Hello! My name is Aimee Haygood. Currently, I serve as assistant athletic director at Woods Charter School. I’m also a full-time high school mathematics teacher at Woods Charter School. While in middle and high school, I dedicated a lot of my time to sports, specifically basketball. My dedication to the sport led me to secure a full 4-year athletic scholarship to Augusta State University to play basketball as a Jaguar. I’m still recognized as a top ten leading scorer for the Lady Jags with 1,208 career points. While at ASU, I was also a member of the Cross Country Team for 3 years, and I earned a degree in Mathematics. After college, I accepted my first teaching job (January 2000) and moved from Georgia to Durham, NC. I’ve directed and worked at many basketball camps since my high school years. Over the past 8 years, I’ve coached my sons, Levi and Ace, in various recreational and AAU basketball leagues. I believe that healthy competition and participation in sports have physical and mental benefits. Athletes build strong, healthy muscles, learn to set attainable goals, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Participation in sports offers opportunities for social connections and for athletes to sharpen their socialization skills. As a basketball coach, my first goal is to create an atmosphere in which all athletes enjoy basketball and feel motivated to develop their basketball skills. So, get those kids on the court and let’s hoop it up!

Hello! My name is Amanda Westle and I just finished teaching my first year at Woods as one of the new Kindergarten teachers. I attended Elon University for my undergraduate degrees, Elementary Education and Special Education, with a concentration in Enviromental Education. I hail originally from Asheville, NC (mountains over the ocean everytime!) and love spending time out in nature with my Mini Aussie, Kiwi. I LOVE to craft on my sewing machine, read books and nerd out to all kinds of fun things. We had a blast in Kindergarten this year and I can’t wait to continue the fun over the summer!

I'm Ana Parris-Buckmaster, but everyone calls me Ms. Parris. When I'm not busy being a third grade teacher, I can usually be found knitting or crocheting something! I learned to crochet and do macrame as a young child, and I taught myself to knit as an adult. Now I can't stop playing with string! I love to make things that make people smile. I also enjoy teaching others how to do things with strings. I am very patient and easy-going, creating a calm space where mistakes are welcome and growth is celebrated. 

Ashley Lorusso is the elementary art teacher at Woods Charter School. She has been teaching art for about 10 years and absolutely loves open-ended creative projects that allow children to explore with their hands and imaginations. She is a NC native, has her MFA in painting from Parson's School of Design in New York, and lives in Chapel Hill with her family.

Brittney earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before beginning her career as an occupational therapist, Brittney worked with children, teens and their families in a variety of roles including as a mentor, behavioral assistant, employment specialist for a transition, school to employment program (S.T.E.P) and a nursery attendant. She also worked with adults with psychological and developmental disabilities as a job coach. As an occupational therapist Brittney has worked simultaneously in pediatrics, geriatrics and industrial sports medicine. Brittney is now combining her love of helping others, the medical field and entrepreneurship through her first franchise with Little MedicalSchool. She is excited to assist with educating young minds on possible careers in the medical field.

In addition to her 15+ years of public school teaching experience, Britt Wilson moonlights as a storyteller and songwriter in her spare time. She brings an energetic and practical approach to creativity and wants to share the strange magic of storytelling in a safe and wildly imaginative environment.

Hi! My name is Carly Gerringer, and I am a freshman at UNC Asheville in the Joint UNCA–NC State Mechatronics Engineering Program. I love learning and exploring how creativity and engineering come together. In high school, I was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7890, SeQuEnCe, where I had an amazing experience designing, building, and problem-solving as part of a team. That experience sparked my passion for robotics and hands-on learning. At camp, I bring a creative, hands-on approach and encourage kids to have fun and explore their curiosity.  Hi there! My name is Tessa Gerringer, and I am a freshman at The Hawbridge School. I am a hardworking, creative, and resourceful student who loves doing fun, hands-on crafts. I enjoy exploring new ideas, working with different materials, and encouraging creativity in others. I also love running—being outside in the fresh air is really relaxing for me. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm, creativity, and strong work ethic with your child and help make this summer camp a positive, engaging, and inspiring experience!

Hi! My name is Carly Gerringer, and I am a freshman at UNC Asheville in the Joint UNCA–NC State Mechatronics Engineering Program. I love learning and exploring how creativity and engineering come together. In high school, I was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7890, SeQuEnCe, where I had an amazing experience designing, building, and problem-solving as part of a team. That experience sparked my passion for robotics and hands-on learning. At camp, I bring a creative, hands-on approach and encourage kids to have fun and explore their curiosity.

