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Toni Talbert Shellady
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She received her teaching license via the Lateral Entry program and worked for two years as a Business Education teacher with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where she was acknowledged for her students' high standardized testing scores, her innovative and engaging classroom practices, starting a recycling program in her school, and leading a schoolwide hair donation event to support Locks of Love. Toni received the districtwide CTE Rising Star award after less than two years in the district before moving with her husband to a farm in Rougemont, NC near her hometown of Roxboro.
Toni was hired at the start of Voyager Academy's second year (2008) to teach middle school technology classes and build a schoolwide technology program. Under Toni's leadership and with the support of then Principal Carl Forsyth, Toni led Voyager from a start-up tech program with no student network and donated computers to a leader in school technology infrastructure in NC. Voyager Academy was one of the first charter schools in the state to implement Google Apps for Education, implement a 1:1 laptop program for students, have an approved Technology Plan, connect to NCREN (free, high speed internet for schools), and file for E-rate reimbursement for technology infrastructure.
Toni also led numerous tech-related professional development opportunities for staff including training related to Google Apps for Education, digital portfolios for students, Smart Board / ActivBoard training, digital citizenship, and much more. In 2012, Toni was selected as one of 50 teachers worldwide from thousands of applications to attend the Google Teacher Academy at Google's New York City offices. She has also written education articles for The Herald-Sun and GettingSmart.com. Toni's digital portfolio work with students landed her an invite to lead professional development for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2013 during their 1:1 iPad rollout.
In addition to building a tech infrastructure for Voyager, Toni also had the exciting opportunity to build a technology curriculum for Voyager's students. Whereas the traditional district school had limited Toni to largely teaching an outdated technology curriculum, Carl Forsyth and the charter school environment allowed Toni endless possibilities which resulted in a robust and cutting-edge technology curriculum. Toni's students at Voyager learned app development, game design, web design, programming and coding, videography, photography, graphic design, animation, 3D printing, and so much more! Toni and her students had so much fun learning, in fact, that when Voyager became near impossible to get into following their growth into a K-12 school, Toni was inspired to began researching what it would take to open a middle school with a heavy focus on digital arts. Soon thereafter, Discovery Charter School was born!
When not dedicating herself to Discovery, Toni enjoys spending time on her farm with her husband, two young children, and many farm animals including adorable baby goats. She also enjoys spending time with her family in Roxboro and many friends in the area. When no one is looking, she also enjoys dancing - something she spent a great deal of time doing growing up.
Toni may be reached at tshellady(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Dan Holloman
Assistant Principal
Danny Holloman is originally from Columbus County in Southeastern NC. He taught for eleven years with nine of those years in the New Hanover County Schools. Dan was a Principal Fellow Program Scholarship recipient and, upon completion, was employed as an Assistant Principal in the Johnston County Schools. Dan also served as an Assistant Principal in the Wake County Schools at a multi-track year round middle school prior to his being named principal of Franklinton High School in the Franklin County Schools – a position he held for approximately four years.
Dan worked at the Department of Public Instruction for over six years as a Section Chief and Special Assistant to the Director of the Division of Human Resources Management. In this role, he worked with Teacher Recruitment and Retention Programs, Licensure, Title 2, Teacher Education, and other initiatives.
Dan moved on to serve as the Executive Director for Human Resources and Operational Services in the Person County Schools for four years before becoming the Superintendent of the Person County Schools in 2013.
After approximately 34 years in public education, Dan retired as a district Superintendent in 2017. During his first year of retirement, he volunteered with dog rescue groups and taught himself to bake. However, Dan found himself missing what he had done for so many years…going to “school” to work with students and staff.
Some may say Dan has failed retirement. Since retiring, he has held interim positions that include High School Principal, Middle School Assistant Principal, and Coordinator of Employee Relations and HR Compliance in various school districts.
He was the Williston Middle School Teacher of the Year in 1992 (New Hanover County) and Franklin County School’s Principal of the Year 2002. He previously served as the President of the Personnel Administrators of North Carolina. Dan holds degrees from East Carolina University and Barton College.
When he’s not working, Dan enjoys music, traveling, and spending time with his newest family member, Wilma… a border collie retriever mix.
Dan may be reached at dholloman(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Dan worked at the Department of Public Instruction for over six years as a Section Chief and Special Assistant to the Director of the Division of Human Resources Management. In this role, he worked with Teacher Recruitment and Retention Programs, Licensure, Title 2, Teacher Education, and other initiatives.
