Leadership
Dr. Susan Graziano – School Operations Director
sgraziano@cfci.net
Kim McCormick, Education Director
kmccormick@cfci.net
Kim McCormick graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Art Education having completed her student teaching in Wales, where she began her love of travel and teaching children about the world beyond their borders.She went on to earn her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University and taught Integrated Arts for 9 years prior to becoming the Dean of Students in a PK-4 school in Massachusetts. Kim received a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Worcester State University and after working as the Curriculum Coordinator in Math, Language Arts and the Arts, she became the District Principal (PK-12) in Provincetown, MA for 8+ years, responsible for successfully initiating the Primary Years and Middle Years International Baccalaureate Programs. Kim and her husband purchased a home here in 2016 and Kim moved down in 2018 to become Curriculum Coordinator at the school. Kim loves the learning community and feels very lucky to work with incredible educators who teach and support the children and families who have made the choice to embrace inquiry. Kim and her family enjoy spending time together traveling, collecting seashells, baking and hanging out at the beach.
Kelly Rooney, Exceptional Children Coordinator
krooney@cfci.net
Kelly Rooney is originally from Chicago, Illinois and moved to Apex, North Carolina in 2002. She came to Wilmington to attend UNCW where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education as well as her Elementary Education license. She also played soccer all 4 years at UNCW and enjoyed the challenges of being a college athlete. Kelly has been involved with CFCI since she first completed field experience here in the spring of 2011. She returned to do her student teaching in the Spring of 2012. Kelly has worn many hats during her time at CFCI including EC Teacher and Behavior Specialist. She is proud to now be leading the EC team as EC Coordinator. Her teaching certifications include Special Education K-12, Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities K-12, Middle Grades Math 6-9 and Elementary Education K-6. Kelly used to coach travel soccer in her spare time but now spends her time with her husband, Michael and son, Cayson (born July 2019). She also loves spending time with her three siblings, including her twin sister.
Lisa Cole, K-3 Instructional Coordinator
lcole@cfci.net
Lisa Cole has been a classroom teacher since 2004 after realizing her love for working with children as a potter. She joined the CFCI team in 2016 as the Academic Intervention Specialist. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising/Art Direction from the University of Texas in Austin, where she grew up and worked for IBM for several years. Lisa received her teaching certification in San Diego, California where she began her career in bilingual kindergarten. In search of warmer waters, Lisa found Wilmington her next home, teaching in NHC schools for many years, while she also received her Master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction and Supervision from UNC Wilmington. Lisa enjoys time on the beach reading and swimming, working in the garden, kayaking with her husband, and traveling anywhere and everywhere! She also loves lazing around outside with her fur babies when possible.
Ben Pierce, 4-8 Instructional Coordinator
bpierce@cfci.net
Ben grew up in Wilmington, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his BA in Journalism and International Studies. He then moved to Boston, MA, to pursue an urban education teaching fellowship. Since then, he’s lived in New York City, Durham and Raleigh, working in schools the entire time. He’s served in a variety of roles at the elementary and middle level, including classroom teacher, academic dean, principal, and most recently as a director of school operations. This will be his 11th year in education, and he is excited to be a part of CFCI, and to support its amazing team of teachers and staff. Ben also has a MAT from the Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Literacy Coach certification from Lesley University. Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and young son (and the dog), as well as cooking, gardening and playing soccer.
Office
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Joanne Brinkley
jbrinkley@cfci.net
Joanne Brinkley has been teaching at CFCI, in the K-1 loop, since it opened in 2000. She is a founding teacher. Before that, she taught first grade in Wilmington for four years and Reading Recovery/Reading in Duplin County for four years. She has a Masters degree in Reading Education.
Joanne came to CFCI because she was excited about the opportunity to begin a charter school that focused on inquiry and creating a community of learners among students, parents, and faculty. She has served on the CFCI Board of Directors for many terms. Joanne is looking forward to continuing to move CFCI forward and to making it a great place for learning for everyone!
Shannon Shanks
sshanks@cfci.net
Shannon Shanks is originally from Gloucester, VA, but has called Wilmington home for 13 years. She received her Master’s degree in Elementary/Middle School Education from Old Dominion University. She taught 6th and 8th Language Arts, and served as the Reading Specialist/Coordinator for her middle school and was active on many county-wide Reading and Language Arts curriculum task forces. Shannon has been a member of the CFCI community for several years and both of her daughters have attended. In her spare time, Shannon loves to spend time with family, read, and go to the beach. She is looking forward to a great year!
