Support Staff

Hillary Gordon

My name is Hillary Gordon. I recently completed my Associates in Early Education from Rowan Cabarrus Community College and I am currently working on my Bachelors in Education for children birth through kindergarten at Catawba College. I hope to eventually attain my Masters in Education and one day teach future educators.

Katie Zink

I am from Salisbury, NC. I went to North Rowan and I am currently studying psychology at Catawba and will graduate in 2012. I live with my parents and four dogs. When I am not working with children, I love to ride my bike around the county, read, and hang out with my boyfriend and friends. I have been with Partners since August 2009 and I LOVE IT! Getting to know all of the children, parents, and my co-workers has been an awesome experience. I have found that children are my life passion.

Jamesha Thomas

My name is Jamesha Thomas.  I graduated from North Rowan High School in 2007.  I'm currently seeking an Secondary Education degree from Catawba College.  I plan to graduate from Catawba in 2012. I've been a part of the P.I.L. family since 2007 and love the staff and children.  I've gained patience, and unconditional love for all, while working at Partners In Learning.  I arrive and leave with a smile on my face everyday from being able to know that I made a difference in a child's life.

Monique Kirk

I have been with Partners In learning since August 2008. I am currently attending Catawba College to obtain my degree in Elementary Education. I love working with children.

Matt Church

Hello my  name is Matthew Church and the students here at Partners in learning gave me the name Mr. Matt.  This is my first year as a teacher and I can’t wait to learn new exciting things from the students and staff here.  I am excited to work here because I really love the environment that Partners in learning offers to its students. Using Creative Curriculum and having integrated classrooms allows children to not have boundaries put on them and gives them opportunities to learn about their world through play.  The power of learning through play is just one of the many important things I learned about at RCCC when I was obtaining my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a strong passion for music and bring it into the classroom as much as possible.  Music helps build skills in all areas of development.   Integrated classrooms are great  as a father of a child with Autism.   I feel it is important to give all children the same opportunities to learn no matter what their differences may be.   It makes me proud to be involved with a center that has that same philosophy.  I have 17 years of experience working with children that have exceptionalities and I am hoping to use that experience plus my education to become a respected teacher and student here at partners in learning.

Shaina Freeze

My name is Shaina Freeze.  I graduated from Jesse C. Carson High School in 2007 and now attend UNC-Charlotte, majoring in Elementary Education.  I have been a part of Partners In Learning since December 2009.  I love coming into work and seeing all the smiles on the children's faces.  I enjoy helping them explore and learn many new things!

Mary Short

Hi my name is Mary Short .I live in China Grove with my husband  Dion  and my daughter Kelly.  I have been in early care and education for 22 years and have been with Partners in Learning since March of 2000. I love my job because it is very rewarding. I thank God every day for the chance to touch the lives of the children .

Donna Bragg

I am from Statesville, NC. I have lived in Salisbury for 20 years with my husband Andy and our daughter Ella.  I have worked with the State for over 10 years with Deaf Hard of Hearing children. That's how I first came to PIL. I worked with my first child as a Language Facilitator through the state program at PIL. I have worked with eight children at PIL within those10 years through the "Early Intervention Program for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing".  I have been employed at PIL for a year and a half as a  part time flexible teacher/afternoon language facilitator. I love reading,singing,talking and playing with our children.  Talking with and listening to our childern is one of the best ways of teaching our children. I get to do two of the things I like to do best; and get paid to do it TALK AND PLAY.

We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.  GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

Katrina Robbins

I live in Salisbury with my parents and my younger brother.  I graduated from North Rowan High School in 2008.  I am attending Rowan Cabarrus Community College to work on my credentials and then I am planning to transfer to UNC-Charlotte to get my teaching degree.  I enjoy teaching children new things about life and the world around them.  Teaching in a classroom is the place for me

Elena Avilez

Hi my name is Elena Avilez, I've lived here in Salisbury for the past year and a half. I was born and raised in Florida, and still trying to accommodate to a small town. I am a proud mother of two Luis and Jackelynn. I am currently enrolled in RCCC and for my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Ed. I will later be tranferring to Catawba for my Bachelors.

Pam Ingram

My name is Pam Ingram I have been employed with Partners In Learning since 2007. I graduated from North Rowan High School in 1986.   I am a graduate from Rowan Cabarrus Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and degree in Marketing and Retailing. While being employed at Partners In Learning I obtained my Early Childhood Credentials. I am currently taking classes at RCCC in Early Childhood. I love children and all they stand for. I feel that anyone who has a child is blessed!    (WHEN YOU HAVE A CHILD IN YOUR LIFE YOU LIVE, LOVE, AND LAUGH!)

Alyssa Williams

My name is Alyssa Williams. I have work periodically since 2007, while also going to school. I graduated from Jesse C. Carson High school in 2009. I currently am going to school at The Art Institute of Charlotte to achieve my Associates Degree in the Culinary Arts field. I have a passion for cooking, but I also have a passion working with children. I love being involved and interacting with kids. Being able to see them learn new things while also growing up each day makes me happy to know that I was a part of it. I love my job and what I do.

Hannah Gagnier

I am a graduate of South Rowan High School. I am attending Catawba College for Elementary Education. I work part time in the evenings.

Sara Abernathy

I am 23 years old and a student at RCCC. I plan to graduate with my associates in Early Childhood Education in May, and continue on through graduate school at Catawba College. I love working with children because their smiles can brighten the worst of days and  you can really make a difference in their lives. There is never a dull moment in the world of childcare. I hope to have a healthy and happy family of my own one day. My faith in God is what gets me through each day and I thank him so much for all of my many blessings.

William "Rusty" Shaver

I am happily married to Tammy for 13 years with three kids Jessica, Jasmine, and Cody .  I am a U.S.  Army veteran and a former volunteer firefighter/emt.  I am a Salisbury native but was raised in Hempstead New York. This gives me a diversity of thinking.  I love working with people.  I have been driving school busses since 2004.  I like hands on projects and doing things that make me think.  My motto is where there is a will, there is a way and my name starts with will!!