SERVICE RECO GN ITION
RE TIREM ENT BRUNCH
Service Recognition and Retirement Brunch
Monday, June 1, 2026 10:00 a.m.
Beck Student Activities Center
Special Message from Parents’ Council President
Mandy Hicks
Special Thanks
Chuck Baldecchi
AWARDS PRESENTATION
John Branch Stedman Teacher Recognition Award
Mark Tayloe
Inlustrate Orbem Awards
Alumni Presenter, Jonathan Kirkland ’02
Paulyne A. Flemm Award
Sonja Taylor
Jane Bratton Spratt Awards (LS, MS, US)
Sonja Taylor
Steve Howard Excellence in Coaching Award
David Gatoux
Hawkspy Athletic Awards
David Gatoux
Class of ’95 Support Staff Awards
Michael Bocian
Humanitarian Award
Chuck Baldecchi
Closing Remarks
Chuck Baldecchi
35 25 20 15 10 5
Richard Fletcher
Chris McRae
Lisa Moreland
Chuck Edwards
Freya Hamilton
Jill Flynn
Jen Keith
Heather Knull
Vernette Rucker
Matt Morrow
2026 Honorees
Cheri Pratt
Brian Rigo
Chrissy McConaughy
Mark Tayloe
Thea Moore
Matilde Rodriguez
Mike Schriffen
Craig Summerville
Avery Teichman
Brittany Banda
Amber Brown
Lori Davis
Anne Fisher
Jamie Flett
Kelly Fuller
Laurie Hidell
Angel Trimble
Maryforbes Arkwright
Fabian Baez
Zach Budzichowski
Mary Buwick
Riti Canton
Kurt Coleman
Spencer Dowd
Kristin Edwards
Raquel Elam
Marina Elliott
Amita Farmah
Lea Fitzpatrick
Nadege Head
Jim Huffaker
Rod Hyatt
Ryan Maloney
Cynthia Milia
Patterson Miller
Tiffany Perry
Tanya Powell
Joey Prestidge
Laura Pruitt
Annie Riddick
Kelley Ripp
James Robards
Tanya Rosario
Alex Segura
Vivian Sung
Joe Teets
Monty Todd
Rachel Wells
Chandra Wheeler
Patti Yakubinis
35 YEARS
Richard Fletcher
Position
Visual Arts Chair
Family Wife: Tiffany; sons: Mac and Theo
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Making and creating things.
What is your favorite family vacation? Kiawah Island
What is your favorite kind of food? Any kind of steak and potatoes
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. The Middle School Teacher’s Lounge in the 1990s – 2000s. We would laugh until we cried.
What is something we might not know about you?
My great-great-grandfather (W. V. Maddox) was gravely wounded in the American Civil War during the Battle of Atlanta by my good friend Peter Sherman’s great-great-grandfather, William Tecumseh Sherman. (Well, not personally, but his army and specifically their cannons)
What do you love most about Latin?
It has been my family for the past 50 years, through good times and bad.
Chris McRae 25 YEARS
Position
Eighth Grade Science Teacher
Family
Spouse: Susan McRae; children: Conner McRae and Lauren McRae; pets: Mocha and Obi
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Working in the yard, reading sci-fi books, and still going to Disney
What is your favorite family vacation? Disney
What is your favorite kind of food? Cajun: crawfish etouffee and gumbo
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Eighth grade trips to Black Mountain
What is something we might not know about you? After 25 years, nothing
What do you love most about Latin? The students and my coworkers
Lisa Moreland 25 YEARS
Position
Upper School Math Teacher, Ninth Grade Lead, JCC Advisor, Food Group Advisor
Family
Husband, Ted; daughter, Quincey; son, Nathan; dog, Macy
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Baking, reading, being with my family
What is your favorite family vacation? Summer beach trips to Avalon, NJ
What is your favorite kind of food? I am an equal opportunity food lover!
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. I loved seeing my own children grow up at Latin and participate in all the great things: sports, arts, great classes and teachers, etc.
What is something we might not know about you?
My husband and I grew up together in Pittsburgh. Our brothers (one year older) have been best friends since Kindergarten. We never dated until we were adults (thank goodness!). We will be celebrating our 26th anniversary in June.
What do you love most about Latin?
THE PEOPLE!! I have the best colleagues and students. I am so lucky to have spent 25 years, so far, at Latin.
Brian Rigo 25 YEARS
Position
Facilities Maintenance
Family Wife: Kay; daughters: Misty, Crystal; son: Daniel; grandkids: Brayden, Sam, Xander, Dalton, Isabelle
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Travel as much as I can
What is your favorite family vacation? No favorite, enjoy them all
What is your favorite kind of food? Desserts/chocolate anything
20 YEARS
Chuck Edwards
Position
History Teacher, History Department Chair, Middle School Golf Coach
Family
Wife: Caroline Edwards; kids: Chuck Edwards, Sophie Edwards, Izzy Edwards; dog: Tucker
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Fishing, golfing, traveling, reading
What is your favorite family vacation? Any time I get to spend in the mountains of North Carolina.
What is your favorite kind of food? Sushi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Any day I’m sitting in the History office listening to funny stories with my colleagues.
What is something we might not know about you?
I’m friends with the Queen Mother of Spain.
What do you love most about Latin?
1. The students I get to work with on a daily basis.
2. Flik’s potato chips.
20 YEARS
Freya Hamilton
Position Director of Afterschool Programs
Family
Husband: Keith Hamilton; twin girls: Viviana and Sofia (6th grade); soon to become a pet momma!
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Driving my kids to and from swim practices and school and managing their social calendar. :) In my free time, trying new food recipes.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Aruba family trip!
What is your favorite kind of food?
