Teachers

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Mr. John Elderkin

English and Social Studies Teacher

I began teaching in the Atlanta City Schools and later returned home to North Carolina. I've been at Phoenix for three years. 
 
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in History from UNC Chapel Hill.
MFA from University of Florida.

Phone: 919-918-2300 ext 32292

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Margaret Fonge

Career Technical and Education Teacher

I am originally from Cameroon in West Africa. I had my BBA and MBA from the University of the District of Columbia in 1986 and 1989 respectively. I moved to North Carolina after that, where I raised five children. I went back to school in 2008 and completed my MAT program at NC A&T State University in 2010 and I have been working here at PAHS ever since. I am the Business Education teacher here and I teach: Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Entrepreneurship1, and Principles of Business and Finance. I was CTE Teacher of the Year in 2013, and PAHS Teacher of the Year in 2019.

Degrees and Certifications:
BBA, MBA, MAT

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Mr. William Hales

Math Teacher

Math 1,2,3 and 4
 
Degrees and Certifications:
MA secondary Education 

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Ms. Hanna Humphrey

English/Healthful Living Teacher, Media Center Coordinator, and Mascot

Hanna graduated from UNC with a Bachelor's in English and a Masters in Teaching. Before teaching in CHCCS, Hanna taught and coached basketball for five years in Durham Public Schools. Hanna currently teaches English 11 and 12, Healthful Living, and Strength and Conditioning. 
 
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in English; MAT

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Mr. Momo Koroma

Mathematics Teacher

My name is Momo Koroma. I have been teaching on and off for over 20 years. I have also worked in Engineering and technology. I am certified to teach various STEM courses, including Mathematics and some CTE courses. I currently teach Mathematics at PAHS.

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Clyde McPherson

Phone: 9199292106 x 44212

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Mr. William McSwain

I am an architectural designer and I teach students how to draw and draft buildings. I teach Drafting I and Drafting II.
 
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A.S Building Arts - Timber Framing Specialization

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BS from Fayetteville State University MEd from University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Ms. Donnis Perry

SPIRE Teacher

I am a graduate of Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. I have a Masters' degree in education from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I started teaching in 1973 and taught 30 years in the CHCCS district. After one year of retirement, I continued my teaching career and I have worn many educational hats in this system. I enjoy working in the SPIRE program at Phoenix Academy because it gives me the opportunity to help make students successful that probably would not be. They look at me as their grandma and are very respectful to me. 
I love working with students because I have two daughters and two grandsons. I enjoy having fun with my family and friends. I love music and I still attempt to dance sometimes. 

Phone: 32211

Email:

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Ms. Zosha Silverstein-Belden

Science Teacher

I am a native of New Hampshire, but moved to North Carolina in 2016. I studied Biochemistry at Warren Wilson College in Western North Carolina. I teach Biology, Physical Science, and Earth and Environmental Science. I love spending time outdoors, especially when my dog is involved!
 
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry

Support Staff

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Ms. Sage Albert

School Counselor Intern

Sage Albert is a senior studying at UNC Chapel Hill. She is graduating in May 2022 with her BA Ed in Human Development and Family Studies. She will be attending graduate school to become a certified school counselor. At Phoenix Academy, she serves as a school counselor intern. She helps students with anything related to their schedules, graduation, applying for jobs and college, etc. She also leads an art club for students every Monday and is updating the school website. Outside of school, Sage loves to go to the beach and spend time working on artistic projects. 

Phone: 919-969-2482, ext. 27148

Email:

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Mrs. Melissa Breaden

School Social Worker

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and School Social Worker, having completed an MSW at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have worked in the school system for 9 years and have experience previously in mental health and medical social work. I enjoy working with students and families to help them through difficult moments and to assist them in achieving their goals. When I am not at work, I enjoy time with my family, being active outside and travelling.
 
Degrees and Certifications:
MSW, LCSW, Licensed School Social Worker

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Mr. Greg Carson

Graduation Coach/Spire Administrator

I'm a 27+ year Teacher and Administrator. Taught 6-12 Science and Math. Currently serving as the Graduation Coach for the district, working with potential dropouts and recent dropouts.

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Patricia Farrington

Phone: 919-918-2300 ext 32300

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Mrs. Anne E. Levin, LCSW

Mental Health Specialist

Anne Levin, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with A Masters Degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland with a clinical concentration on children and families. Ms Levin joined the Phoenix team in fall of 2021 as our Mental Health Specialist. Ms Levin brings a wealth of clinical experience to Phoenix Academy, with over twenty years of experience in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice, residential treatment, community mental health, and education. Prior to joining Phoenix Academy, Ms. Levin worked with Cardinal Innovations, as a Behavioral Health Care Manager, coordinating care for families whose children were admitted to psychiatric residential treatment facilities. In addition, Ms. Levin worked for Orange, Person and Chatham Mental Health as a Department of Juvenile Justice Mental Health Liaison where she provided administration and oversight of Juvenile Justice Substance Abuse and Mental Health Grant (JJSAMPH). Ms Levin uses a strength-based approach to working with children and families and is skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy, care management, assessment, advocacy and individual and family therapy. 
 
