Mission Statement: This year promises to be a year of growth and learning for all our students in Carrington Cougar Country! As your School Social Worker I am committed to supporting all students in their quest to be college and career ready; both academically and socially for the twenty-first century. Let's GO, CMS Cougars and prepare for the world that awaits you...
Meet the Social Workers:
Elementary School Social Workers:
Tierra Allen- School Social Worker for Parkwood Elementary and Creekside Elementary.
Jasmine Alston- Licensed School Social Worker for EK Powe Elementary and George Watts Montessori Elementary School. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from North Carolina Central University. I am originally from Warren County, North Carolina and am currently residing in Raleigh, North Carolina. I enjoy advocating for families and young children. In my spare time I like to hang out with friends, go shopping, and taste-test different varieties of food! Being a School Social Worker is an awesome career choice and I thoroughly enjoy working with Durham Public Schools.
Angelia Ball Barnes- School Social Worker through the Child and Family Support Team Initiative for Y.E.Smith Elementary School. I obtained my Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees from North Carolina Central University. I have 15 years experience working with children, families and community partnerships. My goal is to ensure that students and families receive services to meet their needs in the school and community with no barriers. As part of the CFST Initiative, I am partnered with a School Nurse where our motto is "One Child, One Team, One Plan." I serve as liaison between home, school, and community by providing direct and indirect services to students, families and school personnel aimed at improving student success. I have enjoyed being a team member with Durham Public Schools since 2011 and look forward to another great year!
Latonya Bond- School Social Worker for oak Grove Elementary.
Katina Braswell- School Social Worker for Eno Valley Elementary and Mangum Elementary School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from East Carolina University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work Practice from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of NC and I have several years of mental health experience working with various target populations. I have worked for Durham Public Schools since 2010 and this is my second year as a School Social Worker. I believe in teaching and modeling the behavior that we want to see in our students. “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” – Chinese Proverb
Amy Cameron- School Social Worker for WG Pearson Elementary and Morehead Montesorri Elementary School.
Symone Kiddo- School Social Worker for Club Boulevard Elementary and Southwest Elementary School. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from William & Mary University, Class of 2012. I then went to Appalachian State University and obtained my Master's degree in Social Work, M.S.W., class of 2014. I love college football, GEAUX Tigers, , and reading. My significant other, Rusty Kiddoo, and I love hiking with our dog, Grace. We also love completing home DIY projects and cleaning up the mess our cat, Ralphie, leaves behind as he strives to destroy our DIY projects. I am excited about this year with Durham Public Schools!
Katrina Lawson-Bates- School Social Worker for Easley Elementary, Holt Elementary and Pearsontown Elementary Schools. I hold an undergraduate degree from Herbert H. Lehman University where I earned my Bachelor's of Art degree. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Wurzweilzer School of Social Work. I'm married to the man of my dreams, Timothy, and we have two lovely children; Karlton, age 13 and Tiatana, age 7. We are originally from New York, "The Big Apple". We miss New York/the "city that never sleeps" but we have grown to love North Carolina. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, bowling, tennis, plays, walking, traveling, shopping and tutoring young children. School Social Workers bring a special knowledge base, skill, and perspective to the educational process. I am thrilled to be working with the students and families of Durham Public Schools this year.
Amy L'Esperance- School Social Worker for Glenn Elementary. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University. Last year, I married my high school sweetheart, Adrian, and we made the trek from Indiana to Durham. As a School Social Worker for Durham Public Schools, I am beyond excited to team up with students and families to aid in their personal and academic success. I love the joy and life that children bring to the school setting, and am grateful for the opportunity to serve and advocate for them! In my spare time, I love going to Duke Gardens, singing, having dinner with friends, and relaxing at coffee shops. I am committed to knowing and caring for kids’ hearts, and I am so excited for this school year!
Krystle Lucas- School Social Worker for Little River Elementary and RN Harris Elementary School. I am a graduate of North Carolina Central University. I have a wonderful fiance and a daughter who was born in January 2014. I love spending time with my small but mighty family. I have a strong passion for children because they are our future. I believe we as a society are obligated to provide children with the basic needs (food, shelter, affection, productive activity) in order for them to grow up and mature in a way that will allow them to make a difference in this society. I plan to remain with Durham Public Schools until I retire.
