Who We Are
Our MissionThe mission of NCTIES is to provide leadership in educational communications and technology by linking all who hold a common interest in the use of educational technology and its application to the learning process.
We Are An ISTE+ASCD Partner
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NCTIES Provides:
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Meet Our Team
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Damien Akelman, West Region Director
Damien Akelman serves as the Executive Director of Technology for Rowan-Salisbury Schools, where he leads district-wide innovation across 33 schools. A CETL-certified leader with experience in instructional coaching, accountability, and IT infrastructure, Damien focuses on technology as a great equalizer in education—believing it’s the only core subject students use daily that’s not officially recognized as one. He’s passionate about streamlining workflows (ask him about spreadsheets), empowering educators, and making tech more human-centered. Damien enjoys life in Mooresville with his wife (also an educator) and two kids, and starts his doctoral journey in Fall 2025. He can also name every U.S. president in order—just be prepared to be bored. |
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Dr. Pam Batchelor, East Region Director
Pam Batchelor serves as an NCTIES Board Member and is currently the Senior Director of Digital Learning and Libraries for the Wake County Public School System. In this role, she drives district-wide instructional shifts, focusing on utilizing emerging technologies like generative AI as a lever to embed the 4C’s (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity) into daily learning. With a career spanning multiple levels of educational leadership, Pam brings a deeply grounded, 360-degree perspective to the North Carolina educational technology community. She began her journey in the classroom as a secondary social studies teacher before transitioning into school-level support as an instructional technology coach. Her proven track record of scaling digital systems later led her to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), where she served as a statewide program manager overseeing major enterprise instructional tools, including Canvas LMS and Schoolnet. Prior to her current role in Wake County, Pam also served as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Wilson County Schools, balancing infrastructure needs with an innovative instructional vision. As an NCTIES Board Member, Pam is dedicated to leveraging this diverse background from the classroom to the state agency to support educators, advocate for equitable digital learning, and help shape the future of EdTech across North Carolina. |
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Meredith Bates, Past President, ISTE Relations
Meredith is the Lead Instructional Technology Facilitator and Digital Resource Manager for Cabarrus County Schools. Prior to this current position, she was a school based instructional technology facilitator for ten years. She has been a member of the NCTies Board since 2016. Meredith enjoys traveling and has a passion for the country of Haiti. |
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Garrett Berryhill, North Region Director
Garrett Berryhill serves as the Director of Technology for McDowell County Schools, where he leads districtwide technology initiatives to support teaching and learning. He began his career with McDowell County Schools in 2012 as a Network Administrator before transitioning to his current role in 2019. Garrett is passionate about building reliable, scalable infrastructure and empowering staff and students through innovative technology solutions. His work focuses on improving connectivity, security, and access to digital tools across the district. |
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Sarah Cardwell, 2027 Conference Chair, Finance Director
Sarah is the Blended Learning Coordinator for Watauga County Schools. She has been an educator for over 15 years and is passionate about working with teachers and helping them grow professionally. Sarah loves reading and spending time with her family and dog. |
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Jessica Esposito, North Region Director
Jessica Esposito is a Library Media Specialist at River Bend Middle School and former Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist for Alexander County Schools. She holds degrees from Onondaga Community College (A.A. Humanities), Buffalo State College (B.S. Exceptional Education), Saint Joseph College (M.Ed. Elementary Education), and Appalachian State University (M.L.S., Technology Facilitator Endorsement). Since 1996, she has taught grades 1–6, Exceptional Children, and served as a High School Media Coordinator. Originally from New York, she moved to North Carolina in 2004 and lives in Mountain View with her husband and our two children. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family exploring the outdoors through hiking, walking, biking, and traveling. She enjoys reading, crafting, and finding creative ways to capture their adventures. She also loves the beach and will find any reason or excuse to get there as often as she can. |
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Wendy Fusco, Vendor Liaison
Wendy Fusco is a Digital Learning Facilitator with Buncombe County Schools and serves 7 schools in grades K-12. She began her instructional technology journey as one of four directors for a Library of Congress grant program that worked with public, private and charter school K-12 educators throughout western NC to integrate some of the first laptop use in the classroom. She is committed to the importance of digital integration in schools and believes the impact of digital project-based learning bolsters self confidence and changes students’ lives. Wendy is married to an elementary school principal and is mom to two high schoolers who keep her quite busy outside of work. |
