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.

My name is Shelly Carroll Cox. I've been teaching in Wake County for 23 years. I'm currently in the role of an Instructional Coach for our teachers. I grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and went to college at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, where I studied to become a teacher. I have lived in Raleigh ever since and love it here. When I'm not at school I love to spend time with my family and travel. 

I'm #StoughProud because: the teachers and staff at Stough are my family. They are very caring and supportive and always put a smile on my face.

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!

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 entering my fifth year at Stough with great enthusiasm as I embrace my new role as a Magnet Coordinator. I received my BA in education and Chinese literacy from the Capital Normal University in Beijing. My MA was in Special Education from the University of Arizona. This is my 11th year teaching in a Mandarin immersion program. I enjoy nurturing young intellects and believe there's nothing quite as rewarding as fostering bilingualism and an appreciation for the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Stough offers me an ideal platform to engage with students from various backgrounds and prepare them for a future in our global society.

I was born in Beijing, China. Education runs in my blood. Both of my parents were retired educators. I have one younger sister who lives in Phoenix, AZ. I am married to a wonderful man, Mr. Meng Lin. We have an adorable son, Sean, who turns four in August. In my free time, you can find me chasing Sean in a playground, behind my camera or a book, or digging dirt in my garden.