Layla Martin- School Social Worker for Hope Valley and Spring Valley Elementary School. I attended the great North Carolina Central University , where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's in Sociology, and a Master's in Social Work. I'm also a provisionally Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSWA). I am very passionate about the work I do and have done; I've enjoyed the clinical aspect of providing mental health services to adolescents and families via Intensive In-Home Services. More recently I've chosen to work within the school system, and I absolutely love it! I enjoy advocating for children and families, spending time with family and friends, eating sushi or food in general, shopping, traveling, and dancing. I'm excited to be a part of the Durham Public Schools System as a School Social Worker.
Brenna McColl- School Social Worker for Lakewood Elementary School.
Genee Murray-Maddox- Child & Family Support Team (CFST) Social Worker for Eastway Elementary School. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 1998 from Shaw University and went on to earn my Master's in Clinical Counseling from Webster University in 2001. I am married to Stephen, and together, we have 3 children; Mekiyah, age 20, Alexis, age 19, and Gavin, age 5. In my spare time, I enjoy spending my time with my family, shopping, and traveling. I enjoy working for Durham Public Schools as it affords me to opportunity to advocate and work with students and families.
Rachel Norris- School Social Worker for Fayetteville Street Elementary and Forest View Elementary School.
VACANT- School Social Worker for Sandy Ridge Elementary and CC Spaulding Elementary School.
Tameko Piggee- School Social Worker for Burton Magnet Elementary and Oak Grove Elementary School. First let me say that I am honored to work with the students and families at Durham County Public Schools. I have 2 children (young adults) and a puppy who I love dearly. I am a proud graduate of Texas Southern University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. Ten years later, I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master's degree in Sociology to focus on research and further my interest in environmental issues that impact human behavior and family systems. Almost 10 years later, I obtained a second Master’s degree in Social Work from Fayetteville State University and became licensed as a clinical social worker in 2016. I have many years of experience in case management, child welfare and I have served as a family advocate and educator. I decided to work in school social work to help students as they transition through different ages and stages. No matter where I am, my goal is always to make a difference in the lives that I encounter, to learn from others and to make an impact in the world.
Javaris Quinn- School Social Worker for Merrick-Moore and Middle College High School. I was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC. At an early age, I discovered my passion for helping others so I ventured off to Greenville, NC where I earned my Bachelors of Social Work from East Carolina University (Go Pirates!). I am currently pursuing my Masters in Social Work at North Carolina Central University. My interests include community outreach and working with at-risk youth. When I'm not working, you can find me on a boat somewhere fishing, working on one of my various automotive projects and spending time with my family.
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Jennifer Rotella- School Social Worker for Hillandale Elementary Elementary and Lakewood Montessori Middle School. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from East Carolina University and my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have a range of experience working with children of all ages and their families. I have worked in the community health field, with Orange-Person-Chatham Area Mental Health Program, and in the Alamance-Burlington School System. My passion for work with children and families is the driving force in my career. I have nineteen years of experience as a social worker, and I continue to learn from my students every day! I am a Durham native and love spending time with my young daughter, who is the light of my life. We enjoy family time, trips to the beach, trying out new restaurants and chasing our furry family members! I am so thankful to be working in the dynamic Durham community with the students, families, and staff in Durham Public Schools.
Margaret Wamugi- School Social Worker for Bethesda Elementary School. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and later received my Master's Degree in Education Administration. It did not take me long to realize that I pursued the wrong profession...I was needed in education but as an advocate for students and families as a School Social Worker! I thrive on taking part in the process in which a child and/or family overcomes life obstacles and they feel accomplishment through their educational success. I have enjoyed working in this helping field for over 20 years. I have had the opportunity to work with Durham students and families at two elementary schools for the past 9 years. I'm a grateful mother of two sons, one daughter, and one granddaughter. I enjoy traveling to visit with family and friends!
