Leadership
Jeremy Mortensen, Director of Education
Mr. Jeremy Mortensen is truly honored and privileged to be the new Director of Education at CFCI!
Jeremy is originally from Canada prior to moving to Australia to earn his Masters degree in Education. He began his career in North Carolina and has also taught in South Carolina prior to moving to California, where he taught elementary school in grades third through sixth. From there, he was promoted to an administration role where he was an assistant principal and eventually principal, for fifteen years.
Most recently, Jeremy and his family missed North Carolina and moved back where he assumed the role of assistant principal in NHCS before accepting the position here at CFCI.
When not at CFCI, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife and two golden retrievers, going to see their kids with a daughter at Oregon State University and son who is in the Navy. If not spending time with his family, you will find him traveling, surfing, or anything else beach related.
Jeremy is excited to be able to work with, and get to know all of our students, staff, and families here at CFCI!
Kelly Rooney, Exceptional Children Coordinator
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 and Support teams 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 chasing her three young children. Kelly enjoys spending time outside with her kids, reading and cheering on the US Women's National Soccer team.
Ben Pierce, K-8 Instructional Coordinator
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
Ben Rose, Facilities / Front Office
Cassell Murphy, Lead Custodian
Lina Walker, Student Data Manager
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Shannon Shanks
Shannon Shanks is originally from Gloucester, VA, but has called Wilmington home for 23 years. She received her Master’s degree in Elementary/Middle School Education from Old Dominion University. She taught 6th and 8th grade Language Arts, and served as the Reading Specialist/Coordinator for her middle school before moving to North Carolina. Shannon has been a member of the CFCI community since 2006. She is currently in her 10th year as a K/1 teacher. Both of her daughters went through CFCI and are currently finishing college. In her spare time, Shannon loves to spend time with family, read, travel, and go to concerts.
Samantha DePrisco
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.
Madaline Finger
Madaline Finger is originally from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina and moved to Wilmington in 2020 for college. She graduated in 2023 with her degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Social Studies and ELA. During her time at UNCW, she interned at CFCI in K/1. After graduating, she came right back to join the K/1 team! In Madaline's free time, she enjoys playing with her dogs, going outside, and traveling.
Grace DeSeve
Grace DeSeve is from Charlotte, North Carolina. She received her degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is thrilled to continue her professional path with CFCI after completing her internship here.
When she is not in the classroom, you can find Grace spending quality time with her friends, family, and her furry feline child, Steel. Committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and ensures every child has the chance to succeed, Grace is excited to take on this next adventure.
2nd & 3rd Grades
Lisa Sharpe
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Madi Stimson
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
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
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.
Patrick Donley, 7th & 8th Social Studies Teacher
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.
Alixandria Baldwin, 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts
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.
Cathi Mintz, 7th & 8th Grade Math
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.
Erica Derushia, 7th & 8th Grade Science
Erica Derushia is an Australian native, who was raised in Sydney and received her teaching degree at University of Western Sydney. She moved to America in 2004 where she began working as a behavior resource consultant and varsity soccer and swimming coach in Greensboro, N.C. After moving to Wilmington to work with Brunswick County Schools, she completed her Master’s degree in Universal Design to Inclusive Practices at the University of San Diego. Since then she has worked with UNCW under the Lab School Initiative. She feels very privileged to have collaborated with professors on educational research projects, which led to various publications and presentations at national conferences. She is excited to join the CFCI family this year. In her spare time, Erica enjoys traveling, reading and watching British television. She is a massive Liverpool (soccer) fan and cannot wait until the next World Cup! Just in case you're wondering, she has never ridden on a kangaroo.
Teacher Assistants
Angie Holt
Clarissa Howe
Laura Beth Howell
Nora Schmedes
Bella Holland
Anna Fernez
Jenna Wehry
Photo Coming soon for Jennifer Eason
Photo Coming soon for Amie Benoit
Specialty Subjects
Joanne Cress – Technology
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.
Elane Janz, Specials Teacher
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.
Kayla Rotatori – P.E.
Kayla decided to follow in her family's footsteps by becoming a third-generation educator. She holds an undergraduate degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education and a master's degree in Educational Leadership. In 2020, she found her dream school, CFCI, where students, staff, and families are devoted to inquiry and the development of the whole child. When Kayla is not in the gym, you can find her Jeep on Freeman Park Beach, playing tennis, or occasionally dusting off her golf clubs. As a teacher, her goal is to ensure every student acquires the essential knowledge and skills to live a healthy, happy, and active lifestyle.
Courtney Lewis – Global/STEM
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
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.
Leah Gaus, Music Teacher
Leah Gaus is from Denver, Colorado, and moved to Virginia to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music from Liberty University. With a deep passion for the arts, she thrives on studying and performing in various genres, including musical theater, opera, and choral music. Committed to cultivating curiosity and creativity, Leah believes in the transformative power of music and theater to inspire and connect individuals. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she strives to share the joy of the arts with others.
Exceptional Children Department
Kristen Gray – Reading Specialist/EC Teacher
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
Jess Frank is originally from Syracuse, NY. Jess graduated from Cortland State University with a BS in Physical Education in 2004. 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. Aside from teaching, Jess enjoys spending time with his family. Jess also enjoys fishing, cycling, swimming, and water skiing.
Lauren Nelson – EC Teacher
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
Christine was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She attended Stony Brook University where she graduated with her bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Education. She has previously taught in New York, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She has experience teaching 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade. She has also supported ESL students and trained new teachers. She loves being an academic interventionist at CFCI and supporting students K-8.
Christine moved to Wilmington in 2022 after spending many years raising her two daughters in Northern Virginia. She spends most of her free time traveling with her husband of 30 years and her college age daughters. When she's not traveling or teaching, you can find Christine cooking or at the beach.
Ellen Conklin
I was born and raised on the Outer Banks of NC but have lived in Wilmington for 23 years. I graduated from UNCW with a degree in Elementary Education and later added Special Education to my licensure. I have been teaching in New Hanover county for 16 years.
I have two daughters in high school, one is a senior and the other is a junior at Laney! Go BUCS! I’m a Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, I love the beach, paddle boarding, cooking and taking my dog Belle for walks. I enjoy listening to music and traveling when I can and spending time with my family.
EC Teacher Assistants
Nikki Lewis
Support Specialists
Olivia Horne – School Counselor
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
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.
Barbara Murrisky – Behavior Specialist
Barbara Murrisky- Hayes was born in California where she received her BA in Early Childhood Education and her Master's in Education with Leadership/Organization from Chapman University in 2013. She worked in Pre-K/K in California before she moved to Wilmington in 2014. She then started as a Tutor/Interventionist in Middle school within New Hanover County. She has been an Academic Interventionist working with students in the areas of Reading, Math and Behavior. Over the last 10 years, Barbara has been a Special Education teacher and enjoys working with students. Barbara loves teaching Social Emotional and has a background working within the Special Education setting K-12
Barbara loves to travel back to California to visit her family and spend time with her family here in Wilmington. Barbara loves to go glamping with her dog Honey and her husband. Barbara is excited to join CFCI this year as the new Behavior Specialist.
Lisa Cole, Curriculum and Program Specialist
Lisa Cole has been a classroom teacher since 2004 after realizing her love for working with children as a potter. She joined the CFCI community in 2016 as the Academic Intervention Specialist before moving into various roles that led her to current position as Curriculum and Program 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 in her first career. Lisa received her teaching certification in San Diego, California beginning her teaching career in bilingual kindergarten. In search of warmer waters, Lisa found Wilmington as 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, hanging with her cat Ollie and traveling anywhere and everywhere!