Peruvian food — my mom’s home cooking :)
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Every year has special moments! My favorite are my girls’ six years of school. I just loved being able to see my girls grow up in Lower School and getting to see them daily. I am really lucky and grateful to be where my children are!
What is something we might not know about you?
My mom Violeta works in Flik and my aunt Matilda works in the Nest.
What do you love most about Latin?
Community feel. The people who I have met that have become close friends and who care for me like family.
20 YEARS
Chrissy McConaughy
Position
Middle School Math Teacher, MS Math Department Chair, Box Office Coordinator
Family
Husband: Neil McConaughy (Fourth Grade Teacher). Daughter: Olivia (class of 2020). She is currently a middle school theater teacher in Charleston. Son: Liam (class of 2026) Will be headed this fall to Case Western Reserve University to wrestle. Three dogs: Lucy, Wrigley, and Roxie.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I spend a lot of time in hot gyms watching wrestling, and anticipate next year I will be traveling to spend a lot of time in hot gyms watching wrestling. I love spending time on my back porch with my family and dogs, and I also love planning travel for people.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Neil and I love to get away to the Greenbrier resort as often as we can. Traveling to Italy and Greece for Neil’s 50th and Olivia’s college graduation was the best trip we have ever taken. We also love Disney World (we are headed there this week for Liam’s graduation trip!)
What is your favorite kind of food?
Anything Neil cooks on his smoker.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
I have so many! Watching both of our children graduate as lifers is a highlight. Seeing Olivia as Belle in Beauty and the Beast three weeks before COVID changed the world, and watching Liam win his third wrestling state title at Latin this year are both memories that I will cherish forever.
I love all of the memories I have with my colleagues in the Middle School. From laughs in the MS kitchen, traveling to conferences with my math team, and friendships that feel like family, I cherish the memories I have made these past 20 years!
What is something we might not know about you?
I was in a Johnny Knoxville movie several years ago. Olivia was cast in the film, but I made a full screen appearance — much to my dismay!
What do you love most about Latin?
Hands down the people and relationships! I love the people I work with, and I love the Middle School students. There is always laughter in Middle School! One of my favorite things is walking through the Quad while the Upper School students are out and seeing how much they have grown since they were in my class. Getting to see the students leave MS and head to US and being able to continue relationships with them is my absolute favorite thing about Latin.
Mark Tayloe 20 YEARS
Position Head of Lower School
Family
Wife Kim; son Marcus and his wife Diamond; daughter Julia and fiancee Bailey Frost; daughter Lane. Dog Ollie; cats Sally Cat and Molly.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Long walks with my dog, working out, working in the yard, watching sports on PE.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Going to my family’s house on the river with about 60 other Tayloes.
What is your favorite kind of food? Steak and salmon.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. The first day of school of 2020–21. It was our first day back after being in remote learning since March. As the buses rolled in, kids had their heads out of the windows. They were so excited to be back at school.
What is something we might not know about you?
I learned to water ski when I was five years old and learned to slalom when I was six, all behind a fishing boat with a 10 HP motor.
What do you love most about Latin?
The awesome teachers I have been privileged to work with over the last 20 years.
Jill Flynn 15 YEARS
Position
Fifth Grade Lead Teacher
Family
Husband: Alan; three children: Jessica, Lindsay, and Matthew. Harley is our chocolate lab.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Spending time at the lake.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Always the beach and every summer in Martha’s Vineyard.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Greasy cheeseburger from a great dive diner.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Coteaching adventures with Jen Keith.
What do you love most about Latin?
My close relationships built with many coworkers.
Jen Keith 15 YEARS
Position
Fifth Grade Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Triathlon, watching sports
What is your favorite family vacation? Kona, Hawaii
What is your favorite kind of food? Pop-Tarts
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Coteaching Math with Jill Flynn
What do you love most about Latin? The people
Heather Knull 15 YEARS
Position
Third grade Assistant Teacher
Family
Jeff, Lila, and Perry (and Luna our dog)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Reading, walking, and spending time at the lake
What is your favorite family vacation? Italy
What is your favorite kind of food? Sushi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Meeting my husband, of course.
What is something we might not know about you? I love to jump-scare my colleagues.
What do you love most about Latin? The students help to keep me young at heart.
Vernette Rucker 15 YEARS
Position
Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Advisor, Black Student Alliance; Advisor, Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance
Family
Spouse: Reggie; children: Jabari, Zakiya, and Nyela ’23; grandchild: Zion; pet: Macadoo
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Gardening, thrifting, traveling, and visiting family
What is your favorite family vacation? Greece
What is your favorite kind of food? Soul food and Korean
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Watching my daughter, Nyela, graduate in 2023.
What is something we might not know about you?
I am a very proud double alumna of Queens University (fka Queens College). Fun Fact: I am kind of adventurous and once jumped from an airplane.
What do you love most about Latin?
Latin offers our students numerous opportunities to engage in diverse interests.
15 YEARS
Matt Morrow
Position
Assistant Head of Middle School
Family
Barbara is my best friend and wife. I have three children (Mattie, Danny, and Hope) and five grandchildren (James, Caleb, Luke, Nora Grace, and Madeline Joy). I have one dog (Murphy) and one cat (Bitsy).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I like fixing things and enjoy watching the NY Mets or any NC State teams.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite vacation was going to Punta Cana, DR, with my wife or spending July 4 in Bluffton, SC.
What is your favorite kind of food?
My favorite food is anything my wife cooks.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
One of my favorite memories was watching my daughter play against PDS in the state soccer championship.
What is something we might not know about you?
I have never missed an episode of Survivor over the course of 50 seasons.
What do you love most about Latin?
The way people at Latin care for each other.
