2017 Networking Summit Facilitator Biographies

Sedley Abercrombie

Adjunct Instructor
East Carolina University
sedleyabercrombie@gmail.com
Sedley Abercrombie earned her Masters of Library Science degree from East Carolina University and is certified in K-6, ESL, and Library Media.  She has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  She is the district lead library media coordinator for Davidson County Schools, the current president of the NC School Library Media Association and an adjunct instructor for the LIS 6991 Internship course.  Sedley is also a contributing blogger to AASL’s Knowledge Quest.  Follow Sedley on Twitter @sedley1 and she will follow you back!

Joann Absi

Media Coordinator
Eugene Ashley High School
joann.absi@nhcs.net
Joann Absi is the Media Coordinator at Eugene Ashley High School.  She is a past president of the North Carolina School Library Media Association and is currently serving as the Communications Chair for NCSLMA.  Joann was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Azalea Coast Library Association.

Laura Aldridge

Media Coordinator
Terrell Lane Middle School
lauraaldridge@fcschools.net
Laura Aldridge is the media specialist at Terrell Lane Middle School in Franklin County.  She received her MLS from North Carolina Central University and her BS in English Education from East Carolina University.  Recent projects include genrefying the school’s collection, improving the professional library, and using technology for collaborative learning.

Jennifer Baker

School Library Media Coordinator
Pamlico County Schools
jenniferbaker@pamlicoschools.org
Jen is a school librarian extraordinaire with tons of experience and knowledge to share.

Dorothy Black

Library Media Specialist
Northeast Elementary School
dblack@beaufort.k12.nc.us
Dorothy Black is currently the Library Media Specialist at Northeast Elementary School in Beaufort County.  Previously, she worked with Duke University Libraries as the Pepsico K-12 Technology Outreach Coordinator.  She is a graduate of East Carolina University’s Library Science program.

Natalie Brown

Media Specialist
Edgecombe County Public Schools
nbrown@ecps.us
Natalie is currently working as a media specialist in Edgecombe county.  She is certified in Elementary Education and has a masters of Library Science degree.  A National Board Certified Teacher, she loves teaching students to use technology to create projects.

Cori Burroughs

Media Specialist
Rock Ridge Elementary
cori.burroughs@wilsonschoolsnc.net
Cori Burroughs is the media coordinator at Rock Ridge Elementary.  She has been a media coordinator for seven years, but has been in the education field for ten years.  She graduated from East Carolina University with her MLS in 2011.  Ms. Burroughs has been married for seven years and has two young boys.

Patch Clark

Professor-Director Storybook Theatre
East Carolina University
Clarkp@ecu.edu
Patch Clark is a Professor in the School of Theatre and Dance at East Carolina University and the Director of the award winning Storybook Theatre, which performs at festivals, schools, and theatres around the state and even the world through global linking!  She most recently directed, “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” for the ArtsSmart Family Fare series and Cherry Point Marine Base and, “The Just So Stories” by Rudyard Kipling adapted by Joseph Robinette.

Teika Clavell

Educator on Loan
NCDPI Digital Teaching and Learning
teikaclavell@ccs.k12.nc.us
Teika Clavell is an Educator on Loan from NCDPI’s Department of Digital Teaching and Learning.  She works to provide professional development opportunities to districts throughout eastern North Carolina with a focus on digital and curriculum integration.

Anitra Cook

Media Coordinator
Pitt County Schools
cooka@pitt.k12.nc.us
Anitra Cook is a Media Coordinator with Pitt County Schools, and is an East Carolina University graduate.  She has taught middle school Language Arts and Social Studies as well as college level English and Humanities.  Her educational interests include the promotion of literacy across the curriculum, STEM, and technical education.

Nancy Cravey

Teacher-Librarian
Erwin Montessori School
craveyn@gcsnc.com
After fifteen years teaching in school libraries, Nancy Cravey is still striving to keep things interesting in her classes.  In doing so, she has set a goal to bring at least one new program into The Erwin Montessori library each year.  Two years ago it was makerspaces.  After cleaning out and “borrowing” some of her son’s toys and a trip to the dollar store, she was ready!  Now with the help of Donors Choose and small grants, her program has grown into a great success.  Despite a few scheduling hiccups, her students love makerspace time, but she is still new to the makerspace movement and knows we can all learn from one another.

Donna Currie

Instructional Technology Facilitator
Wilson County Schools
donna.currie@wilsonschoolsnc.net
Donna Currie is an elementary instructional technology facilitator for four schools in Wilson County.  This is her second year as an ITF but her nineteenth year with the county.  She will graduate from East Carolina in the spring of 2017 with her MAEd in Instructional Technology.  Donna has been married for twenty years and has four children.

