Our Lower School Staff
Kimberly Hicks
Director of Health & Wellness
- Registered Nurse licensed through the North Carolina Board of Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Louisiana State University
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Maci Bullard
Kindergarten
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Campbell University
- 12 years in elementary education, five years at GCS
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Michelle Shumway
Kindergarten
-
Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies from Western Governor’s University
- Seven years in Christian Education. as instructor and in administration, three years at GCS
- ACSI teaching certificate
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Katie Peavely
First Grade
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University
- Taught for 18 years in private Christian and public schools
- Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- ACSI and North Carolina state teaching certifications
- Attends Yates Thagard Baptist Church
Tammy Strickland
First Grade
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro
- Taught for 30 years in Lee County public schools, and three years at GCS
- Warren Williams Elementary School and Bullock Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- ACSI and North Carolina state teaching certifications
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Sarah Edwards
Second Grade
- Bachelor of Science in Childhood Psychology with an emphasis in Education from Liberty University
- Completed coursework from Liberty University’s Master of Education program
- Taught for seven years at GCS
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Pleasant Grove Christian Church
Kelly Whiteheart
Third Grade
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Taught in Christian Education for 21 years, three years at GCS
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Summit Church in Raleigh
Elaine Clegg
Fourth Grade
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University
- Master of Science in Higher Education from North Carolina A&T State University
- In progress of Doctorate in Education in Higher Education from Walden University
- 10 years experience in the Lee County school system in various positions
- 6 years of teaching experience on the collegiate level at CCCC
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Faith, Victory, and Freedom Church in Garner
Penelope Basinger
Fourth Grade
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Meredith College
- Master of Education in Reading from the University of North Carolina, Pembroke
- 30 years teaching experience in all elementary levels
- Early Childhood teaching certification from Fayetteville State University
- National Board certification in middle childhood education
- North Carolina teaching and AIG certifications
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Cool Springs Baptist Church in Sanford
Shania Ross
Elementary Aide
- Associate Degree in Applied Science from Central Carolina Community College
- Served as instructor and aide at GCS for four years
- Attends Manna Church in Sanford
Jennifer Vickers
Fifth Grade
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Piedmont International University
- Taught for 15 years in Christian Education
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends First Baptist Church of Pinehurst
Bethany Williamson
Fifth Grade
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College
- Taught for two years at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Summit Church in Apex
Dr. Sandra Salinero
STEM and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Master of Science in Information Management and Technology from Capella University
- Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management from Capella University
- Worked in Information Technology for over 15 years
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
April Ward
Music and Drama
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Southeastern Freewill Baptist College
- Taught Piano and Music at GCS for 18 years
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Jesse Wilson
Physical Education and Upper Level Discipline
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina, Pembroke
- Served in the U.S. Army for six years, with two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq
- Served at GCS for four years
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Crossroads Church in Broadway
Patricia Mikesell
Elementary Spanish Teacher and Librarian
- Bachelor Degree in Nutrition Science from Evangelical College in El Salvador
- Taught at GCS for seven years
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Manna Church in Fayetteville
Megan James
Visual Art
- Completed coursework at Liberty University and Central Carolina Community College
- Taught at GCS for one year
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Lauren Morrison
Learning Support Program Lead Specialist
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University
- Master of Science in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University
- Teacher and Program Specialist in Lee and Moore County schools for 11 years, one year at GCS
- Reading Research to Classroom, and Dyslexia Delegate via Dept. of Public Instruction NC certifications
- ACSI and North Carolina teaching certifications
- Attends Grace Chapel Church in Sanford
Janet Hopson
Learning Support Program Specialist
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Barton College
- Master of Divinity in Church Music from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Taught in exceptional student education for nine years
- Attends Christ Community Church in Pinehurst
Sherry McDonald
Learning Support Program Specialist
- Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Campbell University
- Taught in exceptional student education for eight years
- Certified Hill Center (RAP) and Augustine Literacy Project
- ACSI teaching certification
- Attends Morris Chapel Methodist Church in Sanford
