RALEIGH CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL - Key Persons
Adriana Velasquez was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Los Andes University. After specializing in Business Administration in Spain, she came to the United States with her husband and son, where she operated her own business offering bookkeeping and income tax preparation services as a Registered Tax Preparer and a IRS-Certified Agent. In 2013, she graduated from Meredith College with a Master's of Arts in Teaching and has served elementary and middle school students at Maureen Joy Charter School.
Akilah Govan holds a B.A. in Psychology from William Peace University and a MEd in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before coming to RCHS, she worked as a school counselor in Harnett County. Ms. Govan joined RCHS in 2021 to serve as Director of Student Support.
Allison Northrup holds a BBA in Computer Information Systems from James Madison University. Prior to coming to Raleigh Charter she worked at a K-8 charter school in Wake Forest, NC. Allison is originally from the Northern Virginia area. She enjoys spending time with her two kids and husband, especially traveling with them!
Job Titles:
- Researcher
- Representative to the Board
- Science Teacher
Amy Koch is the faculty representative to the Board. She has been a researcher at three universities. Her degrees, the B.S. in Biology and the MAT in Science Education, are from Duke University. Prior to coming to RCHS, Amy Koch was a Biology teacher at Southeast Raleigh High School. In her spare time, Ms. Koch likes to read and spend time with her three children.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Coach
- Data Manager
Angela Cooper taught in a K-12 classroom for 17 years before joining the RCHS staff in 2022. She currently works in the main office as the school's Data Manager. Before coming to RCHS, she was the Director of Educational Analytics at Research Triangle High School where, at various points in time, she also taught math and AP Psychology, served as an instructional coach for faculty and was the head swim coach. She holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis in Psychology. Ms. Cooper is married to JJ Cooper and they have two daughters and a dog.
Angela Kraft has a BS in Math from Bethany Lutheran College and an MS in Math from University of Arizona. Between earning her two degrees, she also studied math for a semester in Moscow, Russia. Before coming to RCHS, Ms. Kraft taught math at the University of Arizona and BASIS Charter School.
Becky Schmitz holds the BA in English from Iowa State University and the MAT from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Betsy Newmark has a BA from George Washington University with a double major in History and Russian. Her MA is from UCLA in Slavic Languages and Literatures. She comes to Raleigh Charter from teaching 8th grade Social Studies at Carnage Middle School, where she also coached the History Bowl and Quiz Bowl teams to state and national championships. Mrs. Newmark has also won the Time Warner National Teacher Award for four years in a row. She works with the Quiz Bowl team and Student Legislative Assembly. Check out her award-winning website for her classes.
Bill Thelen holds degrees from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (BFA) and the UNC-Chapel Hill (MFA) and has previously taught at Mt. Olive College, UNC-Chapel Hill, St. Augustine's College and Wake Tech. Mr. Thelen has exhibited his art both nationally and internationally. In 1996, he co founded Lump Projects in downtown Raleigh and was the founding director for over 20 years. Currently, he is the director of Drawing Room, a socially-engaged, drawing initiative.
Job Titles:
- Athletic Director
- Coach
- Head
- Athletics Director
Bobby Lyons has been part of the RCHS community for over fifteen years. He is our Athletic Director. Over the years, Bobby has coached several of our athletic teams, supported special events, served as a substitute teacher, and worked in the main office.
Caio Setubal holds a BA in Mathematics and Anthropology from the University of Virginia. He is originally from Brazil, but has loved calling North Carolina home since 2015. Before joining the RCHS team, he worked for an education non-profit in São Paulo and taught math at High Point Central High School.
Catlyn earned her Associates degree in Nursing from Austin Community College in Austin, TX in 2017. She has worked as a school nurse in Texas for two and a half years before relocating to North Carolina where she worked as an Operating Room Nurse at Rex prior to joining RCHS in 2021. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 daughters, especially spending time outside enjoying the four seasons that Raleigh has to offer.
Charles Montague holds a BA in African, Asian and Islamic History from Washington and Lee and an MA in American History from Villanova University. Following his love of folklore and music, Charles advises the Sustaining Roots Music Community Work Day project at Raleigh Charter. Mr. Montague also advises the RCHS chapter of Amnesty International. When missing, Charles can be found fly-fishing pristine trout waters.
Cheryl Smith helps maintain the "technology" (hardware and software) here at Raleigh Charter High School. She comes here after serving this same post for four years at The Magellan Charter School. Upon receiving the Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Duke University, Ms. Smith relocated to North Carolina from New Jersey.
