Meet Our Team

We believe in the limitless potential of every scholar—and every teacher.

Front Office Staff

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Amalia Hopf

Manager of School and
Business Operations
ahopf@risese.org

Amalia Hopf
Manager of School & Business Operations

Coming soon

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Anna Madison

Front Office Manager
amadison@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Anna Madison
Front Office Manager

I LOVE to travel. I enjoy learning about different cultures in the world. I’m a retired teacher and truly enjoyed my 32 years of teaching. What brings me joy even today is the excitement of kids' bright smiles when they have learned something new.

Fun Fact/Favorite: True and Fun Fact is that I appeared in a movie with Whoopi Goldberg. The movie was called “Eddie” filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Elementary

BrewerCassandra

Cassandra Brewer

4th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
cbrewer@risese.org

Cassandra Madison
4th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher

I am a dedicated elementary educator entering my 18th year in education and my fifth year at RISE. I am passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences in science and social studies that foster curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning in my students.

Fun Fact/Favorite: Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading and crafting, and I love bringing creativity into both my teaching and everyday life.

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DuffChina

China Duff

Elementary PE Teacher
cduff@risese.org

China Duff
Elementary PE Teacher

I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and I graduated from North Carolina Central University. I have proudly been teaching at RISE for 11 years and enjoy helping students build confidence, stay active, and have fun through physical education.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy working out and playing flag football

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Allison Goodwin

2nd Grade Teacher
agoodwin@risese.org

Allison Goodwin
2nd Grade Teacher

I love teaching and getting to spend my day helping children learn and grow! This is my seventh year teaching and my sixth year at RISE. I graduated from East Carolina University with a specialty in Reading Instruction, and I'm passionate about growing a love of reading in scholars. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming classroom where students feel excited to learn and explore their creativity and curiosity. 

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy playing video and board games, building with Legos, and spending time with my two dogs. 

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HarringtonCortesha

Cortesha Harrington

Kindergarten Teacher
charrington@risese.org

Cortesha Harrington
Kindergarten Teacher

I am now entering my six school year here at RISE but year 25 in education. My passion is helping children discover their potential while building the confidence, skills, and love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.

I believe that every scholar deserves a positive, nurturing educational experience, and I am committed to making a lasting difference through compassion, collaboration, and excellence in education.

Fun Fact/Favorite: During my free time, I love spending time with my 3 goddaughters.  I enjoy spending time with my family and special friends.  I have time for myself where I read, listen to music, and bake.

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Lorraine McKenzie

Lorraine McKenzie

3rd Grade Math Teacher
lmckenzie@risese.org

Lorraine MacKenzie
3rd Grade Math Teacher

My educational journey has taken me across the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States, shaping my passion for teaching and learning. I have taught students from kindergarten through eighth grade, specializing in K–8 mathematics and all core subjects in grades K–5. I enjoy helping students become confident, independent thinkers and lifelong learners. One of the greatest rewards of teaching is watching my students discover their potential and grow each day.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy having a good laugh,  cooking, playing tennis, watching soccer, and cricket.

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Latisha Osborne

Latisha Osborne

5th Grade Math Teacher
losborne@risese.org

Latisha Osborne
5th Grade Math Teacher

My name is Latisha Osborne, and I am a 5th-grade math teacher at RISE Charter School with 14 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I have taught 2nd through 5th grade and am passionate about helping scholars build confidence, think critically, and discover the joy of learning mathematics.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I love spending time outdoors and listening to music. Whether I'm taking a walk/run through a park or zoning out with a great playlist, being in nature and enjoying music are two of my favorite ways to recharge and find inspiration.

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Maria Phillips

Maria Philips

3rd Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
mphillips@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Maria Phillips
3rd Grade Math Teacher

I am a dedicated educator with over ten years of experience teaching students from kindergarten through fifth grade. My goal is to create a classroom where every scholar feels welcomed, challenged, and empowered to grow. I believe learning should be engaging, meaningful, and fun, which is why I strive to provide hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. As I teach science and social studies this year, I look forward to exploring the world alongside my scholars through inquiry, collaboration, and discovery.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I am from Costa Rica and fluent in Spanish! I enjoy cooking and being creative!

