3rd Grade
From Left to Right: Holly Hicks, Milly McMillan, Christy Scism, Donna Gaston, Haley White, Lori Walters, Desirae Daniels
3rd Grade Teachers:
Desiree Daniels
Milly McMillan
Christy Scism
Lori Walters
Haley White
Donna Gaston, Teacher Assistant
Holly Hicks, Sign Language Interpreter
Desiree Daniels- I have my Masters Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University with my AIG licensure from Queens University. This is my eighth year of teaching, seven of which were in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. I am from New Jersey and moved to Charlotte 8 years ago. I love to snowboard and read in my free time. I have two fur babies Dexter and Dante.
Donna Gaston- I graduated from Shelby Senior High school in 1983. I have did several courses at Cleveland Tech to be highly qualified for Teaching Assistant and a course at Johnson C. Smith University. I've been blessed to be at Jefferson for 26 years. I am definitely a family person, love to look for bargains, and help others in any way I can. l try to stay healthy, by walking mostly and eating healthy.
Haley White- I graduated from RS Central High School and Limestone University, where I played softball. I am a third year teacher at Jefferson Elementary. I enjoy coaching softball, playing with my Golden doodle, Emmy, playing slow-pitch softball and watching the Atlanta Braves!
Christy Scism- I am from Robbinsville, NC and attended Gardner Webb University where I received my education degree. This is my 11th year teaching in Cleveland County Schools. I taught 2nd grade for two years and 3rd grade for the other nine. This is my 2nd year at Jefferson Elementary, and I absolutely love my co-workers, administrative team, families and students. Jefferson is the best place to BEE!!! I have two children and two fur babies, Ollie and Sophie (both doodles). Peyton works at UPS as a long haul feeder driver, Laney attends UNC and is on the dance team. I have a beautiful grand baby named Rowan who will soon be 2 years old. We love spending time with family and enjoying nature.
Lori Walters- I attended Cleveland County Schools, graduating from Crest High School. I have worked at Jefferson for the last 22 years, but have worked in various roles in education for 36 years. I love teaching 3rd grade. A little about me: Married to Robby Walters. We have three adult sons. William and wife Erin, Samuel and wife Alyssa, and Joseph. I am "Lolli" to the "sweetest GRANDgirl", ShelbyKate. She is a year and a half old. Things that bring me joy: being outside, iced coffee, music, learning new things and seeing new places.
Milly McMillan: I grew up in Cleveland County Schools, starting at Jefferson and finishing up at Shelby High School. I went to Appalachian State University for my undergraduate and Masters Degree in education. This is my 22nd year teaching in Cleveland County Schools and my 9th year at Jefferson Elementary. I am married with twin girls who attend Jefferson. Our family loves to go camping, visit the beach and enjoy weekends together at home.
Holly Hicks: I earned my BS Communication Disorders (SLP) and BA American Sign Language Studies. I have worked for 26 years in CCS at various schools. I am married to Darrell, and we have 2 children: CG (22) and Marlee (19) and 2 cats and 2 dogs. In my free time, I love to crochet, read, and paint.