Dan moved on to serve as the Executive Director for Human Resources and Operational Services in the Person County Schools for four years before becoming the Superintendent of the Person County Schools in 2013.
After approximately 34 years in public education, Dan retired as a district Superintendent in 2017. During his first year of retirement, he volunteered with dog rescue groups and taught himself to bake. However, Dan found himself missing what he had done for so many years…going to “school” to work with students and staff.
Some may say Dan has failed retirement. Since retiring, he has held interim positions that include High School Principal, Middle School Assistant Principal, and Coordinator of Employee Relations and HR Compliance in various school districts.
He was the Williston Middle School Teacher of the Year in 1992 (New Hanover County) and Franklin County School’s Principal of the Year 2002. He previously served as the President of the Personnel Administrators of North Carolina. Dan holds degrees from East Carolina University and Barton College.
When he’s not working, Dan enjoys music, traveling, and spending time with his newest family member, Wilma… a border collie retriever mix.
Dan may be reached at dholloman(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Dave Gehring
Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
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Dave is very excited to bring his creativity and passion to the Trailblazer community! Serving two wonderful schools over the past 21 years as a Teacher and Athletic Director has given him a wealth of amazing experiences. While at Montebello Elementary School in Phoenix, AZ and the Montessori School of Raleigh, Dave experienced firsthand how he could influence students’ lives through athletics.
Dave also plays an active role within the UNC Athletic Department as the Tar Heel Ambassador Community Liaison. As Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher at Discovery Charter School, Dave looks forward to providing a broad scope of athletic leadership while supporting the growth of Discovery Charter School programs. Dave may be reached at dgehring(at)discoverycharterdurham.org. |
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Cindy Ayer
Administrative Assistant
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Discovery is excited to announce veteran school personnel Cindy Ayer as our founding Administrative Assistant! Cindy was the founding Administrative Assistant of Voyager Academy in 2007 and remained in the position until 2015. As Voyager's Administrative Assistant, Cindy had many responsibilities including maintaining student records, planning school events, interacting daily with parents and students, ordering supplies, assisting in financial management, and much more! As founding Administrative Assistant, Cindy was integral to setting up Voyager's office procedures and protocols that helped build Voyager into the great school it is today. Cindy is excited to have a second opportunity to help build a school, and Discovery is excited to have her invaluable experience and expertise as part of our founding team!
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In addition to serving as a school Administrative Assistant, Cindy has also spent many years as a Teacher Assistant in elementary school classrooms at several schools in Durham where she was beloved by students, parents, and teachers.
Cindy is a proud member of the Bahama community where she resides with her husband. Cindy has two grown children, including one who is a teacher.
Cindy may be reached at cayer(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Cindy is a proud member of the Bahama community where she resides with her husband. Cindy has two grown children, including one who is a teacher.
Cindy may be reached at cayer(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Cate Mills
Counselor
As an educator and counselor who has blazed her own trails, Cate is looking forward to supporting her students on their path at Discovery. Cate grew up moving around the country but put down roots in North Carolina where she obtained her undergraduate degree from UNC-Greensboro, as well has graduate degrees from both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Over the past two decades, Cate has served as the director of an after-school program for refugee students, an English language teacher in India and the residential program director at an international school in Thailand. For five years, she was the house mother to 30 middle school students where she became especially passionate about working with kids at this amazing age of growth and self-discovery.
In 2015, Cate returned to North Carolina to work as a middle school counselor in Durham Public Schools. As the school counselor at Discovery Charter School, Cate looks forward to implementing a counseling program to support students' socio-emotional, academic and career needs so that each Trailblazer will thrive on his or her unique path to success.
In her free time, Cate loves to hike, read and travel with her husband, 13 year old daughter, and the rest of her family.
Cate may be reached at cmills(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Over the past two decades, Cate has served as the director of an after-school program for refugee students, an English language teacher in India and the residential program director at an international school in Thailand. For five years, she was the house mother to 30 middle school students where she became especially passionate about working with kids at this amazing age of growth and self-discovery.
In 2015, Cate returned to North Carolina to work as a middle school counselor in Durham Public Schools. As the school counselor at Discovery Charter School, Cate looks forward to implementing a counseling program to support students' socio-emotional, academic and career needs so that each Trailblazer will thrive on his or her unique path to success.
In her free time, Cate loves to hike, read and travel with her husband, 13 year old daughter, and the rest of her family.
Cate may be reached at cmills(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Carrie Goldbeck
EC Teacher
Carrie loves teaching and experiencing her students’ successes in and out of school. Whether she is teaching at school or in the karate dojo, she is always pushing her students to be the best they can be.
