Background:
Ms. Best is a graduate of Meredith College, where she earned a degree in mathematics along with a 6-9 teaching licensure. She has had the rewarding opportunity to teach middle school mathematics in Wake, Duplin, and Orange Counties. While her experiences as a classroom teacher were invaluable, Ms. Best's dedication to instructional leadership and her commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all students and families inspired her to transition into school administration.

She completed the Principal Fellows program at UNC-Chapel Hill, during which she undertook her administrative internship at Fuller GT/AIG Magnet Elementary School in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Most recently, Ms. Best contributed to Broughton High School's Special Programs and played a key role in leading the Summer Extended Learning Program.

Ms. Best is eager to inspire and be inspired by the excellence at Davis Drive Middle School!

Favorite Books:
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi, Cindy Neuschwander
The Positive Dog, Jon Gordon

Favorite Educational Quotes:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

“Guide them as they grow, show them in every way possible that they are cared for, make special moments for them that will add magic to their lives, motivate them to make a difference in the lives of others, and, most importantly, teach them to love life." - Ron Clark

Favorite Things To Do:
In her free time, Ms. Best enjoys traveling with her husband and puppy, spending time with her family in Eastern North Carolina, making memories with friends, horseback riding, kayaking, and experiencing new places through cuisine.

Favorite Team:
UNC- Go Heels!

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Spring Creek High School
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics: Meredith College
6-9 Teaching Licensure: Meredith College
Master of School Administration: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Background:
Ms. Dowd began her teaching career in Language Arts in her hometown of Smithfield, NC, in 2006. After spending five years at Smithfield Middle, she transitioned to Wake County. In 2011, she joined Mills Park Middle, where she taught 8th grade Language Arts and took on various leadership roles.

In the summer of 2020, Ms. Dowd moved to Olive Chapel Elementary while completing her Master’s degree in school administration and her administrative internship. She became the Assistant Principal at Davis Drive Middle in the spring of 2021 and is proud to call DDMS her home.

Ms. Dowd is passionate about working with students, cherishing the engagement, excitement, and joy they experience when given the opportunity to be themselves, explore their interests, and personalize their learning. She looks forward to collaborating with teachers and families to support students throughout their middle school journey.

Favorite Books:
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
What Do You Do with an Idea?, Kobi Yamada

Favorite Educational Quotes:
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein

Favorite Things To Do:
When she’s not at school, Ms. Dowd enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, taking walks when the weather is nice, and cheering on the Tar Heels.

Favorite Team:
UNC - Go Heels!

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Smithfield-Selma High School
BA, Journalism and Mass Communication: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MAT, Middle Grades Language Arts: East Carolina University
Master of School Administration: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
National Board-Certified Teacher

Background:
Mr. Ganoe was raised in Washington, Iowa, where he began his career in education by teaching middle school and coaching the high school football team. In the summer of 2011, he, along with his wife Carol and their two sons, Jake and Zach, relocated to Cary, NC. There, he started teaching and coaching at Mills Park Middle School.

While in Cary, Mr. Ganoe furthered his education at Gardner-Webb University, earning a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. In April 2017, he became the Assistant Principal at Davis Drive Middle School. Mr. Ganoe is dedicated to fostering a positive and welcoming culture at Davis Drive, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with the community, teachers, and, most importantly, the students.

Favorite Book:
The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story, Mark Tabb

Favorite Educational Quote:
"Every kid needs a fresh start every day. Time spent holding on to what happened yesterday, means less time moving forward today." - David Geurin

Favorite Things To Do:
When Mr. Ganoe is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cooking, and exercising.  

Favorite Team:
Iowa Hawkeyes

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Washington High School (Washington, Iowa)
BA, Physical Education: Morningside College (Sioux City, Iowa)
MEd: Gardner-Webb University

Background:
Ms. Pace began her teaching career in 2005 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University. Over the past two decades, she has taught multiple grade levels, developed engaging curricula, and taken on leadership roles that have strengthened school culture and fostered student achievement.

Throughout her career, Ms. Pace has been dedicated to building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, firmly believing that collaboration is essential to student success. In May 2024, she embarked on her administrative journey with NC State University’s North Carolina Educational Leadership Academy (NELA), recognized as one of the top principal preparation programs in the nation, where she serves as an NC Principal Fellow.

In 2025, Ms. Pace began her administrative internship at Davis Drive Middle School while pursuing her Master’s degree in School Administration. She is enthusiastic about leveraging her classroom experience, leadership skills, and passion for education to support the Panther community, helping students navigate and thrive during their middle school years.

Favorite Books:
The Harry Potter series, JK Rowling
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams

Favorite Educational Quotes:
"It's our decision, not our talents, that show who we truly are." -Albus Dumbledore
"Change is inevitable, but growth is optional." -John C. Maxwell
"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." -John C. Maxwell

Favorite Things To Do:
When she's not at school, Ms. Pace enjoys spending time with the people she loves, cooking, reading, listening to music, and watching her favorite shows on TV.

Favorite Team:
NC State - Go Pack!

Degrees and Certifications:
BS Elementary Education: Campbell University
Masters of School Administration: NC State University