Ms. Amy Gelm (Bottom, 1st over)

Born and raised in Northeast, Pa…very close to Scranton, Pa. and Dunder Mifflin Paper Company :-), I graduated from Mansfield University with a BSE in Elementary Education (1994) and graduated from Lesley University with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Literacy in 2010.

I taught Kindergarten for two years in Pennsylvania, taught Kindergarten for two years in Moorestown, New Jersey, then made my way to North Carolina in 1998. I spent 12 years teaching Kindergarten at Baucom Elementary and left in 2010, when my son was born. After spending 8 blissful years home on a maternal sabbatical, I returned to the classroom, but in Third Grade. I have been here ever since.

I have been married for 21 years to a pretty awesome guy and we have one pretty awesome son who is starting 9th grade this year. (Pray for me and him during these high school years) When I am not teaching, you can find me cheering on the sidelines of all the soccer games, trying to get to the mountains or reading mystery/thriller books...my latest obsession has been Freida McFadden!

Email: agelm@wcpss.net

Ms. Kayli Scott (Bottom, 2nd over)

I was born and raised in Pittsboro, NC and graduated from Guilford College in 2020. I studied Elementary Education and Psychology and played on the softball team. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for four years and we have two rescue dogs, Sadie and Maggie. I love to workout, read, do yoga, collect houseplants, and spend time with my friends and family. I also have a small business called Grades and Graze where I make charcuterie boards and teach workshops on how to make your own boards. It’s been so fun expanding my love of teaching in another creative outlet! This is my fifth year teaching third grade at Baucom and I have fallen in love with teaching math! I love to use song, dance, and games in my classes to help students learn, stay engaged, and have fun :) I’m excited for another great year in our amazing new school!

Email: kscott3@wcpss.net

Ms. Kelly Raye (Bottom, 3rd over)

I received my degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University in 1995. Shortly after graduating I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where I taught 3rd grade. During this time, I met my husband, and we married in 2002. We welcomed our daughter Piper in 2003 and this is about the time I took a maternal sabbatical. Over the next few years, we welcomed our first son, Maxwell in 2006 and our second son, Logan,  in 2007. When our daughter started school, we realized that we wanted to raise our children in a more family friendly place, so we relocated to North Carolina. During my years at home, I went back to school and got my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When my last little guy started Kindergarten, I accepted a position at Baucom teaching 5th grade but moved back to my favorite grade (3rd) after a few years. 

Currently our household includes my husband, my daughter who is a senior at NCSU studying graphics arts/animation, my son who is a senior at AFHS and works a part-time job at Papa Johns, and my baby who is a junior at AFHS and recently made the varsity soccer team as a goalie. We also share our home with our puppy named Blu and an old cranky black cat named Binx. If you love Hocus Pocus you know where the name came from.

Email: kraye@wcpss.net

Ms. Carolyn Ewing (Top, 1st over)

Hi, I am Carolyn Ewing! This is my 15th year at Baucom. Before that, I taught 3rd grade at Weatherstone and Holly Ridge. I am originally from New Jersey, but have lived in Maryland, Utah, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina. I graduated from Goucher College, just outside of Baltimore.  I have three children, two step children and one grandson!  I love animals and have 2 dogs, Brody and Luna. I love to travel and explore new places.  A fun fact about me is that I was in the Guiness Book of World Records when I was in High School.  Come see me to find out why!

Email: cewing@wcpss.net

Ms. Nicole Dinardo-Gray (Top, 2nd over)

I moved to NC from Long Island, New York in late elementary school. I attended Apex Elementary, Middle, and High, so I am practically a native! I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s in elementary education. I started my teaching career in Durham, teaching 5th grade at Fayetteville Street Elementary School. After 3 years I transferred to Wake County and taught 5th grade math and science at Salem Elementary. We went year round after my first year there and I stayed until I needed to be on a traditional calendar, staying for 7 years. I then came to Baucom and taught 5th grade ELA and social studies for 7 years before moving to 3rd grade 4 years ago. I have been married for 20 years and have children, Hailey and Matthew. I have a dog, Izzy, and a cat, Shady. I love to read and dance, and all things Harry Potter!

Email: ndinardo-gray@wcpss.net

Ms. Gerri Freedel (Top, 3rd over):

Hi! My name is Gerri Freedel and this will be my 8th year at Baucom! I have taught 2nd grade here up until now. I am really excited to move to 3rd grade and watch my students grow during this huge transition year. I have been in the education field for over 20 years in and out of the classroom. 

I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I went to Penn State for undergrad and University of Maryland for my Master’s degree.  I have lived in MD, MA, PA and a few places here in NC. I now call Apex my home with my 16 year old daughter and my 2 extra-large cats. My 19 year old son lives in Charlotte.

Email: gfreedel@wcpss.net