15 YEARS
Matilde Rodriguez
Position
Infant Program Lead Teacher
Family
I have two children. Madeline is 26 years old. She is a labor and delivery nurse. Daniel is 21 years old and goes to business school at UNCC.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? I love decorating, crafting, and watching horror movies.
What is your favorite family vacation? Anywhere, as long as I am with both my children.
What is your favorite kind of food? Chicken wings.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. When parents started calling me “the baby whisperer.”
What is something we might not know about you? I love dancing.
What do you love most about Latin? The people.
Mike Schriffen 15 YEARS
Position
Third Grade Teacher
Family Meg (wife), Anna (12), Jack (10).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Enjoying family time, mowing the lawn, weekend getaways to the lake.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Litchfield Beach on Pawley’s Island, our family lake house (Lake Marion)
What is your favorite kind of food? Pizza, steak
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Getting prank-called by a fifth grader during our Colonial Williamsburg trip and spending the entire next day trying to figure out who made the call.
What is something we might not know about you?
I have an obsession with my lawn.
What do you love most about Latin?
That’s easy! Heather Knull!
To Heather: the only person I know who can solve a complex pedagogical crisis while simultaneously losing her car keys. You are the smartest, most unorganized person I’ve ever met, but your cooking makes up for the mess — and your shoe collection makes us all look boring.
Craig Summerville 15 YEARS
Position
ITS Tech Support
Family
Spouse: Kathy (married 42 years); daughter: Lauren ’06; cats: Chai and Matcha
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Landscape gardening, PA sports announcing, woodworking, loudspeaker design
What is your favorite family vacation? A quiet, remote mountain location
What is your favorite kind of food? Steak
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
Back when I coached MS softball I was driving the team bus to Lake Norman Charter for a game when Coleman Evans screamed from the back of the bus that her nose was bleeding. We were almost there so I told her to apply pressure and I’d look at it when we arrived. A minute later she yelled that she had fixed it. When we arrived she bolted past me off the bus, eager to get to the field. That was when I realized that she had shoved a tampon up her nostril to stop the bleeding and it was still hanging from her nose.
What is something we might not know about you?
I ran away from the dentist when I was eight years old. The plan, based on my eight-year-old logic, was to walk about two miles to my mom’s workplace because she would surely save me from this horrible dentist, despite the fact that she had dropped me and my brother off in the first place. The dentist wound up chasing me down in his car after I’d gotten about a half-mile away and I had my dental appointment under protest. Mom didn’t say anything about the incident on the way home and I thought I’d gotten away with something. Unfortunately, in the middle of dinner she looked at my dad and said, “Guess what Craig did today!” My next dental appointment, however, was with a much friendlier pediatric dentist.
What do you love most about Latin?
Throughout my 50+ years of history with the school the community atmosphere has always remained steadfast. For me, it’s much more than a place to work.
Avery Teichman 15 YEARS
Position
Lower School Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning Family
Will and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this past November. Flinn is 16 and Mary Talbott is 13. We have a Heinz 57 pup named Cash that is six.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I discovered Pilates a few years ago and am a total convert. I dropped hot yoga and running, and now prefer the reformer, TRX, and walks. I also spend a lot of time at the barn with Talby, caring for and occasionally riding Gerry, a handsome bay warmblood. I’m an avid reader and period drama enthusiast!
What is your favorite family vacation?
We went to San Diego a few years ago. My kids and I love zoos and try to go whenever we’re in a new city, but this was the first trip we specifically designed around visiting a zoo. We did a behind-the-scenes zookeeper experience, and I was close to submitting an application! If you go in the spring, all the babies have just been born. I got up close to a baby baboon and tiger cub. It was amazing!
What is your favorite kind of food?
Guacamole every day. Baby back ribs, peanut butter chocolate ice cream, and most things with mayonnaise make me very happy, too.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
Riding my colleague’s medical scooter down the LS hall VERY fast (too fast) past Linda Cropper. On a sentimental level, knowing I have positively contributed to students’ perceptions of themselves as valued learners, and paying it forward to educators who have done the same for my children.
What is something we might not know about you?
I’d rather jump out of a plane than go scuba diving.
What do you love most about Latin?
Latin has been a constant through significant phases of my adult life — from new mom to mom of teens, from teacher to administrator, from colleague to friend. The people in our community have always been there to challenge me, celebrate with me, help me grow, and help me grieve. Thank you, Latin.
10 YEARS
Brittany Banda
Position
Middle School Science; Softball Head of Program and Varsity Head Coach
Family
Husband: Mike Banda; dogs: Olive and Laila: horse: Eli
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Travel, horse showing, spending time outside
What is your favorite family vacation?
My husband and I love traveling to new cities, but also enjoy spending time riding rollercoasters at the Universal theme parks.
What is your favorite kind of food? Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. My favorite memory so far has been making it to the softball state finals in 2025.
What is something we might not know about you?
I’m originally from New Hampshire.
What do you love most about Latin?
My colleagues
10 YEARS
Amber Brown
Position
First Grade Teacher
Family
Husband: Andrew; sons: Lennon (fourth grade) and Hendrix (first grade); Rooney: German Shepherd (1 year)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Reading books, traveling, sports, spending time with family and friends
What is your favorite family vacation? Every single one!
What is your favorite kind of food?
Pizza and tacos
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. When my assistant, Sara Lahmann, played an April Fool’s joke on our first grade class and had them thinking there was a new species of animal discovered and spotted in the Charlotte area called a Lirpaloof (April Fool spelled backwards). She had them on the hook all day, including having all 24 of them do the animal’s call (“Lirpa-loooo, Lirpa-laaaaa”) out in the butterfly garden while holding up carrots in the air. We let them in on the joke at the end of the day and they were floored and we were ALL hysterically laughing! We still have students from that class come back each year and ask if we are doing it to the current first grade friends because they loved it so much! <3
What is something we might not know about you?
