Ms. Gardner is excited to join the Knight family at Grier Middle School. A South Florida native, Ms. Gardner earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a focus on youth and families in 2012. She later pursued her passion for education and leadership, obtaining a Master’s degree in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2022.

Ms. Gardner began her educational career in 2016 as a middle school teacher, specializing in English Language Arts. Her commitment to fostering student growth and achievement inspired her to transition into school administration, where she aims to make a positive impact on the entire school community.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Gardner enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Mrs. Reid is excited to continue her tenure at Grier Middle School in the new role of Assistant Principal. She joined Grier in January, 2021 as Dean of Students. A proud product of Gaston County Schools, Mrs. Reid is a member of the inaugural cohort of GCS Superintendent’s Leadership Academy, earning a  Masters in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in May, 2023. 

An educator with nearly 20 years of experience, Mrs. Reid has worked with elementary, middle, and high students in four different states. Her experiences inside and outside the classroom have supported students with learning and behavior differences as well as learners in need of an alternative school setting. Mrs. Reid’s ultimate goal is to meet students where they are to ensure the best possible education that is specific to their individual needs.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in 2007.  I later attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for my graduate degree in School Administration, including a licensure in Curriculum Instruction in 2013.  I taught multiple grades at Sadler Elementary and later moved to be the Assistant Principal at Chapel Grove Elementary.  In 2016, I became the Assistant Director at PCCS Middle and, most recently, I was an assistant principal at South Point High School and Bessemer City Central Elementary.  I am very passionate about my two children and love sports.

Daphne Templeton is one of our new administrators at Grier Middle School for the 2023-2024 academic year. She comes with administrative experience as a Dean of Students at York Chester Middle School and many years of teaching experience at Carr Elementary School.  Her accomplishments during her tenure with Gaston County Schools include selection for participation in the Gaston County Superintendent’s Leadership Academy, Assistant Site Coordinator for GCS Little Scholars Camp, 2022 Teacher of the Year, GCS Pinnacle Leader, GCS Virtual Academy teacher, Seesaw Ambassador,  MTSS school coordinator, School Improvement Team representative.

Ms. Templeton earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Arts Degree in School Administration at Gardner Webb University. In the Fall of 2023, she will continue her post graduate studies at Gardner Webb as a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership Program.

Ms. Templeton is a veteran educator with experience in instructional leadership and focuses on establishing and enhancing relationships, building community, meeting service needs, restorative practices, maintaining smooth administration of all department operations, and most importantly, doing what is best for all students.