Samantha DePrisco
sdeprisco@cfci.net
Samantha DePrisco is a native of Waverly, Virginia. She graduated in 2001 from Randolph-Macon College with a degree in Sociology and Studio Art. Following graduation she joined an Americorps program with the American Red Cross assisting in disaster relief and recovery. The following year she joined Teach for America and taught in Baltimore for four years. While in Baltimore she earned her Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Teaching at CFCI in the K/1 loop is a spot that makes her happy! In her free time she enjoys reading, kayaking, music and traveling.
La’Kisha Jordan
ljordan@cfci.net
Mrs. Jordan enthusiastically joined the CFCI community in 2018. She was born in Raleigh, NC but primarily raised in Los Angeles, CA. Naturally drawn to her state of birth, she returned to North Carolina to pursue higher education. Since that time, she has earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology and Writing, an M.A. in Teaching, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. She is licensed in Elementary Education (K-6) and Language Arts (6-9). Her teaching background includes instruction at the elementary and middle school level in the state of North Carolina and Cheongdo, South Korea. She thrives on humanitarianism and extending kindness in whatever ways she is able. Some of Mrs. Jordan’s self-care activities include the arts, nature, yoga, meditation, traveling, reading, learning new things, and volunteerism. Over the years, she enjoyed quality time with her husband and now has the enriching experience of a new phase in motherhood since their two sons who have become adults in the blink of an eye. Mrs. Jordan melds the best parts of her education, various work opportunities, and life in order to serve her students and others.
2nd & 3rd Grades
Lisa Sharpe
lsharpe@cfci.net
Lisa Sharpe is from Radford, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) in 1999 she stuck around Blacksburg and taught kindergarten for two years at Check Elementary School. Needing a change from the mountains she headed to Wilmington in 2001 when she began working at CFCI. She stayed in the 4/5 loop for many years until the 2010/2011 school year when she had the opportunity to move to the 2/3 loop.
Lisa lives in Wilmington and has two children; one still at CFCI. She enjoys spending time with friends, playing outside with her family, and going to the beach.
Kimberly Cherry
kcherry@cfci.net
Kimberly Cherry was born and raised in Wilmington. Because of her love for Wilmington and the beach, she pursued her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher by attending UNCW. During her studies at UNCW, she completed her internship at CFCI. After internship, she joined the CFCI team as a facilitator for 2nd grade.
In her free time, Kimberly enjoys reading, playing with her dog Ozzy, and watching The Golden Girls.
Michele Hair
mhair@cfci.net
Michele holds degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. After teaching for several years at Bradley Creek (Title I Reading, Kindergarten and Fifth Grade) and Williston Middle School (7th grade Math/Science, 6th grade Science/Social Studies/Language Arts), Michele landed at CFCI in 2001.
Since that time, Michele got married to Aaron Gardner, has been mom to the cutest little puggle puppy in the world name Hula. and she earned a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy and is certified as a Reading Specialist for grades K-12. Michele also achieved National Board Certification.
When not at school, Michele enjoys being on and around the water with family.
Susie Borda
sborda@cfci.net
Susie is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. She pursued her degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Language Arts at UNCW, where she also was a member of the softball team. This will be her first year as a teacher, and she is thrilled to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment that inspires a love for learning in her students. Outside of school, Susie loves spending time outdoors, going to the beach, and reading.
4th & 5th Grades
Angelica Colvin
acolvin@cfci.net
Angelica Colvin has been a lead educator for the past 5 years but has worked with children for 10 years. A graduate of East Carolina University and UNC-Wilmington, Angelica is committed to education and a lifelong learner. During her studies at UNCW, she completed her student teaching at CFCI. Her teaching style is full of fun, exciting, hands-on learning. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching Netflix or cooking.
Nancy Kachadurian
nkachadurian@cfci.net
Nancy Kachadurian is a native of Rhode Island. She moved to Wilmington in 1995 where she earned her degree in Elementary Education and Sociology.
Her Passions not only include being an educator, but also enjoying art, music, and theatre. Nancy has participated in multiple workshops focusing on cooperative learning and differentiated instruction.