I will avoid a left turn with no light by always turning right and then making a U-turn, even if it takes me longer. :)
What do you love most about Latin?
My team and the amazing home away from home Latin has become, not only for me, but my family as well!
10 YEARS
Anne Fisher
Position Director of The Nest
Family
Married to Tom for 27 years. We have one daughter — Avery is 22 — and one 90 lb. dog named Asher!
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Travel, reading, gardening, kayaking, hiking
What is your favorite family vacation?
Visits back to Chicago, where we moved here from.
What is your favorite kind of food? Acai bowls
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
I love our Nest Spring Picnic! I love seeing the joy the children have as they jump in the bouncy houses with their teachers, as well as watching the parents talk and get to know each other better.
What is something we might not know about you?
I was the elementary principal of a school in La Paz, Bolivia, for two years.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love working with such a dedicated, loving, and fun group of teachers.
10 YEARS
Kelly Fuller
Position
Preschool Lead Teacher
Family
I have been married to my husband, Jocquin, for 25 years! We have one daughter, Olivia, who is a biology major at the University of South Carolina and a hopeful future dental school student! We also have one dog, Max, who is 13 years old and my constant shadow.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I love to exercise, especially walking and dancing at my weekly neighborhood Zumba class. I also always have a crochet project and an audiobook that I’m working on.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation is when we had the opportunity to go to Oahu with my husband’s marching band. It was incredibly beautiful and I loved spending so much time in nature, especially with my family. The people there were so welcoming and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed.
What is your favorite kind of food?
I am a vegetarian, so I really love salads, black bean burgers, and anything sweet potato related!
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
My favorite Latin memory was when I came to one of the football games when my daughter was on the dance team and my husband was leading the pep band. They were a little short on percussion players, so I was able to join in on a drum, something I’ve regretted not pursuing when I was in school.
Laurie Hidell 10 YEARS
Position
Co-Lead Teacher at The Nest in the Butterfly Class (three-year-old classroom)
Family
Husband: David; two daughters: Margaret Ann and Emily. I have a Chocolate lab named Gumbo : )
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy being outside as much as possible. I enjoy planting flowers and working outdoors. I like to take walks and hike around the NC trails. I read and enjoy taking palates and yoga classes. I like to have coffee dates with friends and family.
What is your favorite family vacation? Going to the beach
What is your favorite kind of food? Bacon
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. When we take our kiddos to the Holiday Sing.
What is something we might not know about you? I would like to go skydiving one day.
What do you love most about Latin?
What I love most about Latin are the connections I’ve made with the children and people I work beside each and every day. It’s a happy place to be.
Angel Trimble 10 YEARS
Position
Assistant Athletic Director / Sports Information Director / Varsity Swimming Head
Coach Family
Collins (spouse of 28 years); sons Austin (25) and Carter (23); “baby girl” Sandy (almost 14)
What is your favorite family vacation?
So far, Alaska. Generally, all of our national park-oriented vacations have been awesome, but I also love a chill beach trip or anything around water.
What is your favorite kind of food? That depends on my mood.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. I have several but they all share a common theme: Watching kids achieve something they had to work really hard to accomplish.
What is something we might not know about you?
I am terrible at all ball-oriented sports because I have no hand-eye coordination.
What do you love most about Latin?
Having the opportunity to watch, celebrate, and support kids as they grow through their MS and US years.
5 YEARS
Mary-Forbes Arkwright
Position
Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher
Family
Husband: Bryan; four sons (River 11, Hawkins 10, Vance 7, and Forbes 3); Alby (dog)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
When I am not being a parent Uber driver and spectating soccer games on the weekend, I love to play tennis, go on family hikes, read a good book, and daydream about having a clean house.
What is your favorite family vacation?
We took the boys on a long road trip with several stops in Florida a few summers ago. We spent about a week in Islamorada with friends and on the return spectated a Messi game, visited a few amusement parks, and ended by visiting with college friends in St. Augustine. It was more of a no agenda or schedule trip and those seem to work best for us.
What is your favorite kind of food? Sushi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
My first year at Latin we had the Holiday Sing in the SAC and I remember being so in awe of the whole community being together and just sharing joy.
What is something we might not know about you?
I have a lot of useless knowledge about pop culture but no, I do not watch Bravo.
What do you love most about Latin?
The camaraderie and my team.
Fabian Baez 5 YEARS
Position
Bus Driver / Custodial
Family
Lillian Baez (spouse), Erica Armas (daughter), and Tatiana and Gabriel (grandchildren)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Avid soccer fan (watch lots of soccer games)
What is your favorite family vacation?
Caribbean vacations — I enjoy the sun and beaches.
What is your favorite kind of food? Argentinian barbecues (asados)
What is something we might not know about you?
I collect souvenir license plates and other souvenirs from different US states and countries.
What do you love most about Latin?
Driving the students to and from school. I enjoy working with all at Charlotte Latin.
Zach Budzichowski 5 YEARS
Position
US Engineering Teacher, Science Olympiad Advisor
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Notre Dame sports and technology
What is your favorite family vacation? Taking my four kids on a west coast road trip.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Chicago deep dish pizza
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Helping students finish any number of capstone projects in the Fab Lab.
What is something we might not know about you? I used to be an automotive engineer in Detroit.
What do you love most about Latin?
The campus
Riti Canton 5 YEARS
Position
First Grade Teaching Assistant Family
My husband’s name is Adam, and I have two little boys named Everett (turns two on 4/19) and Peter (4 months old). We have a giant dog named Ham.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Spending time with my family (chasing around my two under two!)
What is your favorite family vacation? The Jersey Shore
What is your favorite kind of food? Pizza!