Hi there! My name is Tessa Gerringer, and I am a freshman at The Hawbridge School. I am a hardworking, creative, and resourceful student who loves doing fun, hands-on crafts. I enjoy exploring new ideas, working with different materials, and encouraging creativity in others. I also love running—being outside in the fresh air is really relaxing for me. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm, creativity, and strong work ethic with your child and help make this summer camp a positive, engaging, and inspiring experience!

Carmen Wood, a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, has been in the world of basketball and athletics for over 20 years! She has coached at many Division I basketball camps such as Roy Williams, Hubert Davis, Kenny Smith, Eric Montross, and Sylvia Hatchell to name a few. As a current PE teacher at Woods Charter and former basketball coach, she has truly seen the lightbulb that comes on when a new skill is learned or success is gained! That is what she thrives to find in each and every participant. Carmen welcomes all skill levels, as no two learners are the same, and has high hopes that your camper will leave with new or better confidence than before.

I am a chef, storyteller, and filmmaker who uses food as a way to explore culture, memory, and connection. My work is shaped by years of hands-on practice, global travel, and deep relationship with the people and places where food carries meaning. Along the way, I’ve been honored as North Carolina Chef of the Year and a Chopped champion.  I am the founder of iLéWA Foods, a spice company rooted in ethical sourcing and global foodways. I am also the co-director of an award-winning documentary "Bite of Bénin", which uses food as a lens to tell stories of place, identity, and cultural inheritance. At the heart of my work is education,  care and designing experiences that are intentional, well-structured, and deeply engaging. I bring a practiced, thoughtful approach to teaching that balances creativity with clarity, encouraging young people to explore boldly while feeling supported and guided. Whether in the kitchen, the classroom, or through film, I work with precision, warmth, and purpose. I believe food is a living archive, and that learning through food helps young people build curiosity, confidence, and respect for the world around them, skills that extend far beyond the table.

My name is Courtney Wilson, I've been in education for over 15 years. I have done camps on and off through out my career. I teach exceptional children and have worked with all the grade levels. I enjoy helping children come out there shells, try new things, and becoming confident in themselves by creating a safe caring learning environment where they can be themselves.

Craig has about 30 years of teaching experience at middle school and high school. Over a dozen years of coaching experience at Tee-Ball, Little League, and high school level baseball. A lifelong Cubs fan - 2016 was great, and it can happen again!

CREIGHTON IRONS’ musicals have been on stage around the world, from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco (HOMEFRONT) to Tokyo (FACTORY GIRLS) to Bloomington, IN (THE MOON AND THE SEA, premiering this summer). As an educator (with Roundabout Theater, Lincoln Center, others), he has helped students and adults across the country find their voices and create hundreds of original songs and musicals. Irons currently works to build community through music as the artistic director of Woodshed Arts and the music teacher at Woods Charter School in Chatham County. He regularly performs backup to his brilliant wife, singer/songwriter Dawn Landes; their collaborations include a musical (BOOMTOWN, TN) and two kids. 

ERIC JACOBS is an all-around tech wizard. He has spent the last few years in charge of props and facilities at Center Stage. He also serves as the technical director at Woodshed Arts.

Amelia Cherry and Daniel Horil are college freshmen who have played soccer from a young age, gaining years of experience at competitive levels and across multiple positions. Both competed on Woods’ Varsity team as well as their respective club teams. Daniel was most recently awarded All-Conference and All-Region honors, while Amelia has signed to play collegiate soccer at Vassar College.

Daniel also has three years of hands-on experience in 3D modeling, 3D printing, and coding. He is proficient in multiple CAD programs, including Fusion 360, SketchUp, and Onshape, as well as coding in C# and C++. Daniel has applied his skills in competitive settings, using his own 3D-printed designs in the Science Olympiad.

Daniel has three years of hands-on experience in 3D modeling, 3D printing, and coding. He is proficient in multiple CAD programs, including Fusion 360, SketchUp, and Onshape, as well as coding in C# and C++. Daniel has applied his skills in competitive settings, using his own 3D-printed designs in the Science Olympiad.