Joyce Deaton

Librarian
Wake County Carroll Middle School
jdeaton@wcpss.net
Ms. Deaton has been a teacher-librarian in Wake County Public Schools for ten years.  Before joining the public school system, she worked in the community media non-profit sector, and taught nearly ten years in higher education in Japan and Turkey.

Paula Farmer

Media Specialist
Moravian Falls Elementary
farmerp@wilkes.k12.nc.us
Paula spends her school days at Moravian Falls Elementary where she enjoys many aspects of librarianship, but is most thrilled when she is successful at motivating non-readers and reluctant readers.  She graduated from the East Carolina University MLS program in 2013 while living life as a wife, mom, and middle-aged learner. She currently serves on the state EBOB committee as a Regional Representative, holds various leadership roles within her school, and has presented at NCSLMA.

Jennifer Finlay

Chowan County Librarian
Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library
jfinlay@pettigrewlibraries.org
Jennifer Finlay is a Chowan County Librarian at the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in Edenton, North Carolina.  She earned her library degree in 2007, and previously worked in the nonprofit sector as a research assistant for nonfiction authors before the internet.  Finlay believes libraries can save lives and that school and public librarians have to stop “jello wrestling” over turn and non-existent funding and work together!

Angela Finn

Library Department Chair & Middle/Upper School Librarian
Ravenscroft School
angela.finn@ravenscroft.org
Angela Finn is a Middle and Upper School Librarian and serves as the Library Department Chair at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina.  This is Angela’s fifth year at Ravenscroft, but she has over seventeen years of library experience from both public and private school districts in elementary, middle, and high school levels.  Prior to joining Ravenscroft, she was charged to examine and rewrite the Diocese of Raleigh School District’s Instructional Technology and Informational Literacy Curriculum.  Angela has presented at the National Catholic Education Association Annual Conference, NCAIS, and NCSLMA.  Furthermore, she has facilitated sessions at the Librarian to Librarian Networking Summit for the past three years.

Becky Frisbie

Media Coordinator
Louisburg High School
beckyfrisbie@fcschools.net
Becky Frisbie spent twenty years in economics and business before making a career change and receiving her MLS from North Carolina Central University.  She was an elementary librarian for five years, has been at the high school level for fourteen years, and earned her National Board Certificate in 2013.  She is passionate about matching students to books, teaching information literacy skills, reading, water skiing, and cooking.

Renee Gentry

Media Specialist
Roaring River Elementary School
gentryr@wilkes.k12.nc.us
Renee Gentry is currently the Media Specialist at Roaring River Elementary School in Wilkes County, NC.  She is a 23-year veteran teacher serving at elementary, middle school, and high school levels.  Renee’s degrees include a BA in Secondary English Education from Appalachian State University, an MLS from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an add on master’s certification in Technology from ASU, an EdS in Library Media & Technology from the University of Georgia, and National Board Certification in Library Media.  She is currently the state chairwoman for the NCSLMA Elementary Battle of the Books program and has been part of the EBOB committee since 2010.

Kim Gugino

Teacher Librarian
Durham School of the Arts
Kimberly.fawks-gugino@dpsnc.net
Kim Gugino prefers the title, Teacher Librarian, and is thrilled to support the students and staff at Durham School of the Arts.  She holds an MEd from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an MLS from East Carolina University, and is a National Board Certified Media Coordinator.  She also enjoys working on the NCSLMA Young Adult Book Award Committee.  She has facilitated numerous school based, district, and state professional development sessions including L2L, NCTIES, and the NC Social Studies Conference.  She is passionate about teaching and learning and can imagine no greater profession than librarianship.

Amber Gutierrez

Social Studies Teacher
Brogden Middle School
ambergutierrez@wcps.org
Amber Gutierrez is a sixth grade Social Studies teacher and has been teaching at Brogden Middle School since 2015.  With her BA in History from the University of Mount Olive and a minor in Spanish, she takes pride in being able to enhance her students’ learning both Social Studies but also develop a basic understanding of the Spanish language.  She believes incorporating new ideas, approaches, and technologies into her classroom will provide her students with the real world skills needed in today’s competitive job market.

Jeanne Hoover

Scholarly Communication Librarian
Joyner Library, East Carolina University
hooverj@ecu.edu
Jeanne Hoover is the Scholarly Communication Librarian at East Carolina University’s Joyner Library.  Prior to her current role, she was the Science Librarian at Joyner Library.  She is interested in Open Educational Resources (OERs), especially developing and adapting resources that are customized to the classroom, and supports the Alternative Textbook Program at Joyner Library.