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. I love Grandparents’ Day so so much! I tear up every year when I hear the children singing the Grandparents’ Day song.
What is something we might not know about you? My full name is Marguerite but I never go by that.
What do you love most about Latin? I love the community. Everyone is so supportive and welcoming.
5 YEARS
Kurt Coleman
Position
Scholarship and Supplemental Support Manager & Kindergarten Counselor
Family
Laura Coleman, Kyla, Karrah, KJ, and Khloe, Blaze, and Bolt
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Coaching youth sports and philanthropic endeavors
What is your favorite family vacation? Anytime we are a family by the beach
What is your favorite kind of food? Cloud 9 pancakes
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Every year after admissions season is over.
What is something we might not know about you? I was 1 of 9 children growing up.
What do you love most about Latin? The people
Spencer Dowd 5 YEARS
Position
Upper School English Teacher, Advisor, Honor Council Faculty Representative, Reading Buddies Club Sponsor
Family
My husband’s name is Roddey: we have two sons, Roddey (age 4.5) and Michael (age 1.5) and a cat named Pawley
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Playing with my kids and going to various parks, pools, and playgrounds with them, trying new restaurants in town (or talking about trying them one day), reading anything and everything, watching new TV shows, cooking/baking, walking/running and exercise classes, and doing all of the above with friends
What is your favorite family vacation?
Our mountain house in Cashiers, NC is my happy place.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Does peanut butter count as a “kind of food”? If not, then either Mediterranean or Mexican.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
I have very distinct memories of every time I’ve taken one of my classes outside. My first year here, I took a tenth grade class to the bleachers of Patten Stadium to read a scene from a Shakespeare play aloud in small groups, and I remember milling among them, hearing them laughing and reading, thinking about how lucky we all are.
What is something we might not know about you? I’ve been paragliding in Peru, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and run two half marathons!
What do you love most about Latin?
I feel like it’s an extension of my family. I love and respect my colleagues and my students, and I genuinely feel motivated and excited by them every day. Also, THE NEST. I don’t know where I would be without the Nest and the wonderful women there who have helped me raise my sons.
5 YEARS
Kristin
Edwards
Position
Athletic Trainer
Family
Married to Cody with Reagan (3.5) and Scout (2) and two cats, Railey and Spunky.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Playing soccer, working out and hanging out with family
What is your favorite family vacation? Going to the beach!
What is your favorite kind of food? Seafood and hibachi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Winning three state championships with my dad as my coach!
What is something we might not know about you?
When given the opportunity, I enjoy baking and making blankets for my kids and nieces and nephews.
What do you love most about Latin?
Being able to have my kids here with me at the Nest and having my husband here too.
Elam 5 YEARS
Raquel
Position
Benefits Administrator
Family
Son: Kyer
Marina Elliott 5 YEARS
Position
Upper School Physics Teacher, Science Department Ed Tech, Girl Up Co-Advisor
Family Dog: Hemi
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I coach Solidcore classes, I love puzzles, and I like to add to my extensive wardrobe by thrifting fun clothing.
What is your favorite family vacation? Every Memorial Day, my parents and I meet up with friends at Seeley Lake in Montana.
What is your favorite kind of food? I love pizza.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Every time the weather is nice, I meet friends from other departments outside to eat lunch.
What is something we might not know about you?
I used to be a sailing instructor at a Scouting America summer camp. This entailed living on an island for many summers in a row, using boats for transportation, and having to go to the nearest town for laundry.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love the community of people who are all excellent at their jobs. Hearing the expertise of others, sharing our skills, and helping in ways that truly invest in the community all lead to a great place to work, and an amazing place for students to learn, especially by example.
Amita Farmah 5 YEARS
Position
Second Grade Assistant Teacher
Family
Husband: Munesh Farmah; daughter: Lara Farmah, rising 7th grader at Charlotte Latin
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I enjoy traveling with my family and exploring new cities. In my free time, I love cooking, capturing moments through photography, painting, and listening to audiobooks.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite vacations are any that involve the beach. One of my most memorable trips was a recent family vacation to Northern California, where we drove along the coast to Redwood National Forest. Seeing the Klamath River flow into the Pacific Ocean was a truly surreal experience.
What is your favorite kind of food?
My favorite food is my mom’s cooking — she makes incredible Punjabi dishes. I also love French, Japanese, Peruvian, and Mexican cuisines.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
There are so many Charlotte Latin memories to share, but the one that stands out is my first year at Latin. This was also the time my husband and I decided our daughter should attend Charlotte Latin. When I shared the news with my then second-grade students, they were incredibly kind and reassured me that they would make her feel welcome. They truly lived up to that promise.
What is something we might not know about you?
I moved to the United States (New York) when I was 12 years old and started middle school in a completely new country.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love the sense of community at Latin — my students, their families, and my incredible coworkers are all so welcoming and supportive. They’ve truly made me feel at home and have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Lea Fitzpatrick 5 YEARS
Position
Director of Giving in the Philanthropy Office; Sisters Club Advisor
Family
Husband: Doug; children: Elle (rising 8th) and Thomas (rising 2nd); and adorable doxie Dolly
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I enjoy home decor and design (I always have at least one project in the works), cooking and baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I’m not much of a gardener, but I love floral arranging.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family trip we’ve taken was to Southern California, ending with a few days in Coronado. I could have stayed there forever!
What is your favorite kind of food?
It’s hard to pick one. I love great food. All of it. If you ever want to talk about good meals or places to eat, I’m here for it.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
There’s nothing better than running into my kids on campus and getting a hug. I also love Honors & Awards every year — it’s always really meaningful to hear about students from their teachers, and to learn about all that they’ve done in their time at Latin.
