Tuffy 2027 Cohort
Tuffy ’27 Fellows
Catherine Hensley
Sponsoring District: Durham County
Catherine Hensley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Diversity Studies from Appalachian State University. She recently earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2023. Catherine began her career in education as a third-grade teacher at Bethesda Elementary School in Durham. During this time, she was grade-level chair, School Improvement Team chairperson, and a member of the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. She currently serves as an Instructional Coach for Durham Public Schools, providing targeted coaching to support effective teaching strategies and facilitating professional learning. In addition to her coaching role, Catherine brings leadership experience as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team, MTSS Facilitator, and School Improvement Process Manager. Catherine can be reached at cthensle@ncsu.edu.
Chris Huggins
Sponsoring District: Durham County
Chris Huggins earned his undergraduate degree in English from Guilford College. He began his career as an educator in Boston, Massachusetts with the non-profit organization, Bikes Not Bombs. He then moved into the classroom, teaching 7th and 8th Grade Science at the Outward Bound based Harbor School in Dorchester. For the last 16 years Chris has taught 7th grade Science at Durham School of the Arts (DSA). He was the Head Coach of the DSA Cross Country team leading them to multiple conference, regional, and State Championships. Currently Chris is the Head Coach of the first ever DSA Mountain Bike team. Additionally Chris has served as the 7th Grade team lead, BT Mentor, and SIT team member. During the summers Chris will often work with Student U to help mentor college students in their journeys to becoming educators. Chris can be reached at cshuggins@ncsu.edu.
Lauren Pfau
Sponsoring District: Durham County
Lauren Pfau earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education in 2015 from East Carolina University. She has spent her career as an English teacher at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability in Durham Country where she currently teaches English IV. In addition to teaching various English courses for the past 10 years, Lauren also coordinates graduation, leads the Student Government Association to plan all school events, chairs National Honor Society, and is a SIT representative at Southern. She has also been Academy Chair, PLC lead, BT mentor, and worked with district personnel to revamp curriculum and structure. Lauren can be reached at lbooker2@ncsu.edu.
Susan Randau
Sponsoring District: Granville County
Susan Randau earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2003. She began her career as a middle school math teacher at G.C. Hawley Middle School before moving on to teach high school mathematics at Granville Central High School. Her passion for student success and instructional leadership led her to become the Lead Teacher of 5-Star Academy. Currently, she serves as the K-12 Math Coordinator for Granville County Public Schools, where she is dedicated to fostering strong instructional practices and supporting educators. A proud product of Granville County Public Schools, she is honored to serve in the same district where she grew up and completed her own education. She firmly believes that all students can learn and thrive when positive relationships are cultivated within the school community. Susan can be reached at srandau@ncsu.edu.
Patrick Ritchie
Sponsoring District: Durham County
Patrick Ritchie received a Bachelor degree in English with a minor in both Communications and Education from the University of Florida. After graduating, he began his teaching career at middle and high school levels before moving to NC. Patrick taught at Cary High School, working on a wide range of courses, from inclusion to honors. He currently teaches at Durham School of the Arts where he teaches Journalism, English II, and AP Language and Composition. Patrick also serves as the advisor to the Durham School of the Arts school newspaper, The Gallery. When not teaching, advising, and mentoring, Patrick enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar, and the outdoors. Patrick can be reached at ptritchi@ncsu.edu.
Daiquan Roach
Sponsoring District: Guilford County
Daiquan Roach earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. He has taught 3rd grade for the past four years in Guilford County Schools and served on the AG and yearbook committee at his school. He can be reached at droach2@ncsu.edu.
April Starbuck
Sponsoring District: Orange County
April Starbuck earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the College of Charleston, a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Elon University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She began her teaching career in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, where she taught English, Language Arts, French and Journalism at various middle and high schools. She has also served as a Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and Instructional Facilitator with WS/FC Schools. Additionally, April taught high school English in South Carolina as well as serving as an instructor in Anderson County’s adult education program. After returning to NC, April served as assistant principal at Forbush High School in Yadkin County for two years. Currently, April serves as district testing coordinator for Orange County Schools. April can be reached at astarbu@ncsu.edu.
Megan Sykes
Sponsoring District: Granville County
Megan Sykes earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from East Carolina University. She began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at the ECU Community School in Greenville, NC. After returning to her hometown, Megan has continued teaching second grade at Tar River Elementary in Granville County, where she is currently the grade-level lead. Passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom, Megan is committed to creating an environment where all students are encouraged to strive for growth and excellence. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves on several committees, including the School Leadership Team, the Beginning Teacher Mentor Program, and the Sunshine Committee. Megan can be reached at mssykes@ncsu.edu.