In 2008 Nancy presented at the UNCW Mentoring Conference. She worked with a colleague to present to other educational professionals how reflection and self evaluation help teachers grow and develop as leaders not only in the classroom but in the school as well.
Patrick Donley
pdonley@cfci.net
Mr. D was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island. He graduated from UNCW with a Bachelors degree in English and went back to UNCW to obtain his teaching license. He has been living in Wilmington for over twelve years and does not plan on moving anytime soon. Mr. D’s son Myles, is his reason for being. Together, they love the beach, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and taking their dog Frank for walks. Mr. D. is not ashamed to admit that he roots for the NY Jets, Mets and Islanders.
Madi Stimson
mstimson@cfci.net
Madi Stimson was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. (Go Pirates!!) She moved to Wilmington in 2016 to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at UNCW. During her studies at UNCW, she completed her student teaching at CFCI. She enjoyed being able to learn how to be an educator in a school that fostered a great sense of wonder and community, and is thrilled to now be a permanent member of that community. Madi is an older sister to three brothers, who inspired her to be a teacher and to be patient. Madi’s favorite way to spend time is with her family, with her dog, or on the beach with a good book.
Middle Grades: 6th, 7th & 8th
Carla Bromstead, 6th Math/Science
cbromstead@cfci.net
Carla is a native of Miami, FL but has lived in several different areas of the globe since high school. In 2002 she earned a Bachelors degree in Humanities from the University of Colorado, Boulder before realizing education and children are her true calling. In 2008 she received her license in Elementary Education at UNCW where she fell in love with this city and its’ people and has remained ever since. She has more than many years of experience teaching in the upper elementary grades and is enjoying teaching 6th grade Math and Science at CFCI!
In her spare time, you can usually find Carla and her husband outside chasing after their three young children on one of their many adventures biking, swimming, beaching, or exploring the local sea life. Occasionally you can also find them lazing around on the couch reading or watching movies.
Sarah McCorcle, 6th Language Arts/ Social Studies
smccorcle@cfci.net
Sarah McCorcle is originally from Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from VA Tech in History and English. She began her career in education as a counselor/ teacher with the Eckerd Youth Alternatives Wilderness Therapeutic Program. After “camp life” she received her Masters of Education degree at NC State. She has taught middle grades language arts and social studies at CFCI since 2002. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, being on the water, and reading.
Alixandria Baldwin, 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts
abaldwin@cfci.net
Ali grew up in Troy, North Carolina. She moved to Greensboro to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she received her Bachelors degree in English. In the fall of 2016, she began the Masters of Teaching program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. While in graduate school, Ali gained experiences at multiple middle schools and worked as a tutor. Her certifications are in Social Studies and English Language Arts. While obtaining her education, Ali has had experience in a variety of jobs. She worked as a graduate assistant in the EEMLS department of UNCW, where she assisted professors in educational research and daily tasks. She worked as a substitute teacher and STAE tutor for New Hanover County Schools, where she gained experiences in multiple middle schools in the county. Presently, she tutors clients with diverse needs for Exceptional Educators. In her free time, she spends her days with her two dogs or at the beach. She enjoys reading, playing volleyball, soccer, writing poetry, and various arts and crafts.
Amina Benatti – 7th & 8th Grade Social Studies
abenatti@cfci.net
Amina has been a part of the Wilmington area community for 6 years, working at Myrtle Grove Middle School and Leland Middle School as a U.S. History teacher. Prior to that, she taught ELA and Social Studies in the American international schools in Casablanca and Marrakech Morocco and traveling extensively in Europe and North Africa. Amina grew up on Long Island before heading to American University in Washington DC for a bachelor’s in international studies and then Towson University in Maryland for her master’s degree in education. Much of her spare time is spent in the company of her two children and dog, but does enjoy a few delights on her own such as reading, traveling and weightlifting.
Cathi Mintz, 7th & 8th Grade Math
cmintz@cfci.net
Cathi Mintz is a graduate of Duke University with over 20 years of experience in the education field. She has been a classroom teacher, coach, curriculum coordinator, and consultant in public and private schools across the country. She and her husband, Stephen, live in Leland and have three grown children. In her spare time, Cathi enjoys running and gardening.
