Principal - Tracy Avery

Mr. Avery is very excited and grateful to be returning to Wiley as the new principal!  He is in his 16th year of education. His entire career has existed in diverse learning environments, including magnet, charter, and Title I spaces. He has also served students and led learning in both rural and urban settings.  His path began as a first and third grade teacher before deciding to extend his influence in educational leadership. Outside of his short time as a substitute teacher in the Chicago Public school system, all of his experiences have been in the elementary setting. 

Mr. Avery holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from North Carolina Central University in elementary education and school administration as well as a master’s of art degree in the Learning Sciences from Northwestern University. He is a proud product of Wake County Public Schools. As a young learner, he attended several schools in the southeastern area of our district with an accent straight out of Garner. From a fairly large, close-knit family, he is a dog dad to Drake and Sasha-Malia.

The sustainable goal that resonates most with Mr. Avery is Goal#4 to Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This aligns with the district’s core belief #2 that Every student is expected to learn, grow, and succeed while we will eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Mr. Avery’s vision for Wiley is that as we continue to connect the global community to the school and our school to the local community, we will increase student growth and achievement while decreasing the achievement gap for all student populations.

When you get the chance, ask him what he’s reading!

Assistant Principal - Katie Ware

Ms. Ware happily joined the Wiley family as Assistant Principal in 2012. She has had many roles in WCPSS over the last two decades including French teacher, technology teacher, literacy interventionist, and literacy coach. Her love of the WCPSS magnet program, language instruction, and instructional leadership led her to Wiley and she is ecstatic to spend her days there with students, teachers, and parents.

When you ask Ms. Ware about her values, she will tell you that she believes in the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships, that we all have the choice to make lemonade out of lemons, and that there is power in acknowledging that everyone is or was somebody's baby. She is motivated by all of the UN Goals for sustainable development, but is most inspired to action by goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals, which calls us to “strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.” Ms. Ware values diplomacy as an area whose importance cannot be understated to make any of the other 16 goals attainable. She believes the skills of empathy, recognizing and weighing perspectives, finding an assertive voice, and learning to compromise begin in young children, and for that reason, she loves Wiley's international studies theme.

As a UNC student, Ms. Ware was fortunate enough to live in southern France where she studied language and civics and volunteered at a children's hospital on the breathtaking Mediterranean coast. Outside of Wiley, Mrs. Ware enjoys hitting the gym, taking photographs with her husband of their three daughters, singing, writing music, running races, cheering for the TARHEELS, organizing drives to support pediatric cancer families, and making art.

Lead Secretary/Bookkeeper - Karen Moorefield

My name is Karen Moorefield and I am new to Wiley as the Lead Secretary/Bookkeeper.  I was in a classroom for 15 years before coming to Wiley, where I taught 5 different classes a year. I was fortunate enough to work with SAS Institute and Wake County Public Schools to author the Algorithms unit of WCPSS’s first Computer Science Course for middle school.  I originally hail from Washington DC but moved to Robeson County, the native home of my mother, while in the 2nd grade. Following college, I settled down in Raleigh and later married.

I find myself most closely aligned with Goal 8, Decent Work and Economic Goals.  I truly believe if you teach people the skills, give them fair opportunities and fair pay, they will create, manage and thrive. Families, communities and the country as a whole will flourish from their successes. Having taught Economics for many years, I know that the economy will be stimulated, entrepreneurial solutions to society’s ills will be found, and people will be happier because of their own sense of self-satisfaction. 

Data Manager - Sharon Barr

Receptionist - Kidalis Torres

I’m very happy to start my first year at Wiley! This Summer I moved from New Jersey to beautiful North Carolina. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the United States, specifically in New Jersey with my extended family. I’m married and have two adventurous kiddos Aaliyah and Liam; my third child is our crazy puppy, Teddy.

While I lived in New Jersey, I was a Secretary at Lalor Elementary School. That said, I’ve always valued education. I’ve always had a heart for the fundamental development of our younger generation. Discovering diverse ways to advance their learning and accommodating each child’s individual needs is a passion of mine. Raising two children of my own and having one diagnosed with autism has been a challenge. But every improvement I see my son make gives me hope for other children around the world whose learning is hindered due to mental or physical disabilities. I strive to learn more ways to improve the education system not only for my son but every child for generations.