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Amber Godfrey, Board President
Amber currently serves as the CTO for the Beaufort County School District. In her 21 years as an educational leader, Mrs. Godfrey has served in various leadership roles throughout NC, including Director of Technology Services; Director of Media and STEM Education; as well as serving the state of NC as a Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant with the NC Department of Public Instruction. Mrs. Godfrey’s experience spans K-12 public education as well as Higher Ed. She has received many professional honors as well as participates in many leadership forums across the country. She is a graduate of East Carolina University, NC State University, and Appalachian State University and is currently enrolled in the Appalachian State University Doctorate in Education Leadership program. |
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Colleen Graham, South Region Director
Colleen Graham is an Educational Technology Specialist with Wayne County Public Schools in North Carolina. She holds three master’s degrees in School Administration, Library Science, and Project Management & Innovation, and is an ISTE Certified Educator and ISTE Certified Educational Leader. Colleen’s work centers on instructional technology, AI literacy, STEM integration, and project-based learning, with a strong focus on equity and durable skills. She has led district- and state-level professional learning, secured grant funding for innovative STEM initiatives, and regularly supports educators in designing meaningful, future-ready learning experiences. |
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Wanda Hanley, East Region Director
Wanda Hanley has made significant strides in digital learning over the past 9 years as a Digital Learning Coordinator for Wake County Public Schools, after initially starting her career as an elementary school teacher. She earned a technology certificate from Appalachian State University and a Master's in reading from NC State University. Wanda's exceptional dedication to enhancing education for both teachers and students earned her the prestigious ISTE Certification Award, highlighting her commitment to instructional technology excellence. Eager to connect and grow her Professional Learning Network (PLN), Wanda has been instrumental in curating professional learning experiences for the NC Coaching Collaborative, fostering a community of technology coaches committed to the ISTE Coaching Standards. She is now excited to serve as the Eastern Area Board of Directors. |
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Grant Haynes, Board Vice President, Communications Chair
Grant is the Digital Learning Systems Coordinator for Cleveland County Schools. He started out working as a math teacher in 2009 before transitioning to technology in 2011. He began attending NCTIES in 2014 and joined the NCTIES board in 2022. Grant has had the opportunity to present all over the state through programs like NCBOLD, NC Coaching Collaborative, NC AI Summit and more. He is always looking to grow and learn new things in technology and education. When he is not working, Grant enjoys spending time traveling with his wife, Anna and their two sons Mac and Sully. |
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Dr. Melanie Honeycutt, Executive Director
Melanie is a retired educator with over 32 years of experience. Her career includes roles as Chief Information Officer for Burke County Public Schools, a media coordinator, a district Instructional Technology Facilitator, and a Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Currently, in addition to her role at NCTIES, she is an active member of the North Carolina Consortium of School Networks (NCCoSN), the North Carolina Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE). Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, son, daughter-in-love, and 2 grandsons:) She is a hunter, fisher and just recently a novice hiker. |
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Ira Hyde, West Region Director
Ira Hyde is a CETL certified District Level Instructional Technology Facilitator for Haywood County Schools. Ira works with teachers and administrators in his district to not just incorporate technology into lesson plans. He trains them to use technology and a leveraging tool for learning. Prior to being an ITF for Haywood County, Ira taught for 19 years at Junaluska Elementary School as a 5th grade teacher and then was the media coordinator there. |
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Ginger Jackson, Past President, NCASA Rep
Ginger Jackson is the Chief Technology Officer for Cleveland County Schools and a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) with over 20 years of experience in education. Her background spans the classroom and technology leadership, shaping her practical, student-centered approach to innovation. She is committed to meaningful technology integration and developing others through honest feedback, mentorship, and shared learning. Outside of work, she prefers dirt over devices—camping, kayaking, and living the rhythms of homestead life while maintaining balance and authenticity. |
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Kim Jackson, West Region Director
Kim Jackson is the Director of Technology for Haywood County Schools. She has spent the last 26 years serving the learning community in Haywood County as a teacher, District Instructional Technology Facilitator, Technology Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Director of Technology and Media. Kim is a COSN Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) and has been on the NCTIES Board since 2022. When she isn’t working, Kim enjoys traveling with her husband, Jeremiah. |
