Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Professional Learning Opportunities

Travis Blair earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in English Literature from Appalachian State University. After working for a few years after graduating, Travis decided to follow his heart to the profession of teaching. He joined the Lateral Entry program at UNCG where he completed two practicums as well as a semester of student teaching. He is licensed in High School and Middle School English and History. Travis began his teaching career with Guilford County Schools and then transitioned to the North Carolina Leadership Academy before coming to Noble Academy. He has worked with Dr. Dana Stachowiak, a specialist in reading and writing education, and adopted her method of instruction. Travis' favorite novel to teach is Life of Pi and enjoys helping students with creative writing and thinking. Outside of school, Travis loves to study martial arts, play guitar, read, write, play D&D/board games and play video games.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Ellison moved to High Point, North Carolina in 2014. He earned a bachelor's degree in History and later a master's degree in Organizational Leadership at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. For the last eight years, Ellison has taught both middle school and high school. He and his wife, Heather, are parents to Arabella, Olivia, Kobe, and Harper. The Cooper Crew can be found in summertime at a lot of Grasshopper baseball games or in a pool. The Cooper Crew are huge Chicago sports fans. 

Eric Gal grew up in the Triad and attended Noble Academy through his middle and high school years, graduating in 2005. He holds bachelor's degrees in Theatre Education and English Education, as well as a minor in History, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After college, he applied to and was hired by his former high school, where he enjoys giving back to the community that met his needs when he was a student. In his spare time, Eric likes acting with community theatres and professional acting companies, teaching and performing stage combat, practicing Tai Chi and mixed martial arts, reading (particularly science fiction, fantasy, and history-related topics), playing/facilitating Dungeons and Dragons games, watching movies and TV, and spending time with his family and friends. Eric currently lives in Greensboro with his wife, Ashley, and their 3 cats, Pud, Marlena, and Mariska.

Ginger Holloway graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor's degree in English. She also earned a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Ginger has spent over 25 years teaching English in public and private schools in North Carolina and California. She lives in Greensboro with her husband, Hurl, and her Doberman Pinscher, Roxy. In Ginger's spare time, she enjoys doing Crossfit, watching sports, learning calligraphy, and reading.

Originally from Upstate New York, Brian Kysor holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from State University of New York at Oneonta, and a master’s degree in History from Union Graduate College (now Clarkson University) in Schenectady, NY. Since moving to North Carolina in 2012, Brian has served students as a social studies teacher throughout the state. He also holds a licensure in Exceptional Children, and has taught EC students at the North Carolina Leadership Academy and in Rockingham County Schools. In his free time, Brian enjoys reading science fiction, fantasy, and history, among other topics.

A Spanish Language teacher for over 25 years, Amy is a proud graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where she earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature. Additionally, Amy earned a master’s degree in ESL and Bilingual Education from the University of Findlay. She and her husband call Greensboro home but both grew up in Northwest Ohio. They have two sons and in Amy’s free time she enjoys reading, traveling, being outdoors with her dogs and watching movies.

Linda Mahanes is a Greensboro native and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with bachelor degrees in Math and Math Education. She has worked as an actuarial student, a tutor, and a math teacher. She enjoys finding new ways to teach her students, and tries to find the most effective teaching strategies to help each student be successful and confident.   She has three grown children and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In addition to her love of being active by playing tennis, swimming, and walking, she is an avid reader.

Vicki Payne graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She has been teaching for 16 years, one year at Guilford County Schools and 15 years here at Noble Academy. During her tenure as a Knight, she has introduced the high school students to marine biology, zoology, and Cooking with Chemistry, among teaching the required subjects to earn science credits toward graduation. In her spare time, Vicki loves to read, cook, participate in all water sports, spend time with her two adult children (Spencer and Connor), and Ramona, the family's Great Dane.

A veteran teacher with 30 years experience teaching Middle School science in Guilford County Schools, Alesia earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree from UNCG. She has also been a National Board Certified Teacher for 20 years. Alesia is married and has two grown children: a daughter and a son. She enjoys spending time with her family at the lake, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Alesia loves college sports and her favorite team is the University of South Carolina. In addition to family time and sports, she enjoys traveling, photography, and cooking.

Aleshia Rucker graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services. She also obtained an M.Ed in K-12 Special Education with an add-on preschool certification from North Georgia State College and University. Aleshia has over 14 years of experience working with students and adults with learning differences and is excited to be joining the Noble Academy team. She is married with two children, a son and a daughter who are both in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, visiting the beach, and swimming.