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Ms. Rounsley

I graduated from Kent State University with my Bachelor of Science degree and Cleveland State University with my Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I am originally from Northeast Ohio, but I have lived in Charlotte, NC since August 2021. Since starting my career as a speech-therapist, I have worked in pediatrics in a variety of settings including a special needs day program, multidisciplinary pediatric clinic, charter school, and a public elementary school. I have a passion for working with the special needs community and have experience working with children who use Augmentative Alternative Communication devices. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, and reading.

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Ms. Byrd

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Mr. VanDyke

Steven graduated from Harding University in 2004 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. He earned his M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2008. Before working with Gaston County Schools he worked  in various pediatric settings in Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, and Mecklenburg counties including,  Pediatric Home Health, Early Intervention, and most recently in a Pediatric Outpatient Sensory Clinic. After work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, playing board games, and hiking. 

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Ms. Wojnicki

Physical Therapy degree from State University of New York at Buffalo
Experience: 20+ years in pediatric (ages birth to 22) physical therapy including school based, pre-school, early intervention and home care. My role as a school based physical therapist with GCS is to provide therapy, consultation, and to be a resource for children with physical challenges  and to school staff with regards to accessing the educational environment.
Personal: I live with my husband and dog near the Mount Holly area. I am a mother to 3 grown sons and one grandson. My interests include gardening, plants and creating things in the kitchen. We also travel to Buffalo, NY as much as possible to see our family and cheer for the Buffalo Bills!

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Ms. Ham

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Mrs. Bates

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Mrs. Henkel

I grew up in Iowa and graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading and early childhood in 2017. I received my Masters in special education from Mount Mercy University in 2023. My family of four moved to North Carolina from Minnesota in the Summer of 2024 for my husband’s call as a Pastor. A fun fact is that North Carolina will be the fourth state that I have taught in and Brookside Elementary will be the 6th school.  Prior to moving to North Carolina I taught for special education for three years, first grade for two, and two years subbing. When I am not teaching I spend time with my husband and two young kids. I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, hiking, collecting National Park stamps in a passport book, and playing games. I am looking forward to building roots in North Carolina and being a part of the Brookside family.'

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Mrs. Hice

Brookside became my home in August, 2007. I began my career as a SLPA working with Lesli Miller. I absolutely loved my job. However, Gaston County cut all the Assistant positions in speech. I stayed on as a Teacher Assistant in Behavior Lab. From there I held positions in 2nd grade, kindergarten, SBS, and now in our SAC classroom. 
Away from work, I spend my time with my 10 year old niece. We both enjoy the mountains. Our summers are spent at the recreation center pool where she participates on the swim team.

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Mrs. McDuffee

Hello! My name is Nicole McDuffee and I am originally from Long Island, NY. I began teaching in 2007 after receiving my Masters Degree in Education from Long Island University the previous year. In 2014 my husband, two boys and I moved to North Carolina and I have been teaching at Brookside since 2021. I am so happy to be here at Brookside! 
I love spending my free time with my family as well as our two dogs, two cats, two birds and one fish. I am looking forward to a great school year!

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Miss Bates

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Ms. Babiec

I was born at Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, Massachusetts. My dad was in the Air Force,
and I grew up moving from one military base to another, making many friends along the way. I have
lived in Massachusetts, Okinawa, Florida, Nebraska, and Rhode Island. I have lived in North Carolina for
almost fifteen years. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in
Human Development and Family Studies. I took time off to raise my two sons. My interest in Special
Education began after raising a son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I have two sons. My older son,
Justin, passed away, and my younger son, Logan is a junior at UNC Charlotte. I worked for Cleveland
County Schools as a substitute cafeteria worker and substitute teacher. When Logan got older, I began
working for Gaston County Schools. I have worked for Gaston County Schools for eight years. I have
worked as a cafeteria assistant, an EC bus monitor, and an EC Teacher Assistant. When I am not at work I
enjoy bird feeding (my favorite is the hummingbird), gardening, bike riding, hiking, reading, and doing
embroidery. I also enjoy spending time with my family.

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Mrs. Cianciotta