I am excited to be a part of the Greenwave 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.

Laura J. Benson is a native of Gaston County and a product of Gaston County Schools. She is a graduate of Ashbrook High School and attended North Carolina Central University and Belmont Abbey College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Benson was selected to participate in the inaugural Gaston County Schools Superintendent's Leadership Academy and received her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

As an elementary teacher, Ms. Benson taught second, third, and fourth grades in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She gained experience on the middle school level by teaching sixth grade Social Studies and Science and serving as the Behavior Support Teacher at Grier Middle School. Ms. Benson also has experience in alternative education serving as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach at Warlick Academy.

Ms. Benson has a professional philosophy of children first. She brands herself as an educator who challenges students to be the best version of themselves and to live out their purpose. In her free time, Ms. Benson enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two dogs, Barker and Coco. She also loves house plants of all kinds and learning about them. Ms. Benson is actively involved in her community and surrounding area through her sorority.

Doneen Johnson is a native of St. Helena Island in South Carolina. She graduated from Francis Marion University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In addition, she received a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from Lesley University and a Master of School Administration degree from Fayetteville State University through the North Carolina Principal Fellows program. Ms. Johnson has worked as a classroom teacher and remediation teacher for 3rd-5th grade, a reading enrichment teacher for 6th grade, a literacy coach for 6th-8th grade, and an assistant principal. She works each day to ensure a rigorous learning environment focused on the things that matter to support each child because our students deserve a place where they feel welcomed and challenged to be great. Ms. Johnson spends her free time with her family. Her hobbies include traveling, spending time at the beach or in the mountains, and reading. 

Mr. Mitcham  is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Coastal Carolina University as well as a master’s degree in school administration from Winthrop University.  

Mr. Mitcham’s career in education began in 2010 where he served as PE Teacher and Athletic Director in Rock Hill, South Carolina. During the 2016-2017 school year, he moved to Gaston County Schools and served as PE Teacher and Athletic Director at Highland School of Technology. Mr. Mitcham  began his administrative career during the 2019-2020 school year as an assistant principal at Ashbrook HS where he currently serves as Administrator for students with the last name R-Z. His favorite motto from Ashbrook is, “Once a Green Wave, Always a Green Wave!

Mr. Mitcham enjoys spending time with his wife, son and daughter. They enjoy being outside, working in the garden, kayaking, going to the mountains and visiting the beach. They are huge Clemson Tiger and Atlanta Braves fans who love watching them play in person or on TV. Mr. Mitcham loves interacting with  students and continues to look for ways to grow in his profession. Mr. Mitcham’s favorite quote is, “ If the grass looks greener on the other side, stop staring, stop comparing, and start watering the grass you're standing on”. 

Have a great year!

Curtis Mitcham