Colin holds a BS in Business and Marketing from Providence College and an MA in Sport Management through the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. Colin is also an experienced yoga instructor, holding a ERYT-200-hour certification through Yoga Alliance. Prior to arriving at RCHS, he owned an award-winning yoga and wellness studio for nearly 10 years in Cary, NC. Before moving to North Carolina in 2011 Colin held positions at Boston College and the University of Rhode Island working in student-athlete development. In his spare time, Colin enjoys traveling with his wife, Jessica, and their young son Fitz.
Job Titles:
- Special Programs Assistant
Cyndi Lynn assists with Specials Programs. She has several years of experience as a teaching assistant and a one-on-one adaptive coordinator and has previously worked in Wake County Public Schools and at Exploris Middle School.
Cynthia Brown holds degrees from Campbell University (BA) and Southern Seminary (Master of Church Music, Doctor of Musical Arts) and has a wealth of experience in voice, organ and conducting. She directs the choral and instrumental music programs and serves as the Chair of Fine Arts. Dr. Brown previously taught at Meredith College, Campbell University and Southern Seminary.
Damien Sauzet is a French citizen. He relocated From France in 2017. He holds a "Maîtrise de Lettres modernes" from Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand, France. He obtained the national certification to become a teacher in 2002 in France and has since been working in public middle and high schools, mainly in his native region of Auvergne. He enjoys sharing his language and culture with RCHS students and also gives a little bit of his time to the Alliance Française of Raleigh.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Technology
David Ennis holds a B.S. from North Carolina State University and previously worked as a researcher in the field of Physics. Prior to coming to Raleigh Charter High School, Mr. Ennis held various educational leadership positions and taught courses in several subject areas. He serves as the Director of Operations and Technology at Raleigh Charter.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Raleigh Charter String Ensemble
David Kilbride , originally from Chicago, joined the North Carolina Symphony in 2007. Mr. Kilbride graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a BA in Violin performance in 1993. David started his career with the New World Symphony in 1993, then spent 1995-98 with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. In the early 2000s he was Assistant Concertmaster of the Stockton (CA) Symphony, and positions followed in the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony and the Virginia Symphony. He has been Director of the Raleigh Charter String Ensemble since 2012.
David Palmieri holds a BA in Geography from Vassar College, an MA in Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California San Diego. Originally from Massachusetts, he moved to North Carolina from Colorado where he taught history and geography at Monarch High School for ten years. He has traveled extensively in Latin America and speaks Spanish in addition to English. While not teaching, he enjoys hiking and playing soccer and baseball with his family.
Debra Dwight holds a BA in Business Administration from Michigan State University and is an avid MSU Spartan fan. She serves as the Bookkeeper at RCHS, and previously held positions in accounting for schools and churches in Texas and North Carolina. Go Green!
DeeAnn Cherveny is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she received her BS in Special Education. She holds a license in Learning Disabilities from North Carolina State University and has been a special education teacher for Wake County Schools.
Dwight Thompson is a parent of RCHS students. He works in a software company as an attorney specializing in intellectual property matters. He earned his BS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from NC State University. He earned his MS and Ph.D. from Stanford University in Electrical Engineering, and his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. He has worked as an integrated circuit design engineer for a semiconductor company and as an attorney for a law firm in Washington D.C. and San Diego. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Berean Community Center in Raleigh and on the Finance Committee of RCHS.
Eric Grunden has taught in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. He holds a BS in Chemistry and a MEd in Secondary Science Education from the University of Florida. In 2011, he was North Carolina's finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. In 2012, he helped found Research Triangle High School, a public charter high school in Research Triangle Park. At RCHS he teaches AP Environmental Science and Honors Chemistry, and assists with the Quiz Bowl, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad teams.
Glenda Atkinson has a BS degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She has been at Raleigh Charter since its founding. She has had several roles at Raleigh Charter in her 23 years and is currently the Director of College Counseling. Outside of school, Glenda enjoys spending time with her 3 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Community Liaison and Testing Coordinator
Hannah Fatool holds a BA in Linguistics and Dramatic Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has served on the Orange County Arts Commission and spends her free time directing and producing theatre in the Triangle. Hannah is an RCHS Class of 2018 alum and serves as the Community Liaison and Testing Coordinator for Raleigh Charter.
Hannah Page holds a BA in Anthropology from Millsaps College and a MAT in History Education from Duke University, as well as a Master's degree in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. Hannah serves as the school's community liaison, working closely with the development and communications staff. She also teaches history. When not at school, she is most often at some stage in the sourdough bread baking process.
