Jessica Bartee
Middle School Math Teacher & Middle School Coordinator

Jessica Bartee earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Gardner-Webb University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She holds a North Carolina Teaching License in Elementary Education (K–6), Mathematics (6–9), and Mathematics (9–12). Jessica brings 10 years of experience in education, all of which have been at Hickory Day School.

Jessica is passionate about helping students develop confidence in mathematics and understand how math connects to the world around them. As Middle School Coordinator, she is dedicated to supporting students and families while helping create a positive, engaging, and successful middle school experience.

Outside of school, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and completing puzzles.

jbartee@hickoryday.org

Jessica Blair
4th Grade Teacher

Jessica Blair earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics and Finance from Greensboro College and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She holds a North Carolina Teaching License and brings 12 years of experience in education. After serving as an interim teacher for three months, Jessica is excited to begin her first full year at Hickory Day School.

Jessica is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. She believes in fostering curiosity, building strong relationships, and encouraging a lifelong love of learning while helping each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Outside of school, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, reading, kayaking, hiking, gardening, and being outdoors.

jblair@hickoryday.org

Rebecca Cooke
Middle School Science Teacher

Rebecca Cooke earned a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University and Appalachian State University. She holds a North Carolina Lifetime Teaching License and is certified in Middle Grades Science and Language Arts. With 32 years of experience in education, Rebecca is excited to begin her first year at Hickory Day School.

Rebecca is passionate about inspiring curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and helping students develop a lifelong love of learning. She is committed to creating an engaging classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing pickleball, hiking, and being outdoors.

rcooke@hickoryday.org

Christie German
STEM Teacher

Christie German earned a Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. She brings more than 20 years of experience developing engaging educational programs and leading community initiatives and is excited to begin her first year at Hickory Day School as the STEM Teacher.

Throughout her career, Christie has been passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. She is dedicated to helping students explore the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while building confidence as problem-solvers and lifelong learners.

Outside of school, Christie enjoys riding horses and spending time with her husband and their 13-year-old twins.

cgerman@hickoryday.org

Laura Spencer Hall
Administrative Assistant, Co-Athletic Director

Laura Spencer Hall has dedicated 30 years to education, including the past five years at Hickory Day School. As Administrative Assistant and Co-Athletic Director, she is committed to supporting students, families, faculty, and staff while helping ensure the daily operations of the school and athletic programs run smoothly.

Laura enjoys building meaningful relationships within the Hickory Day School community and takes pride in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the school's doors.

Outside of school, Laura loves spending time with her husband, Steve, and her daughter, Kaylyn, a theatre major at Lenoir-Rhyne University. She also enjoys spending time at the theatre and has a passion for stage managing.

lhall@hickoryday.org

Melissa Heller
3rd Grade Teacher

Melissa Heller earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. She has 13 years of experience in education, including seven years at Hickory Day School.

Melissa is passionate about creating a positive and engaging classroom where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in fostering curiosity, building confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning while helping each child reach their fullest potential.

Outside of school, Melissa enjoys attending the theater, reading, working puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends.

mheller@hickoryday.org

Matthew Hite
Wellness Instructor & Co-Athletic Director

Matthew Hite earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Campbell University. He has four years of experience in education, all of which have been at Hickory Day School.

Matthew is dedicated to helping students develop healthy habits, strong character, and a lifelong appreciation for physical wellness. As Wellness Instructor and Co-Athletic Director, he encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and perseverance while creating a positive environment where every student can grow both on and off the field.

Outside of school, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family.

mhite@hickoryday.org

Shelley Holtsclaw
Director of Finance & Business Operations

Shelley Holtsclaw earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Management from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from East Carolina University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Shelley brings 11 years of experience in education and business operations, all of which have been at Hickory Day School.

In her role as Director of Finance and Business Operations, Shelley helps oversee the financial and operational needs of the school while supporting the continued growth and success of the Hickory Day School community.

Outside of school, Shelley enjoys spending time with her family—her husband, their three children, and their beloved Goldendoodle.

sholtsclaw@hickoryday.org

Kayriel Maddox
Performing Arts Teacher

Kayriel Maddox studied Theatre at Lenoir-Rhyne University and holds a North Carolina teaching license. She is beginning her first year in education and is excited to join the Hickory Day School family as the Performing Arts Teacher.

Kayriel is passionate about helping students discover their creativity, build confidence, and express themselves through the performing arts. She strives to create an encouraging environment where every student feels comfortable exploring their talents both on and off the stage.

Outside of school, Kayriel enjoys spending time with her family and friends and rewatching the Harry Potter series every chance she gets.

kmaddox@hickoryday.org

Jorge Rojas
Spanish Teacher & After School Director

Jorge Rojas earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Veracruz in Mexico. He brings an impressive 28 years of experience in education, including 26 years at Hickory Day School.

Jorge is passionate about helping students develop an appreciation for the Spanish language and culture while creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment. As After School Director, he is also dedicated to providing students with a safe, supportive, and enriching experience beyond the school day.

Outside of school, Jorge enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active, especially outdoors.

jrojas@hickoryday.org

Breanna Scott
Middle School Humanities Teacher

Breanna Scott is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and brings four years of experience in education. She is excited to begin her first year at Hickory Day School as the Middle School Humanities Teacher.

Breanna is passionate about helping students develop strong communication, critical-thinking, and analytical skills while encouraging them to explore history, literature, culture, and the world around them. She strives to create an engaging classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to become thoughtful, lifelong learners.

Outside of school, Breanna enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

bscott@hickoryday.org

Oscar Trinidad-Doce joined the HDS team in the fall of 2020 as the custodian and groundskeeper.

oscar@hickoryday.org

River Zeppeli
Visual Arts Teacher

River Zeppeli earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from Lenoir-Rhyne University and has been a valued member of the Hickory Day School faculty for four years.

River is passionate about inspiring creativity and encouraging students to express themselves through art. In the classroom, they foster a supportive environment where students explore a variety of artistic techniques while building confidence in their creative abilities.

Outside of school, River enjoys hiking, creating fiber arts, and playing Minecraft. Their love of creativity and exploration carries over into their teaching, helping students discover the joy of artistic expression.

rzeppeli@hickoryday.org