• Meet Our Specialist Teachers


     

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Ms. Barlow

Art Teacher

Class Website

eMail: kbarlow@wcpss.net

Hello! My name is Ms. Barlow and I am so ready for this school year at Olive Chapel Elementary. I am passionate about art and about finding ways to connect people with art through experience, education, and creativity. As an artist and an art educator, my goal is to produce work that has relevance, meaning, and beauty.

In my art room I practice both skillbuilding project-based learning and the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) pedagogy.  Through student-centered learning I am able to get to know students personally and better meet students’ needs.  TAB Centers exemplify and recognize many types of creativity and encourage students to explore a variety of materials to make unique artwork that is authentic to themselves and their ideas.   

I moved around a lot as a kid but lived mostly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I grew up playing softball and competing in traditional Irish dancing. In 2007, I graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a BA in Art. Then I moved to Brooklyn, New York to pursue my MA in Media Arts at Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. I had the opportunity to work as a photographer and filmmaker in NYC while studying and writing my thesis.  Fun fact, I was on a reality television show called Double Exposure, for Bravo TV, while working with the popular photographers Markus Klinko and Indrani (I also worked with some celebs that your slightly older family members might know 😏).  

After falling in love with art and education, I decided to complete the teaching licensure program for art education at Meredith College in North Carolina.  I am excited for this year as I am getting to know you all and watch you grow as artists. 

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Ms. McConnell

Music Teacher

Class Website

eMail: kmcconnell@wcpss.net

My name is Kenzie McConnell and I am from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During the fall of 2022, I graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina with a degree in Instrumental and General Music Education and a minor in Psychology. I grew up playing piano and trumpet and I also love to sing! During my time at App State,  I performed in a number of ensembles, including their Marching Band and Community Choir. 
 
Music class has always been my favorite as it gave me a chance to move around and express myself through the instruments I was playing. Every child deserves a chance to learn who they are as a musician. Music can be applied to interdisciplinary studies as it is often known as a "universal language" and provides a unique outlet for students to learn and be creative through hands-on experience. I am incredibly excited to be teaching music here at Olive Chapel and spread my passion to the community!

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Ms. Trembly

School Library Media Coordinator

Class Website

email: jtrembly@wcpss.net

My name is Jessica Trembly and I am a born and raised North Carolinian!  I have two children, a boy who's 12 years old and a girl who's 9 years old.  We have a cat named Auggie (whose namesake is from Wonder written by R. J. Palacio). I have a deep love for readingmy favorite book (currently) is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I also enjoy spending time camping, hiking, and fishing with my family. 

I attended William Peace University (formerly Peace College) where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in English and Minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, I began working for the NC Department of Health & Human Services. After my children started kindergarten, I began spending as much time as possible volunteering at their school.  While I've had a life-long love of education, it wasn't until I spent that time in their school that I realized I wanted to make a career out of educating children. I then began my journey towards earning a Master of Library Science degree from East Carolina University. I graduated this past December and I am so excited about starting my career as a Clipper!

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Ms. Roberts

Physical Education Teacher

PE Website

eMail: croberts@wcpss.net

I started working as a PE teacher at OCE in July 2012, and it felt very much at home with all the wonderful Clippers! I was born in Erlangen, Germany, and lived there until age 28 and then came to North Carolina. I graduated from Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, and received a MA in Economics and Physical Education, and a Minor in German. I taught Economics and PE for 2 years at a high school in Germany. I live in Cary with my husband and 22-year-old daughter, who will be moving to Madrid at the end of August to attend IE to finish her masters. My oldest son (40) lives near Greensboro and my younger son (32) lives in Raleigh. My 2 grandchildren, Tristan (11) and Mia (10) are absolutely delightful and keep me busy! I enjoy promoting Health and Fitness and am excited to be at OCE to assist our young Clippers develop a healthy attitude towards exercising and nutrition. In my spare time, I love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, yoga and skiing. Reading, gardening and traveling are also on my favorites’ list.

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Ms. Ferreira

S.T.E.M. Teacher

Class Website

eMail: mferreira@wcpss.net

I am thrilled with the opportunity to be part of this community! My name is Marcia Ferreira and I am originally from Brazil... a beautiful and fun country, home of samba and soccer. I made North Carolina my home 21 years ago when I completed my first Masters in Education and I sailed into a new adventure to explore new cultures and teach abroad. In this journey, I have met fantastic people from many countries but definitely the southern hospitality from North Carolinians captured my heart!

I received my NC teaching license from UNC Chapel Hill in 2003 and National Board Certification in 2009. I graduated last spring with my second Masters' in STEM Education focused on Engineering and Technology Education from NC State. GO Pack! In addition, I became part of the wonderful team of NC Space Ambassadors Program sponsored by NASA with the purpose to support and innovate science lessons with teachers and students preparing the next Artemis generation! ​

I have been teaching for twenty six years from kindergarten through high school. However, my favorite age group is elementary school kids. There is something special about their curiosity and unrestricted view of the world that keeps me reflecting about education and pursuing innovative ways to engage young minds. I love teaching STEM - a fancy word to say tinkering with ideas:) In my class we will be working with a lot of different materials during our hands-on labs challenging our minds; we will be building, coding, tinkering, and much more!

I live in Morrisville, just about fifteen minutes from here with my two doggies: Mambo and Samba. When I am not at work I love cooking, I am a self-proclaimed chef, riding my bike, gardening, spending time at the beach, hiking, and of course during college football season I am a happy camper tailgating and cheering for the Tarheels, and recently Wolfpack! I am looking forward to working with your family this year at OCE!

Follow me on Twitter: @msferreira6

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Dr. Malhotra

Science Specialist

Class Website

eMail: smalhotra@wcpss.net

This is my third year at OCE and my second year as science specialist.  I earned my doctorate in Neuroscience and Cognition from the University of Texas at Dallas.  I served as the associate director for The Center of Health, Aging and Disability at the University of Illinois.  I was also a lab manager at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I trained graduate and post-doctoral students.

I am originally from New Delhi, India but grew up in Texas.  I moved to Apex, NC about 11 years ago with my husband and son.  Once we were here, I had my daughter and we officially became a family of 4.  My son is a video game loving, Chick-fil-A eating 7th grader and my daughter is a jewelry-making, Panera loving 5th grader.

In my spare time, I love hanging out with my family, watching Netflix, enjoying yummy Indian and Mexican food and just relaxing.

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Ms. Newberger

Drama

Class Website

eMail: mnewberger@wcpss.net

​My name is Michelle Newberger and I am the OCE Drama Teacher. I am originally from Tampa, Florida. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre Arts from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Before teaching at Olive Chapel, I taught preschool on U.S. military bases in Germany and Hawaii. I have taught both drama and 1st grade at OCE. I am grateful to share my love of theatre arts with all the students at OCE!

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Ms. Johnson

Student Empowerment Specials & Technology

eMail: ajohnson12@wcpss.net

Specialists Website

I have been teaching in Wake County since 2007 and I have been at Olive Chapel Elementary since 2013.  I love spending every moment here with the students and staff.  I work with both students and staff on integrating technology, staff professional development, problem solving, and teaching the new Student Empowerment Special.  Previously, I taught both 3rd and 4th grade for 7 years before coming to OCE.

I'm originally from Michigan where I graduated with both my Undergraduate and Master's Degree in Education, Literacy and Technology from Michigan State University, GO GREEN!  I live near OCE with my wonderful husband and two boys.  Both my children are now attending Olive Chapel, because we love this school so much! I love spending time at the pool with my family, visiting family and friends who live all over the country, being silly with my boys, and shopping at Target of course!