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Meet Our Instructional Support Staff!
Instructional support staff work with teachers to strengthen instructional practices based on student needs. They spend significant time with teachers and students in the classroom to support learning for all. Coaching, co-teaching, small group/individual student support, and collaborative practices are all components of their roles.
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Mrs. Engelhaupt- K-8 Instructional Facilitator
About: I am originally from Georgia and moved to Wake County when I was in the 4th grade. I am a product of Wake County Public Schools and have over 15 years of experience working with WCPSS. When not at school, I spend time with my husband and two daughters. We are a big sports family and love golf, college football and basketball. You will catch us cheering hard for the Georgia Bulldogs & Duke Blue Devils!
Alumni: East Carolina University
Favorite Children's Book: Tacky the Penguin
Favorite Quote: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
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Mrs. Smith- AIG Teacher
About: I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Government and Politics and worked for the federal government in Washington, DC for ten years. Then I received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University. As an educator in Wake County, I have worked at Brier Creek Elementary, Hortons Creek Elementary, Carroll Magnet Middle School, and now at Hilburn Academy! I am married to a fellow Wake County teacher and both of my children attended and graduated from Wake County schools. I am excited about continuing my journey here at Hilburn Academy!
Alumni: University of Maryland College Park and George Mason University
Favorite Children's Book: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Favorite Quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching" --C.S. Lewis
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Mr. Ledger- Math Intervention
About: I grew up in Norristown, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. I attended 1st through 8th grade at the school just one block from my house. I have fond memories of walking my younger sister to school when she started attending the same school. I went to La Salle College High School, where I had a difficult time talking to girls because, well, there weren't any.
Alumni: Johns Hopkins University, University of Minnesota, UNC Chapel HillFavorite Children's Book: A Bargain for Frances by Russell HobinFavorite Quote: "If I feel unhappy, I do mathematics to become happy. If I am happy, I do mathematics to keep happy." -Alfréd Rényi -
Mrs. Descisciolo- Literacy Intervention
About: I am so happy to be working at Hilburn Academy, supporting students in reading and math. I taught as a 3rd and 4th-grade classroom teacher for 8 years before taking a couple of years off to be home with my own children. I love working with students to help them feel more confident and capable as learners and valuable members of our community. You can find me playing games, crocheting, watching movies, or reading when I'm not teaching.
Alumni: The College of St. Rose/SUNY Albany
Favorite Childhood Book: I love books by Julia Donaldson
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Ms. Bowman- Literacy Intervention
About Ms. Bowman: A Wilmington native, I have lived and taught in Raleigh for the past 19 years. I am a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and have a passion for teaching reading. When not at work, I enjoy DIY projects and various outdoor activities.
Alumni: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Favorite Children's Book: The Paperbag Princess
Favorite Quote: "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." -Isak Dinesen
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Ms. Drakeford- ESL Teacher
About: I grew up in Czechoslovakia and I moved to the U.S. after marrying my husband. We live in Raleigh and have two children and one dog. My background is in music. Therefore, I love to integrate music into my classroom. I enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, yoga, and spending time with my family.
Alumni: Mars Hill College, UNC Wilmington
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Favorite Quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
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Mrs. Rivera-Carrillo- ALC Teacher
About: I started my WCPSS journey back in 2008 and have worn many hats since then. I am the proud mother of two adult sons and am happily married to my best friend (Mr. Tomas) since 1992. I am a health coach who lost 70 lbs 5 years ago and am now paying it forward because I love helping others achieve optimal health. How can I help?
Alumni: Baruch College (CUNY)
Favorite Children's Book: "Where the Wild Things Are"
Favorite Quote: Always do your best and God will do the rest