Carrie comes to Discovery Charter with five years experience in the Exceptional Children’s department of another charter school working with students in grades K-8. She is excited to bring her creativity and knowledge to Discovery Charter School and foster the students’ thirst for knowledge and growth!
If she isn’t teaching in the classroom, Carrie can be found at her karate school teaching children and adults of all ages! She has been teaching karate for over 20 years and loves watching her students grow mentally and physically.
Carrie also stays busy in her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She loves helping others and wants to help make her community the best it can be.
As the EC teacher at Discovery, Carrie looks forward to working with the exceptional students to help them reach their full potential academically and socially in a creative and nurturing environment!
Carrie may be reached at cgoldbeck(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Carrie comes to Discovery Charter with five years experience in the Exceptional Children’s department of another charter school working with students in grades K-8. She is excited to bring her creativity and knowledge to Discovery Charter School and foster the students’ thirst for knowledge and growth!
If she isn’t teaching in the classroom, Carrie can be found at her karate school teaching children and adults of all ages! She has been teaching karate for over 20 years and loves watching her students grow mentally and physically.
Carrie also stays busy in her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She loves helping others and wants to help make her community the best it can be.
As the EC teacher at Discovery, Carrie looks forward to working with the exceptional students to help them reach their full potential academically and socially in a creative and nurturing environment!
Carrie may be reached at cgoldbeck(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Marissa Minnick
6th Grade Science
Marissa is our sixth grade science teacher. When in sixth grade herself, Marissa loved spending time in her room using her microscope and curating her rock and seashell collections. Marissa is excited to lead young scientists at Discovery as they make their own discoveries about the natural world and environment.
Marissa is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she earned both her undergraduate degree in K-6 Elementary Education and her Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She worked for Durham Public Schools prior to coming to Discovery.
Outside of the classroom, Marissa enjoys reading, hammocking, looking for new swimming holes, and spending time with her family and their lizard, Ginny. Marissa's love of the outdoors is something that she takes with her to school where she and her students can often be found outside engaged in hands-on outdoor learning activities.
Marissa may be reached at mminnick(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Marissa is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she earned both her undergraduate degree in K-6 Elementary Education and her Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She worked for Durham Public Schools prior to coming to Discovery.
Outside of the classroom, Marissa enjoys reading, hammocking, looking for new swimming holes, and spending time with her family and their lizard, Ginny. Marissa's love of the outdoors is something that she takes with her to school where she and her students can often be found outside engaged in hands-on outdoor learning activities.
Marissa may be reached at mminnick(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Thomas Bell
6th Grade Math
Thomas hails from Onslow County. Although not native to North Carolina, he has grown to call it home. He comes to Discovery by way of NC State University where he obtained his degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics.
After spending one year teaching first grade, Thomas discovered that he wanted to delve into more complex content and to take those foundational skills learned in the primary grades and utilize them in greater depth. In the middle school setting he has taught 6th grade math as well as 7th grade math, science, and social studies. Thomas most recently taught at Central Park School for Children.
Thomas has lived all over Wake County since coming to the Triangle to pursue his college education. He currently resides in Cary with his two dogs Timber and Bandit.
Thomas's hobbies include solving PennyDell puzzle books, reading (mostly fiction), collecting dolphin knickknacks, and traveling to theme parks… he is a huge roller coaster enthusiast.
Thomas is excited beyond measure to join the Trailblazer family, to take the curriculum beyond the four walls, and to meet all our wonderful students!
Thomas may be reached at tbell(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
After spending one year teaching first grade, Thomas discovered that he wanted to delve into more complex content and to take those foundational skills learned in the primary grades and utilize them in greater depth. In the middle school setting he has taught 6th grade math as well as 7th grade math, science, and social studies. Thomas most recently taught at Central Park School for Children.
Thomas has lived all over Wake County since coming to the Triangle to pursue his college education. He currently resides in Cary with his two dogs Timber and Bandit.
Thomas's hobbies include solving PennyDell puzzle books, reading (mostly fiction), collecting dolphin knickknacks, and traveling to theme parks… he is a huge roller coaster enthusiast.
Thomas is excited beyond measure to join the Trailblazer family, to take the curriculum beyond the four walls, and to meet all our wonderful students!