Hikaru Wajima holds the BS in Physics and the MAT in Mathematics and Physics Education from Duke University. As an Air-Force Captain, Mr. Wajima was a Professor of Air Science at the University of Virginia. Previously, Mr. Wajima has taught with the Susami (Japan) Board of Education (2004-2006).
James Farlow received a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Anthropology from NC State University, and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. Prior to coming to Raleigh Charter, James worked as a math and physics teacher at Washington Latin Public Charter School and started a non-profit that worked with churches regarding issues of theology, sexuality, and gender. He loves to backpack and play golf, both ball and disc.
Jamie Rudd is a proud graduate of the RCHS class of 2009! After attending Elon University, where she played rugby and earned a BA degree in Political Science and History, Jamie attended the University of North Carolina School of Law and earned her JD. She is currently an associate attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP, in Raleigh, NC, where her practice focuses on workers' compensation and general liability defense.
Jessica McDonald is a parent of two alumni from the classes of 2020 and 2022. She has previously served as co-president of Phoenix Parents, the parent organization at Raleigh Charter.
Jonathan Green is the parent of a 2020 RCHS graduate and a student in the RCHS Class of 2024. He earned a BS in Psychology from UNC at Chapel Hill, his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine, and completed his internal medicine residency at Duke University Medical Center. He has been a hospitalist at UNC Rex Healthcare since 2004 and has served in leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Medicine and President of Medical Staff.
Joyce Felder, is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS in Physics. Before joining the Math Faculty at RCHS, she ran a tutoring program at NCSU in Physics, taught Physics at Enloe High School, consulted for Thinkin' Science Series: ZAP! a physics educational software program developed by Edmark Corporation, and raised four children.
Kenny Felder, graduated from Enloe High School, barely. He then went to UNC-Chapel Hill where, in a determined effort to avoid making up his mind, he wound up majoring in both English and Physics. After ten years in the software industry he joined RCHS in 1999, where he currently teaches math. He maintains a web page of papers on math and physics. He has four children.
Kevin Yang has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Rutgers University in New Jersey. In addition to working as a tutor and teaching assistant for PreCalculus, he has interned in research at NASA.
Kristine Chalifoux holds a BA in English from Arizona State University and the MFA from Columbia University. Before coming to North Carolina, she taught advanced literature and writing courses at DePaul University where she was the Associate Director of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors program.
Lisa Huddleston is the Principal of Raleigh Charter High School. She has worked at the school since 2001 and has served at various times in the roles of the Community Liaison, a mathematics teacher, and an Academic Dean. Lisa received the B.S. in electrical engineering from Rice University and the Master's of School Administration from North Carolina State University. She has previously taught math, computer science, and physics in McKinney, Texas.
Loretta Goldenberg joined the Raleigh Charter High School staff in summer 2022 to serve as the Front Office Supervisor. She comes to us from Gateway Charter School K-12 in Florida where she held a position as the Front Office Supervisor and Principal's Secretary for over 10 years. She was responsible for the overall coordination of a broad range of responsibilities that allowed the organization to operate efficiently. She loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Maggie Rasnick holds the BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis and her MFA in Acting from the University of Florida. A professional actor and director, she is a member of Actor's Equity Association, Assitej, and the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Her education and direction credits include numerous positions and productions in Orlando, Seattle, Gainesville, and Raleigh.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Communications
- Director of Development & Communications
Margaret Barnett holds a BA in Graphic Design from Loyola University New Orleans. As a 2008 RCHS graduate and proud Forever Phoenix, Margaret is honored to serve as Director of Development and Communications. She also enjoys serving as the school's alumni liaison. Prior to joining the staff at RCHS, Margaret worked as a graphic designer and marketing specialist for a local bank in Santa Cruz, California.
Mark Slattery served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala from 1985 to 1987 in the fisheries program. It was there that he learned Spanish and developed an appreciation for Hispanic/Latin culture. He has traveled extensively throughout Central America. He taught in Orange county for twelve years before coming to RCHS. He received the B.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University in Boston and teaching certification in Spanish in his hometown of Framingham, MA.
Mary Grimes received a MA in Slavic Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. She graduated first in her college at the University of New Hampshire (her home state) with a dual major in Spanish and Russian. Mrs. Grimes has over fifteen years experience teaching ESL, Spanish and Russian in high schools and universities.
Melani Winter holds a BA in History from Cornerstone College and a MS in Social Studies Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She taught U.S. History, Civics, and Geography at Hmong American Peace Academy, a charter school in Milwaukee, and is a 2005 James Madison Fellow.