Building Sub - Davonna Moss

Hello, my name is Davonna Moss and I received a bachelor’s in business in 2016. Once embarking on substitute teaching after graduation, I enjoyed the field and decided to continue in it. Educating children is important to me as I believe a healthy functioning society begins with the development of its youth. I chose this school because I think it would be an exciting opportunity to join an institution that contributes to the community in the capacity that Wiley Elementary does.

Instructional Facilitator / Reading Coach - Leslie Keagy

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Mrs. Keagy earned a degree in Special Education from the University of Mississippi and found her passion for reading intervention while teaching at an elementary school in Boston. Mrs. Keagy has taught students in every grade from Kindergarten through 12th, and after relocating with her husband to North Carolina, she started her own practice and served as a consultant for Wake County. Mrs. Keagy is married and has two sons, a daughter and a sweet, old dog named Max. She loves spending time with her family and friends and taking trips to the mountains and beach. 

One summer during her high school years, Mrs. Keagy was selected to participate in an exchange program in England. This opportunity broadened her global perspective and instilled a love for learning about the people and cultures of our world. She has been fortunate enough to visit many other countries, including Japan, Italy, Switzerland, France, Mexico and Canada. She loves being a part of a school with an international studies program.

As a literacy interventionist, the UN Sustainable Development Goal she feels most connected to is #4 which is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. 

As a parent, teacher, consultant and family advocate, she has worked tirelessly for the growth of every child. She teaches lifelong reading, writing and self-advocacy skills that students can utilize into adulthood. As a lifelong learner herself, her hope is that her students leave feeling more confident in themselves and are inspired to learn as much as they can because they love to read.

Magnet Coordinator / Instructional Facilitator - Hadley Cairns-Heath (Mrs. C)

Hello! I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Wilmington, North Carolina when I was 10. During my Chicago years, my family spent a tremendous amount of time going to museums, the aquarium, zoos and local parks. After I moved to Wilmington, most of my time was spent at the beach. It was in these places that my love for science was born. 

I attended UNC-Chapel Hill for two years and then transferred to NC State my junior year. I met my husband at State and graduated as a Botany major (go Pack!). I quickly realized that working with plants wasn't where my true interests lay, so after only a year of working in a lab I applied to become a lateral entry middle school science teacher. It is the bravest thing I have ever done. Fortunately, teaching suited me and I loved my six years teaching 7th and 8th grade science.

I paused my teaching career for eleven years to stay home with my kids (Walt, 17 and Scout, 12). When Walt started as a kindergartner at Wiley, I hoped to eventually return to teaching here. My daughter began kindergarten several years later, and that hope became a reality. I initially returned as an IA, then became a 3rd grade teacher, and have just become Wiley's magnet coordinator (a position that seems like a pretty perfect fit). Wiley is an incredibly special place and I am excited to be continuing my journey as an educator here!

School Psychologist - Dr. Ashley Wall

I'm thrilled to join the Wiley team! This is my twelfth year as a school psychologist and fourth year working for Wake County Schools. I grew up in a small town in upstate NY and spent some time soaking up the sun in Los Angeles before making Raleigh my forever home. My husband, three children, and two dogs keep me busy - we love beach trips, movie nights, and going to Canes games.

As a school psychologist, my role is to support student learning by addressing achievement gaps and social emotional development. I hope to help make Wiley a safe, supportive environment so that our kiddos lead happy, healthy, and successful lives both in and outside of school.

School Counselor - Amber Parrish

Hey! I'm Amber Parrish and I am so excited to be a part of the Wiley family this year. I’m originally from Durham, NC. I went to UNC Charlotte where I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology and North Carolina Central University for my Master's in School Counseling. When I’m not at school I enjoy reading, strolling the aisles of Target, and spending time with family. I’m also always down for an iced coffee and a sweet treat!

It has been such a joy to be a part of the educational journey of my students! I love seeing students grow into their own and become resilient. I chose Wiley because it immediately felt like a family. Walking in the building you can truly feel how much everyone cares about the students and their roles to support them. I am very excited to work with all of you this year!

Speech Pathologist - Emily Voliva

Mrs. Voliva is a Raleigh native and is thrilled to be back at Wiley, where she attended elementary school many years ago. Wiley has brought so many great memories and inspired hobbies, interests, and career choices. Mrs. Voliva lives in Raleigh with her husband, 3 sons, 7 cats, and 2 dogs. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill as an undergraduate, majoring in English and Theatre, and studied English literature abroad in Norwich, England. Then, after several years of exploring acting in NYC and Chicago, she returned home and completed graduate school at ECU, with an MS in Speech-Language Pathology. Mrs. Voliva enjoys animals, reading, running, traveling, gardening, and just being outdoors. 