Thomas may be reached at tbell(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Carla Roberts
6th Grade Humanities
Carla has been a fourth and fifth grade teacher for Durham Public Schools for 24 years. She started off as an assistant teacher and decided to continue her education to become a teacher. She has taught self-contained classes as well as team taught and worked with EC and ESL students in an inclusion classroom setting. Her passion is teaching diverse students as she wants them to feel accepted and appreciated every day. Creating lifelong learners and community leaders is important to her.
Carla has a bachelors degree in Elementary Education K-6 from NCCU. She is so excited to be a part of the Discovery team and teaching 6th grade Humanities.
Carla has two children and resides in Bahama with her husband and 15 year old daughter who is a sophomore at Northern High School. Her son is married and lives in Bahama as well. She’s a proud member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Carla enjoys health and fitness, reading books, and family time at Kerr Lake and Carolina Beach.
She is looking forward to sharing her experience and enthusiasm with the Discovery Community.
Carla may be reached at croberts(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Carla has a bachelors degree in Elementary Education K-6 from NCCU. She is so excited to be a part of the Discovery team and teaching 6th grade Humanities.
Carla has two children and resides in Bahama with her husband and 15 year old daughter who is a sophomore at Northern High School. Her son is married and lives in Bahama as well. She’s a proud member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Carla enjoys health and fitness, reading books, and family time at Kerr Lake and Carolina Beach.
She is looking forward to sharing her experience and enthusiasm with the Discovery Community.
Carla may be reached at croberts(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
John Bray
7th Grade Science
John is excited to share his love of teaching and learning science with students! John has undergraduate degrees in both Secondary Education and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Appalachian State University. Prior to coming to Discovery, John taught science at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability.
John instills the curiosity that drives science in his own students through observing our natural world and performing experiments. John is a current student at NC State University where he is earning his Master's degree in STEM Education. John cannot wait to bring what he is learning at NC State to Discovery in the fall!
Outside of work, you can find John listening to a favorite podcast or fishing the Eno River.
John may be reached at jbray(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
John instills the curiosity that drives science in his own students through observing our natural world and performing experiments. John is a current student at NC State University where he is earning his Master's degree in STEM Education. John cannot wait to bring what he is learning at NC State to Discovery in the fall!
Outside of work, you can find John listening to a favorite podcast or fishing the Eno River.
John may be reached at jbray(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Kelly Strickland
7th Grade Math
Kelly comes to Discovery Charter with twenty-five years teaching experience. She has taught middle and high school math, as well as EC and ESL students within an inclusion setting. Twenty-two years of her career have been in Durham Public Schools and three years at Voyager Academy.
During her career, Kelly has served as a Leadership team member, Math Department Chair, and Emergency/Critical Response team member. She has also mentored newly licensed teachers at both the middle and high school levels.
Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education, grades 6-9, from Campbell University. She is passionate about making the school experience a positive one for all students. She is excited to join the Discovery Team teaching 7th grade Math.
Kelly resides in Durham with her husband and four children. When not working, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Kelly may be reached at kstrickland(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
During her career, Kelly has served as a Leadership team member, Math Department Chair, and Emergency/Critical Response team member. She has also mentored newly licensed teachers at both the middle and high school levels.
Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education, grades 6-9, from Campbell University. She is passionate about making the school experience a positive one for all students. She is excited to join the Discovery Team teaching 7th grade Math.
Kelly resides in Durham with her husband and four children. When not working, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Kelly may be reached at kstrickland(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Mark Maya
7th Grade Humanities and Digital Arts
Mark Maya is a nine year veteran teacher who has committed himself to educating students, colleagues, families, and the community through establishing strong relationships and instilling lifelong learning principles through technology, the arts, and experiential education.
Mark is licensed in K-12 Special Education, 6-9 and 9-12 Social Studies, and 6-9 Language Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Master of Arts in Educational Media, both from Appalachian State University. He is also a licensed Instructional Technology Specialist.
Mark comes to Discovery by way of Durham School of the Arts after a 6 year role as the Digital Media Arts pathway teacher. There he redesigned the Digital Media pathway by connecting students with local entrepreneurs, artists, and organizations that eventually led to internships, jobs, and lifelong connections.
Mark has taught prospective teachers as an Adjunct Professor at Appalachian State University. He's also taught high school special education at Ashe County High School and middle school Language Arts and Social Studies at Two Rivers Community School.
Before teaching, Mark served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Instructor of Water Survival training over 1000 Marines as well as serving as a Squad Leader during the 2005-2006 Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign.
Mark also has a passion for teaching teachers. His work has been published in the middle school journal Voices from the Middle, and he has presented at multiple teacher conferences including for the North Carolina English Teachers Association and the North Carolina Technology Education Society. He has also led several professional development sessions for his colleagues on Media Production in the Classroom and Creative Classroom Management.
