I am excited to be a part of the Roadrunner family. I am a graduate of Livingstone College where I earned my bachelor’s in accounting and Strayer University with a master’s in finance. After spending several years in the business sector, I took a huge leap into education. I started my educational career in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, teaching mathematics. My educational career expands to charter, private, and public schools, including alternative. After several years, I transitioned to Career and Technical Education and taught business classes (Career Management, Personal Finance, and Accounting). The last two years have been focused on obtaining my second masters in School Administration, which brings me to my current position and home. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, watching Hallmark, or reading. I am eager to get to know each of you and look forward to the impact we will make on our students' lives.

Ms. Ayala is a dedicated professional with a robust academic background and a deep commitment to supporting the mental health and educational needs of students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), where she developed a foundational understanding of human behavior and therapeutic practices. Her passion for helping others guided her to Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health in 2014.

With extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling, Ms. Ayala has worked with diverse populations across various age groups. Her commitment to fostering positive outcomes for individuals led her to the educational sector, where she has leveraged her expertise to address the needs of students in Gaston County. As a school counselor, she has contributed significantly to multiple schools, providing guidance and support to students and their families.

Currently, Ms. Ayala is advancing her professional qualifications through the Principals Fellowship Program and pursuing a Master’s in School Administration at UNCC. She is passionate about contributing to the vision of Southwest Middle School and believes in the collective responsibility of nurturing a thriving generation.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Ayala enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and engages in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and running. Her diverse interests reflect her commitment to personal growth and well-being.

Hello, my name is Stephanie Crump. I have taught at Gaston County Schools for over 18 years. I am a Gaston County native; I graduated from Bessemer City High and attended North Carolina A&T State University as well as receiving my Masters of Arts at Gardner Webb University.  I am married, and through our union, we have one son, who is Junior this year. I am looking forward to a great and productive year.

Mrs. Smith is very excited to join Southwest Middle School!

Mrs. Smith is a native New Yorker, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education Grades 7-12 from The College of Saint Rose. She moved to Charlotte in 2012 to pursue her career in education with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She taught math at Mallard Creek High School from 2012-2021, as well as coached swimming, tennis and golf. She received her Master’s degree in School Administration from UNC Charlotte in 2021, and transitioned into administration as Dean of Students at Hough High School, where she worked until she moved to Gaston County Schools in January 2024. 

In her spare time, Mrs. Smith spends time with her husband and their two dogs, and can always be found with a good book. She is currently working on earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership at UNCC.