Los Lobos 2026 (The Wolves)
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Los Lobos ’26 Cohort
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Pascalle Adams
Sponsoring District: Durham
Pascalle Adams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts degree in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and obtained her AIG licensure from Duke University. After graduating, Pascalle joined Durham Public Schools, where she has taught fifth and sixth grade and served as an AIG Specialist and Test Coordinator. She is currently a Math and Science Instructional Coach. Pascalle brings leadership experience as an Afterschool coordinator, School Improvement Process Manager, and beginning teacher mentor. Further, her district leadership experience includes participation in literacy and math curriculum writing, as well as facilitation of district professional development centered on culturally-responsive teaching and curriculum personalization. Pascalle can be reached at pvadams@ncsu.edu.
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Fran Averre
Sponsoring District: Wake
Fran Averre earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with distinction from Universidad de Los Andes in her hometown Santiago, Chile. Soon after graduating, she obtained her Master of Arts degree in Special Education, also with distinction, from the same university. She began her career as a bilingual educator in 2010. In the United States, Fran worked as a Dual Language Teacher at Southwest Elementary for Durham Public Schools, where she was an active member of her Professional Learning Community, the School Improvement Team, and the Dual Language Program. In 2021, Fran started teaching 1st Grade Spanish Immersion at Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School in Wake County Public Schools. Currently, she serves as the Spanish Immersion Department Chair, Process Manager for the School Improvement Team, and is a member of the Instructional Leadership Team. Fran has led professional development sessions for staff and mentors beginning teachers. Additionally, she works closely with international teachers to support their transition to a new educational system and community. Fran can be reached at faverre@ncsu.edu.
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Lorena Burgos
Sponsoring District: Franklin
Lorena Burgos earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Learning and Development, along with the Early Education to sixth grade certification, from the University of Texas at Dallas. She also holds an ESL certification. Lorena’s passion to help others and drive to create an environment where students are free to learn are what motivated her to switch from her career as a medical assistant to a career in education. She began her career in education as a bilingual fourth grade reading teacher in Dallas, Texas. Not long after, she moved to North Carolina where she continued to teach fourth grade reading at Long Mill Elementary School in Franklin County Schools. Lorena represents her school by serving on the School Improvement team, Grade Chair team, translator connection, and several fundraising events. Lorena can be reached at lburgos@ncsu.edu.
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Latissa Hampton
Sponsoring District: Johnston
Latissa Hampton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in Psychology at the University of Phoenix. She has also earned a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in School Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. During her tenure as an educator she has accomplished roles as a Teacher’s Assistant for Johnston County Public Schools, Office Secretary, an Adjunct Professor with the University of Mount Olive, and a Varsity Head Coach for girls’ basketball. Latissa currently serves as the Middle and High School At-Risk School Counselor for Choice Plus Academy in Johnston County. Latissa can be reached at lhampto@ncsu.edu.
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Alexandra Hurdle
Sponsoring District: Durham
Alexandra Hurdle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education-STEM from NC State University in 2016. After graduation, she began her teaching career with Durham Public Schools in first grade at Sandy Ridge Elementary. She completed the AIG Licensure Program from Duke University in 2018. After several years in the classroom, Alex transitioned into an Advanced Academics/AIG Specialist role at Morehead Montessori Elementary. In 2021, she joined a team of educators in setting the foundation for DPS’ online school, Ignite Online Academy. She taught Ignite’s very first group of Kindergarteners and served as the K-12 AIG Specialist during Ignite’s first year. Currently, she shares her time between Ignite Online Academy and Spring Valley Elementary, as the K-5 Advanced Academics/AIG Specialist. Alex can be reached at artoti@ncsu.edu.
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Shimey Masters-Braxford
Sponsoring District: Warren
Shimey Masters-Braxford graduated with honors from the University of the West Indies, Mona in Kingston Jamaica with a Master of Education, Educational Administration, Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (Major) and International Relations (Minor) and a Postgraduate Diploma Language Ed – English. She served as a Teacher of Literatures in English, English Language Arts and English Literature in Jamaica for nine years where she taught at her Alma Mater, St. Jago High School for one year, followed by St. George’s College for eight years. Shimey also taught in the capacity of an Adjunct Lecturer – English, at the University College of the Caribbean in Jamaica for one year before migrating to the United States. Her passion for teaching continued at Warren County High School, where she has been teaching for the past seven years. Shimey currently teaches American and British Literature to juniors and seniors. During her years of teaching at Warren County High School, Shimey served in several leadership capacities. She was the English Department Chair for five years, and continues to serve as a Member of the School Improvement Team for six years, Member of the Leadership Team for six years and Advisor for the National Honor Society for six years. During the 2020-2021 school year, Shimey was named Warren County Schools District Teacher of the Year and in 2022-2023, was named Warren County High School Teacher of the Year where she was a finalist for the District. She is an active member in her School and District wide PLC, where she shares with staff about Classroom Management and Blended Learning. Shimey also serves as a participant of the North Carolina Instructional Leadership Academy for the past two years which has one primary goal: to employ best instructional practices that yield outstanding student outcomes. Shimey can be reached at ssmaster@ncsu.edu.