Ms. Leigh

I am inspired daily by the smiling faces and kind hearts of the children at Wiley. I like to engage in activities within my community that promote peace and justice and can sometimes be found at protest  rallies. When at home, I love to walk around Lake Johnson and read books.  My favorite book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Ms. Moore

My name is Jutta Moore and I am a native of Germany. I have received my education in Germany and graduated with an Associate Degree in business.
I have been in the US since 1983 and started teaching German for Wake County in 1988. In 1992, I became a teaching assistant at Wiley. 
I've spent the first 15 years of my career teaching second grade. For the past 13 years I've been an assistant for BED, CCR, and Spec. Education classes.
I have three children (one daughter, two sons), and two grandchildren (boy and girl). I love nature, especially animals and plants. In my spare time I love to read and spend time with my dog Lilah. 

Ms. Steward

Mr. Thompson

Pre K Teacher - Ms. Cara

This is Mrs. Cara King's third year at Wiley and she is delighted to bring with her the unique preschool program she has been teaching at Timber Drive Elementary.  

Because of her involvement at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf with her youth group, Mrs. King wanted to be a teacher for the hearing impaired for as long as she can remember.  Though she was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA (GO STEELERS!) a series of events led her to marry a southern gentleman who brought her to North Carolina.  She attended college UNCG where she learned about the many different technologies available to children who have hearing impairments and that Sign Language is not the only communication option for these students and their families.  Though she took Sign Language classes, her field of study became teaching children who are hearing impaired to listen and talk through the support of devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants.   Knowing that all children learn language through meaningful interactions, she has always wanted to teach an inclusive preschool program where children with hearing impairments were given the opportunity to learn language and skills through play and learning with their peers.  

Prior to being a preschool teacher, she served WCPSS as an itinerant teacher for the hearing impaired for elementary students.  In 2013, she was given the opportunity to open a preschool program for students with hearing impairments at Timber Drive.  She was delighted to adapt this program to an inclusive preschool program in the fall of 2017 and is looking forward to opening this unique program at Wiley.  

This year, her preschool family will include children with and without hearing impairments and using both spoken language and Sign Language to communicate.  Mrs. King believes that understanding and the use of language is crucial to success. There are other foundational building blocks all children need in order to be successful learners including social skills, self-help skills and the ability to manage emotions and solve problems.  For our youngest learners, they learn and practice all of these skills through play.   It isn't that academics are not important but developmentally, there are other skills that need to be in place before rigorous academics can be accessed.  According to Mr. Fred Rogers, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for children play is serious learning.  Play is the real work of childhood."  

Outside of her classroom, Mrs. King can be found either in Holly Springs, on the golf course or vacationing at the most magical place on earth, Disney World.  She loves all things Disney, music and singing.  It makes her heart happy to see her children perform with marching band, color guard and on the stage.  Though she enjoys roller coasters, she also loves relaxing and watching movies while snuggling with her cats.  She shares these experiences with her husband, Matt, daughter who is in 9th grade and son who has just graduated.  Mrs. King (or Ms. Cara, as her preschool family calls her) believes she was meant to teach preschool as she is a kid at heart. 

EBSK - Mrs. Dull

Mrs. Dull has been teaching in Wake County for 11 years.  She was born and raised in the Buckeye state of O-H-I-O! Mrs. Dull grew up on the beautiful Great Lake, Lake Erie.  Mrs. Dull was born into a family of educators.  Her father and mother are retired educators and her brother is the Director of Juvenile Justice Education Services of North Carolina. Mrs. Dull earned her degree in K-12 Mild/Moderate Special Education while attending Cleveland State University. Days after graduation, Mrs. Dull moved to the Raleigh area to begin her teaching career in Wake County. She is married and has a son who just turned 14 months.  In her spare time, Mrs. Dull likes to exercise, cook and spend time with her family. Mrs. Dull is so excited to be a part of the Wiley school family! 

Ms. Lochbaum

Ms. Lochbaum is beyond excited to begin her first year in kindergarten at Wiley Elementary! She received her Bachelors of Science in Anthropology at Appalachian State University in 2013 and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from North Carolina State University in 2017. She was born and raised in Raleigh and was excited to get to be a teacher in the area, which she has done for the past 3 years. Ms. Lochbaum lives in downtown Raleigh with her 5 year old Havanese dog named Fin. You may see her taking a walk around Wiley sometime! Another one of her great loves is the beach and she gets a necessary Vitamin C dose whenever the opportunity presents itself. 