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Joy Pickett

Joy Pickett

Kindergarten Teacher
jpickett@risese.org

Joy Pickett Jones
Kindergarten Teacher

I have been teaching four and five year olds for 26 years and I am so pleased that this will be year 6 teaching kindergarten here at RISE.  Teaching is more than a profession- it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future.  My goal is to help each scholar develop the knowledge, confidence, and character they need to become compassionate, and productive citizens who will make a positive difference in our world.  

Fun Fact/Favorite:  I love creating memories with my family, my two beautiful grandgirls, learning about history, and watching Jeopardy with my husband.

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Lourdes Reaves

Lourdes Reaves

5th Grade ELA Teacher
lreaves@risese.org

Lourdes Reaves
5th Grade ELA Teacher

I am entering my 21st year as an Elementary Education educator.  I received my Elementary Ed degree and an M.A. in Reading Specialist from the University of South Dakota. I love teaching because it allows me to see children build confidence and find their voice!

Fun Fact/Favorite: A fun fact about me is I am a Veteran and served active duty in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a teacher.  My favorites are spending time with my family, running marathons and ultramarathons, and cooking for friends!

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Jenella Simmons

Jenella Simmons

3rd Grade ELA Teacher
jsimmons@risese.org

Jenella Simmons
3rd Grade ELA Teacher

I am a passionate educator who holds a Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Education, and with a career that spans classrooms from Guyana and St. Lucia to the UK and USA, I have gained a unique perspective on how to engage young learners. I believe education is a bridge connecting cultural perspectives to universal human potential. My teaching philosophy centers on adaptability, ensuring every student finds their voice regardless of their background, and that no child is left behind.

Fun Fact/Favorite:  I was born in Guyana, lived in St Lucia, London England, New York and North Carolina, USA. I consider myself a global educator. I enjoy traveling, meeting interesting people, baking, and reading

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Capricia Smith

Capricia Smith

3rd Grade Math Teacher
Long Term Substitute
csmith@risese.org

Capricia Smith
3rd Grade Math Teacher & Longterm Substitute

Coming soon

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SparksMary

Mary Lynn Sparks

1st Grade Teacher
msparks@risese.org

Mary Lynn Sparks Goodwin
1st Grade Teacher

For the last decade, I have served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. I believe first grade is one of the most important years in a child’s education because it is when they become readers, writers, and independent thinkers.  Helping my scholars build the skills and confidence to discover what they are capable of is the most rewarding part of my work.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy mind-challenging activities like crossword puzzles, word searches, puzzle games, and brain teasers.

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Middle School

AlebiosuKamin

Kamin Alebiosu

Middle School Life
Skills Teacher
kalebiosu@risese.org

Kamin Alebiosu
6th - 8th Grade Career Technical Education Life Skills Teacher

My passion for education, commitment  to excellence , and building relationships with families is one of the most important aspects of a successful academic  journey. As I embark on year 28 of my educational career, I am excited about the “New Beginnings” at RISE. It brings me joy when scholars become leaders in their communites.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy singing and traveling.

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BrownAshley

Ashley Brown

7th/8th Grade
ELA Teacher
abrown@risese.org

Ashley Brown
7th/8th Grade ELA Teacher

I have been an educator for over ten years, I have served in private, public, and now charter schools. Watching scholars grow and stretch their mindset is my “why” and it brings me great fulfillment.
Laughing, great music and good food brings me immense joy.

Fun fact/ Favorite thing: My favorite thing is to listen to live music and dance like no one is watching.