Susie Hudson

Language Arts Teacher
Mooresville Middle School
susanhudson@mgsd.k12.nc.us
The 2016/2017 school year marks Susie’s 21st year as a seventh grade language arts teacher and soccer/football coach at Mooresville Middle School.  Ms. Hudson co-teaches with her School Library Media Coordinator on a weekly basis.  She received a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and teaching certification from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  In addition to being a Discovery Education DenStar, Apple Certified, and Newsela Certified, she was honored in June 2013 to meet President Barack Obama who visited Mooresville Middle School to see technology in action.  She has presented at both NCTIES and ISTE and facilitates professional development both inside and outside her district.

Robin Jordan

School Library Media Coordinator
North Gaston High School
rejordan@gaston.k12.nc.us
Robin Jordan is the SLMC at North Gaston High School in Gaston County, and earned her MLS from East Carolina University.  She has presented at both L2L and NCSLMA and is a past chair of the NC Young Adult Book Award Committee.  She earned her NCPTS in 2010 and has served as the PLC Facilitator for high school SLMCs in Gaston County.  She lives in Gastonia with her husband, Chris, and her menagerie of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Beth Kaylor

Coordinator of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Government Information Research
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
kaylorj@uncw.edu
Beth Kaylor is the Coordinator of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Government Information Research at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Randall Library.  She serves as a liaison to the Cameron School of Business.  In her former position as Outreach Services Librarian, she started the High School Outreach program in New Hanover County.

Sara Kennedy

School Librarian
Southeastern Academy Charter School
skennedy@southeasternacademy.org
Mrs. Kennedy has taught in North Carolina since 2011.  She recently received her MLS from East Carolina University and has been a media coordinator for the last three years.  In 2015, she was selected to attend the prestigious Library of Congress Summer Teaching Institute, which focused on the use of primary sources in K-12 education.

Sara Levin

Media Coordinator
Falkland Elementary School
levins@pitt.k12.nc.us
Sara Levin has been a librarian for fifteen years and in the schools for twelve years.  She currently serves Falkland Elementary, a K-5 school.  Miss Levin has lived in Ayden since 1993 and loves being an ECU Pirate alumna.  Int he last five years, she has raised over $100,000 through grants and crowdsourcing, and has presented grant writing sessions at local and state conferences.

Allison Long

School Library Media Coordinator
Mooresville Middle School
allisonlong@mgsd.k12.nc.us
This is Allison Long’s 26th year in education and her 19th year at Mooresville Middle School as the School Library Media Coordinator.  She also serves as the District Lead Media Coordinator.  Ms. Long received her BA in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, her Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and has her National Board Certification.  Ms. Long is a Discovery Education DenStar, Google Certified, and an honorable mention for the 2014 Digital Innovation in Learning Award as a Learning Ninja!  She was honored in June 2013 to meet former president Barack Obama who visited Mooresville Middle School.  In addition, she is the the 2013 Media Specialist Technology Award winner for NCTIES and in 2014, she participated in a panel at the SLJ Summit in St. Paul, Minnesota and has presented at both NCTIES and ISTE along with providing Professional Development opportunities both in and outside her district.

Vicky Mahoney

Media Specialist
Powhatan Elementary School
victoriamahoney@johnston.k12.nc.us
Vicky Mahoney has been the Media Specialist at Powhatan Elementary School in Clayton, North Carolina since 2011.  She was named 2016 Johnston County Media Specialist of the Year and is a National Board Certified Teacher.  Before graduating with an MLS from East Carolina University, she taught in Japan and England.

Lisa D. McElwee

Media Coordinator
South Edgecombe Middle School
lmcelwee@ecps.us
Lisa McElwee is a middle school Media Coordinator with thirteen years of experience in Media Science and twenty years in education.  She graduated with her master’s degree in Library Science from East Carolina University in December 2005, and currently works at South Edgecombe Middle School.

Adam Moniz

Art Teacher
Pitt County Schools
moniza@pitt.k12.nc.us
Adam Moniz is an art teacher with Pitt County Schools, and is an East Carolina University graduate.  He enjoys creating murals, building new things, and STEM education.

Mary Ellen Oxendine

Media Coordinator
Cumberland County Schools
maryellenoxendine@ccs.k12.nc.us
Mary Ellen Oxendine is a Media Coordinator with the Cumberland County School system and 2015-2016 Secretary of the NCSLMA Board of Directors.  She is currently serving the needs of students at Gray’s Creek Middle School, where she has been since August 2008.

Kathy Parker

School Library Media and Digital Citizenship Consultant
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
kathy.parker@dpi.nc.gov
Kathy is a Raleigh native who answered the call to be a lifelong educator.  She graduated with English and History degrees from North Carolina State University and earned her ESL certification and a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  She began her career in education as a high school English teacher before transitioning to school library media.  In 2008, she earned National Board Certification in library media, and joined the NC Department of Public Instruction in 2012.  Kathy is available by email or phone: kathy.parker@dpi.nc.gov or (919) 807-3221.  You may also follow her on Twitter @kparkerslmc.

