Educational Experience: Holly started her career in public education as an after-school assistant, working in the cafeteria and then as a teacher’s aide with TITLE I. She has certifications in K-6-Elementary Education, TESOL (Teaching English as a second or foreign language) (K-12), Middle School Math (6-9), and Middle School Science (6-9).  During her time in public education, Holly taught a wide range of students and, therefore, on teams including but not limited to PEP (Personalized Education Plans),  AIG(Academically/Intellectually Gifted), teams of determining if IEP is necessary (Individualized Education Plans),  including IEP Plans when determined appropriate, & 504 (a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment).  While teaching Middle School science, she served in many different aspects of an after-school club called NCSO (North Carolina Science Olympiad), including event coach, assistant team coach, and head team coach. She helped many students of various academic abilities place in regional and state competitions. The small group teams, as well as the school teams, were able to place and compete very well. Holly also has experience and knowledge for equipping beginning readers of all ages with skills for success. She has experience teaching non-native speakers (children, adults) to increase their English language receptive and expressive skills. Though new opportunities to homeschool began in 2020, Holly has never been completely new to the homeschool community. She has had friends and extended family who have homeschooled as long as she has known them. Based on the information provided, Holly can, therefore, support families through her understanding of the effects of different parenting and learning styles on schooling.

​

Why: Holly is eager to test students throughout the year. One thing that Holly truly likes about homeschooling, as well as supporting testing in public and private schooling, is that testing doesn’t have to be “at the end of the year.” Per NC Law - The chief administrator is responsible for obtaining and/or scheduling the nationally standardized test at some time during the academic year. This allows parents to adjust testing based on family needs. Holly likes the fact that SMART provides an OFF-PEAK time. Homeschools, public and private schools, and parents can utilize SMART to support students in gaining information to help show families how to further support the student educationally through the students’ strengths and weaknesses.

As a SMART Testing associate, Holly hopes to be an Encouraging Advocate who, through Consulting, will use low-tech and High-tech resources to equip parents in providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences.

 

Service Areas: McDowell, Rutherford, Cleveland, Burke, Catawba, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties (NC). Contact for inquiries about other NC counties and out of state. Willing to travel