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Esmeralda Caballero

Esmeralda Martinez

6th/7th Grade
ELA Teacher
ecaballero@risese.org

Esmeralda Martinez
6th/7th Grade ELA Teacher

I’m a dedicated wife, mother, and teacher that is passionate about reading. My goal is to create a warm environment for scholars to thrive and to encourage a life-long love of reading. 

Fun Fact/Favorite: In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and tending to my plants.

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CherySuzanne

Suzanne Chery

6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
schery@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Suzanne Chery
6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher

I have been a proud educator at RISE for six years, following a diverse background working with youth in Army Childcare, Head Start, Museum Education, and as the owner and operator of my own childcare center. The children are truly at the heart of everything I do. Outside of the classroom, I like to extend my education by visiting historic sites and monuments. A quote that inspires me, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself, by John Dewey.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I’m a big fan of quiet mornings with a hot cup of coffee and a great book!

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Sandy Montgomery

Sandy Montgomery

6th Grade
Math Teacher
smontgomery@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Sandy Montgomery
6th Grade Math Teacher

I have been teaching middle school scholars for over 30 years and I still love what I do. I tried retirement a few years ago and it just wasn’t my thing. I missed teaching math and watching scholars believe in themselves and reach their highest potential.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with my family and watching college football.

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Deja Powell

Deja Powell

Middle School
PE Teacher
dpowell@risese.org

WhiteDaryl

Daryl White

Middle School
Band Director
dwhite@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Daryl White
Middle School Band Director

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from North Carolina A&T State University. I have served as the Middle School Band Director at RISE Charter School since 2021. Under my leadership, the RISE Concert Band has continued to grow in both musical excellence and student achievement. InMay of 2026, the ensemble earned an Excellence Rating at the 50th Anniversary Festival of Music competition held at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am committed to fostering musicianship, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music while inspiring students to perform at their highest level.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I love playing my trumpet, tennis, cooking, and watching sports. 

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WhiteJane

Jane White

8th Grade Science &
Social Studies Teacher
jawhite@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Jane White
8th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher

 
From the classroom to school leadership and Curriculum Implementation, I have served as an educator for almost 10 years. I love pushing scholars to reach their full potential while cultivating holistic learning and a sense of excitement!
 
Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and reading books!
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WhiteJasmine

Jasmine White

6th - 8th STEM Teacher
jwhite@risese.org

Jasmine White
6th-8th STEM Teacher

I am from Asheville, NC. I received my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the illustrious NC Central University. Though teaching was not my first passion, working at Rise has helped mold me into the teacher that I’m destined to be.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I love animals, reading books, building Legos, and traveling.

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Exceptional Children

BarnesBrenda

Brenda Barnes

EC Teacher
bbarnes@risese.org

Brenda Barnes
EC Teacher

I am a retired Special Education Teacher with over 40 years of teaching. I have a master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Behavior. I also have certification in School Administration. I believe all scholars deserve an opportunity to learn. 

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy life, farming, plants, and my family.

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DenningCynthia

Cynthia Denning

EC Instructional Assistant Extend Students
cdenning@risese.org

Cynthia Denning
EC Instructional Assistant Extend Students

I have been working in K-2 education for more than 35 years. I enjoy working with all RISE scholars, but I am happiest when working with EC scholars on the Extend. I’ve done that for the past 3 years.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I’m addicted to television and I love riding horses.

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SampsonKatrinna

Kattrina Sampson

Speech Language Pathologist
ksampson@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Katrina Sampson
Speech Language Pathologist

With 14 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, I am passionate about empowering scholars with speech and language impairments to become confident and effective communicators. I believe every scholar deserves to have a voice, understand language, and express their thoughts, ideas, and needs with confidence. Witnessing a scholar's progress—whether it's speaking their first clear words, expressing an idea independently, or communicating with greater confidence—brings me immense joy.

Fun Fact/Favorite: Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and son. One of my greatest joys has been watching my baby boy grow, develop, and reach milestones throughout his first year of life.