Kevin Roberts

Instructional Facilitator
Edgecombe County Public Schools
kroberts@ecps.us
Kevin is currently working as an Instructional Facilitator where he serves elementary and middle schools in Edgecombe County.  He is certified in Elementary Education and has a master’s in Communication Studies.  He loves collaborating with teachers to enhance their curriculum using technology.

Lisa Rose

Media Specialist
Moyock Elementary School
lrose@currituck.k12.nc.us
Lisa Rose is an NBCT media specialist with 18 years’ experience at Moyock Elementary School.  Prior tot hat, she was a kindergarten teacher and a nutrition education instruction in both public health and hospital settings.  Ms. Rose is a strong advocate for reading and literacy.  She received both her BS and MLS from East Carolina University.

Jacquelyn Ruffin-Pittman

Media Specialist
Halifax County Public Schools
jacquelynruffin@schoollink.net
Jacquelyn Ruffin-Pittman is a Media Specialist at Northwest Halifax High School who loves reading and storytelling.  She is currently working towards producing, “Harry Potter’s The Cursed Child” Reader’s Theatre at Northwest.  Her students enjoy reading with a flair of theatre.

Jane Sasser

Media Coordinator
Brogden Middle School
janesasser@wcps.org
Sasser taught for twelve years as a teacher and librarian at Wayne Christian School before joining Wayne County’s Brogden Middle School in 2008.  She earned her master’s degree in Library Science from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from N.C. Wesleyan College.  She and her husband, Tim, are proud parents of two children.  When Sasser is not teaching or reading her BOB/EBOB books, she enjoys walking her two beagle pups, traveling, and going to the beach.

Heather Seibert

Sabrina Steigelman

Media Coordinator
Cumberland County Schools
sabrinasteig@gmail.com
Sabrina Steigelman is a Media Coordinator at Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School in Cumberland County. She is a proud graduate of East Carolina University’s Library Science Program (ARRRGGHHH!) and was recently recognized as Cumberland County School’s 2016-2017 Media Coordinator of the Year. Mrs. Steigelman is currently pursuing her masters in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and is also working as a School Administrative Intern.

Margaret Sullivan Brannon

Teacher Librarian
Jesse Wharton Elementary School
sullivm@gcsnc.com
In spite of being an old-fashioned “proper” librarian, complete with glasses, a bun, and 23 years of experience in North Carolina libraries, Margaret Sullivan Brannon was an early adopter of the makerspace movement in school libraries.  For several years before the movement went mainstream, she was providing space and materials for students to express their creativity.  She is looking for ideas and suggestions to make improvements on school library makerspaces.

Jenny Umbarger

Library Media Specialist
Rogers-Herr Middle School
Jennifer.umbarger@dpsnc.net
Jenny Umbarger has been the Media Coordinator at Rogers-Herr Middle School in Durham for the past fifteen years.  She also serves as the Media Lead for the middle school cohort of media coordinators in her district.  Jenny is on her eighth year as member of the Middle School Battle of the Books committee and has served on the NCSLMA board for the last several years as Secretary and then Archives Chair.

Tammy Weller

Media Coordinator
Cumberland County Schools
tammyweller@ccs.k12.nc.us
Tammy has worked as a media Coordinator at both elementary and middle school levels,a nd is currently the Media Coordinator at Gray’s Creek High School in Cumberland County.  As a lifelong seeker and sharer of information, she has been educating the young and old alike for the past twenty years in a variety of educational settings.  She received her MLS from East Carolina University!

Jenny Wells

Media Coordinator
Chowan Middle School
jwells@ecps.k12.nc.us
Jenny Wells received her undergraduate degree from Campbell University, her MLS from East Carolina University, and has twenty years of experience working in the Edenton-Chowan Schools system.  Wells has not always been a Media Coordinator, and has served as an Intervention-Prevention Coordinator, Elementary Teacher Assistant and Media Assistant.  Her experience in these positions has helped her be more resourceful and creative in providing media services to students.  Mrs. Wells values the importance of working collaboratively with community organizations and the public library to provide much needed educational resources.

Penny Williams

School Library Media Coordinator
G. W. Carver Elementary School
pwilliams@ecps.us
Penny Williams earned her MLS from East Carolina and is in her fourth year as a school library media coordinator.  She currently works at G. W. Carver Elementary School in Pinetops, North Carolina.

Lisa Zekanis

Second Grade Teacher
Southeastern Academy Charter School
lzekanis@southeasternacademy.org
Mrs. Zekanis has taught second, third, and fourth grades in North Carolina since 2010.  Currently, she is a passionate second grade educator at Southeastern Academy Charter School in Lumberton where she works closely with her school librarian to create lessons that enrich the quality of her students’ education.