Welcome to 3rd grade! We are excited to be your teachers this year. In 3rd grade, you’ll find an energetic and enthusiastic group of teachers. Take a few moments to learn more about each member of the third-grade team.

Heather Brush

I am originally from St. Louis, MO. My teaching career began after graduating from Kansas State University. I spent 4 years as a Special Education teacher in KS before relocating to NC in 2012 to become a part of the PRE team. I worked at PRE as a Special Education teacher for 5 more years before moving to 3rd grade. In my spare time, I enjoy doing most anything outdoors, spending time with my family and friends, and exploring new places. I am a proud mama of two wonderful daughters and two precious grandboys...with a sweet grandgirl on the way in early September. 

Amelia Knight

I grew up right down the road in the small town of Sanford, North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. My teaching career began in January of 2013 where I spent two and a half years as a Special Education teacher in my hometown. I then became a Penny Road Panda in 2015 and am excited to be going into my fifth year in 3rd grade! I am also completing my National Board certification process in Literacy. I love to travel and have spent time teaching in Costa Rica while studying abroad in college. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being at the beach and fishing with my husband, shopping, and reading a good book. 

Susan Hibshman 

I'm thrilled to join the Penny Road family this year! I grew up in Lancaster, PA but I moved to Greenville, SC to attend Furman University. I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in elementary education, and again in 2020 with a Master's degree in literacy. I taught second grade for two years at a project-based learning school in Greenville. In my free time, I love to travel, go hiking, and play with my golden retriever puppy. I'm looking forward to entering my third year of teaching in third grade!

Stephanie Murphy

I am excited to join the 3rd Grade team this year! I was born and raised here in Cary, NC, and graduated from Cary High School- Go Imps! I graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Reading and Child Development- Go Pirates! I began teaching in Wake County in 2005 and became a Penny Road Panda in 2012. I have taught Kindergarten and 2nd Grade. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Johnathan, and our orange tabby cat, Tater. I love going to the beach, decorating, crafting, shopping, country music, and watching Hallmark movies! 

Mandy Patterson

Welcome to third grade!  My husband, Chris, and I are the proud parents of a daughter and two sons.  Our daughter is a Freshman at Appalachian State (Go App!) and our sons are in 7th and 9th grade.  Both of my boys graduated from Penny Road so I know what a special place our school is!  I am a strong believer in public education and I love to watch your children grow as students and people.  I have worked at Penny Road for 5 years.  I spent 3 years as an Instructional Assistant in Intervention and this is my second year as a 3rd-grade teacher.  In my free time, I like to volunteer, craft, sew and travel with my family and friends.