Degrees and Certifications:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master of Social Work- University of Maryland,  Bachelor of Social Work- University of Georgia, Bachelors of Arts- Kent State University

Phone: 919-918-2153 x32301

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Mr. Joshua Martin

Teacher Assistant

I grew up in Asheboro, NC (the zoo!). I served in the US Navy for 8 1/2 years working in electronics repair and translating, and got to travel all over the world. I studied Linguistics at UNC Chapel Hill and graduated in 2017. I have been at Phoenix Academy High School since 2019 and I love helping out with anything that the teachers need to make all their lessons and anything extra a great success!
 
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Linguistics from UNC Chapel Hill
AA in Russian from Defense Language Institute 

Phone: 919-969-2482 ext. 27147

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S.-Psychology Appalachian State University MSW-University of Michigan School of Social Work

Ms. Brenda McNeely-Allen

School Social Worker

Ms. Allen is was born and raised in Monroe, NC. She has also lived in Michigan and Connecticut. I have four children, whom are all adults living on their own. I have been working in the Social Work field for over thirty years now. My career in Social Work began at the Department of Social Services. I became interested in School Social Work while I lived in Michigan. I have worked as a School Social Worker in Chapel Hill for almost 19 years at East Chapel Hill and part time at Phoenix Academy with the Spire program for the past 3 years.

Phone: 919-918-2300 X32216

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Mrs. Ya Day Moo Wai

Greetings everyone,

My name is Ya Day Moo Wai and I’m so blessed to be a part of the Phoenix Academy High School’s family. My roles here are receptionist, bookkeeper, and data manager. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Phone: 919 918-2300

Email:

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Mr. Keith Raitano

EC Resource Assistant, Nutrition Assistant, Activity Bus Driver

Former football, wrestling, and baseball coach. Assists all teachers with students needing extra accommodations. 
 
Degrees and Certifications:
A.S. Liberal Arts/ Physical Education
B.S. Health Education/ Physical Education/ Recreation/ Psychology
American Red Cross
Adult and Child First Aid/CPR/AED
First Responder

Phone: 919-918-2300 ext. 32296

Email:

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Ms. Gloria Sanchez

School Social Worker

Gloria Sanchez is a Licensed School Social Worker who received her undergraduate degree from Florida International University and earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ms. Sanchez has worked extensively in schools most of her career. As a School Social Worker, she has worked at both the elementary and high school levels. During her tenure with CHCCS, she has worked to design and implement programming specific to the needs of at-risk populations, such as: adolescent parents, English as a Second Language Learners, refugee students, and families experiencing homelessness. Over the past 10 years, Ms. Sanchez has provided individual and group-level interventions and crisis response services. As a Registered Yoga Teacher, she has also led emotionally-focused yoga classes for school staff and students. She has worked to create a Trauma Informed Schools (TIS) at her alternative high school and has co-created and implemented a TIS district-level training program in order to empower support staff to develop and grow Trauma Informed Care practices in their own schools. Mrs. Sanchez served her school community as a Darkness to Light Trainer, Restorative Practices Trainer, and as a member of the District Activated Response Team. During her free time, she enjoys spending time exploring National Parks with her daughter.

Degrees and Certifications:
MSW, RYT

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Mr. Steve Turner

School Counselor

Phone: 919-918-2300 ext. 32293

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Mr. John A. Williams

Principal

I am a retired United States Air Force veteran. I entered the field of education in 2003 and served as an administrator at three previous schools prior to being hired to be the lead administrator at Phoenix Academy High School in 2012. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Trauma Focus-Cognitive Behavior Therapist. I am originally from the eastern part of North Carolina, married and have three beautiful and successful daughters.
 
Degrees and Certifications:
AA, AS, BS, MS, MSA
Certified School Administrator
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Certified Trauma Focus-Cognitive Behavior Therapist

Phone: 919-949-9502

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts Theatre (Acting/Directing) Bachelor of Arts English, Single Subject English Teaching Credential, M.Ed Learning Design and Technology.

Ms. Donna Youngblood

ESL Teacher

Donna Rossi Youngblood is a 22-year veteran of Education with multiple degrees, including Bachelors Degrees in Theatre (Acting/Directing) from Shenandoah University, English and Secondary Education from California Polytechnic University, and a Masters of Education in Learning Design and Technology from North Carolina State University. With NC Teaching Licenses in 6-7 Lang. Arts, 9-12 English, K-12 Theatre Ed, ESL Instruction, and as a Technology Specialist, she has taught each of these subjects both here in North Carolina and abroad. After starting her teaching career in the Wake County School system, Ms. Youngblood left in 2011 to spend 7 years teaching abroad, in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Amman, Jordan, Songjiang-Shanghai, China and Seoul, South Korea.
When not at work, Ms. Youngblood is also a licensed Realtor with Fathom Realty and a photography enthusiast. The two things she loves above all else are hanging out with her 5 grandchildren and driving around NC with her Sony AR 7iii photographing landscapes, architecture and people. (see staff photos!) Ms. Youngblood is thrilled to now call Phoenix Academy and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools her new career home.