Faculty/Staff

Dr. Christie Abernathy, Principal
[email protected]

Director of Advanced Education & Innovation for BCPS
Principal of BMC

I have been with BCPS for 21 years. I am proud to be the principal at BMC. My passion is to help students succeed in our Innovative High School and help facilitate a plan for their post graduate dreams. I am so proud of our past, current, and future BMC students!

Education:
B. A. from Appalachian State University
M.A. from Gardner Webb University
Ed. S. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Ed. D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Becky Shehan, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

I am Mrs. Shehan and I have been with BCPS for 18 years and with Burke Middle College for the last four years. I enjoyed assisting students whether at school or church. I enjoy cake decorating, beach trips and spending time with my family and friends.

Education:
A.S. from WPCC in Computer Science

Suzanne Crawford, Counselor
(Counselor Website)
[email protected]

School Counselor for BMC & CCP Liaison
I have been with Burke Middle College since our school’s inception in 2006. I am so proud to have played a role in establishing such a successful program, and I am equally proud of the many accomplishments of BMC students, both past and present! I love helping students begin their college careers and make plans for their futures. When I am not working, I enjoy boating, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Education:
B.A in Sociology from North Carolina State University
M.A. in School Counseling from Appalachian State University
National Board Certified School Counselor

Tim Barnsback, Social Studies Teacher
[email protected]

I’m Tim Barnsback and I am VERY excited to be part of Burke Middle College! I am originally from St. Louis, but went to High School and College in Florida. My wife, who is also a teacher, and I moved to NC in 2001. I have been teaching history, science, and PLTW for 22 years.
I am deeply involved in community activism and work with several non-profits to help make our State a better place to live and to make life easier for those who need us the most.
I love all things outdoors: fly-fishing, backpacking, surfing, kayaking, climbing, and camping.
I believe understanding our history and unique cultures help us have a stronger human connection to each other and will ultimately lead us to be a strong force for justice, equality, and community service.

Education
A.A. Florida Community College at Jacksonville
B.S. Social Science Education - The Florida State University
National Board Certified Teacher

Miguel Johnston, Math and Science
[email protected]

I am Mr. J to many of my students and have been teaching for 27 years. I graduated from Elon College (now University) in ‘94 and am currently about to finish a degree from ECU in science education (MAEd).

I enjoy listening to music and audio books, but I most especially like fantasy roleplaying games. I have travelled throughout the United States and through parts of Europe and Asia. I lived in Germany for 4 years and speak passable German even now. My sons and I study martial arts and several of us are about to advance.

I enjoy teaching because I truly believe the best way to improve your situation is through education and learning. Learning does not need to be in the classroom to be effective; in fact, the best and most long-lasting knowledge is driven by interest and need. I love to learn.

Cher Wheeler, English teacher
[email protected]

I'm Cher and reading, baking, and eating sweets are some of my favorite endeavors! I love to discuss books, poetry, and literature so drop by anytime for an impromptu discussion! I love seeing our students at BMC grow and develop independence, confidence, and motivation to leave their mark on the world. As a Hufflepuff, I value hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play. I also enjoy hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I’m also a Tar Heel born and a Tar Heel bred - Go Heels!

Education
A.A.S. in Accounting from WPCC
B.A. in Elementary Education from Lees-McRae College
M.A. in Reading Education from Appalachian State University
National Board Certified Teacher

Josh Berry, Career Coach
[email protected]

My name is Josh Berry. I'm a Career Coach that works with East Burke High School, Draughn High School, and Burke Middle College. I play many different types of music, but Bluegrass is my favorite. I have more hobbies than I can count. I look forward to getting to know and help you all take the next steps toward your future.

Education:
A.A. from Western Piedmont Community College
B.S. in Business Administration from
Appalachian State University

Jessica Reed, Career Coach
[email protected]

My name is Jessica and I was born and raised in Burke County, NC. I assist Freedom High School & Burke Middle College students with CCP to help them achieve their educational & career goals! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, and we try to do things that allow us to be active together. We enjoy going to the park, riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline, and swimming.

Education:
B.S. in Health Education, Secondary Education from Appalachian State University

Hannah Scruggs, Career Coach
[email protected]

Hello! My name is Ms. Scruggs and I am excited to work with BCPS students on their educational journey. I work primarily with Patton High School and Burke Middle College students. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, solving a good mystery, and cooking.

Education:
A.A., A.S. from Isothermal Community College
B.S. in Psychology from
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill