Background:
Ms. Best is a Teaching Fellow graduate from Meredith College where she majored in mathematics and also obtained a 6-9 teaching licensure. She had the incredible experience of serving in Wake, Duplin, and Orange Counties where she taught middle school mathematics. Although she had immeasurable rewarding experiences as a classroom teacher, Ms. Best’s passion for instructional leadership and her commitment to equitable opportunities for all students and families led her to continue her work through school administration. She completed the Principal Fellows program at UNC-Chapel Hill during which she completed her administrative internship at Fuller GT/AIG Magnet Elementary School in WCPSS. Most recently, Ms. Best served at Broughton High School in Special Programs and helped to lead Broughton's Summer Extended Learning Program. Ms. Best is excited to inspire and be inspired by the excellence that is Davis Drive Middle School!

Favorite Book:
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi, Cindy Neuschwander
The Positive Dog, Jon Gordon

Favorite Educational Quotes:
"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

“Guide them as they grow, show them in every way possible that they are cared for, make special moments for them that will add magic to their lives, motivate them to make a difference in the lives of others, and, most importantly, teach them to love life." - Ron Clark

Favorite Things To Do:
In her free time, Ms. Best enjoys traveling with her husband and puppy, spending time with her family in Eastern North Carolina, making memories with friends, horseback riding, kayaking, and experiencing new places through cuisine.

Favorite Teams:
UNC- Go Heels!

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Spring Creek High School
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics: Meredith College
6-9 Teaching Licensure: Meredith College
Master of School Administration: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Background:
Ms. Dowd started her career teaching Language Arts in her hometown of Smithfield, NC in 2006. She spent 5 years at Smithfield Middle before moving to Wake County. In 2011, she joined the staff at Mills Park Middle where she taught 8th grade Language Arts and served in a variety of leadership positions. Ms. Dowd moved to Olive Chapel Elementary in the summer of 2020 while she completed her Master’s degree in school administration and her administrative internship. She became an Assistant Principal at Davis Drive Middle in the spring of 2021 and is proud to now call DDMS home. Ms. Dowd loves working with kids and seeing the engagement, excitement, and joy they have when they are given the space to be themselves, explore their interests, and make their learning their own. She looks forward to partnering with teachers and families to support students during their middle school years.

Favorite Books:
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
What Do You Do with an Idea?, Kobi Yamada

Favorite Educational Quotes:
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein

Favorite Things To Do:
When she’s not at school, Ms. Dowd enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, taking walks when the weather is nice, and cheering on the Tar Heels.

Favorite Teams:
UNC - Go Heels!

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Smithfield-Selma High School
BA, Journalism and Mass Communication: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MAT, Middle Grades Language Arts: East Carolina University
Master of School Administration: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
National Board-Certified Teacher

Background:
Mr. Ganoe grew up in Washington, Iowa where he also began his education career teaching middle school and coaching the high school football team. Mr. Ganoe, along with his wife Carol and two boys Jake and Zach, moved to Cary, NC the summer of 2011 where he began teaching and coaching at Mills Park Middle School. Since moving to Cary, he attended graduate school at Gardner-Webb University, where he earned his Master's degree in Education Leadership. Mr. Ganoe took over as an Assistant Principal at Davis Drive Middle School in April of 2017.  Mr. Ganoe prides himself on building a positive, inviting culture at Davis Drive and places tremendous value on building relationships with the community, teachers, and most importantly the students.

Favorite Book:
The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story, Mark Tabb

Favorite Educational Quote:
"Every kid needs a fresh start every day. Time spent holding on to what happened yesterday, means less time moving forward today." - David Geurin

Favorite Things To Do:
When Mr. Ganoe is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cooking, and exercising.  

Favorite Team:
Iowa Hawkeyes

Degrees and Certifications:
High School Diploma: Washington High School (Washington, Iowa)
BA, Physical Education: Morningside College (Sioux City, Iowa)
MEd: Gardner-Webb University