I am in my 21st year of education. I began my career as a 5^th grade elementary school teacher, then became a district instructional coach for K-12 followed by two years as an elementary school academic dean. My current stop has been at the middle school level. I was born and raised in Port Huron, MI...Go Green! 🙌 In 2018, I moved from a career in South Bend, IN to Raleigh, NC. I couldn't imagine a better place to call home! If you were to ask staff about me, they would probably tell you that relationships and communication are very important to me as well as having fun! My goal each and every day is to serve others the best I can; that includes all my students, teachers, and families.

Juanita Velazquez is originally from Fayetteville, NC and is married with two daughters.  She obtained her bachelor's degree from Meredith College (Spanish & Education) and her master's degree in School Administration from Campbell University.  Prior to joining North Garner Middle School, she was an Assistant Principal at Garner Magnet High School, taught at Harnett Central High School, and began her teaching career at Middle Creek High School. "Mrs. V." enjoys reading, gaming, digital art, anime, K-Pop, and musical theatre.  Ella habla español y era maestra de español por 15 años, antes de ser sub-directora.  In her opinion, being a professional educator is a gift that keeps on giving!  She loves making connections with young people and hopes to have a meaningful, positive impact on their lives.  

Before joining the TROJAN family, I was a High School Coordinating Teacher in Special Education Services for over five years. I completed my administrative internship at Zebulon Middle School through the MSA program at UNC - Pembroke and grew tremendously as an instructional leader.

I grew up in Staten Island, NY and moved to North Carolina after college. I am a special education educator by trade, but

I’ve obtained a Master's degree from North Carolina State University in Communication due to my interest in public relations. I hold a Bachelor's degree in special education and psychology from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.

Prior to working in Special Education Services, I taught and served as the special education department chair at Enloe GT/IB Magnet High School for 12 years. In addition to my teaching responsibilities at Enloe, I was a mentor to beginning teachers, served on the Equity Team, the Instructional Leadership Team, and the School Improvement Team.

Before transitioning to Enloe, I taught resource math and curriculum assistance at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, NC. However, I started my career at Taft Middle School in Oklahoma City and that’s where my love for working and supporting secondary level students began.

I wholeheartedly believe that a school should be a place where all students’ gifts and talents are recognized, nurtured and celebrated. I am someone who consistently goes above and beyond what is required, and I look forward to utilizing and sharpening my leadership and administrative capacity in order to motivate students and teachers to pursue excellence in everything through the lens of love, compassion and respect.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 7-year-old son, painting, outdoor activities and sports--football (college and NFL), watching suspenseful movies, gardening, and international traveling.