Mike Rios holds the BA in English from Armstrong Atlantic State University. He has taught in high schools in North Carolina and Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Development Assistant
- Development & Communications Specialist
Mimi Tomei earned a BA in Media and Journalism and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mimi has interned at two local nonprofits and in state government, and served as a yearbook editor while at UNC. A 2016 RCHS graduate, Mimi now serves as RCHS' development and communications assistant. In her spare time, Mimi enjoys traveling and baking.
Mitch Dyrdahl has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and a MS in Environmental Engineering from UNC Chapel Hill. Prior to joining the faculty at RCHS, Mr. Dyrdahl taught math in Florida and Minnesota.
Myles Robinson earned his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his MEd degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After several years as a patent examiner, Mr. Robinson shifted into higher education to become an academic advisor, first-year instructor, and program coordinator at universities in Washington, DC and in Raleigh. He now serves as a College Counselor at RCHS.
Nina Foster holds a BA in Religion, Creative Writing, and Women's and Gender Studies from Wake Forest University as well as the MFA in Writing from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She is a 2011 Raleigh Charter alum and has worked as an Editorial Associate at Duke University Press.
Norma Pedersen holds a BA in Chemistry from Capital University and an MS degree in Biochemistry from NC State University where her research focused on hormone regulation of gene expression. She has taught Chemistry and Organic Chemistry at Wake Technical Community College, NC State University, and various high schools in the Raleigh-Durham area. She has also served as a Reader for the AP Chemistry exam.
Patrick Murray retired from a 30-year career at Intel Corporation, serving in Engineering, Strategy & Planning, and Global Sales & Marketing roles. He received his BS in Industrial Engineering from NC State University, where he currently volunteers as an Alumni-Student Mentor, serves on the ISE Advisory Board, and is an Adjunct Faculty member. He is also an active volunteer with our Phoenix Parents organization, serves as Vice-Chair for the Town of Cary Information Services Advisory Board, and a Coach for the Miracle League of the Triangle. Patrick and his wife Michelle have three children, two in the RCHS Classes of 2018 and 2022. Patrick is the Secretary of the RCHS Board.
Paul McSorley recently retired after a 29-year career at GlaxoSmithKline, where he served as Senior Director of Biostatistics. He currently works as a statistical consultant. Paul and his wife Ellen have two children, a 2015 RCHS alumna and a 2020 RCHS alumnus. He previously served on the Board of Trustees at The Raleigh School, including three years as Board Chair. Paul received a BS in Statistics from Virginia Tech and an MS in Statistics from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Paul serves as the chair of the RCHS Board.
Peter Smith is an alumnus of Raleigh Charter's first graduating class of 2002. During high school he enjoyed serving as captain of the Phoenix basketball, soccer, and tennis teams. Peter was awarded the Park Scholarship and attended North Carolina State University for two years before moving to New York City to work in Game Operations at the National Football League. He then transferred to Harvard University, graduating Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology, before joining Axia Ltd. (now Accenture Strategy) as a Management Consultant. More recently, Pete served as owner and COO/CFO of brüks bars, a vegan snack bar startup in Charlotte, before returning to Raleigh to begin consulting independently for area non-profits, schools, and human services agencies.
Petra Martignoni received her teacher's diploma from the State Teachers College in Bern/Switzerland. Additionally she majored in Philosophy and minored in German Literature at the University of Bern/Switzerland. Before moving to the USA, Mrs. Martignoni taught for several years and traveled extensively, mainly in Asia and Europe.
Philip Kellogg teaches Physics at Raleigh Charter. Originally from Ohio, Philip completed a BS in physics at Otterbein University, with his undergraduate research focusing on neutrino oscillation experiments at Fermilab. He completed the MAT program in science at NC State University, and has previously taught AP Physics C and Astronomy at Holly Springs High School.
Phoenix Parents, Raleigh Charter's parent organization, exists to support our teachers, staff, and students and to encourage active parent participation by providing meaningful ways to support the mission and goals of the school. All parents are welcome to attend Phoenix Parents monthly meetings, events, and programs!
Phoenix Parents formed to support the teachers, staff, and students and to encourage active parent participation by providing meaningful ways for parents to support the mission and goals of the school- as stated in the original charter application. Phoenix Parents are always looking for ways to enhance the high school experience. Please join, be active and supportive, and share new ideas!
Rachel Volpe has worked in education for over eighteen years. She has worked as a school counselor, mentor teacher, and teacher of exceptional children in grades K-12. In addition, she teaches college courses as part of a teacher licensure program.