Matt Babineau, 7th Grade Science and Specialist Teacher
mbabineau@@cfci.net
Originally from the coast of Maine, Matt moved to North Carolina in 2006 after graduating from University of Maine with a BS in Marine biology. He worked at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for 12 years behind the scenes taking care of every kind of animal, especially jellyfish. Matt decided to go back to school for a M.A.T at UNCW to be able to teach and inspire students to love science. His wife is also a high school teacher in the county. They have three children and three dogs. Free time is spent enjoying the beach and traveling.
Elane Janz, 8th Grade Science Teacher
ejanz@cfci.net
Hailing from Philadelphia with over two decades of teaching experience, Mrs. Janz is excited to be joining the CFCI team. Elaine moved to Wilmington in 2004 with her husband and two children who are presently, both in graduate school.
Elane has worked as a Starbase STEM instructor, a 5th grade teacher and an instructor for Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Development Center. She has also worked as a middle school and high school science teacher in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and loves seeing the lightbulb go off in her student’s eyes when they grasp a new concept.
In her spare time, Mrs. Janz enjoys reading, woodworking, crafting, and playing with her dog Jasper.
Teacher Assistants
Jodi Fitzsimmons
jfitzsimmons@cfci.net
Angie Holt
aholt@cfci.net
Suzanne Waters
swaters@cfci.net
Clarissa Howe
chowe@cfci.net
Laura Beth Howell
lhowell@cfci.net
Nora Schmedes
nschmedes@cfci.net
Steve Exum
sexum@cfci.net
Jessica Collins
jcollins@cfci.net
Bella Holland
bholland@cfci.net
Photo Coming soon for Jennifer Eason
Photo Coming soon for Sadie Page
Specialty Subjects
Joanne Cress – Technology
jcress@cfci.net
Ms. Cress is a native of New York and holds a degree in Computer Science from Hofstra University. After 16 years working as a programmer and system administrator, she decided to venture into the education field. Ms. Cress has been teaching Information Technology since 2002 and never looked back. Her goal as a teacher is to ensure that students acquire the essential knowledge and skills to become lifelong learners in a technology-intensive environment.
Kayla Rotatori – P.E.
krotatori@cfci.net
Kayla received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Eastern Connecticut State University and her masters in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education. She has taught 6-12 grade Health and Physical Education for the past 3 years. When Kayla is not in the gymnasium you can find her traveling around the country with her dog Prince. Kayla loves to stay active whether it’s coaching/playing sports, kayaking, or relaxing at the beach! As a teacher, her goal is to ensure every student acquires the essential knowledge and skills to live a healthy, happy, and active lifestyle.
Camille Hartley – Music/Drama
chartley@cfci.net
Camille received her undergraduate degree in K-12 Choral Music Education at Northern Arizona University. She has taught K-12 grade music including piano, ukulele, musical theater, and choir for the past 5 years both in North Carolina and Arizona. Camille is also the director of children and youth music at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, a private piano and voice instructor, and enjoys playing live jazz around Wilmington with her husband and their band! As the CFCI performing arts teacher, she believes that music and performing is an important part of holistic education that aids in teaching teamwork, presence, and overall confidence.
Courtney Lewis – Global/STEM
clewis@cfci.net
Courtney Lewis has been teaching for most of her life. Most years with K-8 students, but a few years with adult education. She loves teaching and learning new things. She enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Huckleberry, and her friends. She loves coffee, reading, and traveling! She is excited to be teaching back at CFCI and believes Global STEM education is truly important for students to succeed in our society!
Michelle Scibetta – Art
mscibetta@cfci.net
Michelle is originally from Maryland where she began her education at Towson State University and earned a BA in Art/Metalsmithing and a minor in Classical Studies from ECU after migrating to North Carolina. She is a former gallery owner and current studio metalsmith & painter. Michelle has been a part of the CFCI community for over 10 years; previously as a K/1 teaching assistant and mother to 2 boys who attended k-8. She is thrilled to have stepped into the Visual Arts position, giving her the opportunity to meld her love of teaching children with her varied artistic background. She loves connecting with the creative spirit of each child while helping them grow through art history and experience. Outside of school Michelle embraces nature, creating, reading, traveling and spending time outdoors with her family, big dog, and friends.