What is something we might not know about you?
I’m a military spouse. My husband, Doug, was active duty for many years and still serves in the Navy Reserves. We’ve moved a lot! Charlotte is the first nonmilitary town we’ve lived in, but it remains a big part of our family’s life.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love the strong community at Latin, and that our whole family is part of it. I grew up in a small town and loved the close-knit feel. With as much as we’ve moved, it’s been hard to recapture that as an adult. It’s special to have both kids here and all be part of the same world, while each having our own place in it.
Nadege Head 5 YEARS
Position
Admissions and Financial Aid Facilitator
Family
Husband: Martin (21 fun years); son: Kane (19); daughter: Brooke-Lynn (14)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Reading, shopping, and everything home decor.
What is your favorite family vacation?
It doesn’t matter where we are, as long as its the Head Fam Crew of 4!
What is your favorite kind of food?
The Haitian in me will automatically answer with “rice”!
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
My favorite Latin memory isn’t a single moment, but a cherished yearly tradition: Graduation. It’s my favorite day of the year! A time dedicated to celebrating every student’s journey. There is something so special watching each student take that walk across the stage. Seeing them celebrated individually as they cross the threshold of such a wonderful milestone.
What is something we might not know about you?
People might not know that I speak another language, and that I’m actually shy.
What do you love most about Latin?
Patterson! LOL, and the students. There’s nothing better than taking a quick walk through campus and interacting with students. Connecting with students is an instant mood booster!
Jim Huffaker 5 YEARS
Position
Chief Technology Officer
Family
Spouse: Heather; son: Alex; daughter: Rachel
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Cooking, auto racing, motorcycles, shooting sports, baseball
What is your favorite family vacation?
Visiting Heather’s family in Halifax, Nova Scotia
What is your favorite kind of food?
Animal proteins
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Being interviewed by the sixth grade leadership team
What is something we might not know about you?
I’m a US Navy veteran — two of my brothers, my father, and my grandfather are all veterans.
What do you love most about Latin?
My team and the community
Ryan Maloney 5 YEARS
Position
Theatre Technical Director
Family
I have three boys: Patrick, Tyler, and Brian.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I like reading, taking drives, history, and being near the water.
What is your favorite family vacation?
I grew up in Florida, so taking my kids to the beach where I grew up near St. Augustine is always fun.
What is your favorite kind of food? Mostly southern style anything.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. 2023 Commencement ceremony. This was the year that my first big group of students graduated. While I was sad to see them go, I was so happy about their futures and what they were all heading out to do. They were juniors my first year, but we all bonded quickly, and have remained friends since they left. It was a big deal for me to see them walking across the stage, and then all of them made a point to find me after to get a group picture.
What is something we might not know about you?
I used to work for Daytona International Speedway, and was part of a NASCAR pit crew my senior year of high school.
What do you love most about Latin?
The students!! I love how much they want to always do things, and want to help. They come into the PAC all the time asking to build something or do something, or help in any way. It always makes me smile when I know they enjoy stagecraft and theatre as much as I do.
Cynthia Milia 5 YEARS
Position
Permanent Floating Teacher
Family
Husband: Matthew; daughter: Maticyn; daughter: Anna; son: Anthony; dog: Molly
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I teach dance at Harris YMCA, I love to bake, and I cook. I always have time for an art project.
What is your favorite family vacation? Key Largo
What is your favorite kind of food? Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. My first attendance at the Lower School Grandparents’ Day performance.
What is something we might not know about you?
I own Honey & Hive, LLC, a small business with honey and beeswax products.
What do you love most about Latin?
The feeling of a community that you hold close like your own family.
5 YEARS
Patterson Miller
Position
Admissions Office Manager
Family
I’m married to fellow ’07 grad, Graham, and we have two boys, Franklin (5) and Ollie (3).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Spending time with my family and friends, cooking, walking, playing mahjong, stalking Facebook Marketplace, and watching Homeworthy.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Westport, MA, is a very special place for my family. I’ve missed only one summer in my life!
What is your favorite kind of food?
I love to cook and I swear by anything that Caroline Chambers tells me to make in her Substack newsletter, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Oh gosh, there are too many to count! Meeting my husband when he visited my fifth grade classroom as an admissions visitor and being Hunter Murphy’s “boss” are definite highlights. The cherry on top: I have five nieces and a nephew who are students here. Getting hugs from them on campus is something that I cherish!
What is something we might not know about you?
I am a special needs parent. My oldest son, Franklin, has autism and is nonspeaking. He is my hero and an angel on this Earth!
What do you love most about Latin?
The people. I have spent more than half of my life on this campus. It feels like home.
Tiffany Perry 5 YEARS
Position
First Grade Lead Teacher/Team Lead
Family
Husband: Rickey Perry; daughter: Raelyn Perry (2 years old)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Spending time with daughter and husband, attending events with my moms social group, dancing, going to the movies, exploring new restaurants, shopping.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation was our trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed taking our daughter on her first big trip.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
My favorite Charlotte Latin memory was my baby shower. My team, along with several other members of the school, truly came together to make me and the other four expecting moms feel very special. I was pleasantly surprised by all the planning that went into making it such a memorable event, and I felt incredibly grateful for all the love and support from the CLS community that day.
What is something we might not know about you?
You may not know that I love to dance — and I like to think I’m pretty good at it. I danced throughout high school and college and even led a dance team at one of my previous schools.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love that Charlotte Latin is a positive and supportive community. People here have so much joy in what they do and who they work with. It truly makes working here feel like an honor!
Tanya Powell 5 YEARS
Position
Admissions Support Staff
Family
Andre Powell, Jr. (Husband); Carter Powell (son and current 5th grader).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school? Reading, traveling and enjoying good food.
