Meet Brian McCree Hefner, Ed.S., Principal

Joined Team CCS - December 2000

Experience 
I have worked in public education for nearly 20 years at the school level, all for Catawba County Schools. Following my time at ASU, I completed student teaching at Sweetwater Elementary and did a brief interim teaching second grade at Murray Elementary. My first full-time teaching job was at Blackburn Elementary.  Teaching sixth grade for five years was a joy, and during that time, I obtained a Masters in School Administration from ASU. I then served as an Assistant Principal for one year at Fred T. Foard High School and three years at Oxford Elementary. In 2008 I  became the Principal of Blackburn Elementary, serving in that role for six years. I completed the Distinguished Leadership Program (DLP), a year-long leadership development program for practicing school principals designed and provided by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and UNC-LearnNC in 2013. From 2015-2019, I served as the principal at Maiden Middle School. I  graduated with an Ed. S in Educational Leadership through Appalachian State University in the Spring of 2016. I also work for Lenior Rhyne University as an adjunct professor.

Education 
B.S. Elementary Education,  Appalachian State University
M.S.A School Administration, Appalachian State University
Ed.S. School Leadership, Appalachian State University

Why I Became an Educator
During my senior year I was able to complete a teaching internship at St. Stephens Elementary. That experience gave me the drive to become a teacher.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
I have had the honor of working and living in almost every community in Catawba County for nearly my entire life. I spent two years teaching Catawba County History at CVCC, so I know a lot about the area. So when someone asks me "What is your favorite place in Catawba County?" my answer is simple.  Wherever I am at when they ask the question, because I love them all.

Favorite Activities
My favorite activity is working in my yard. I love landscaping and gardening. 

Something Unique About Me
I enjoy singing. I have performed in weddings and currently sing with the Concordia Lutheran Church Praise Band.
 

I joined CCS as a teacher and educator so that I could be a part of the great team that educated me as a student.

Meet Melissa Moose Gemes, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - July 1998

Experience 
I began teaching 7th grade math and science in Lincoln County, and after 5 years, had the opportunity to come home to Catawba County. I taught 7th and 8th grade for 8 more years before becoming the LEA Testing Coordinator for CCS, which I did for 7 years. Since then I have been an Assistant Principal at Maiden High School. I love being a part of Catawba County Schools.

Education 
BS in Middle Grades Education, Math and Science, Appalachian State University
Masters in Curriculum Specialist, Appalachian State University
Add on Licensure in School Administration, Appalachian State University
Local Endorsement in TESOL, Lenoir-Rhyne University

Why I Became an Educator
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since at least the 3rd grade, but I had a phenomenal 8th grade math teacher who truly inspired me in my love for math. I had a rough time in middle school, so I decided while I was in college that maybe if I became a middle school teacher, I could make the middle school experience better for my students than what I had. However, I learned that one of my college professors was so very right when she said, "middle school teachers are born to be MIDDLE school teachers." I think that is what I was born to teach. 

Favorite Place in Catawba County
The town of Maiden is such a beautiful place and things have changed so much since I grew up in this small town. I used to ride my bike all over this town. I can't tell you how many parades I have seen come down Main Street. I have family buried in the town cemetery, which is so well kept and beautiful every time I go there. “Football Friday nights, under the lights” is an absolute MUST in Maiden, and I have gone to Blue Devil football games since before I was born. And I have to say being at my church reminds me of why I love this place so much.

Favorite Activities
I enjoy traveling, reading, watching MHS and college sports, and spending time with family and friends. 

Something Unique About Me
While at Appalachian State University I was the manager for the Women's Basketball team. I loved every minute and if I had to do it all over again, though it was time consuming and stressful, I would do it again without hesitation!
 

I joined Catawba County Schools because it was coming home. I am a product of Catawba County Schools. I am very proud of CCS and the quality of education we are providing our students.

Meet Caine Houser, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director

Joined Team CCS - August 2001

Experience 
I have spent the last 19 years in public education. After graduating from Appalachian State University I started my teaching career at Tuttle Middle School teaching Special Education. At Tuttle Middle School, I also started my coaching career as a baseball coach. I then decided that I wanted to coach at a high school level, so I took a position at Bandys High School teaching Special Education and had an opportunity to coach baseball. After several years at Bandys High School, I took the opportunity to come to Maiden High School in 2006, the year they built the new Maiden High School. While at Maiden High School, I have had the privilege of teaching special education and physical education. I spent many great years coaching baseball and had the opportunity to serve as the head baseball coach at Maiden High School. On the day of the conference baseball tournament championship, Principal Dwayne Finger asked me to be his new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. I have had the privilege of serving in that role at Maiden High School ever since.

Education 
BS Habilitative Science - Appalachian State University
MA - Gardner Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
I was raised in a family where everyone was in the education profession. My mother taught special education for 30 years. Spending time around her and seeing the love she had for her students helped me decide that I wanted to be a special education teacher. My father was a principal at a high school, where I got to spend time with him in the community and traveling to athletic events. Those early years of my childhood are when I decided I wanted to be a teacher and a coach.  

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place to be in Catawba County is a home football game at Maiden High School. There is nothing like getting the chills when you hear the music playing, and the crowd cheering as the Blue Devils run out of the tunnel for a home football game.  

Favorite Activities
My favorite activities are spending time with my family anywhere we have an opportunity. I also enjoy being outdoors. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, hunting, and anything to do with wildlife.  

Something Unique About Me
I enjoy training Labrador retrievers in my free time. 
 

I am grateful to be a part of Catawba County Schools' team because it is a privilege to make a positive impact on the students who live in this county. In Catawba County, our students are blessed with numerous resources to help them be successful in their goals.