Exceptional Children Department
Kristen Gray – Reading Specialist/EC Teacher
kgray@cfci.net
Kristen Gray is one of our Exceptional Children’s teachers. She grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and attended Bloomsburg University, where she received a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She worked as a teacher in the YMCA School-Age Program for four years, before moving to Wilmington with her husband and two kitties. Kristen previously worked at CFCI as the Exceptional Children’s teaching assistant while simultaneously earning special education licensure.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys cooking, staying active, raveling, going to the beach and entertaining family and friends. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom and a part of the CFCI community!
Jess Frank – EC Teacher
jfrank@cfci.net
Jess Frank is originally from Syracuse, NY. Jess graduated from Cortland State University with a BS in Physical Education in 2004 and began teaching Adapted Physical Education for Liverpool Central School District. Jess moved to Wilmington in 2006. He later graduated with a masters in Special Education from East Carolina University and started a new career as a Special Education teacher for New Hanover County Schools. Jess also works as a part time Physical Education professor for UNCW. Jess is extremely excited to be joining CFCI as a Special Education teacher and to demonstrate his passion for inquiry-based learning. Aside from teaching, Jess enjoys spending time with his family. Jess has 2 boys, a 3 year old and a 6 year old. Jess also enjoys fishing, cycling, swimming and water skiing.
Kristen Donley – EC Teacher
kaltman@cfci.net
Kristen Donley is originally from King of Prussia, PA. Kristen graduated from LaSalle University with a BA in 2000, and then an MA in both Elementary and Special Education in 2002. Kristen moved to Wilmington in 2006. She continued her career as a Special Education teacher for New Hanover County Schools until joining the CFCI team. Aside from teaching, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family. Kristen has 3 boys and also enjoys working with local animal rescues, gardening, beach trips with her family and anything associated with nature.
Lauren Nelson – EC Teacher
lnelson@cfci.net
Lauren Nelson grew up in Northern Virginia and found her way down to North Carolina to attend East Carolina University (Go Pirates!). There she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Community Services. Over the last 15 years, Lauren has worked in a variety of settings educating and supporting children and families, including early intervention, EC preschool and elementary teacher, and childcare administration.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, who lives locally, but especially her active son, who keeps her on her toes. She also enjoys being a “football mom’, as well as live music, beaching it up, and a little retail therapy every now and then to relieve stress.
Christine Ayala, Academic Interventionist
cayala@cfci.net
EC Teacher Assistants
Nikki Lewis
nlewis@cfci.net
Amy Castrovinci
acastrovinci@cfci.net
Support Specialists
Olivia Horne – School Counselor
ohorne@cfci.net
Olivia grew up in Edgewater, MD and attended James Madison University, where she received her BA in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies. Upon graduating, she moved to northern Virginia and attended George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she received her M.Ed. in School Counseling. Olivia worked in Fairfax, VA as a school counselor at a private K-8 school before moving to Wilmington. Olivia enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, going to the beach with her husband, and playing with their dog, Gibbs!
Jennifer LaFleur – Academic Interventionist
jlafleur@cfci.net
Jennifer LaFleur has been working for the past year at CFCI as a Teaching Assistant in grades 3-8 and moved into a 4-5 Teaching Position for several years. She has also taught our Middle Grades Creative Expressions class as well as running our Study Hall. Now, the Support Team is really excited to have Jennifer coming on board as an Academic Interventionist!
Jennifer was born in New York and moved to Wilmington with her family when she was 15. She attended high school here and then continued on to UNCW where she received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Language and Literacy. After spending some time at CFCI completing field work for her UNCW courses, and working as an assistant at CFCI for a year, Jennifer is thrilled to start teaching 4th grade this year!
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys activities such as reading, bike riding, kayaking and spending time with her two little dogs, Ripley and Molly.
Caroline Clark – Behavior Specialist
cclark@cfci.net
Caroline Clark is originally from Sarasota, Florida. She began her career as a first grade teacher at a charter school in Brooklyn, NY. After two years, she returned to the sunshine of south Florida and found her next role as director of the Rise program. In her six years there, she supported former Head Start children and their families during elementary school in the areas of education, social-emotional development, and mental health. Through this role, she discovered her passion for working with children, teachers, and parents to provide behavioral supports and interventions that lay the foundation for students’ success in the classroom. She completed her Master’s Degree in Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health with a certificate in Positive Behavior Support at the University of South Florida in 2018. After her recent move to Wilmington, she is looking forward to joining the CFCI community in her role as Behavior Interventionist!