Ms. Lessie Anderson, a Raleigh, NC native and proud product of Wake County Public Schools, brings 25 years of diverse experience in education to the Walnut Creek Elementary community. She is honored to serve as the school’s principal.

A two-time graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ms. Anderson also holds degrees from East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her career spans multiple states and roles, including math teacher, adjunct instructor, education consultant, instructional coach, and school improvement coach. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Willow Spring High School, where she helped open the school in 2021. Her leadership was recognized when she was named a finalist for Wake County’s Assistant Principal of the Year in 2023 and later honored as the Wake County Public School System Assistant Principal of the Year in 2024.

Ms. Anderson firmly believes that all students deserve a high-quality education. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of high expectations for students, staff, and families while improving academic outcomes for ALL—especially in the community where she grew up. Her commitment to equity, excellence, and empowerment ensures that every student at Walnut Creek Elementary is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.

Dr. Curtis Cotton III is honored to begin his third year as one of the assistant principals at Walnut Creek Elementary School.  Dr. Cotton believes every child can achieve and exceed expectations as a result of an appropriate environment, healthy relationships, and consistency.  He began his career in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools as a middle school band teacher and currently has 14 years of educating experience, including 6 years of school administration at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Since his arrival, Dr. Cotton has enjoyed connecting with families and collaborating with school staff and district leaders to foster school-wide improvements.  

Dr. Cotton is an active member of the Wake County Division of Principals and Assistant Principals and the NC Association of Educators.  He recently obtained his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and seeks to work with beginning teachers and beginning assistant principals to strengthen their practices and leadership.  Beyond the scope of the school, Dr. Cotton loves spending time with his family, working on home improvement projects, and participating in community service.

A proud native of Durham, North Carolina, Ms. Ebony Harris McDuffie is a passionate educator, wife, mother, and former athlete who brings her love of teamwork, discipline, and motivation into every school hallway and classroom she leads. Most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Wake Forest Middle School, Ms. McDuffie is a data-driven instructional leader with a track record of supporting student growth, empowering teachers, and building strong school-community partnerships.

She earned her Master of School Administration from North Carolina Central University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Finance from High Point University, where her commitment to excellence first took root. Ms. McDuffie began her career with Guilford County Schools, where she was honored at her school multiple times as Teacher of the Year and consistently recognized for producing high-growth student outcomes. With over sixteen years of experience in education, she has served as a math teacher, mentor, hall lead, athletic coach, and now as an administrator.

A proud sneakerhead and die-hard fan of Duke Basketball and LeBron James, Ms. McDuffie brings energy, culture, and authenticity into her leadership. She is a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an advocate for equity, inclusion, and student voice. Ms. McDuffie believes in the power of dreaming BIG and is committed to helping every student see beyond their current circumstances and realize their full potential.

Whether she's leading a restorative circle, supporting a new teacher, or cheering from the sidelines, Ms. Ebony Harris McDuffie shows up every day to inspire, uplift, and do the work because she knows our students deserve it.