The New Faces of DA’s Faculty & Staff: Preschool & Lower School 2026
The New Faces of DA's Faculty & Staff: Preschool/Lower School
Their colleagues, students and athletes have learned in two weeks what you will learn soon: Durham Academy’s newest faculty and staff members are right at home on roads Academy and Ridge. They arrive with a slew of moral, happy and productive experiences — and they arrive with an appetite for more.
Meet the incoming cohort of new hires at DA.
Preschool
Micaela Dempsey
Preschool Counselor
Education: • University of North Carolina-Wilmington, B.S. in Psychology
• Virginia Tech, M.A. in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Previously: School Counselor, Roanoke County Public Schools
Why I chose Durham Academy: “I’m thrilled to join DA and be part of such a warm, kind and creative school community. I look forward to supporting and having a positive impact on students as they continue their educational experiences.”
My favorite obsession: “A favorite obsession of mine is shopping at TJ Maxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods. I can't go more than a few weeks without making a lap and seeing what they have!”
My favorite memory in education: “One of my favorite or most rewarding aspects of working in education is seeing the impact I have on my students. I love receiving their artwork and notes, and I often treasure and keep them as meaningful reminders of why I do this work.”
Christine Johnson
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant (Hanks)
Education: University of Mary Washington (Virginia), B.A. in Theatre
Previously: Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, Immaculata Catholic School (Durham)
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “Empathy is my most valued character trait of DA graduates. Truly understanding other people's experiences and where they're coming from naturally cultivates kindness, generosity, integrity and authenticity.”
My song of the summer: “‘American Cars’” by Noah Kahan was on repeat this summer! Perfect for road trips to the beach, swim meets and baseball games.”
My favorite obsession: “Topsail Beach is my happy place. There’s nothing better than being by the ocean with my family and dog!”
Kat McCutcheon
Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant (Tyson)
Education: • University of Vermont, B.S. in Education
• Tallahassee Community College, A.A. in Education
Previously: • Preschool Extended Day Teacher, Durham Academy
• Third Grade Teacher, The Raleigh School
Why I chose Durham Academy: “I admire the school's focus on curiosity, creativity and collaboration — and its commitment to educating the whole child in and outside the classroom.”
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “My most valued trait is empathy. I really enjoy getting to know my students and understanding what makes each of them unique. As a teacher, I recognize that every student comes with unique experiences, strengths and challenges. Every child learns differently, and I try to meet them where they are instead of expecting everyone to learn the same way.”
The last book I read: A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson
My song of the summer: “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac
My favorite obsession: “Practicing yoga and traveling to national parks.”
My favorite memory in education: “Project-based teaching: My students explored the many ways dogs help humans. I loved the project because it gave students the opportunity to learn about something they were naturally curious and excited about. Dogs are a topic many children can connect with, which helped create enthusiasm and engagement throughout the learning process. I enjoyed seeing students ask thoughtful questions, work together and discover how dogs can make such a positive impact for humans. The project allowed students to build empathy by learning about service dogs, therapy dogs and other working dogs that support humans in meaningful ways.”
My greatest day of teaching: “My students presented their projects to their parents and explained how dogs can improve people's lives. It was heartwarming to watch their confidence grow as they became experts and realized they could use what they learned to educate and inspire others.”
One piece of technology I wish I could leave behind: Cell phone
Lower School
Jennifer Bedoya
Second Grade Teaching Assistant (Riddle)
Education: • Universidad Americana (Nicaragua), B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing
• East Carolina University, M.A. in Teaching
• Duke University, Advanced Academic Licensure
Previously: Advanced Academics Specialist, Forest View Elementary School (Durham)
Why I chose Durham Academy: “I am excited to join the Durham Academy faculty because of its commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development — values I have experienced firsthand as both an educator in Durham and a Durham Academy parent. (Editor’s Note: Bedoya is the mother of a DA third grader and sixth grader.) I am eager to contribute my experience while collaborating with a community of passionate educators. I look forward to supporting Ms. Riddle and being a part of a school culture that prioritizes both growth and innovation in students and staff.”
The last book I read: My Friends by Fredrik Backman (“One of my favorite books of all time.”)
My song of the summer: Any song from “The Great Divide: The Last of the Bugs” by Noah Kahan
Best show on streaming right now: Schitt’s Creek
My favorite obsession: “My favorite hobby is a daily 5000-meter row and nightly novels of mystery and thrillers. My passion is exploring the world with my family.”
More about me: “I am not a native Durhamite, but Durham is the place I've lived the longest, and I truly call it home. I am originally from the WAY south — raised in Miami and Nicaragua. My husband is Peruvian-American, and we have two beautiful boys: Benicio (12 years old) and Gregorio (9 years old), both DA students. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from ECU with an add-on Advanced Academics Licensure from Duke University. I have over a decade of experience in elementary education. I went into teaching because I want to leave this world a little better than I found it.”
Claire Nelson
Fourth Grade Teaching Assistant (Coene)
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. in Elementary Education
Previously: Third Grade Teacher, Rashkis Elementary School (Chapel Hill)
Why I chose Durham Academy: “After 30 years of being a classroom teacher with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, I am ready for my next chapter — and there is only one school I wanted to join. When my son, Trevor Nelson ’20 — now 24 and a proud Upper School alumnus — was in middle school, we toured the campus, and I fell in love with the energy and community. I remember telling my husband, 'When I retire from teaching, I want to be a teacher assistant at Durham Academy.' I am excited to join DA because it allows me to continue doing what I love most: working with students and being a part of a wonderful school community.”
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “I value balance most because school should be about the whole person. When students balance their hard work with happiness and community, they can focus on both the mind and the heart.”
