About: I was born and raised in upstate NY.  In 2011 I moved to FL to begin my teaching career and in 2014 I relocated to NC where I continued my teaching career in Wake County.  I am an assistant football coach at Leesville Road High School.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, and playing/watching sports.

Alumni: SUNY Brockport

Favorite Children's Book: Goosebumps

Favorite Quote: "Don't give up... Don't ever give up!" -Jimmy V

cfalkey@wcpss.net 

About: I am Silas Josephson, the Band Director at Hilburn Academy. I was born and raised in Wake County, and I earned my Bachelor's degree in 2020 from Western Carolina University, where I studied Music Education and Tuba. I've had the opportunity to perform music in various cities across the USA, including St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, and at the 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Currently, I reside in Cary with my girlfriend Brooklynn and our pit bull, Henry. When I'm not teaching band, I love playing tuba, traveling, attending symphony concerts, and cheering on NC State sports.

Alumni: Western Carolina University 

Favorite Children's Book: Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss 

Favorite Quote: “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” - Leonard Bernstein

sjosephson@wcpss.net 

About: I'm a native of Garner, NC. I studied vocal music at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I also completed my master's degree. I began my teaching career as a high school choral director, but after a few years, I decided to take on a new professional challenge by working with elementary students. I'm an active member of NCMEA and CCCAOSA. I love teaching both younger and older students and look forward to making music with my students #ontheHil! I live in Raleigh with my husband, who is also a music teacher. In my spare time, I love to cook, spend time with loved ones, and watch movies.

Alumni: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Favorite Children's Book: More Spaghetti, I Say!

ladams@wcpss.net 

About: When I'm not teaching my middle school students how to work through design problems or improve their products, I'm out and about. I don't spend much time at home because I'd rather be admiring nature through hiking, playing tennis with my friends, or eating at local restaurants to support our community. I love traveling and spending time in other countries to learn how others live life and my goal is to see the whole world; I've visited 16 countries so far. I typically look for the silver-lining in life and photograph it along the way.

Alumni: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Favorite Children's Book: Divergent series

Favorite Quote: "We cannot solve a problem by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein

mbass@wcpss.net 

About: Born and raised in Harrisburg, PA, I moved with my family to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2005. I am a graduate of North Carolina State University, where I received my bachelor's degree from the College of Design. After my undergraduate studies, I began teaching at the Raleigh Girls Club and fell in love with teaching the arts. Later, I decided to pursue my passion for teaching young people and attended East Carolina University to earn my license in K-12 visual arts. Along with teaching art, I also enjoy running my small painting business, traveling with my friends, spending time with my family, reading, and all things LeBron James!

Alumni: North Carolina State University

Favorite Childhood Book:  The Grouchy Lady Bug

Favorite Quote: "Creativity Takes Courage." - Henri Matisse

mcleveland@wcpss.net 

About: This is my 20th year of teaching, and I'm thrilled to join the Hillburn community! Over the years, I've enjoyed teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. I absolutely love the Girls on the Run program and have had the joy of coaching for the past 10 years. When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my family, whether we're on the soccer field or relaxing at the beach.

Alumni: UNC-Chapel Hill and ECU

Favorite Children's Book: Little Women 

Favorite Quote: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

Visit the Hilburn Library Website for more!

mgruenewald@wcpss.net 

About: I'm your Spanish teacher! I'm from Colombia and have been teaching Spanish language and culture for almost 18 years. What I love most about teaching is the possibility of making an impact on the lives of my students by helping them become leaders.

Alumni: Universidad de Medellin and Universidad La Gran Colombia

Favorite Children's Book: The Little Prince

igomez@wcpss.net