My name is Kara Barwick and I am excited to be a part of the Combs family. I began my teaching career in 2014 and have worked in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th. I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and my masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. I have a passion for teaching and shaping young leaders! Along with teaching, I love spending my time with my daughter, husband and dog. I can’t wait to have another amazing school year! 

My name is Drew Charland, and I’m originally from Michigan where I spent the first five years of my teaching career in upper elementary grade levels. Now that my experience has grown to over a decade, I truly have learned to appreciate the atmosphere and enthusiasm found at Combs. I graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2001 from Western Michigan University and then obtained my master’s degree in 2004. As a big sports fan, I enjoy spending my free time watching or attending local sporting events. Until the Wolverines play in North Carolina, I’ll have to pull for the Tar Heels locally. I also enjoy reading, cooking, technology, and walking my dogs Barney and Elmer.

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Hello! My name is Cayla Green. I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. I graduated from NC State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education -- GO PACK! I had the opportunity to complete my student teaching here at Combs in 2nd grade. I am so happy and thankful to have the opportunity to be here teaching 3rd grade. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love to sharpen my saw by cheering on the Wolfpack during college basketball season! I am so excited to have the opportunity to help my young leaders learn and grow over the school year.

Hello! I’m Abby Killion, and I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the team at AB Combs Elementary. My journey in education began in Charlotte, NC, where I discovered my passion for teaching. I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, where my love for the Blue Ridge Mountains and the College of Education inspired me to stay and pursue a master’s degree in Reading Education. Before joining the wonderful community at Combs, I taught 4th grade at another WCPSS school. Beyond the classroom, I’m passionate about reading, staying active with workouts, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with my dog and husband. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the AB Combs family and am eager to collaborate with you all, embracing and embodying the Habits together. Looking forward to a fantastic year!

Hi! My name is Deming McDowell-Ponce. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. GO PACK! During my time at NCSU, I completed my student teaching at AB Combs and am so excited to get the opportunity to continue teaching here. I am from Charlotte and often enjoy going home to visit my family and dog Hubert, traveling to new places and spending time with friends. During my free time, I also like to knit, read, bake, and attend NCSU or Panthers football games. I cannot wait to see what this new school year has in store!