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Estella Johnson, South Region Director
Estella Johnson M.Ed, the inaugural Assistant Principal at the Virtual School in Cumberland County for the last 4 years, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the field of education. With a dedicated career spanning 14 years, she began as an 8th-grade Social Studies teacher, serving in crucial roles in Robeson and Scotland Counties. Estella holds a Master's in Instructional Technology from Lesley University, emphasizing her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational advancements. Actively involved in initiatives like the NC Coaching Collaborative and NCDPI's Blended Learning, she ardently believes in education as the great equalizer. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc for 18 years, Estella is dedicated to the principle of scholarship and embodies a lifelong learner ethos. She eagerly anticipates representing the Southern Region on the NCTIES Board, advocating for meaningful digital integration to ensure the future success of students. |
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Dannielle Lord, Technology Support
Dannielle Lord serves as a CETL certified Director of Technology for Mooresville Graded School District in North Carolina. She has served for over 20 years with a vast array of experiences in technology and supporting schools in the educational environment . She holds a MA in Leadership and is passionate about empowering others and helping or assisting people to obtain their purpose in life. |
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Matthew Mayo, Awards, Scholarships, and Grants Chair
Matthew Mayo is the Director of Digital Teaching & Learning and School Connectivity for NCDPI. He has served as Technology Director for several Eastern NC PSUs over the last 20 years. Matthew is CETL certified as well as CeCTO. Matthew joined the board in 2022. Matthew and his wife, Bethany have two children, Kalee and Noah. |
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Dr. Ashley McBride, Board Accommodations, DPI Liaison
Dr. Ashley McBride has spent her career working with students and other educators as a secondary English teacher, instructional technology facilitator, director of technology, and most recently the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the Department of Public Instruction. In her work she has designed and implemented professional learning that supports educators and their understanding of digital teaching and learning practices. Additionally, she has led district and statewide initiatives that help promote effective integration of technology for students. McBride is a COSN Certified Educational Technology Leader and in 2020 earned her doctorate in educational technology from Central Michigan University. She also serves as an adjunct professor in Central Michigan University’s Masters in Learning, Design, and Technology program and is the author of the ISTE book The Edtech Coaching Primer, Supporting Teachers in the Digital Age Classroom. You can connect with her on Twitter through her handle @aplusedtech. |
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Michell McNeill, East Region Director
As an ISTE Certified Educator with 17 years of experience in education, Michell McNeill currently serves as the Executive Director of Instructional Technology for Johnston County Public Schools. Her career has spanned roles from teaching assistant to district leadership, providing her with a broad perspective on supporting students, educators, and schools. With experience as both a classroom educator and district leader, she is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning while creating opportunities for innovation in education. She enjoys helping educators integrate digital tools in meaningful ways and preparing students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. |
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Brandy Moody, Membership
Brandy Moody is an Instructional Technology Facilitator with Burke County Public Schools and has dedicated 24 years to education. With 20 years of classroom experience, she understands the realities teachers face and enjoys helping them use technology in practical, student-centered ways. Brandy loves collaborating with educators, sharing new ideas, and making learning engaging. When she’s not working with teachers, she’s a mom, wife, and avid reader |
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Dr. Alison Schleede, 2027 Conference Co-Chair, NCASA Rep
Dr. Alison Schleede is the Director of Technology for Watauga County Schools. She has worked as a teacher, instructional technology facilitator, school and district administrator for over 25 years. Alison has been in the board of NCTIES since 2022. |
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Delandrus Seales, South Region Director
Delandrus is a Teaching & Learning Librarian on the Academic, Research, & Engagement Team with Randall Library at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). Prior to joining the faculty at UNCW, Delandrus served as a school librarian with New Hanover County Schools, an Onslow County Public Library Branch Manager, and an Exceptional Children’s teacher (school and district levels) with Onslow County Schools and Department of Defense Schools at Camp Lejeune. She has 14 years in education at elementary and high school levels. She was named the 2018-19 Emerging Leader with NCSLMA, and previously served as an NCSLMA Coastal Director. Delandrus currently serves on the Executive Board for the American Library Association’s Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table. She enjoys exploring emerging trends in technology and inspiring all to make their mark in the world as connected digital learners. |
