As Transylvania County Schools prepares to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, there is a lot to look forward to: new classrooms, new opportunities, new adventures and new members of the TCS family.
This year, TCS is welcoming educators and staff members who bring an impressive range of experiences, talents and perspectives to our schools. Some are beginning their careers. Others bring decades of experience. Some grew up right here in Transylvania County and are returning home, while others are discovering our mountain community for the first time.
What they share is a belief in students and a commitment to helping every child feel supported, valued and capable of success.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all new staff members. A comprehensive list of new staff and their bios will be reported here and by local media outlets later in the week.
A Warm Welcome Home
For several of our newest team members, joining TCS means coming home.
Brevard native and former Brevard High School basketball player Jakari Thompson is returning to the community that helped shape him, now serving as a Physical Education teacher at Brevard Elementary. A graduate of North Greenville University, Jakari brings classroom experience, coaching experience and a desire to give back to the next generation.
At Rosman Elementary, Avalon Sweet is beginning her first year as a teacher in the community where she grew up. A Brevard College graduate, Avalon is excited to give back to the place she has always called home.
Kelci Owen, the new school counselor at Rosman Middle School and T.C. Henderson Elementary, also knows firsthand the difference a caring school community can make. Growing up in Balsam Grove and graduating from Rosman High School in 2022, Kelci credits TCS educators and counselors with helping shape who she is today. Now, she is returning to serve students in the same community that supported her.
At Rosman Elementary, Colbie Hooper is returning to her hometown as a Pre-K teacher after more than 20 years of working with children. A Rosman Elementary and Rosman High School graduate, Colbie said there is something special about being able to work in her hometown and make children's lives better.
These homecomings are a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact a school system can have and the ways that impact can come full circle.
Bringing Experience to TCS
Our newest team members also bring an extraordinary depth of experience to Transylvania County Schools.
Lisa Kent, TCS's new school psychologist, joins the district with 23 years of experience serving students in Georgia and Florida. She and her husband were drawn to the area's small-town character, mountains and sense of community. After meeting with the Exceptional Children's team, she quickly felt a connection with TCS.
At Brevard Middle School, Laura McGill brings 33 years of experience in special education, along with a master's degree in special education and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. After spending her career in Florida public schools, she is excited to begin this next chapter in Brevard.
Jennifer Lake, also joining Brevard Middle School, has been working in education since 1996 and has taught learners ranging from birth to age 81. Her passion for special education has remained a constant throughout her career.
Jessica Bubenzer, the new EC Transition Coordinator, is entering her 20th year in education, including 14 years working in Exceptional Children's programs. Her focus will be helping students navigate the transition toward their post-secondary goals.
And Sarah Mazanec, the new Resource teacher at Pisgah Forest Elementary, brings experience from preschool education and special education to her new role.
Their years of experience represent a tremendous resource for students, families and colleagues throughout TCS.
Several educators are also beginning exciting new chapters in their teaching careers.
Benjamin Bouressa, the new Assistant Band Director and Chorus Director at Brevard Middle School, is entering his first year in the classroom after graduating from Appalachian State University's Hayes School of Music. With a background in saxophone, woodwinds and choral music, he is excited to build meaningful relationships with his students through music.
At Brevard Elementary, Mallori Green joins the second grade team after seven years teaching kindergarten and second grade in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Having grown up just across the county line in Hendersonville, Mallori said returning to the mountains feels like coming home.
Maggi Carroll, the new NC Pre-K teacher at Brevard Elementary, brings more than 20 years of teaching experience and calls her new position her "dream job." She is especially passionate about helping children build confidence, express themselves and discover their own unique strengths.
Ginny Warriner, also joining Brevard Elementary as a first grade teacher, brings 13 years of public school teaching experience and seven additional years in early childhood programs. As a National Board Certified Teacher, she emphasizes meeting students where they are academically, emotionally and developmentally.
At Pisgah Forest Elementary, Paige Anderson is bringing her love of learning and the outdoors to the new Outdoor Studies and Discovery program. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Paige has worked in national parks, the Peace Corps, literacy education, special education and traditional classrooms. She also thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, covering more than 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Supporting the Whole Student
Many of our new team members spoke about something that goes beyond academics: the importance of knowing, supporting and believing in the whole child.
That philosophy is reflected throughout this year's new staff.
Mackenzie Green, a new Teacher Assistant at Davidson River School, brings four years of experience in education along with degrees in human services and counseling. Drawing from her own experiences, Mackenzie is passionate about helping students overcome challenges, build confidence and understand that obstacles do not define what they are capable of achieving.
Joan Barham, a new EC Teacher Assistant at T.C. Henderson Elementary, believes good teaching means meeting students where they are, building confidence and helping them believe in themselves.
At Brevard Elementary, Aidan O'Connor, a new EC Teacher Assistant, emphasizes creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students can build confidence and independence.
Melany Sferrazza, a kindergarten Teacher Assistant at Brevard Elementary, brings experience in leadership, human resources and operations, as well as two years as an NC Pre-K Teacher Assistant. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Melany is excited to help students feel supported, encouraged and capable.
And Jessica Bracken, a new middle school Teacher Assistant at Davidson River School, brings experience in healthcare, administrative support and early childhood education. As a mother, she understands the importance of having adults around children who are patient, dependable, encouraging and willing to advocate for them.
Learning, Growing and Building Relationships
While their backgrounds are different, our new staff members consistently return to one important idea: relationships matter.
Jessica Bubenzer describes relationships as the key to helping students feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes and grow.
Benjamin Bouressa believes genuine relationships with students provide the foundation for discipline, motivation and real learning.
Jakari Thompson emphasizes positive relationships and creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged and valued.
Jennifer Mason, a new Teacher Assistant whose own children have experienced the positive impact of TCS, wants to encourage students, help them discover their strengths and support them as they grow.
And Jacqueline Krekeler, the new Exceptional Children's teacher at Brevard Middle School, is focused on helping students make real-world connections and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
These perspectives reflect something central to the TCS experience: students learn best when they know the adults around them believe in them.
A Community of Many Talents
Our newest staff members bring talents and interests that extend well beyond the classroom.
They are hikers, athletes, musicians, artists, readers, gardeners, travelers, coaches, parents, community members and lifelong learners.
They include someone who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, a former competitive figure skater, a former high school basketball player and educators who enjoy everything from painting and crocheting to golf, gardening, baking and exploring the outdoors.
Those experiences enrich our schools and give students even more opportunities to connect with the adults who support them.
Welcome to TCS
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are grateful for every person who has chosen to become part of Transylvania County Schools.
To those who are returning home, welcome back.
To those who are beginning your first year in education, welcome to the profession.
To those bringing decades of experience, welcome to a new chapter.
And to everyone joining us from near and far, welcome to Transylvania County.
We are excited to have you here.
Together, you will help make our schools places where students feel seen, supported, challenged and inspired. They will be places where students can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships and discover what is possible.
Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Transylvania County Schools family. We can't wait to see everything that the 2026–2027 school year will bring!