Classroom Teachers

Julie Neumark

Teacher - Kindergarten

Julie Neumark is joining TES as a Kindergarten teacher this year. She began her teaching journey at UNC Asheville, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in environmental education. After spending a few years as an outdoor learning instructor and then as an assistant teacher for preschool through fourth grade classrooms, she went back to school at UNC Chapel Hill, where she earned a Master's degree in elementary education. When she's not teaching, Julie can often be found outside hiking, gardening, or camping. She also loves traveling, learning new styles of dance, and playing board games with friends and family.

Nanina Ferguson

Teaching Assistant - Kindergarten

This is Nanina's second year at TES and she is thrilled to be joining Ms. Beckstedt with our Kindergarten friends this year. Nanina lives in Burlington with her husband and her five beautiful children. For fun, Nanina loves to play board games and cook with her family. Her favorite thing to do is travel, she has visited more than half of the United States along with Jamaica, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Mexico and Haiti.

Samantha Roberts

Teacher - Kindergarten

Samantha Roberts grew up and still lives in Mebane NC. She attended Appalachian State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and masters in special education with certificates in autism and emotional and behavioral disorders. Some of her favorite things to do is spend time with friends and family, trying new coffee shops, and baking. She is so excited to start her teaching journey at TES!

Holly Crabtree

Teaching Assistant - Kindergarten

Holly grew up in South Carolina and graduated from Clemson University. After an adventure as an army wife that included working as a behavioral therapist for children with autism, living all over the country, and starting a family, she and her husband have settled here in Hillsborough with their now four children. She discovered a love for being in the classroom while volunteering at her children’s schools and spent five years teaching 4 year old preschool in Chapel Hill. Holly is happy to be spending her third year with TES in kindergarten. Her favorite things are books, board games with family, and good conversation with friends. She also enjoys teaching ESL online to kids in China.

Amy Daniels

Teacher - Grade 1

Amy Daniels has over 30 years of teaching experience in public, charter and homeschool settings. Born in Durham, she graduated UNC-CH with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Education. After teaching fourth grade in Virginia for a year, she returned to Durham, finding her true love teaching first and second graders in Person and Durham counties. Amy was the Durham Jaycee’s Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, Club Boulevard Teacher Assistant of the Year and also the first educator to pilot a multi-age 1st/2nd grade class for Durham Public Schools. Her enthusiasm for project-based learning and calm presence creates a classroom of engaged learners. She is a current licensed teacher. Amy loves doing anything and everything with her family.

Jenny Scott

Instructional Assistant - Grade 1

Ms. Scott has been working at TES as an Instructional Assistant for Ms. Daniels’ 1st/2nd grade classroom for 5 years. She enjoys working at TES and loves the community here. Ms. Scott graduated from Texas State back in the '80's with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She later earned her teaching credential from California State University/Bakersfield. Ms. Scott enjoys gardening, taking hikes in the beautiful North Carolina woods, and spending time with her husband and puppy dog, Oliver, where she lives in Chapel Hill. Currently, her husband and she are hosting an exchange student from Spain who is a Junior in High School.

Jessica Willen

Teacher - Grade 1

I have been a dedicated classroom teacher for 17 years. I am passionate about fostering a dynamic, student-centered learning environment. I hold a Bachelor's Degree and will complete my Master's Degree in the late fall of 2026. My specialization is in STEM integration, differentiated instruction, literacy development, and comprehensive mathematics instruction.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to unlocking every student's potential by blending innovative instructional strategies with real-world applications. Beyond the classroom, I have contributed to the community by coaching girls' softball and volleyball. When I am not teaching, I enjoy bike riding, hiking, playing trivia, and spending time with my family both here and in South Florida.

My hope and dream for this school year is to cultivate an environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning while students develop strong character traits that will help them be successful in and out of the classroom.

Announcing Soon!

