Support Staff
Support Staff
Ricky Alston, Music
Mattie McMurry, Media/ Library
Gracie Sheffield, Art
Tina Hollifield, PE
Emily Botts, Nurse
Jeff Scism, Student Resource Officer
Allyson Yelton, Guidance Counselor
Janela Ford, School Social Worker
Ava Bradley, Instructional Coach
Elizabeth Schweppe, Academically, Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Teacher
Emma Goforth, Title I Coordinator/ Teacher
Ragan Woods, Exceptional Children's (EC) Teacher
Haley Washington, Exceptional Children's (EC) Teacher
Jada, EC Teacher Assistant
Ricky Alston: A two-time graduate of Gardner-Webb University completing both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. I have been working in Cleveland county for 5 years, all teaching music at Jefferson. Music is my life. I love to write, produce, and play live music on the weekends. I also love sports, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Mattie McMurry: I am SO excited to be your child’s librarian. Reading is a passion of mine and I hope to strengthen your child’s love of books. I grew up here in Shelby & my husband and I love raising our two kids here! Besides books, I love coffee, traveling, baking, and running! I can’t wait to get to know you and your child this year! I am a proud product of Cleveland County Schools. I went to UNC-Charlotte for my undergrad in Elementary Education and Children’s Literature. Then I went on to Appalachian State University where I received my Masters in Library Science. Since then I’ve also earned my National Board certification.
Janela Ford: I attended high school at Cleveland Early College, go Vikings! I received a bachelors degree in social work from Columbia College in SC, and a masters in social work from Johnson C. Smith! I have served my Cleveland County community as a social worker for the last 5 years, and this is my second year here at the hive as a Jefferson Bee! When I'm not at school enjoying time with our students, I love to visit the bookstore with my nieces and try recipes I find online!
Elizabeth Schweppe: I am thrilled to get to work with students, families, and staff at Jefferson this year. This is my twentieth year teaching, before becoming an AIG specialist I taught third grade for ten years. I grew up in Shelby and am proud to be a product of Cleveland County Schools. I attended Graham Elementary, Shelby Middle School, and Shelby High School. In 1998 I married John, my high school sweetheart, soon after graduating from Wake Forest University. I took a leave from the classroom when our son Daniel was born in 2003. In 2008, we welcomed our daughter Anna. We have a sweet Golden Retriever named Rosie and a fiesty cat named Mo. I am an avid reader, Scrabble player, and love hiking and backpacking with my family. In my classroom, I expect the best from all and value respect, responsibility, and kindness. I strive to build a strong sense of community among my students and their families and I emphasize the importance of teamwork. My commitment to teaching is rooted in a desire to communicate daily, through words and mannerisms, love, and unconditional appreciation of every student. My passion is applauding the unique abilities, skills, talents, and strengths of each child regardless of their background. Children are able to flourish when they are not only accepted, but celebrated for who they are.