Mark is also an artist and entrepreneur. Since 2013, he has built a photography business shooting weddings and portraits. He also teaches other photographers through his own traveling workshop that provides for his deep desire to travel the world. Mark also holds a summer camp for teenagers each year in Durham, N.C.
When not teaching and creating, Mark enjoys spending time at his home in East Durham with his two young children. He loves gardening, yoga and mediation, MMA, running, cooking, and all things Durham!
Mark may be reached at mmaya(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Mark is licensed in K-12 Special Education, 6-9 and 9-12 Social Studies, and 6-9 Language Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Master of Arts in Educational Media, both from Appalachian State University. He is also a licensed Instructional Technology Specialist.
Mark comes to Discovery by way of Durham School of the Arts after a 6 year role as the Digital Media Arts pathway teacher. There he redesigned the Digital Media pathway by connecting students with local entrepreneurs, artists, and organizations that eventually led to internships, jobs, and lifelong connections.
Mark has taught prospective teachers as an Adjunct Professor at Appalachian State University. He's also taught high school special education at Ashe County High School and middle school Language Arts and Social Studies at Two Rivers Community School.
Before teaching, Mark served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Instructor of Water Survival training over 1000 Marines as well as serving as a Squad Leader during the 2005-2006 Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign.
Mark also has a passion for teaching teachers. His work has been published in the middle school journal Voices from the Middle, and he has presented at multiple teacher conferences including for the North Carolina English Teachers Association and the North Carolina Technology Education Society. He has also led several professional development sessions for his colleagues on Media Production in the Classroom and Creative Classroom Management.
Mark is also an artist and entrepreneur. Since 2013, he has built a photography business shooting weddings and portraits. He also teaches other photographers through his own traveling workshop that provides for his deep desire to travel the world. Mark also holds a summer camp for teenagers each year in Durham, N.C.
When not teaching and creating, Mark enjoys spending time at his home in East Durham with his two young children. He loves gardening, yoga and mediation, MMA, running, cooking, and all things Durham!
Mark may be reached at mmaya(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Leland Davis
Engineering Teacher
Leland Davis is our multifaceted engineering instructor. He has a profound passion for educating our future leaders, entrepreneurs, and inventors using methods that will provide a solid foundation for high school, college, and the real world.
Leland received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from UNC-Charlotte and a Masters of Accounting from New England College. He has over a decade in experience in the business sector, including eight years in the non-profit field. Leland owned and operated Davis Consulting Cubed, a financial advisory firm, before purchasing the Young Engineers of Raleigh-Durham franchise in 2017 in pursuit of his passion to educate. Leland also founded the STEMulating Minds Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing STEM education to socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
When Leland isn’t in the classroom, he enjoys teaching his five-year old son everything his little mind can contain, music, volunteering, spending time at the beach, all sports, and takes pride in being a fan of the Miami Dolphins!
Leland may be reached at ldavis(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Leland received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from UNC-Charlotte and a Masters of Accounting from New England College. He has over a decade in experience in the business sector, including eight years in the non-profit field. Leland owned and operated Davis Consulting Cubed, a financial advisory firm, before purchasing the Young Engineers of Raleigh-Durham franchise in 2017 in pursuit of his passion to educate. Leland also founded the STEMulating Minds Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing STEM education to socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
When Leland isn’t in the classroom, he enjoys teaching his five-year old son everything his little mind can contain, music, volunteering, spending time at the beach, all sports, and takes pride in being a fan of the Miami Dolphins!
Leland may be reached at ldavis(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Joy Harrell-Goff
Music Teacher
Joy Harrell-Goff is a musician and music educator with a range of experience from classical concert performance and musical theater to studio recording and radio broadcasting. She’s taught music, voice, and digital production to students of all ages privately, in workshops, and in the public school classroom for over twenty years. She has been a professional actress in both musical theatre and on film with experience on and off Broadway. She has also performed solo recitals and in various musical ensembles on concert stages throughout the United States and Europe. Joy is heavily involved in our local arts community and currently serves as Executive Director of BUMP: The Triangle. She is also founder of the Bull City Youth Orchestra. Joy received her bachelor’s degree in music from NC Central University, master’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa, K-12 music education certification from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, and has a certification in musical theatre from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.
Joy may be reached at jharrellgoff(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.
Joy may be reached at jharrellgoff(at)discoverycharterdurham.org.