Rebecca Mann White is a proud graduate of the RCHS class of 2005 and a former RCHS teacher. She holds a BS in Geology from UNC Wilmington and an MAT in Science Education from NC State University. Rebecca taught in public charter schools in Washington, DC and Durham, NC for several years before returning to Raleigh Charter in 2017 as an environmental science teacher. Rebecca also happily served as SGA and Envirothon advisor during her time as a faculty member. Rebecca is thrilled to continue to support RCHS while on the Board.
Sandra Headen is the parent of a 2004 alumna of RCHS. As a parent volunteer, she served on the first Diversity Committee and upon her return to the school, now serves on the Board of Directors and the current Diversity Committee. She is a Social and Community Psychologist, retired from the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Throughout her career, she conducted research projects and community interventions aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer-related illnesses. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from historically Black Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. and her Masters and PhD degrees from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. In her second career, she writes historical fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. She joined the RCHS Board of Directors in August 2020.
DJ Hill and his wife, Laura, are the parents of three daughters (RCHS classes of 2019, 2021, 2023). He believes deeply in the engaged liberal arts and has served previously on the boards of Raleigh Charter, the Raleigh Charter HS Foundation, Endeavor Charter School (chair) and the Wake Forest University Board of Visitors. He graduated from Wake Forest University and earned an MBA from UNC's Kenan Flagler Business School. Professionally, DJ serves as the founder and CEO of a national outpatient surgery center development and management firm.
Job Titles:
- Director of Diverstiy, Equity and Inclusion
Sarita McIver holds a BA in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI. Participating in college basketball, soccer, and softball, Sarita found herself most passionate about fine arts and athletics. She was formerly the Athletic Director at Carmen High School of Science and Technology and is now Raleigh Charter's Athletic Director.
Scott Caudill earned a BS in Biology with an ecology emphasis from Baylor University and a BS in Science Education from North Carolina State University. He taught previously at Cary High School.
Sera Arcaro holds a BA in English (summa cum laude) and the MEd degree in secondary English Education from Ohio State University. As a Peace Corps volunteer, she taught English at a rural senior secondary school in Namibia for two years. She then moved to Dalian, China where she taught English to children and adults for a year, in addition to training new teachers. She returned to the U.S. and taught English for two years before joining the faculty at RCHS, where she now serves as an English teacher.
Shannon Hess holds a BA in Spanish from Eastern University BA and for a Masters in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca Spain. She is originally from Pennsylvania but has called Raleigh home since 2014. Miss Hess first fell in love with Spain during a semester abroad in 2009 and decided to move there after college. She taught English in a small town in central Spain and then later decided to pursue her masters degree in Salamanca. Miss Hess says she loves to travel and hopes to visit all Spanish speaking countries one day. She also enjoys running, reading, and baking.
Shayne Klein has been a member of the RCHS faculty since its founding. She has taught AP United States History, Civics and Economics, World History, and Minority and Women's Studies. Before coming to RCHS, Ms. Klein taught at Friends' Central School outside Philadelphia and at Carrington Middle School in Durham. She holds the BA from Amherst College and the MAT from Duke University. Ms. Klein currently serves as Academic Dean.
Singer Gianini holds a BA in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MA in English and American Literature from New York University. He has worked in education through companies in Raleigh and Brooklyn as an academic coach, college application advisor, and test prep tutor. He also previously worked as a TA in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNC-CH. He is an alumnus of Raleigh Charter High School (Class of 2011).
Tom Ricci is a native of Putnam Valley, a small town in New York's Hudson Valley. While an undergraduate at the University at Buffalo studying chemistry, he worked as a physics lab instructor, peer mentor, and tutor to NCAA athletes. Following graduation from Buffalo, he decided to pursue a master's degree in Adolescent Education at Hunter College in New York City. Upon completion of the degree and a teacher licensure program, he moved to Raleigh and taught at Longleaf School of the Arts for eight years before joining the faculty at RCHS. Mr. Ricci believes strongly in the merit of the Oxford comma.
Troy K. Weaver earned his undergraduate degree in Biology and Religion from Duke University, an MAT in Science Education from UNC-Chapel Hill, and is currently working on his Triangle-trifecta by completing a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision at NC State. He has taught all areas of science, but is most passionate about Biology, Chemistry, and Forensic Science. Mr. Weaver has taught in public schools, a juvenile detention center, and at several area independent schools, most recently at Cary Academy.
Whit Hames has taught in Moriyama, Japan, at Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, and at Southeast Raleigh High School, where he was division leader for science. He has a BS in Biology from Michigan State University and an MS in Biology from James Madison University.