Hi! My name is Carly Gerringer, and I am a freshman at UNC Asheville in the Joint UNCA–NC State Mechatronics Engineering Program. I love learning and exploring how creativity and engineering come together. In high school, I was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7890, SeQuEnCe, where I had an amazing experience designing, building, and problem-solving as part of a team. That experience sparked my passion for robotics and hands-on learning. At camp, I bring a creative, hands-on approach and encourage kids to have fun and explore their curiosity.  Hi there! My name is Tessa Gerringer, and I am a freshman at The Hawbridge School. I am a hardworking, creative, and resourceful student who loves doing fun, hands-on crafts. I enjoy exploring new ideas, working with different materials, and encouraging creativity in others. I also love running—being outside in the fresh air is really relaxing for me. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm, creativity, and strong work ethic with your child and help make this summer camp a positive, engaging, and inspiring experience!

Denise O'Gorman has been a Science educator for 24 years - over 20 of which has been here at Woods. She has a Masters degree in Science education from NYU, is a NC Certified Environmental Educator and has just completed her Certification as an American Meterology Teacher. She LOVES hands on learning and students will get lots of that during this summer camp!  Check out this article from Chatham Magazine highlighting Ms. O'Gorman's many years of teaching and accomplishments!

Guild of Adventures has been running D&D programs in the Triangle for 5 years. The Dungeon Masters who run our games are professional and experienced. We pride ourselves on bringing a D&D experience that fosters creativity, team-work, failure resilience and turn taking. Aidan Moyer is returning from last summer as the instructor for this camp.

Ian is a Jedi learner, teacher, and passionate nerd with a penchant for building things and inclusive spaces for children. Ian teaches Middle School Science in Durham and has years of experience building electronics and taking responsibility for laboratory safety, from the classroom to the research lab.

I have spent the past 20 years as a competitive archer. Certified through USA archery national training systems level 3 archery coach, level 2 instructor/trainer, level 2 archery judge, National after school program certified, Certifications in safe sports, sexual misconduct in sports, awareness education, mandatory reporting and emotional and physical misconduct. Gold Medalist, Huntsman Senior World Games, State games of America Gold Medalist

Jill Amber Chafin has danced her way from the University of Arizona to New Zealand’s Wellington Performing Arts Centre. She ran her own dance studio and semi-professional company in New Zealand before catching the circus bug and training at the New England Center for Circus Arts to master the art of defying gravity. When she's not upside down practicing handstands or spinning through the air, you’ll find Jill crafting her next novel, exploring hiking trails, getting lost in a good book, or chasing after her two kids.

Hello! My name is Jake Weaver. I’m a Siler City, NC native and Jordan Matthews High School Alumni. I am so excited to announce that I will be the new Director of Before & After School Programming here at Woods Charter School. A little about myself, I am twenty-four years old have worked with children for 11 years. I started out my career of childcare at the Boys & Girls Club in SIler City as a Teen Volunteer and within a year of dedication and volunteerism, I was offered a job as a Program Leader. After I graduated from High School in 2016, I began working with the YMCA. I was placed here, at Woods Charter, as a Site Coordinator  Woods hired me to run its own in-house program in 2017, and I do that in addition to working full-time for the school as a second grade TA.

I have been an avid cyclist for 30 years and have competed in numerous mountain biking (MTB) races, cycling competitions, triathlons, BMX races, and motocross races. Basically, if it has two wheels, then I’ve raced it. I was also one of the original coaches of the Chatham County Chaos Mountain Bike team, which is an ongoing competitive MTB team for Junior High and High Schoolers in Chatham County. In addition to riding and racing, I have enjoyed coaching various sports and recently began teaching at Woods Charter. Say hello if you see me around!

Kim Moody teaches mathematics and LEGO Engineering at Wood Charter School, in addition to leading LEGO and Minecraft classes in the after-school program. She grew up in Cardiff, Wales and taught mathematics in the UK before moving to North Carolina and making it her new home. In her spare time, she loves to travel as much as possible with her family and explore different cultures and cuisines. 

Lauren Nogle is a highly accomplished baton twirling coach with a lifelong passion for the sport, having begun twirling at six years old. She competed nationally and internationally, earning state, regional, and national titles, and proudly medaled at the World Championships of Baton Twirling as a member of Team USA. Lauren brings a strong background in teaching to her coaching, combining technical excellence with a supportive, encouraging approach. She was a feature twirler at NC State University, where she also earned her master’s degree in English. For the past 12 years, Lauren has been the owner and head coach of Flourish Baton Club in Apex, helping develop twirlers of all ages and skill levels. She currently coaches the High Point University Feature Twirlers and serves as a choreographer for multiple universities across North Carolina. Her dedication to the sport and her students continues to shape the next generation of baton twirlers.