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Dr. Aaron Slutsky, Treasurer
Aaron Slutsky serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at Gaston College, a role he stepped into in Fall 2024 after 25 years in K–12 education. His career includes service as an 8th grade teacher, Instructional Technology Facilitator, and Chief Technology Officer across several North Carolina school districts, including Burke, Catawba, McDowell, and Gaston counties. Aaron holds a Master's Degree in Middle Grades Education and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, and is a Google Certified Innovator, YouTube Star Teacher, and Certified Educational Chief Technology Officer. In 2022, he made history as the first Chief Technology Officer to be named President of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA). |
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Dr. Chris Smith, Fall Virtual Conference, North Region Director
Chris is one of two Instructional Designers with NC Virtual. Chris has been an educator in North Carolina for the past 22 years where he has served as an elementary teacher, district-level Instructional Technology Facilitator, Director of Distance Education, and an Instructional Designer. He works with accessibility on the state, national, and international levels including serving on the NC Accessible Educational Materials Leadership Team, and is a member of the Accessibility Committee for the Association for Educational Communications & Technology. Chris is also the moderator for the Quality Matters Accessibility and Usability Site (AURS) and served as the Team Leader for General Standard 8: Accessibility and Usability on the K-12 Quality Matters Rubric 5th Edition Revision Team. He serves as a K-12 Master Reviewer and a Higher Ed Peer Reviewer for Quality. |
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Dr. Scott Smith, CoSN Liaison
Dr. Scott Smith has twenty-seven years of experience in the area of education, curriculum, and technology. As a teacher, instructional technology facilitator, system engineer, director, Chief Technology Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and now Chief Operations Officer, Scott understands all aspects of curriculum, instruction, technology, media, and facilities. Formerly president of NCTIES (NC’s ISTE Affiliate), Scott led efforts for NC’s technology educators. Scott is CETL (Certified Educational Technology Leader) from CoSN and Co-President of the NC Chapter of CoSN |
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Jeannie Timken, Past President, Student Showcase
Jeannie is the Director of Digital Learning and School Library Services for Brunswick County Schools. Prior to that, she was a District Digital Learning Specialist for both Brunswick County Schools and New Hanover County Schools….but she is a middle school ELA and social studies teacher at heart! She has been on the NCTIES board since 2018. |
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Brian Whitson, Secretary
Brian is currently a Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant with DPI serving the Piedmont Triad. Previously he taught in Rowan-Salisbury Schools serving as a science/STEM teacher, instructional technology facilitator, and instructional coach. His best teaching experience involved teaching Design Thinking and. Challenge Based Learning at North Rowan High School. He loves facilitating learning experiences where individuals create and explore their creativity. He has served as an adjunct instructor at Catawba College in the chemistry department for over ten years. Additionally he serves on the board of the NC Science Teachers Association. |
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Erica Williard, West Region Director
Erica Williard joined the board in 2025. Her career began as a 4th grade teacher followed by serving as a school based Instructional Technology Facilitator at both the elementary and secondary levels. She has been working at the district level in Instructional Technology since 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Technology for Kannapolis City Schools. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and is a certified CETL who enjoys hiking, reading, and trail running in her free time. |
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Connie Wolf, South Region Director
Connie Wolf is the Digital Learning & Media Facilitator at HJ MacDonald Middle School in New Bern, NC. Before joining the world of media, she was an Instructional Technology Facilitator for 12 years, serving Dare County Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Craven County Schools. Her first role in education, however, was as a math teacher in Durham Public Schools, the same school district in which she was once a student. She earned her AB and MAT from Duke and her MA in Computing in Education from Columbia, and she is currently working toward her MLIS at UNC Greensboro. Connie is passionate about coaching educators, helping them redesign units, develop lesson materials, and integrate media/technology resources to meet the needs of all students. As a member of NCTIES, NCSLMA, and SEED Fellows, she seeks to share educators’ expertise and help them connect with like-minded individuals. |
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Erin Wolfhope, Past President
Erin is an Instructional Technology Facilitator for the high schools in Burke County Public Schools. She’s been on the NCTIES board since 2018 serving initially as a Northwest Director, and additionally as Conference Co-Chair. Erin is a wife, married to Jeff, a middle school teacher. She is also a mom to two boys, Lucas and Griffin. Erin is an avid reader and would love to chat books with anyone and everyone. She’s enrolled in the Educational Leadership doctoral program with Appalachian State University and will finish coursework in the summer of 2026. |