What is your favorite family vacation? Exploring the different parts of Japan.
What is your favorite kind of food? Tacos and sushi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Our first full experience of Grandparents’ Day! It was a wonderful opportunity for my parents to see why we fell in love with the Latin community.
What is something we might not know about you? I have been to over 20 countries and can’t wait to visit more!
What do you love most about Latin? The Latin community!
Laura Pruitt 5 YEARS
Position
Lower School Office Assistant
Family
Husband: Jeff; two daughters: Sallie Reid (25) and Meredith (22): two golden doodles: Winnie and Wally
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Pickleball, concerts, Broadway, movies
What is your favorite family vacation? We had a wonderful family vacation to Ireland last summer.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Having started during the tail end of Covid, it was fun to finally see everyone’s faces when we were allowed to stop wearing masks my second year. I had no idea what everyone looked like below the eyes and it was fun to see how accurate or inaccurate I was.
What is something we might not know about you?
I am an exercise physiologist and used to work in cardiac rehab.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love how kind and welcoming every person is who you come in contact with on campus. From parents, to teachers, to staff, it is a joy to interact daily with everyone.
Annie Riddick 5 YEARS
Position
Kindergarten Teacher
Family
I have an amazing 15-year-old son, named Sephen (7), who brings joy to my world every day.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Outside of school, I like to be at home. I like quiet weekends when I am not traveling to see family or sing with Kingdom.
What is your favorite family vacation? I LOVE cruises! I go on a cruise every year!
What is your favorite kind of food?
Italian and whatever my mom cooks :)
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Coming to school in a black and white striped dress and being asked, “Why are you dressed like a referee?” If that sweet child only knew, it’s just what teachers do.
What is something we might not know about you? My after-school job in high school was making 12-layer chocolate cakes at a bakery.
What do you love most about Latin?
The endless laughs from colleagues and the “Danny Tanner” hugs.
James Robards 5 YEARS
Position
Business Office Payables Lead
Family
Spouse: Suzanne Robards ’82; daughter: Addie Robards (16); son: Garrett Robards (13); daughter-in-Law: Mattie Robards; granddaughter: Emory Robards
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Travel, yardwork, home projects, spending time with family
What is your favorite family vacation? Time at the beach, discovering new places around the world
What is your favorite kind of food? Anything Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Virginia Ellison’s April Fools joke on me involving my new car
What is something we might not know about you?
Participated in a Blue Man Group show in Las Vegas
What do you love most about Latin? All the fantastic people I get to work with!
Tanya Rosario 5 YEARS
Family
Position
Assistant Teacher at The Nest with the Ladybugs. Second grade Lead Teacher at Hawks’ Club. Girls on the Run Coach 2026 and Spanish enrichment teacher.
Husband: Rolando Thillet; three children: Mia Cecilia Thillet (26), Lucas Javier (23), and Mateo Javier (19); pets: two dogs (Milo & Cash and grand-dog (Levi)
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Running, cycle classes, strength training classes and reading
What is your favorite family vacation? Beach time
What is your favorite kind of food? Sushi
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. The traditions I have created with my second graders at Hawks’ Club. Siblings look forward to experiencing them! What is something we might not know about you? I have run seven marathons and eight half marathons.
What do you love most about Latin? My coworkers and the community!
Alex Segura 5 YEARS
Position
Associate Director of College Counseling
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Outdoor recreation: hiking, cycling, camping
What is your favorite family vacation?
Love Western North Carolina. Also enjoy visiting national parks — two favorites are Yosemite NP and Acadia NP.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Barbecue, but also will never turn down a Hawaiian pizza.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. The energy of a rivalry basketball game.
What is something we might not know about you?
Back in 2006, I rode my bike from Miami, FL, to Greensboro, NC, to raise money and awareness for ALS research.
What do you love most about Latin?
The sense of community, and also we have awesome kids here.
Vivian Sung 5 YEARS
Position
1st Grade Assistant Teacher
Family
Husband: Pete; sons: Ethan (10th) and JP (7th); six chickens: Buffy, Roxy, Coconut, Blanchett, Sam, and Coffee
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I love going to the beach, hiking in the mountains, traveling and exploring new places.
What is your favorite family vacation?
We enjoy going back to Northern and Southern California to visit family and friends. One of our favorite family trips was to Destin, Florida.
What is your favorite kind of food?
I love all kinds of ethnic foods: sushi, Korean BBQ, dim sum, hot pot, all sorts of noodle dishes, seafood, and crepes.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. My favorite Charlotte Latin memory was when my whole family was at Latin together.
What is something we might not know about you?
I snowboard, scuba dive, and have walked from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island (it can be done by foot).
What do you love most about Latin?
I love our amazing Latin community and the many wonderful friendships I have built in the last five years.
5
YEARS
Joe Teets
Position
Athletics Media Coordinator
Family
Wife: Megan Teets. We have a four-year-old golden doodle named Piper.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Golfing, giving golf lessons on the course to Mike Turner, expanding my bourbon collection
What is your favorite family vacation?
Traveling to London and Malta with my wife.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. Broadcasting with Jeff Wolfe as our wrestling team won the 2026 NCISAA State Championship
What is something we might not know about you?
In 2019, I was able to sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with former President Joe Biden.
What do you love most about Latin?
The support from the entire community.
Monty Todd 5 YEARS
Position
Graphic Designer Family
Wife: Allison; cats: Mouse and Bindi; dogs: Olive and Jack.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
Experiencing live folk and indie music. Mountain biking and nature. Travel. Art and design. Obsessing over my dogs.
What is your favorite family vacation?