Middle School Social Workers:
Gaye Alston- School Social Worker for Brogden Middle School. I graduated and received my Social Work degrees from East Carolina University (GO PIRATES!). I have been a School Social Worker with Durham Public Schools for 22 years and have experience with all grade levels. I have prior work experience with Durham Department of Social Services, and with the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as a Rehabilitation Counselor. I enjoy advocating for students, families, and providing them knowledge of various community resources. In this profession, at times, you must be able to think and appropriately respond to the unexpected. My favorite motto is: "Blessed is the one who is flexible, for he will never get bent out of shape." I am a family person and have a passion for spending time with family and friends, as well as spending time shopping and travelling.
Crystal Bowman- School Social Worker for Lucas Middle School. I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from North Carolina Central University and completed my Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University, specializing in Family and Child Welfare. My vision as a Social Work practitioner is for every child to be submerged in a culture of ethics and values that can be instilled by a nurturing and compassionate family environment of strength, support, happiness and unconditional love. I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together, which makes me so grateful for the opportunity to work with our wonderful students and families of Durham Public Schools.
Natalie Gidney-Cole- School Social Worker for Shepard Middle School. I am an MSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I have provided social work services in a variety of settings including: the Raleigh Housing Authority, Department of Social Services (Durham), Duke University, Duke Medical Center, John Hopkins Hospital, & the DC Department of Human Services. I have a wealth of experience and am passionate about supporting students and their families. I have been employed by Durham Public Schools for 12 years. In addition to serving my schools, I am an active member of the Durham Public Schools Critical Incident Response and Recovery Advisory Committee. Outside Durham Public Schools, I work as a psychotherapist and am the proud parent of a 15 year old son.
Lisa Outlaw- School Social Worker for Sherwood Githens Middle School. I am a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University. I have been married to the love of my life for almost 20 years. We have one wonderful 13 year old son who keeps me/us on our toes! I have 17 years of Social Work experience and I love what I do. I am a Licensed Missionary and my goal is to one day travel abroad to do missionary work. It's great to be a part of the Durham Public Schools School Social Worker Team!
Harold Phillips- Licensed School Social Worker/Child & Family Support Team Leader (CFST) at Neal Middle School. I have been in the field of social work for over 36 years and the Lord has allowed me to obtain a wealth of mental health and child advocacy experience. I worked for 18 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Central Prison in Raleigh, Case Manager and Preventive Social Worker with Durham Department of Social Services, Mental Health Case Manager for children, Associate Director and Director for a Mental Health Agency in Raleigh, Durham and Halifax County. This will be my seventh year as a School social worker. Serving children, families, adults and others are my passion. I personally know that it’s not by leaps and bounds that you realize success, but my “Constance” struggle. What keeps me grounded is church, family, friends and working out.
Jerome "J. B. Hallan- School Social Worker for Carrington Middle School.
VACANT- School Social Worker for Lowe's Grove Magnet Middle School.
High School/Middle School/Specialty School Social Workers:
Kisha Bardonille- School Social Worker for Riverside High School. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., living in Baltimore, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until I settled in Durham, North Carolina in 1995. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Morgan State University in 1992, and my Master's of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a proud parent of a beautiful and charismatic 12 year old daughter. Whenever possible I love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and retreats to the beach to let my inner artist paint on canvas and furniture.
Angela Carbone- School Social Worker for Durham School of the Arts (grades 6-12) and DPS Hospital School. I graduated from Durham Technical Community College transfer program and completed my 4 year degree at Meredith College. I have been a Social Worker for 19 years. I have worked as a School Social Worker since 2002 and joined Durham Public Schools in May 2014. I enjoy working with all grade levels. I enjoy family time and am excited to be a member of the Durham Public Schools School Social Worker team!
Brandon Evans- School Socail Worker for Lakeview School and J.D. Clement Early College High School.
