorite. I love to cook and bake as well. I became a teacher to impact the lives of young people. I love what I do.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UNCG, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate from UNCG, and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6). I am entering my 16th year of teaching. I have taught in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Parent Elected Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Chairperson
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Vice Chairman
Daisy Whited (Valladares Ulate) was born in Guatemala on January 12th. She was raised in Costa Rica. She went to the National University of Costa Rica and got a college degree in Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She has a certificate from Alamance Community College (ACC) as an interpreter and translator. She has also translated into two books into Spanish for children: The Tooth Fairy In Disguise (el hada de los dientes disfrazada) and Finding Smiles in a world where people wear masks (encontrando sonrisas en un mundo donde la gente usa mascarillas). She also worked as interpreter and translator in the medical field. She has been living in the US since 1996 and became a US citizen. She has two grown up sons. She's been teaching Spanish for seven years. She's very excited about the position of teaching about the language and culture that she loves at Clover Garden School this school year. Go Grizzlies!
Job Titles:
- Staff, Bus Driver / Teacher Assistant
I have one dog, Zeek, who just recently turned 10 years old. I love going to the beach and lake to relax. In my free time, I enjoy reading and fishing with my family and friends. I recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a minor in History. I am from Caswell County right down the road from Clover Garden. This will be my first year teaching. I am very excited to start this journey here at Clover Garden and cannot wait!! My favorite verse is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Hello I am Coach Somers and I will be teaching Elementary P.E. at CGS. This will be my 10th year teaching Physical Education and 6th in Elementary. I was born and raised in near by Caswell County and graduated from UNCG with a bachelors in Kinesiology/ PETE licensure in 2013. I am an avid sports fan and outdoorsman. My favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, Carolina Tar Heels, and the Carolina Panthers. My favorite things to do are play golf, work outside in the yard, and go to baseball games. I am a father of 3, twin daughters and a son, with my wife Lauren. I am so excited about joining the grizzly family and look forward to meeting all of you. Go Grizzlies!!
#BoyMom! I am the proud mom of 3 energetic and curious young boys. I have been married to the love of my life since 2016 and we have just recently moved back to Caswell County. Love to do anything involving the outdoors, sports, our dogs, and family time. I have always had a heart for children and animals. From as young as I can remember I have either wanted to be a veterinarian or teacher. In college, I combined those passions and received a degree from NC State for Agricultural Education. My first 10 years of teaching was with high school students teaching animal science classes. Being able to watch many of my students graduate high school and then further their education in the veterinary field is so humbling. After 10 years, I have decided to shift gears and am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to mold such young minds. I am beyond excited to continue my educational journey with elementary students. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13.
Job Titles:
- Exceptional Children, Teacher Assistant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Community Member
Job Titles:
- Administration, K - 8 Assistant Principal
Hello, My name is Michelle Whitfield. I was born and raised in Alamance County. I have over 25 years experience in Education. I currently hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Educational Leadership. I also hold an ED.S in Educational Supervision and am a National Board Certified teacher. I also have a license for AIG, Curriculum and Instruction, Principal and Superintendent of schools. I have SIOP training from UNC also. My favorite hobbies are spending time on the beach with my daughter and husband. Animals are a big part of my life. You will find me outside with all of my "pets"(farm animal friends) on a daily basis! I am so excited to be a part of your team and partner with you to make this the BEST school ever where students are excited to be here everyday!
I have a husband, 3 dogs, and 2 cats, who I love dearly. I enjoy visiting the beach whenever I can with my family!
Job Titles:
- Administration, K - 8 Principal
Meet Mrs. Leah Spencer. Mrs. Spencer is a two-time graduate of NC Agricultural and Technical State University. In 2003, she graduated with a B.S. in Special Education and a B.A. degree in Romance Languages, Literacies and Spanish. She later returned to NC A&T State University as a participant in the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program to complete her Masters in School Administration.
Mrs. Spencer has served in education for over 15 years. While the majority of her teaching experience lies at the elementary level, she has taught at both middle and elementary levels. In addition to her teaching career, Mrs. Spencer has also served in school administration holding positions of Dean of Students with Guilford County Schools and Assistant Principal with Rowan Salisbury Schools System. Mrs. Spencer is ecstatic to join the Clover Garden School, Inc. community. She is devoted to equipping teachers, empowering parents and edifying the school community. She is a firm believer in the power of cultivating positive relationships and, therefore holds the conviction that as a result of her leadership efforts:
Mrs. Spencer has been happily married for 19 years and is the proud mother of 2 children. When she's not working, she can be found serving in church ministry, crafting and spending quality time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Exceptional Children, Teacher
My name is Paul Fremont. I grew up in Hong Kong as a missionary kid. I met my wife in college and with our 3 kids we have spent 38 years teaching in 5 different countries. I've taught from 3rd grade through post-high school. I'm thrilled to be teaching 4th graders at Clover Garden School this year.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, Parent Elected Member
Job Titles:
- Media Specialist / Teacher Assistant
My name is Scott Rochford. I received my Bachelor's Degree of Elementary Education at the University of Akron, and a Masters Degree of Early Childhood Language Literacy at Nova Southeastern. I have been teaching for 22 years. I enjoy working with the youth. Not only teaching, but learning from the children as well. I'm married and live in the city of Graham. You can find me at my cabin, on the lake, or in the woods. Whenever the chance, I'd rather be outside. "Three things to never be late for: Church, Work, and Fishing."
Hi! My name is Shauna Maness and I am a graduate of Elon University. I have been married to my husband, Matt, for six years, and we have a two-year-old daughter named Emilia. We also have two dogs, Maggie and Hank. We live in a 100-year-old craftsman home on our farm in Northern Alamance County. We enjoy gardening, raising chickens and doing home improvement projects. This is my fourth year teaching, and I am excited to join Clover Garden School! I look forward to working with students, staff, and parents, in a community of mutual respect, responsibility and trust. Go Grizzlies!
Job Titles:
- Exceptional Children, Teacher Assistant
I find it so rewarding to be able to help motivate and encourage children to learn at an early age. I feel if the spark to learn is ignited at an early age it will follow them through out life.
I have been working in education for almost 15 years. I obtained my Certification in Early Childhood Education in 2006 and have continued to pursue Professional Development and Continuing Education Classes every year to stay informed on new techniques or developments on how to deal with unique situations that may arise with exceptional children.
I am married to David Ward. We have one son Ethan, he is 7 years old and attends Clover Garden School.
My family an I live where we can have animals so we have 2 dogs, and 3 horses. We all love riding horses. As long as we can be outside we are happy.