Little Medical School offers an exciting and interactive look into the world of Healthcare careers. Through after-school enrichment programs, birthday parties, track out/summer camps, scouting events, etc.. We encourage children to role play and learn about being medical professionals. Little Medical School, which is headquartered in St. Louis Missouri has over 40 franchises around the world. We have a variety of programs including Veterinarian, Pediatrician, Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. 

Loretta Hackney formerly owned and operated an after-school and summer camp program and worked at Woods for many years as an Elementary Teaching Assistant. She graduated from ECU with a degree in Elementary Education in December 2015 and has been a teacher in Chatham County Schools ever since.

Mrs. Hackney is the Assistant Camp Director and has been part of the program since its inception. She loves creating fun, engaging experiences for children at Woods Summer Wonders!

One of her many passions is running, which she began in 2010. From completing her first 5K to training for a half-marathon, she has mentored many runners through Fleet Feet Carrboro training programs. This experience has given her a strong foundation in motivating and encouraging others to be their best.

Lubbers & Sons tree care is a locally owned and operated professional tree service dedicated to serving our local community by providing high quality tree care services, sharing our knowledge and offering top-notch advice when it comes to all things trees!  With a combined 16+ years of experience in the tree care industry, and a genuine love of trees, we are prepared to address any tree-related concern in the Chapel Hill area. A little about our two owners/founders below!

Sosha is an ISA certified arborist with experience in plant health care and tree pest/disease diagnosis. She has worked on many crews, mostly rigging and supporting climbers from the ground, although enjoying a chance to play in the canopy from time to time. These days she is an administrative wizard and wearer of many hats. When she's not at work, you can find her playing banjo and singing on the porch, painting, or at the gym preparing for her next MMA fight (she's also a professional athlete)! 

Tommy is a skilled tree climber and lifelong learner, notorious for taking great care and pride in his work. Safety is always his top priority, and it is clear to anyone watching him work that he loves his job. He is our expert climbing arborist (and true climbing enthusiast), part spider monkey, and a loving father. He’s a former expert carpenter, master of many useful skills, chainsaw artist, and mushroom forager. A true leader and teacher who loves sharing his trade and bringing new climbers into the industry safely. He’s also got the most talent you'll ever see backing up a trailer-- if trick trailer driving competitions existed, he'd take home the prize money every time.

Together, we are living our dream of earning a living doing what we love while making a lasting positive impact on our community. 

My name is Maya Sheridan and I am excited to coach Dig It! for my fifth year! I have been playing volleyball for over ten years and currently play as a setter at Swarthmore College. During my time at Woods, the Varsity Volleyball team won four consecutive Conference Championships, and I was named Conference Player of the Year three years in a row. I played my entire club volleyball career at Chapel Hill Area Volleyball Club, where I went on to coach the developmental program and the 13 Purple team. I adore working with younger age groups – their rate of improvement and enthusiasm for the game makes coaching an exciting endeavor. Outside of playing and coaching indoor volleyball, I spend my time playing beach volleyball, biking, reading philosophy, and studying for Engineering tests! 

Hey there! My name is Megan Nowak, and I am a 21-year-old Woods Charter Alumni. I graduated from Woods in the Spring of 2023, and just completed my junior year at Catawba College. In my time at Woods I worked the afterschool program, and loved the time I got to spend and connect with the kids who attended. This will be my fifth year running a camp through Woods Summer Wonders, and I’m excited to run this camp for a second summer!. I have always loved fashion, and specifically fashion design, and have been designing since I was in elementary school. I am currently majoring in Environmental Sustainability, hoping to go to grad school and get my fashion degree after my time at Catawba, and connect my two passions together. I would love to have your kids in my camp, and I look forward to having a fun camp with them!

I am originally from Panama and have been teaching Spanish at Woods Charter School for the past three years. Spanish is not only what I teach, but also part of my everyday life and identity. My experience in the Woods community has allowed me to understand students, families, and the school environment well. I enjoy creating meaningful experiences for children, combining language with hands-on activities and exploration. I believe Spanish is best learned in a relaxed setting, without pressure or expectations of perfection. This camp reflects my approach to language learning: natural, engaging, and connected to real life. Families can feel confident knowing the camp is led by a familiar educator who values community and thoughtful learning.

