I joined the staff as the AIG teacher in 2016 as 50% AIG added 50% Intervention in 2022. Before coming to Stough, I taught elementary and middle school AIG for four years, also in Wake County. Prior to coming to North Carolina, I lived in southern California, Missouri and Michigan, where I taught elementary music and middle school band. I have degrees in education and music performance from Wake Forest University, The University of Michigan and the University of Missouri, and have additional AIG and Middle School Math certifications from UNC-Charlotte. When I’m not at school, you can find me performing clarinet, flute, sax and bassoon with local musical groups, and watching my daughter play volleyball (competitive beach). I thoroughly enjoy teaching elementary children and challenging them to work to their fullest potential with dynamic learning experiences, project-based learning lessons and technology, so they can grow to become life-long learners.

I'm #StoughProud because: I am very blessed to work at Stough every day with such a wonderful community of families and staff.  I look forward to renewing current relationships and creating new ones with everyone every day this year.

Hello! My name is Sarah Huskey and I proudly serve as Stough's Intervention Facilitator. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in several schools, grade levels and leadership roles. This is my 7th year as a Stough Stallion and I am blessed to be part of this community. My son was 4 months old when I started and is now in first grade here at Stough. In two more years, I hope to have my daughter join this amazing family as well. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking trips to the beach and baking up something sweet in the kitchen! Cheers to an amazing year!

I'm #StoughProud because: it represents a culture that embodies a family in various ways.

My name is Amanda Hobgood, and I am excited to be entering my 7th year at Stough and my 12th year in the classroom. I am the ELA teacher for the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students in the Mandarin Immersion program. I live in Raleigh with my husband, Michael, and two young children, Sutton & Banks. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from UNC-Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) and completed my National Boards Certification in the Spring of 2019. My goal is to provide a positive and nurturing learning environment for your child. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

I'm #StoughProud because: Stough is my family away from home. Everyone is supportive and thoughtful, and most importantly, everyone is excited to come to work each day and teach our students!

Hello! My name is Sue Hladik, and I’m excited to join the Stough ES family as the ESL teacher. I retired in July 2024 after a 40-year career in education in NY, CA, and NC. During my year of retirement, I missed learning with students and teachers. I grew up in NY’s beautiful Hudson Valley and developed a love of learning, especially while rambling through the woods behind my house across the creek. There was always something interesting to explore during each of the seasons. I’ve earned a bachelor and two masters degrees throughout my career.  My husband, Dr. Josephus Brown, is a retired WCPSS PE teacher. The youngest of our two daughters, Karyn HB Wilson is a media coordinator at Green Hope HS. We are a family of educators and love to talk shop. I enjoy reading, especially mysteries and thrillers. If you visit Kure and Carolina Beach, you may see me riding my bike on the trail or sitting on a swing by the pier. shladik@wcpss.net

I'm #StoughProud because: I value diversity. My life has been enriched by the friends I’ve made from other cultures. Stough ES Magnet with its Mandarin immersion program is a superb example of a diverse learning community in which we strive for excellence together in a warm, caring environment.

I am very excited to be at this beautiful school!

My name is Mary Lai and I am thrilled to be joining the first grade team this year! I am entering my 7th year at Stough and have enjoyed teaching in special education and kindergarten. I received my Licensure in Elementary Education from Peace University. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and baking. My goal is to provide a loving, nurturing and supportive learning environment for your child.

I'm #StoughProud because: Stough is an amazing second home to me! I love coming to school to see my kids each day and to work with such an incredibly supportive staff.

Ms. Hunt is originally from Connecticut but made Monroe, NC, her home in 2002. In 2017, she relocated to Wake County when she got engaged to her husband. Her educational journey has been diverse and enriching. She studied at South Piedmont Community College, earning an Associate in Arts with certifications in PreK and PreK-Special Education. Ms. Hunt continued her education at UNC Asheville, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies. She later attended Wake Technical Community College, where she obtained an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

In her free time, Ms. Hunt enjoys playing video games, catching up on her favorite shows, reading, doing paint-by-diamond art, and spending quality time with her family. Her favorite seasons are Fall and Winter, and she has a soft spot for the Harry Potter series, proudly identifying as a Hufflepuff.

I'm #StoughProud because: Ms. Hunt appreciates the way Stough embraces diversity and actively reaches out to the community, making it a special place to work. She is passionate about supporting students and helping them thrive in such an inclusive and welcoming environment.

My name is Jenny (Jianghong) Zhao, and I’m excited to begin my sixth year at Stough. I earned my BA in Education and Chinese Literacy from Capital Normal University in Beijing and later received my MA in Special Education from the University of Arizona. This year marks my 12th year teaching in a Mandarin immersion program.

I am passionate about nurturing young minds and find great fulfillment in promoting bilingualism and cultural appreciation. Stough provides the perfect environment to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and help prepare them for success in a global society.

I was born in Beijing, China, into a family of educators—both of my parents are retired teachers. I have a younger sister who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to my husband, Meng Lin, and we have a delightful son, Sean, who will be turning six in August. In my spare time, I enjoy chasing Sean around the playground, capturing moments behind my camera, getting lost in a good book, or spending time in the garden.