Anne Fields- School Social Worker for Northern High School. I have a Masters in Social Work and Public Health from Tulane University in New Orleans, and a Bachelors in Spanish from Davidson College. I grew up in Raleigh, but have lived in South America and the Caribbean, and am fluent in Spanish. I am also a yoga instructor. My husband, Ozzy, is from Turkey and is a soccer player, coach, and fanatic! I like to spend my free time with my family, cuddling with my dog, Mocha, swimming, running, or relaxing at a coffee shop. I am in the process of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am excited to be a part of the DPS social work team, and build upon the strengths of each and every child and family, so they can reach their fullest potential and find joy in learning!
Juston Hill- School Social Worker for Hillside High School and Hillside New Tech. I am a native of Durham, North Carolina. I received my Bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T University. I went on to pursue my Master's in Social Work from North Carolina Central University. I am responsible for helping to identify students who are in academic jeopardy or who are at-risk for dropping out of school. I work with targeted populations to increase attendance rates and decrease suspension and retention rates. In my daily practice I utilize a variety of interventions, and preventative measures that are designed to engage students and equip them with the skills and services they need to become successful graduates.
Kafi Hill- School Social Worker for the Performance Learning Center. I received my B.S.W. from Bennett College and my M.S.W. from the University of Pittsburgh. Having over 12 years experience in School Social Work I have developed a passion for helping students and families. I am a product of Durham Public Schools and am very passionate about Durham Public Schools. My husband and I are the proud parents of a smart and energetic 6 year old boy who attends Durham Public Schools. I enjoy spending time with my family and trying new things.
Maria Jimenez-Sanchez- School Social Worker for Performance Learning Center grew up in Ecuador and came to the US at the age of 11. In 2005, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. She has lived in New York and Florida prior to moving to NC. Maria is fluent in Spanish and she is passionate about children and families accessing the help they need when they need it. She most recently came from working at Durham County Department of Social Services where she gained significant knowledge about the wide range of services available to families. Outside of work she also enjoys helping others in completing complex paperwork, writing resumes and translating documents. In her spare time she enjoys reading, going on nature walks and hiking with her family.
Cynthia Mangum- School Social Worker at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (Southern High School ). I received my Master's Degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC and Bachelor's Degree from St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. I have 21 years of experience in the foster care system and five years of experience in the mental health field. I was recently certified as a grief counselor and am presently working on my certification in crisis intervention. I am the proud mother of an elementary school teacher and an adorable 11 year old grandson who loves playing drums in his church.
Zellua Moore- School Social Worker for Jordan High School. I am a Chicago, IL native. A graduate of the University of IL at Chicago, North Carolina Central University (Eagle Pride!), and Arizona State University. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Family and Human Development. I have worked in the human services field for many years. I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. I love school social work because I able to leverage my Chicago roots and formal education to reach students and families.
John "Terry" Scott- School Social Worker for Year-Round Schools: Creative Studies High School & Middle School, Creative Studies COPE Program, and Rogers Herr Middle School. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from North Carolina A&T University in 1994. I have been employed as a School Social Worker since I graduated with my BSW in 1994. I take pride in my work with the students and being their advocate. I enjoy reading, watching movies and traveling to the beach, mountains...anywhere relaxing! You may walk by my office at any time and at any school and find the remnants of Butterfinger candy bars; they are my favorite! Ask me nicely and I might share but don't bet on it! I reside in Burlington, North Carolina and my favorite quote is "Find What Speaks To You" and I challenge everyone to do just that any chance I get!
Ebony Thomas- School Social Worker for City of Medicine Academy and Office of Transitional Families. I am from Hartsville, South Carolina. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Benedict college and Master’s in Social Work from University of South Carolina. I have 9 years of social work experience working for children and families. My passion lies in equipping families with the tools they need to change their lives. It is an honor to be a part of the Durham Public Schools and Student Support Team.
I’m Melody Marshall and I’m honored and excited to be providing leadership in the Office of Transitional Families as the McKinney-Vento Liaison! I am a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, obtaining my BA in Psychology and my MA in Counselor Education. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked as a licensed mental health clinician for nearly 15 years. This is my 5th year with the Department of Student Support Services and I’m excited to join the amazing team of School Social Workers!
District Leadership:
Mr. Gene "Pat" Rhodes- Interim Area Director of Student Support Services for Durham Public Schools.