Teacher Assistant - Grade 1 -

Laura Velkey

Teacher - Grade 2

Laura Velkey graduated with a B.S. in Elem Ed from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. Laura taught in the gifted program through Jackson Public Schools for several years. In 2004, Laura and her husband bought an organic blueberry farm in Cedar Grove, NC. During the school year, Laura was a T.A. at Estes Hills Elementary in Chapel Hill. In 2011, Laura and her family relocated to Fairhope, AL. Laura organized and led homeschool groups for her youngest son and other 4th-6th graders. She then taught 1st-4th grade at a small, private progressive school in Fairhope. She is a current licensed teacher. Laura and her family have moved back to the area to be closer to her family. They have a small farm outside of Carrboro. She is looking forward to family dinners & teaching at TES!

Liz Varner

Teaching Assistant - Grade 2

Liz is originally from the mountains of NC but settled in Graham in 2011 with her husband and three kids. She began volunteering at her kids' preschool and fell in love with working with children. She spent eight years teaching four-year-olds at a preschool in Graham, NC. She joined TES in 2023 as a Teaching Assistant and loves the people and the culture. When not at work, Liz enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family and pets.

Cassie Roberts

Teacher - Grade 2

Cassie is a current licensed teacher.

I am originally from Mt. Airy, NC and moved to the area two years ago to work at TES. I went to Lees-McRae College to gain my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I enjoy being able to work at a school like TES and love being able to call teaching my job. I love spending my free time doing art, hanging out with my two cats (Sam and Felix), and finding new coffee/boba shops.

Shymaria Broadway

Teacher Assistant - Grade 2

I am originally from Boston, MA and moved to North Carolina in 2015 for college. I have my BSW from Shaw University. Previously I worked at a Preschool as an Assistant Director for 4 years also doing ABA work with children. I have my own business "Broadway Esthetics Wax & Skin Studios" in Hillsborough, NC. I coach girls basketball at Southern Alamance Middle School where I was the ISS teacher before coming here. In my spare time I like to watch movies. I also enjoy going out to new restaurants to eat. I am excited to be here this school year at TES.

Meredith Hailey

Teacher - Grade 3

Ms. Hailey has been teaching at TES for 6 years in the 3/4 classrooms. She is originally from Boone, NC and taught in Texas for 5 years before moving back to NC. She loves the community of Hillsborough and the culture of TES. She looks forward to many more years of teaching at TES. Meredith is a current licensed teacher.

Eli Karren

Teacher - Grade 3 ELA

Eli Karren grew up in Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. He has earned teaching credentials through the Teachers of Tomorrow program and holds a Master’s of Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. After nearly a decade of teaching in Austin, TX, he is now happy to call Hillsborough his home. In his free time, he loves creative writing, hiking with his dog Otis, and going to movies. This is his first year teaching at The Expedition School and his ninth in education.

Announcing Soon!

Instructional Assistant - Grade 3

Jessica Lapp

Teaching Assistant -

Jessica Lapp graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a focus on counseling. Jessica has worked various jobs in different settings with all ages of children. Jessica discovered after working various positions how much she enjoys working with elementary and middle school aged children. She has 2 children of her own (7 and 17), 9 dogs, goats, and many various types of birds. When not at TES she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travel, and animals.

Mary Beth Bumgarner

Teacher Grade 4 math

Mary Beth was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UNCG. Before joining TES, she taught fourth-grade math in Greensboro. Mary Beth is excited to begin her fifth year of teaching here at TES and looks forward to another year of helping students learn and grow. Outside of the classroom, Mary Beth enjoys reading, building lego sets, and watching movies with her husband and their cat. She has recently taken up playing mahjong with her family and is learning the art of embroidery. Mary Beth is passionate about helping students build confidence while developing a love for math and science. She is excited to support and encourage her students as they discover new skills and reach their full potential.

Lauren Clark

Teacher Assistant -

Lauren Clark was born and raised in Hillsborough, NC! She graduated from Orange High School in 2022 and is now attending Durham Tech Community College pursuing her Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She previously worked in Early Childhood Education for two years. She is interested in studying and fostering education and is excited to join The Expedition School this year. In her spare time, Ms.Clark enjoys spending time with her friends and family as well as going on long walks with her dogs!

