Kelly Rooney| krooney@cfci.net Behavior Specialist/ Compliance 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 with Lori Benazzi, in the Spring of 2012. Kelly is very proud to be a part of the CFCI community as an Exceptional Children’s teacher and Behavior Specialist. Her teaching certifications include Special Education K-12, Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities K-12, Middle Grades Math 6-9 and Elementary Education K-6. In her spare time Kelly loves spending time with her husband, working on their new house or her three siblings, including her twin sister. On the weekends, you can often find her on a soccer field, either playing or coaching her 03 girls travel team.
Kristen Gray | kgray@cfci.net – 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| jfrank@cfci.net | EC Teacher
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 |kaltman@cfci.net | EC Teacher
Kristen Altman 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 his family. Kristen has 3 boys, enjoys working with local animal rescues, gardening, beach trips with her family and anything associated with nature.
Nikki Lewis | nlewis@cfci.net | EC Teacher Assistant
A native of Wilmington, NC Nikki obtained a BA in Mass Communication from Campbell University. She lived in the Raleigh area for four years following graduation. Nikki has been married for 21 years to Eddie and they have 3 children all attending high school. She is a former CFCI parent and after 7 years of being a stay at home mom is very excited to be a part of the team. She loves to spend time with her family playing board games, watching movies or just hanging out.