Meet Dr. Nichole Richardson Ijames, Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2009

Experience 
I am honored to have been both a NC Teaching Fellow  (1992) and a  NC Principal Fellow (2008) recipient. I served as a high school Social Studies teacher from 1997-2008. I also served as a lead AVID teacher for 5 years.

I was named NCHS Teacher of the Year in 2001 and 2007, District Teacher of the Year in 2001, Wachovia Outstanding Educator in 2001, Wachovia Outstanding Educator Finalist in 2007 and CCS Principal of the Year in 2019. Having had the opportunity to serve at all 3 levels (elementary, middle and high school), I now have a more enriched experience and a better perspective as a educational leader.  I believe my dominant strengths include strategic thinking, and being a relational learner and leader.  

Education 

• B.S Psychology - UNC Greensboro (Psychology + secondary certification in social studies education)
• MSA - UNC Charlotte  (School Administration & Curriculum Instructional Specialist)
• EdD – Gardner-Webb University (Educational Leadership)

 

Why I Became an Educator
I love learning  and,  with it, the opportunity to invite and engage others to fall in love with learning too!  While my interest in becoming an educator emerged at an early age, the passion was fueled by my supportive family and by the strong, compassionate educators who helped me find my place and voice as a learner and leader. These educators both inspired and empowered me when I arrived as an immigrant middle school student in Brooklyn, NY.  Because of these experiences I am profoundly reminded each day of the impact that educators hold on the lives of the students and communities we serve.  What we do in this moment, for each student, matters and sends ripple effects into their future! We do not only teach content and cognitive strategies, we are conduits of hope and, in essence, destiny changers!

Favorite Activities
I enjoy reading, singing, teaching, writing, sightseeing and spending time with family (in any capacity) and in church.

Something Unique About Me
(1) I was a truant in middle school. My transition to middle school and a new country was initially challenging. I migrated to the United States from the island of Jamaica and  felt like a cultural misfit at first....until some very devoted and  incredible middle school teachers helped me find my voice, called out the leader in me and reminded me that my voice matters. I am keenly driven to do the same for the students I serve.
(2) Constitutional law and equity are also strong areas of interest  and passion for me. I once explored the possibility of studying law as well.
(3) I have an indefatigable  passion for the marginalized, disenfranchised and the dismissed. Educational and social equity are extremely important to me.

My personal and professional missions in life are undergirded by the principle of leaving people and places better than we found them!

Meet Brigette DeArman, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director 

Joined Team CCS - July 2000

Experience 
I have worked in public education for nearly 30 years with 23 of those years in NC and 20 of those years for Catawba County Schools. I have taught ELA, NC Social Studies, and reading at the middle school level and English at the high school level; developed my own writing curriculum while teaching at the Early College - during which my students earned the highest writing proficiency in this region; and served as the secondary education mentor for beginning teachers. I am currently the AP at the Early College, in which I used to teach. I served as the vice president for three years and as the president for five years for the Catawba County chapter of NCAE. 

Education 
B.S. Secondary Education English, Edinboro University of PA
M.A. in Education Administration and Supervision

Favorite Teacher
I knew at the age of 5 that I wanted to be a teacher. I attribute that to my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ralph.  She, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Eckart, my 6th grader teacher, Miss Simmons, and my 9th and 10th grade English teachers, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Amendola, all had a huge impact on me through their willingness to wait on me to overcome my shyness when called on in class to just believing in me. They listened to their students and showed them they mattered and were important.  

Favorite Activities
I absolutely love going to the beach, regardless of the season or weather. I prefer the beaches of NC and those on the Gulf Coast, and, of course, any Caribbean beach. Walking, relaxing, reading by the water, or watching the waves makes my soul happy. 

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I have an adorable fur baby, Samantha Marae. She is the sweetest, smartest, and prettiest kitty. I also have an amazing husband and best friend, Steve, who takes me to the beach whenever I feel the need to go, except on school nights (haha!).  

I joined CCS because of the commitment to students and employees. There is a true sense of family within the school system that makes people feel welcomed and valued.

Meet Lori Hoffa, CVCC Director of Early Colleges

I have worked a variety of jobs throughout my life – newspaper route (long before computers and digital
media), lifeguard, purchaser, interior designer, mother. I entered the field of education in 2004 at St.
Stephens Elementary. After spending four years in fourth grade, I began my career as a college
advisor/liaison at Caldwell Community College and have been a college advisor/liaison for 13 years. My
favorite time of the school year is graduation, when I get to see students complete their high school
journey and move on to their next endeavor whether it is college/university, trade school, work or the
military.
Reading is one of my all-time favorite past-times. . . reading in the hammock on a spring day is the BEST!
Add a little music, the sound of a waterfall and a gentle breeze, it’s most relaxing. My husband and I
enjoy creating beautiful and unique places in our yard with flowers, patios, rock walls, water features,
etc. I also enjoy photography, scrapbooking and being creative. I collect nativities from around the world
and currently have approximately 500 (yes, that’s two zeros.)