As a part of the Wiley community, Ms. Lochbaum is looking forward to implementing the international magnet theme.  The goal that resignates most with her from the UN Goals for Sustainable Development is Goal 4, "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."  Over the last few years with so many of our regular everyday routines being shaken up, providing a quality education for all students will be so critical.  Ms. Lochbaum looks forward to laying the foundational skills necessary for success in her kindergarten students and having a blast with them while doing it!

Mrs. Strom

Mrs. Strom hails from the Buckeye State. O-H, I-O! She attended Miami University of Ohio and moved to North Carolina after graduation in 2002. She began her career in a 4th-grade classroom but found her passion lies in teaching younger grades. She has been a kindergarten or first-grade teacher ever since. While doing so, Mrs. Strom continued her education and earned her Master’s in Elementary Education with a Focus in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Strom is also the proud mama of an energetic daughter, a sweet son, and a furry four-legged friend as well!

Mrs. Strom loves travelling and tries to do so often, however, being busy with a family makes that a challenge. She enjoys learning about the history of new places, hiking new terrain, and snorkeling in tropical waters! Her travels have taken her to places such as British Columbia, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Cyprus, and Egypt! She is so grateful to have had so many opportunities to travel internationally but has a desire to explore more of the United States, as well.

Mrs. Strom tries to instill in her students the will to be lifelong learners. The United Nation’s Global Goal for Quality Education speaks to that desire on an international level, but Mrs. Strom is dedicated to welcoming the youngest members of the Wiley family to school every day. Even at a local level, some of our students come to kindergarten with no prior school experience and she works hard to meet all students’ needs.

Ms. Cooper

Hello my name is Ms. Cooper and I am from the island of Antigua. I have been living in North Carolina for the past 14 years and I absolutely love it here. I am married and have four children. I enjoy spending time with my family when I am not in the classroom.

The schools I attended growing up professed a strong educational and ethical philosophy that has stayed with me throughout my life. It is this very foundation, along with the support of family and friends, that has allowed me to pursue and embrace my dream of teaching children. I have been in the education field for over 15 years.

I have a Bachelors in psychology specializing in child and adolescent development and Masters in education. Growing up, I really enjoyed going to school because I had fun, engaging teachers. I aspire to be one of those teachers with each class I teach.

Ms. Williams

I was born and raised in Sanford, NC, and I am a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, NC! AGGIE PRIDE! I love teaching Kindergarten and believe that each year our class becomes a family. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I love to travel.

Mrs. Abel

Mrs. Abel began teaching in 2003 in New York, from where she originally comes. She received a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and started teaching preschool. She moved to North Carolina in 2006, where she taught First Grade in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District for two years. In 2008, she moved to Raleigh to be closer to family.

Mrs. Abel has been teaching at Wiley since 2009, and she hopes that through teaching, she can continue to share her enthusiasm for learning and help children acquire the skills they need to be successful in life.  This is Goal # 4 from the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship).

Mrs. Abel lives in Wake Forest with her husband and her son. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.  Some of Mrs. Abel's favorite children's books are A Chair for My Mother and Something from Nothing. 

Mrs. Pruden

Mrs. Pruden is a graduate of UNCG where she majored in elementary education and minored in Spanish.  Originally from Waco, Texas, Mrs. Pruden loves eating barbecue and wearing her cowboy boots-Hookem'!   In her spare time, she loves to read, bake, workout, hangout at coffee shops, and watch movies with her husband. First and foremost, Mrs. Pruden loves to travel. She’s been all over the US, as well as Cuba, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and most recently, Mexico on her honeymoon. Mrs. Pruden is thrilled to bring her own travel experiences into the classroom and share her passion for learning about other cultures and languages with her students!

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Ms. Golden

My name is Lauren Golden, and I am a first grade teacher at Wiley. This is my sixth year teaching, and I could not be more excited to be a teacher at this amazing school! I grew up in western North Carolina but have lived all over the southeast, including Florida, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and now Raleigh.  I am single, and I have no children, so my students have my whole heart and attention (alongside my two cats, Willie and Waylon). In my spare time, I love to read, and I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes.

Ms. Botwick