I have been sewing since High school ( quite a number of years). I have taught at Woods camp for the past 3-4 years and I work at the Checkered Tulip teaching sewing classes. I am an artist who sells her work at many arts & craft shows in the triangle. I enjoy teaching sewing it's a valuable skill & I hope your kids will enjoy it too.

 Misty Peeler is a 5th-grade teacher at Woods Charter but has enjoyed being an educator in various roles since 2000.  A graduate from Meredith College, she majored in English, elementary education, and minored in dance, but could always be found helping her friends with labs or getting messy in the art studio. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she can be found outside running, hiking, or just enjoying nature.  While she loves being in the classroom, teaching camps is her favorite time of year.  There is nothing like exploring outside, creating masterpieces or inventions, or just getting messy and having fun!

Paget Blythe is a mixed media artist who lives in Pittsboro and works part-time at Woods. She loves to encourage students to experiment in their creativity by incorporating unusual materials into collage and printmaking. Her educational background in literature informs her approach to visual storytelling as both an artist and educator. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her two kids and their two tuxedo cats.

At Peakway Driving School, we proudly serve as the leading choice for driver education in the greater Wake County and the surrounding areas.  Our team of professional, friendly and patient instructors has over 30 years of driving experience and a decade of expertise in training thousands of safe drivers.

We believe that every learner deserves the best educational experience when it comes to mastering the road. Whether you’re enrolling your teens in a Driver’s Education Program, learning to drive for the first time, or need a refresher before your test, our comprehensive lessons will help you become safer, more confident

Samantha Shaw spent her formative years learning at Woods Charter School (class of 2017) and her evenings attending or teaching in dance class. Now that she's a two-time graduate from UNC with her Master's in the Arts of Teaching, she teaches English and Journalism at Carrboro High School. But she loves nothing more than putting back on her ballet slippers!

Sam has many talents, among them being a high school English and Journalism teacher, an editor for YA Fantasy author Katie Cross, and a full-time lover of myth and legend. She's so excited to be back at Woods to bring to life one of her favorite series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson.

A 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, Raymond Ching has been teaching martial arts professionally for more than 13 years. He is a multiple-time State and District Champion and a Top 10 World Championship-level competitor. Raymond has helped develop champions and black belt leaders. He specializes in catering to the learning styles and needs of his students regardless of physical age or experience level.  Raymond began his martial arts journey at the age of 5, influenced by martial arts movies (à la Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, JCVD, etc) and TV shows (Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles, of course). His passion for martial arts continued to grow through his adolescent and teenage years.  His first taste of instructing martial arts began as a part-time job in high school and continued through his undergraduate career at UNC-Chapel Hill. After spending several years working at an e-Learning software company, he decided to pursue martial arts full-time as the Chief Instructor and manager of a school in Morrisville, NC. Now taking the next step forward, Raymond is the founder, owner, and Chief Instructor of Impact Fitness & Martial Arts.

Hello, I am Sara Fields. I am a mom of three and an avid dog lover. I hope to radiate an energy in the classroom that brings learning to life and inspires my students to engage. I love the outdoors, building, creating, and being innovative. I believe our youth is our best investment, and kindness is of great importance. I have been a teacher for over 12 years and love sharing my interests, hobbies, and things I am passionate about with students during camps and after-school classes.

I am a first-grade teacher at Woods. I love to have lots of fun learning and bring creativity into our experiences. I want to have a chance to have as much hands-on learning as possible and make fun memories each day. As a mom and a teacher, my goal is to have a full week of experiences that are rich, exciting, and memorable! I want this camp to be one that your child is excited about joining every year!

Zelia Hellmold became "hooked" on crochet when she learned amugarami on a whim and then, suddenly, found herself surrounded by cute crocheted objects and critters -- cactuses and animals and flowers -- in addition to other projects.  Zelia is an absolute expert at helping campers learn to crochet in the round, including magic circles, single crochet, etc. Debbie Hoodiman's favorite crochet projects from the past year include cute bumblebees, mesh shopping bags, and lots and lots of granny squares. She is currently finishing a large granny square blanket and has already started her next one. Both Zelia and Debbie teach (or have taught) at Woods Charter School and in the 2025 crochet camp.