Wolf ’27 Fellows

Cleshay Breece

Sponsoring District: Cumberland County

Cleshay Breece earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from North Carolina A&T State University. In 2018, she began her teaching career as a seventh-grade science lateral entry teacher at South View Middle School in Cumberland County. Cleshay continued her academic pursuits and, in 2023, earned her Master of Arts Teaching with a concentration in Middle Grades Science Grades 6-9 from Fayetteville State University. She currently teaches 8th Grade Science at South View Middle School in Cumberland County. She is the Science Representative of her School Improvement Team, the grade level Team Lead Representative for the Social and Emotional Learning Team, a member of the Crisis Management Team, and a member of the PBIS committee. In addition to Cleshay’s educational and committee roles, Cleshay has also served as an assistant coach for the track team, a Beginning Teacher Mentor, and was a facilitator for the R.U.S.H Ministry Club in the school led by the Manna Church Youth Leaders. Cleshay can be reached at cbreece@ncsu.edu.

Jordan Chaney

Sponsoring District: Lee County

Jordan Edwards Chaney earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2011. She began her teaching career at BT Bullock Elementary School in Lee County, NC, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grades, as well as special education. During this time, she served on the School Improvement Team, the school-wide data team, the IEP team, and the school culture committee, in addition to mentoring beginning teachers. Jordan was named BT Bullock Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2017-2018 school year and was also honored as Lee County Schools Teacher of the Year. That year, she served on the Superintendent’s Advisory Team, contributing to district-wide initiatives. Jordan later transitioned to Tramway Elementary, where she continues to teach special education. She has also served as an interventionist and instructional coach, working to support student success and instructional excellence. Jordan can be reached at jechaney@ncsu.edu.

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.

Max Hollingsworth

Sponsoring District: Franklin County

Max Hollingsworth earned his Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Missouri. Following graduation, Max enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. After transitioning from the military, Max received his Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree: Social Studies Emphasis from NC State University. Since earning his MAT in 2020 Max has taught World History, American History, and Civics to students 9-12 at Bunn High School in Franklin County, NC. Max was awarded the Beginning Teacher of the Year for Franklin County in 2021. In addition to his role in the classroom, Max has served as an assistant baseball coach and assistant basketball coach. Max can be reached at mkhollin@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.

Monique Johnson

Sponsoring District: Cumberland County

Monique Johnson is a passionate and dedicated school social worker with over 14 years of experience in the education field. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Monique began her career in education through various roles, including substitute teaching, tutoring, instructional assistant, bus driver, and data manager. These diverse experiences deepened her understanding of student needs and fueled her desire to connect families, children, and schools. Monique transitioned into the role of School Social Worker, where she has made a lasting impact on her students, their families, and the community. Currently Monique serves as a member of the student services, and PBIS teams. By developing strong relationships and providing essential support, Monique has fostered an environment that prioritizes the well-being and success of every child. Her work is guided by a deep passion for advocating for students’ mental health, social development, and academic success. Monique can be reached at mjohns28@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.

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.

Asia Tetterton

Sponsoring District: Cumberland County

Asia Tetterton graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, specializing in Health & Physical Education. Since January 2020, she has been dedicated to teaching physical education. Asia began her career as an elementary school PE teacher before transitioning to middle school health and physical education after the pandemic. She is currently a PE teacher at Anne Chesnutt Middle School, where she teaches all three grade levels. In addition to her teaching role, Asia has taken on various leadership positions, including serving as the Core Plus Elective Team Department Chair, the Department Head for Physical Education, a member of the School Improvement Team, and the Girl Scouts Coordinator. She is also a coach for both basketball and track & field. Asia can be reached at ashenry@ncsu.edu.

Jazmin Vann

Sponsoring District: Cumberland County

Jazmin Vann earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She began her teaching career at Pine Forest High School in Cumberland County Schools. While completing her first year of teaching, she earned a Master of Education in Career and Technical Education (CTE) from Concordia University – Portland. Throughout her career, Jazmin has taught a variety of CTE courses, including Business Essentials (formerly Principles of Business and Finance), Business Law, Career Management, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, Entrepreneurship I, Entrepreneurship II Honors, Microsoft Excel Honors, and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. She currently teaches CompTIA IT Fundamentals and Microsoft Excel Honors. Her leadership journey began during the 2021-2022 school year when she took on multiple roles, including DECA advisor, lead teacher for the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT), co-chair of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), Career and Technical Education (CTE) representative and co-chair of the School Improvement Team. The following year, she was appointed chairperson of the PBIS committee. In 2023-2024, Jazmin expanded her leadership by joining the AOIT Advisory Board, serving on the NC DECA Board of Directors for Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Moore, Robeson, and Scotland counties, mentoring beginning teachers, and advising the National Technical Honor Society. Currently, she continues to serve in these leadership roles while also representing her school on the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. In recognition of her dedication and contributions, she has been named Pine Forest High School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Jazmin can be reached at jcvann2@ncsu.edu.  

Sam Walden

Sponsoring District: Wayne County

Sam Walden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from St. Leo University while serving in the military. In 2017, he began his career as a CTE-Business teacher at Beddingfield High School, shortly after retiring from the United States Army. He currently serves as Dean of Students at Eastern Wayne Middle School, focusing on student behavior and discipline, parent/community engagement, and overall school improvement. Additionally, he serves as a member of the School Improvement Team, School Leadership Team, and Beginning Teacher Mentor. Sam follows a “students first” approach to education and believes every student can succeed with the right resources. Sam currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Eastern Wayne Middle School. Sam can be reached at scwalden@ncsu.edu.