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Emily McDonald
Sponsoring District: Wake
Emily McDonald graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She began her career in public education teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at Athens Drive Magnet High School. During her time at Athens Drive, Emily served as PLT lead, coached the school’s dance team, and advised student athletes. In addition, she is a 2022 Kenan Fellow and has worked on scientific research at both UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University. Currently, Emily works as an Innovation Teacher and Coach at Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School. In this role she teaches an Innovation and Design Thinking elective class, for which she has written the curriculum. She is also a prominent member of both the Instructional Leadership Team and Magnet Implementation Team, supporting teachers and school staff in implementing the school’s Innovation magnet theme. Emily can be reached at egsimpso@ncsu.edu.
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La’Keisha McNeil
Sponsoring District: Lee
La’ Keisha McNeil holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, earned through their online program. While pursuing her degree, she worked as an instructional assistant, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of education. Upon graduation, La’Keisha dedicated six years to teaching sixth-grade math and coaching middle school basketball. Seeking new challenges, she transitioned to the high school level, where she coached basketball for an additional four years. Recognizing her innate leadership abilities, La’Keisha embraced a new role as a middle school academic coach. She currently serves in this capacity while also leading the women’s basketball program at her former high school. Motivated by her passion for fostering meaningful connections with students, La’ Keisha is committed to providing support and opportunities for growth to all students under her guidance. La’Keisha can be reached at lmcneil5@ncsu.edu.
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Sara Pace
Sponsoring District: Wake
Sara Pace earned her degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from Campbell University in 2005. She began her career in Edgecombe County where she taught for 10 years before moving to Hoke and then Franklin counties. She came to Wake County in January 2019. She has taught all grades from Kindergarten to 3rd grade and is currently a 3rd grade teacher and grade level chair at Yates Mill Elementary in Wake County. She has spent most years of her career as grade level chair and currently serves on the leadership, SIP, and MTSS committees at her school. Sara can be reached at sdpace@ncsu.edu.
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Cassie Rogers
Sponsoring District: Wake
Cassie Rogers earned a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching both from NC State University. She has worked in education since 2012 when she taught second and third grades at Wiley Elementary School. Cassie has led professional development at her school, is currently a member of the School Improvement Team, serves as grade level chair, mentors beginning teachers, and hosts student teachers in her classroom. She has also served on the PBIS, Digital Portfolio, and Global Committee. Cassie can be reached at caehrenb@ncsu.edu.
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Leroy Salazar
Sponsoring District: Wake
Leroy Salazar earned his Bachelor of Science in Spanish with a concentration in K-12 education in 2001 and his Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies in 2022, both from East Carolina University. He currently teaches Spanish at Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies (WECIB), one of the newest schools in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in partnership with Wake Tech Community College. Leroy started his career at J. H. Rose High School in Greenville, NC. He joined WCPSS in 2006. He has taught all levels of Spanish, including AP Spanish Language and Culture as well as Spanish for Heritage Speakers. He has served as the World Languages Department Chair at WECIB and at Heritage High School, where he has had the opportunity to help his colleagues and many students reach new heights. Leroy has had the honor of being nominated as Teacher of the Year (TOY) by his peers on several occasions. He was selected as TOY 2018-2019 at HHS and TOY 2022-2023 at WECIB. In 2023, Leroy was chosen as one of the Top 10 TOY Finalists in WCPSS! He has served many years as advisor for the Spanish Honor Society at different schools and has led AP Spanish Language and Culture workshops at the county level. He has mentored many language teachers and students. Leroy is proud to have had some of his previous students become teachers. He is also involved as an AP Reader, AAPPL Rater, and NBPTS Scorer. Leroy can be reached at lsalaza@ncsu.edu.
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Kennia Scarano
Sponsoring District: Durham
Kennia Scarano earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán in her hometown of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.She served as a bilingual educator for eight years in Honduras. She obtained a Master’s degree in Psychopedagogy from the International University of Integration of Latin America in Nicaragua in 2017 and a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language from Greensboro College in 2021. She started her teaching career in the US in 2017 as a Fifth Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher at Jeffreys Grove Magnet Elementary School in Wake County. Kennia has led professional development and has been part of the School Improvement Team, PBIS and Equity and Advance Leadership Committee. She has also coached for Girls on the Run. She currently serves as an Interventionist at Southwest Elementary School in Durham Public Schools. Kennia can be reached at kscaran@ncsu.edu.
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Markevis Silver
Sponsoring District: Nash
Markevis Silver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from NC Wesleyan University. Since 2017 he has been teaching at Southern Nash Middle School in Nash County, where he has taught Social Studies. Throughout his time in education, Markevis has served on the Social Studies Curriculum Committee, his school’s Professional Development Coordinator/Committee Chairperson, and is currently serving as Grade Level Chairperson and School Improvement/Leadership Team Chairperson. Markevis has also served on various committees including PBIS, MTSS, and PD. He was named Southern Nash Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. Markevis can be reached at mlsilve2@ncsu.edu.
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Erica Ulsheimer
Sponsoring District: Wake
Erica Ulsheimer earned a Bachelor of Psychology from the City University of New York School of Professional Studies. She graduated with a Master of Science in Education from Touro University and became dually certified in School Age General Education and Special Education in the state of New York. Throughout her teaching career, Erica has worked in various classroom settings, including self-contained and co-teaching model classrooms. She currently serves as a regional program teacher, EC department chair, a member of the MTSS team, and a member of the school equity team. She currently teaches the Autism Standard Course of Study at Ligon Magnet Middle School in Wake County.Erica can be reached a: eulshei@ncsu.edu.