Cape Fear gained 28 new teachers in the 2023-24 school year. This includes various roles in administration as well as teaching faculty. With teaching vacancies at an all time high within the state of North Carolina including over 11,000 vacancies in public schools. This means the addition of new staff is an accomplishment in and of itself. The new focus is retention of staff. 

Melissa Sova has been in education for 7 years and is coming from New Hanover County Schools,“I have taught two years in middle school, but I truly miss the high schools, especially the awesome conversations.” says Sova. 

“I am looking forward to meeting people who enjoy teaching a diverse community.” says new EC MU teacher LaShaye Saunders. 

Mary Persaud was asked how she feels about being a first year teacher at Cape Fear. “It has been a great experience thus far. Staff, Co-workers,  peers, mentorship has been phenomenal. It has been  a learning experience for me, getting into the routine and the swing of things, but overall it’s been pretty great,” says Persuad. 

Our new teachers are ready to be a part of Colt Country and to connect with today’s generation. 

Meet the 28 new staff members of the Home of the Colts: 

Marisol Denney- 9 years in education, Spanish teacher

Matt Jorgenson- 12 years in education, Band Director 

Blake Vaughn- 8 years, Design & Animation teacher

Yasmine Mason- 1 year in education, English Resource teacher 

Kyle Harding- 15 years in education, Visual Art teacher 

Alisha Griggs- First Year teacher, SED Teacher Assistant 

Nicole Stumbling Bear- 4 years in education, Science teacher 

Melanie Johnson- 6 years in education, Math teacher 

Sasha Preddie- 5 years in education, School Counselor  

Leigh Montague- 10 years in education, Orchestra teacher 

Melissa Seagroves- 16 years of education, Math teacher

Amy Martin- First year in education, English teacher

NaTasha Lax- First year in education, CTE Agriculture Teacher

Nicholas Meininger- 17 years in education, English teacher

Henrietta Corbett- 19 years in education, AP intern 

Melissa Sova- 7 years in education, English teacher

David Mobley- First year in education, CTE Auto-tech Teacher

Hollie Meininger- 4 years in education, CTE Business Teacher

Traci Horne- 4 years in education, OCS Teacher Assistant

Jamie Krusinski- First year in education, Health Occupations Teacher

LaShaye Saunders- First year in education, EC MU Teacher

Marissa Fux- 10 years in education, CF Assistant Principal

Eugenio Amador- 1 year in education, CF ES OCS Teacher Assistant

Lee Montague- 10 years in education, CF Orchestra Teacher

Mary Persaud- 2 years in education. CF English teacher 

Brigitte Kelley- 1 year in education (1.5 yrs as the Safe Schools Coordinator), OCS Teacher 

Miranda Glover- 8 years in education, CF Job Coach 

Shelley Bigelow- 3 years in education, CF EC TA 

First year CTE Agriculture teacher NaTasha Lax is excited about the growth of food science principles for her new students. “I am excited to instill into the students how to grow food…food is my passion,” said Lax.

Melissa Seagroves is a veteran of the classroom and joined the Colt family from Eastover Central Elementary School. As she steps into the first year in a Cape Fear math classroom, Seagroves reflects on a new beginning.  “I feel wonderful. I feel very welcomed and supported. I love seeing so many familiar faces.” 

Also transitioning to the high school setting from Eastover Central Elementary School is Kyle Harding. While not new to education, Harding is new to Cape Fear. “I really like it. The students are great. The classes have been really fun and it’s a great transition back to high school,” said Harding.

Amy Martin, who is a first year educator here says, “I am excited to be here. I know a lot of the girls from being a lacrosse coach, my daughter Katie goes here. I am excited to meet the students.” 

From Auto-tech teachers, to an orchestra teacher, to our EC teacher, Cape Fear has hired some friendly new faces who are striving to help be the change for high school students and our community. The Colt family is more than excited to welcome 28 new faculty and staff members to our school, now please join us in welcoming these new teachers and staff members with open arms this year!