A recent two week trip to the Bay area, including Carmel-by-theSea, wine country around Napa and Sonoma, and being amongst the giant redwoods, really stands out.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Red Thai curry (bringing the heat) with tofu. Indian curries like Chana Masala and Palak Paneer. A great samosa can turn my day around.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. The yearly Senior parade, as they go through the LS hallway, high-fiving the kids, is sweet, emotional and uplifting for me.
What is something we might not know about you?
I ate pizza with Eddie Vedder after a show once. I also briefly met Bob Dylan, and shook his hand. Sadly, Bob most likely forgot all about me, afterwards.
What do you love most about Latin?
The peace and calm that comes over me, when I walk around many areas of the campus. Latin can be a refuge.
5 YEARS
Rachel Wells
Position
Lower School Spanish Teacher
Family
I have a husband (Wrenn) and three daughters: Charlotte (rising 4th), Ellie (rising 1st), and Anne (Butterflies, The Nest).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I love to cook, read, and run.
What is your favorite family vacation? Anywhere with a warm, sunny beach and plenty of space for my kids to run around.
What is your favorite kind of food? I love sushi!
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory. I have loved experiencing Grandparents’ Day, both as a teacher and as a parent. It is such a treat to watch our children shine in such unique ways.
What do you love most about Latin?
I am so grateful for the relationships and the sense of community at Latin.
Chandra Wheeler 5 YEARS
Position
Assistant Teacher Ladybug Classroom (The Nest)
Family
I am the proud mom of my 28-year-old daughter, Lindsey, who currently resides in Madrid, Spain.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
My hobbies are spending quality time with my family and friends, listening to music, exercising, and journaling.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation was when my daughter and I vacationed in Venice, Italy.
What is your favorite kind of food?
My favorite kind of food is Southern comfort food.
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
My favorite Charlotte Latin memory is when parents express their heartfelt expression of gratitude to the teachers. One of the dads expressed how much his daughter loves her teachers.
What is something we might not know about you?
I am from Meridian, Mississippi.
What do you love most about Latin?
I love most about Latin that everyone is so hospitable. Working at Charlotte Latin feels like home.
Patti Yakubinis 5 YEARS
Position
Assistant Teacher in Preschool
Family
My husband’s name is Bill: he is a retired airline pilot who loves to put on his uniform once a year to read to the older children at the Nest during Community Helper week. We have two sons: JD (25) and Tommy (24).
What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
I’ve watched both my boys play travel baseball and continued to watch my oldest son play at the college level until last summer. I loved playing pickleball but because of an injury I’m sidelined right now. I’m hoping with more time on my hands I can start to feel better and get back to being more active.
What is your favorite family vacation?
We love going to different lakes and beaches with our close friends and their boys.
What is your favorite kind of food?
Italian
Describe your favorite Charlotte Latin memory.
1. When reading one time in the Butterfly class I realized I needed to put on my “silly” glasses...a little three-year-old boy said to me, “Ms. Patti, I think you look pretty in your glasses.”
2. When I wished Ms. Morris best of luck in her retirement, she hugged me and whispered in my ear, “I’m so glad you are here. We need gentle spirits like you working with children.” It meant the world to me that a senior teacher recognized those qualities in me.
What is something we might not know about you?
Although I have been at the Nest only five years, this is my 19th year working with preschool age children in the Charlotte area. I was a flight attendant for 11 years prior to having children; my last two years of service, I recruited new-hire flight attendants.
What do you love most about Latin?
The sense of family atmosphere stood out to me, you’re not just a name or number. By only my third visit to the cafeteria, Dawn was already greeting me by name. Also being invited to Mr. Baldecchi’s home to meet people from other departments made a lasting impression. Moments like those made me feel I was truly part of something special.
Goodbye to Our Retirees!
Rosario Colace
Thank You for your incredible service to Charlotte Latin School. Your colleagues, students, and friends bid you a fond farewell and extend their best wishes for your retirement.
Kay Rigo
Patti Yakubinis
Robin Siczek
Criteria for Service Recognition
All members of the Charlotte Latin School staff working a minimum of 20 hours per week are recognized in five-year increments beginning with five years.
For the purpose of this program, the year commences in September and includes anyone who is in the employ of the school no later than January 31 of the following year. Staff members commencing employment after January 31 will become eligible for recognition the following school year.
In the event that an interruption in service occurs, total years of service are cumulated. Years spent on leave or outside the employ of the school shall not be included in the total. Excepted from this and qualifying for inclusion in years of service are: sabbatical, exchange program, and/or other schoolsanctioned programs.
Honoree Gifts
35 Years
Custom Framed Hawk Oil Painting
30 Years
Tiffany & Co. Thumbprint Bowl
25 Years
Tiffany & Co. T True Decanter or Salisbury Pewter Tray
20 Years
Tiffany & Co. T True Double Old Fashioned Glass (Set of 4) or Captain’s Chair
15 Years
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Apple Paperweight or Desk Clock
10 Years
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Wave Box or Keepsake Wood Box
5 Years
Tiffany & Co. Blue Heart Paperweight or Silver 8x10 Picture Frame
The Brenda Ivanoff Legacy
This celebration of service and excellence is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Brenda Kay Neal Ivanoff, whose vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Charlotte Latin community created the tradition we continue today.
Brenda believed deeply in celebrating people. Through her leadership, encouragement, and joyful spirit, she established the Service Recognition program to honor the faculty and staff whose contributions shape the life of our school each day.
A devoted volunteer, parent, leader, and friend, Brenda served Charlotte Latin in countless ways and helped foster a culture of gratitude that remains woven into our community. As both a cherished member of the Latin family and proud parent of Latin graduates, her impact continues to be felt across generations.
May this annual celebration stand as a lasting tribute to her legacy of service, kindness, and appreciation for others.
Artwork by Ellen Chapman ’27