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WhittedRenee

Renee Whitted

EC Teacher
rwhitted@risese.org

Renee Whitted
EC Teacher

I am a retired EC teacher with over 30 years of experience. I am a native of New Jersey.  I have always had a passion for teaching and helping scholars discover their voice. One of my greatest joys is contributing to a scholar’s “aha” moment.

Fun Fact/Favorite: My favorite thing is spending time with family (birthed and chosen). Fun fact: I have chickens!

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Support

BateMatthew

Matthew Bate

Social Worker
mbate@risese.org

Matthew Bate
Social Worker

I grew up in Asheville, NC, and attended UNC-Chapel Hill to get my bachelors degree. I then spent 11 years living in Brooklyn, NY during which time I worked in Advertising, then went back to school to get my Masters in Social Work. I’ve worked in afterschool, outpatient mental health and school settings. This is my 9th year here at RISE. I love being a support for scholars and families and look forward to reconnecting with returning scholars and families, and getting to know our new additions.

Fun Fact/Favorite: When I’m not at RISE I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. I love being outdoors, exercising, reading, cooking, watching UNC Basketball and Premier League Soccer.

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BravoDolores

Dolores Bravo

ELL Coordinator
dbravo@risese.org

Dolores Bravo
ELL Coordinator

My name is Dolores Bravo, and I am originally from Ecuador. I have dedicated my career to educating multilingual learners and helping students develop the language and academic skills they need to succeed. My journey in education brought me to the United States through a cultural exchange program, where I began teaching multilingual learners in North Carolina. I later continued my teaching career in Colorado, where I had the opportunity to teach in a bilingual classroom for several years. I am currently in my ninth year at RISE, where I continue to support multilingual learners through inclusive, student-centered instruction.

Fun Fact/Favorite:  I love traveling and writing stories.

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CollinsAveri

Averi Collins

ELL Teacher
acollins@risese.org

Averi Collins
ELL Teacher

I am excited to be serving my sixth year in education as the 7th grade ELA teacher this year. With a background in Educational Psychology, I am passionate about the motivation behind learning and methods of retention. I do my best to foster those passions daily so scholars are able to achieve academically. I am a firm believer that every scholar can learn and am excited to bring that belief to life in my classroom this year.  

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy listening to a good audiobook while walking one of North Carolina’s beautiful trails.

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Emmy Jacobs

Emmy Jacobs

Middle School Counselor
ejacobs@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Emmy Jacobs
Counselor

I grew up outside Philadelphia, PA (Go Birds!), before heading to upstate NY to attend Colgate University. I moved down to NC in 2016 to pursue my M. Ed. in School Counseling, and have been a school counselor for 10 years. I’m excited to spend my 6th year here at RISE!

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy traveling abroad, reading, and spending time with my husband and pup. I’m also on the hunt to find the best sandwich spot in Raleigh.on

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Robert Kearney

Robert Kearney

Building Substitute
rkearney@risese.org
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Operations

BerryCephus

Cephus Berry

Facilities Associate
cberry@risese.org

BryantRuby

Ruby Bryant

School Nutrition Assistant
rbryant@risese.org

Ruby Bryant
School Nutrition Assistant

What brings me joy is cooking, my BQ Sauce, and being made up. My experience is raising foster children; I have done it all my life.

Fun Fact/Favorite: Love doing my husband’s birthday party; I have been doing it for 51 years, and it’s fun.

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Clarke-ElmoreMaydeen

Maydeen Clarke-Elmore

School Nutrition Manager
mclarke-elmore@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Maydeen Clarke-Elmore
Nutrition Manager

I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and attended City College. What brings me joy is spending time with family. And reaching a personal goal by helping others.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I collect refrigerator magnets from different countries.

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EstimableHerve

Herve Estimable

Site Coordinator &
Bus Driver
hestimable@risese.org

Valerie King

Valerie King

Bus Driver
vking@risese.org

SconiersGwen

Gwen Sconiers

Bus Driver
gsconiers@risese.org