Paula has been executive director since 2015. Prior to coming to CIS, she was principal for Asheboro City Schools at Donna Lee Loflin Elementary School.

After one conversation with Paula, it is obvious that she cares about children of all ages. She has devoted her entire career to teaching young people. She is passionate about the well-being and success of all kids.

In her free time, Paula likes to be outdoors riding her bike or kayaking. Reading and sewing also keep Paula busy. She and her husband Rudy have two grown sons.

Where The Crawdads Sing is Paula's all time favorite book.

Donna joined the Communities In Schools Randolph team in July of 2023. She is passionate about helping others and loves when others around her succeed. Donna and her husband have two grown daughters, live in Asheboro with their 11 year old Irish Setter (Raleigh) and are proud grandparents to Beau. Her hobbies include golf, reading, cross-stitching and hanging out with family and friends. Recent reading selections include Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

Angela became a Communities In Schools staff in the 2023. The Randolph County office shares her with Thomasville City Schools and Montgomery County affiliates. Before coming to CIS, she was a special education teacher. Angela began volunteering for CIS in 1996 as a mentor and she has seen the changes that occur because of our programs.

Angela loves to travel and take pictures, she loves her family and she loves her dogs. Radical by David Pratt is her favorite book.

Kim has transitioned from student support specialist to data specialist this year. Since 2012, Kim has worked for Communities In Schools, she has loved the kids and seeing them develop through the years. If Kim did not love her job so much, she would live on a farm, raise horses and be a competitive barrel racer.

Kim and her husband have two college age daughters that keep them busy. Spending time with her family and friends and shopping are Kim's favorite hobbies. She enjoyed reading Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover this summer.

Kellie has been apart of Communities In Schools since 2021. Before joining us, she was a classroom teacher and media specialist at Guy B. Teachey Elementary School. Kellie is married to local sportswriter and journalist, Dennis Garcia. The have one son and 5 grandchildren and their sweet rescue dog Blackberry.

Kellie loves building relationships with the kids and doing what is best for them. She loves the quote from Dr. James Comer, "No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship."

When not working, you can find Kellie spending time with family and friends, reading, going to the beach or shopping.

Kellie's favorite book is Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles.

Marquéz joined Communities In School in January of 2022 and hit the ground running. He has been very instrumental in developing the Comet Mentorship program at Asheboro High School (where he is a graduate). His heart is with youth and young adults and seeing them as their best selves.

Besides being a great role model for youth, he is an accomplished singer and musician. Marquéz and his new bride Mikayla were married in early November.

Steve came to Communities In Schools in the Fall of 2022. He retired as a PE teacher with Asheboro City Schools before joining our team.

Steve and his wife Cindy have been married for 38 years and have two grown daughters. When not working at NAMS, you can probably find Steve working in the yard, reading or celebrating Clemson victories. Steve's favorite past time is reading and his favorite book is All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

Chester has been with Communities In Schools since the Fall of 2022. Prior to joining CIS, Chester was a teacher and coach for Asheboro City Schools.

Chester is passionate about making sure his students become productive citizens. He loves to see his former students being successful adults.

Chester stays busy with his family, three children and three grandchildren. In his free time he enjoys yard work, playing golf, coaching and creating videos. Check out Chester's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@COACHgtv8192

Patricia started working with Communities In School in Fall of 2022. She loves working with middle school kids and hopes she is a positive role model for her students. Patricia has been a yoga guide since 1998. She has been married for 23 years. She and her husband rescue cats. The opened Hunter House Rescue in 2020.

Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat "A Collection of Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson is her favorite book

Dara has been with Communities In Schools since 2008! Dara has been a great advocate for Randolph County students for many years. She loves the mentor/mentee connection and witnessing the difference it makes in both the students and the mentor lives.

She and her husband Billy have two grown children. When not working, Dara can be found gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Her favorite book is The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Betsey and her husband Tom have been faithful volunteers and mentors with CIS for many years. She finally joined Communities In Schools in the Fall of 2023. Betsey enjoys working with the kids and seeing them reach their potential.

When Betsey has free time she likes to read, be outdoors and spend time with friends and family. Her favorite book is Charlotte's Web.

Jessica has been with Communities In Schools since the Summer of 2015. She loves the relationships she has built with her students and they keep her going on her "cloudy days."

Jessica's family keeps her busy along with her two dogs. One fun fact about Jessica, is she is Mexican-American and has never been to Mexico.

Samantha began her career with Communities In Schools in the Fall of 2013. Before that, she was in the Peace Corps in Zambia from 2009 to 2012. While in Zambia, she worked in Rural Heath Education mostly in HIV/AIDs and malaria education. Samantha believes that all children deserve a quality education and she wants to help create an equitable playing field for all children to receive an education.

Samantha can be found volunteering at her church, watching TV and reading. Her favorite book is Harry Potter.

Communities In Schools and Randleman High School are a much better place because of Josh. He has been with CIS since the Spring of 2018 . In addition to working for CIS, he also drives a bus for RHS everyday.

Josh sets high standards for all of his kids and is always supportive of their achievements. Even though Josh does not own a cell phone, he is always willing to help those in need.

Samara joined Communities In Schools in July of 2024. Samara was born in Mexico and has lived in North Carolina since she was 5. As a first-generation graduate, she brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges many students face. Her background includes working with EC students, mentoring, and family engagement, which has equipped her with the skills to provide positive comprehensive support to students. Samara is passionate about fostering an environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to achieve their goals. She also advocates for families, ensuring they receive the support they need.
In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her husband and practicing self-care, which helps her stay balanced and energized for the work she loves.