The last book I read: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Best show on streaming right now: “There are so many! Here are a few of my favorites: This Is Us, Ted Lasso and Abbott Elementary.”
My favorite obsession: “Seeing Broadway musicals at DPAC. My favorites are: Wicked, The Lion King and Hamilton.”
More about me: “My son, Trevor Nelson ’20, was a founding member of Durham Academy’s DARC SIDE robotics team and continues to mentor team members today.”
All School
Alex Creech
Sustainability Director
Education: • East Carolina University, B.F.A. in Theatre Education
• Harvard University, A.L.M. in Sustainability (Expected 2027)
Previously: English Department Chair, Bradford Preparatory School (Charlotte)
Why I chose Durham Academy: “What excites me about joining DA is the scale of what's possible here: two campuses, a school invested in doing the right thing and room to build something real!”
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “Joy! It is so important to find and cultivate joy in what we do. Joy is sometimes overlooked in place of traits that are more ‘productive,’ but joy is what makes life worth living!”
The last book I read: Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of ’80s and ’90s Teen Fiction by Gabrielle Moss
My song of the summer: Man I Need by Olivia Dean
Best show on streaming right now: The Good Place
My favorite memory in education: “When I taught journalism, we had a whole broadcast studio that had been donated to our school by the local news. It had an anchor desk, cameras, the recording equipment, the works. We decided one year we were going to do a live broadcast to the entire school for the student government elections. It was amazing! It was a full “Election Night” coverage, with speculation discussions, campaign ads from the candidates, interviews with the outgoing student body president, election graphics and more. We got to announce the winners live on air and cut to an on-the-spot interview with the presidential winner, who got to give his winning speech. The electricity in the room during that broadcast was incredible, and the students felt like they were really doing something amazing. One of the co-anchors decided to major in broadcast journalism in college as a result! It was definitely the coolest thing I've ever gotten to do in school.”
One discontinued item I wish were still available: “I’m sure they were TERRIBLE for you, but I do get nostalgic for Dunkaroos.”
One piece of technology I wish I could leave behind: “This may sound crazy, but my smart phone. I have one because I feel like I need to in this day and age, but I could happily trade it in for a flip phone that only makes calls and texts!”
More about me: “I'm an open book! Don't hesitate to ask me about anything. I've had a very interesting career so far and I'm so excited for this next chapter.”
Chloe Del Signore
School Nurse
Education: • University of Colorado, B.A. in English Literature
• Cape Fear Community College, A.S. in Nursing
Previously: Charge Nurse / Registered Nurse, Duke University Hospital’s Pediatric Cardiac ICU
Why I chose Durham Academy: “After many years taking care of some of the sickest children in the world, I am excited to work in an environment where I can see children thrive and grow!”
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “I think integrity, responsibility and courage are all imperative characteristics. Taking responsibility for one's successes and failures requires both integrity and courage.”
My song of the summer: “Sounds Like the Radio” by Zach Top
Best show on streaming right now: Clarkson’s Farm
My favorite obsession: Gardening
One piece of technology I wish I could leave behind: Smart phone
Stephanie McCollum
Philanthropy Gifts and Operations Coordinator (as of April 2026)
Education: American University, B.A. in Public Communications
Previously: Gift Records Specialist/Administrative Assistant, Methodist University (Fayetteville)
Why I chose Durham Academy: “I am excited to join DA because I know I have something of value to offer. Once I get my footing and find my niche — like so many others who've joined and remained — I won't just be marking time. I'll become part of a community.”
My most valued DA graduate character trait: “I select AUTHENTICITY as my most valued DA character trait. In my lifetime, I have learned the importance of being authentically myself and ensuring — to the best of my ability — that my interactions are honest and truthful. Authenticity is sometimes hard, and it takes courage. I wake up with the hope of being the best representation of me that I can be. I am a believer. Anyone who knows me knows that. I am rooted in self-definition and self-expression. I have been blessed with various life experiences and am full of possibilities. I had to learn to become comfortable with who I am and what I represent; time is the best incubator!
“My truth is that I really like what I have seen and experienced during my short time at DA. Everyone I have met so far — my Philanthropy colleagues, the HR team, students, faculty and staff, teachers and administrators — has been absolutely amazing. I am truly honored to be a part of and working within this community.”
The last book I read: Sula by Toni Morrison
My song of the summer: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
Best show on streaming right now: The Amazing Race. “I just love it.”
My favorite obsession: “Singing and performing arts. And karaoke. You pick the place!”
My favorite memory in education: "I was a young wife and working mother. I never had a traditional college experience. My parents could not afford tuition, so I started my career at 19. In my early 20s, I told my supervisor about a prestigious four-year university I wanted to attend after moving to the Washington, D.C., area. He discouraged me. He felt it was out of reach and told me to settle for a community college instead. His words made me work even harder. I got into the university and earned a scholarship. When I received the acceptance letter, he was one of the first people I showed it to. The lesson is simple: Never let anyone define your limits. You do not have to live inside their box." One discontinued item I wish were still available: Neese’s Country Sausage
Same Faces, New Spaces
Some familiar names have taken on new roles serving the entire DA community.
Tiffany Lim, Data Systems Manager and Upper School Registrar Lim previously served as an Upper School Math Teacher. She is also the Varsity Girls Golf Assistant Coach.
Melissa Mack, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Mack previously served as Middle School Digital Learning Coordinator and STEAM Teacher.
Lindsay Ostara, Philanthropy Services Manager Ostara previously served as Data and Gifts Services Coordinator within the Office of Philanthropy.
Victoria Price, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Price previously served as Creative Services Manager within the Office of Marketing and Communications.