Evan Johnson

Teacher - Grade 5 Math/Science

Evan Johnson moved from Napa, CA to North Carolina in 2020. She holds an undergrad in International Studies Spanish, Health Science, as well as a Multiple Subject teaching credential, Spanish credential, and health credential. Evan started teaching in California. She has taught Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 5th Grade, 4th grade reading, reading and math interventions, middle school Spanish, as well as technology and coding. Evan lives in Alamance County with her husband, two children, 2 ragdoll cats, and one crested gecko. When she isn’t at work she loves discovering new places, sewing, reading, hiking, and drinking tea. She is looking forward to the new year at The Expedition School and the adventures it will bring!

Lilly Pilkington

Teacher - Grade 6 ELA/Social Studies

Lilly is originally from Boone, NC and received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Appalachian State University in 2020. She immediately went back to school and received her certification in Middle School ELA in 2022. She is a current licensed teacher. Lilly grew up going to a charter school and when she heard about The Expedition School she immediately knew that that was where she was going to be! She came to TES in December 2022 and has loved it ever since!

Erin McInerney

Teacher - Grade 6 Math/Science

A 2015 graduate of Duke University, Erin has student taught in Durham and at TES before working here as a licensed 3rd and 4th grade teacher. She is excited to practice the project based learning philosophy and to interact with the wonderful families and faculty that form the community of The Expedition School. In her free time, she enjoys watching Jeopardy and anything Duke sports related!

Tara Mortimer

Teacher - Grade 6 ELA/Social Studies

Tara came to North Carolina by way of Wisconsin in 2014 and joined TES in 2016. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and obtained her Master’s Degree in Teaching from North Carolina State University. Tara is a current licensed teacher. She leads the international travel program for TES middle schoolers and has a passion for youth character and leadership development. She loves dogs, coffee, and soccer. She likes to spend her free time hiking in the woods or reading in a hammock. Tara lives in a tiny house on a farm in Hillsborough.

Henley Younts

Teacher - Grade 7/8 ELA

Miss Younts was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on a small horse farm near Hillsborough! She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Media and Journalism and a minor in Food Studies. After college, she spent two years working in Spain as a Language and Culture Assistant in primary and secondary public schools. During her time abroad, Miss Younts did a teacher preparation program to become a licensed middle school ELA teacher. She has a passion for reading, writing, and literacy for all. Her goal is to foster a loving classroom community where every student feels comfortable growing and learning together.

Sara Riek

Teacher - Grade 7/8 Social Studies

Ms. Riek was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow at Elon University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Middle Grades History education. She then spent two years teaching English in Ecuador and after returning spent four years in Durham Public Schools. Ms. Riek is licensed in Middle Grades Social Studies, Middle Grades Language Arts, and ESL, is Montessori certified, and has her National Board certification. She also received a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Xavier University with an emphasis in Montessori in the upper grades. Ms. Riek is starting her tenth year at TES, helps with 8th grade tasks like graduation & high school transitions, and has been on the TES Access, Belonging, and Culture team since it was founded. She has also led a travel abroad trip to Italy. In her spare time, Ms. Riek loves traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her son, husband and two cats.

Jackie Gibbs

Teacher - Grade 7/8 Science

Jackie Gibbs was born and raised in the mountains of North Georgia. She moved to North Carolina after attending Montreat College and UNC-Asheville. She taught middle school science in Durham Public Schools for many years. She is excited to be at TES!

Oana Funk

7/8 Mathematics Teacher

Born in Romania, Oana Funk moved to Michigan when she was seven years old. She attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Mathematics and Integrated Science. Oana taught middle and high school math for seven years in Durham/Chapel Hill and Cary before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She lives in Durham with her husband and four children and is excited to return to teaching!

John Federal

Upper School Support Educator

Raised in NC, I have called this state home for many years and am thrilled to be joining the TES team! I graduated from NC State with a degree in English & Creative Writing but have spent most of my professional career as a production manager and brewer for several local NC breweries. Prior to brewing, I spent several years leading wilderness therapy groups in NC & VA and am excited to bring my attention to detail, management, and enthusiasm for education to the students of TES. For fun, I enjoy building things for our garden, cycling, spending time with my wife & 2 kids (ages 7 & 2), and playing bass in a local band.

Photos courtesy of Laura Wessell at Honor Roll Portraits.