Meet Our Staff
While scholars are the most important people in our school, our teachers and parents are the most important adults. Our teachers and staff at FDS are certified, experienced, and well-trained yet sensitive to the needs of the whole child. Our teachers share their passion and love of education by successfully promoting academic rigor while preserving the excitement and sense of discovery inherent in young scholars.
Administration
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Dixon Mrs. ValerieMrs. Valerie Dixon Academic Dean Send message »
With 36 years in education, I am passionate about developing scholars intellectually, creatively, and socially. At Friendship Day School, I align my work with our mission to educate the whole child through academic rigor, the arts, and character development. I believe deeply in the potential of every FDS scholar and in cultivating a lifelong love of learning.
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Clark Ms. EddrinaMs. Eddrina Clark Administrative Assistant Send message »
I have 10+ years working with students within different settings. Learning is a lifelong skill. I have a background in human resources and have a project management and six Sigma green belt certification. I believe that the scholars at Friendship Day School will become the top leaders of their generation because they are receiving top tier education and support while attending FDS.
Teaching Staff
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Jackson Mrs. AshleyMrs. Ashley Jackson First Grade Send message »
I have been an educator for six years, with a heartfelt dedication to the educational and personal growth and development of our youngest learners. As a first-grade teacher at FDS, I bring both rigor and warmth to my classroom, creating an environment where every scholar feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving greatness. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, which strengthens my commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of the whole child. I believe deeply in the mission of FDS, that every scholar deserves an excellent education rooted in culture, community, and high expectations. I am honored to play a role in bringing that vision to life each day.
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Gordon Mrs. NicoleMrs. Nicole Gordon Second Grade Send message »
I have been part of the FDS community since 2019, and I’m deeply committed to supporting our scholars’ academic, social, and emotional growth. With a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, I approach my work through a whole‑child lens, ensuring every scholar feels valued, capable, and empowered. I believe wholeheartedly in the brilliance and potential of our scholars and work each day to help them grow as problem‑solvers, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders. My role aligns closely with our mission to prepare scholars for college and for meaningful participation in society.
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Harris-Boyd Mrs. DareneseMrs. Darenese Harris-Boyd Third Grade Send message »
Hello to you all! My name is Darenese Harris-Boyd, and I am thrilled to be part of your child's educational journey! As an educator, my passion lies in teaching, reaching, and inspiring the next generation. I hold a bachelor's degree in science in criminal justice from ITT-Tech and a master's in teaching from Wingate University. With 12 years of experience in education, I've had the privilege of working with diverse groups, including EC students in CMS and Montgomery County, as well as teaching general education across various grades. At FDS, I truly love our scholars and am committed to challenging them to grow and strive for greatness. I'm excited to work together with you to support your child's learning and development! Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
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Batsuli Mrs. KishaMrs. Kisha Batsuli Fifth Grade Send message »
As a licensed educator with eight years in the education field and over 20 years of working with children, I am deeply passionate about helping scholars reach their full potential. I recently earned my master’s degree in educational leadership from Clark Atlanta University, which strengthened my commitment to leading with purpose, equity, and collaboration. My goal is to continue supporting students, families, and educators while creating positive and empowering learning environments.
Special Areas
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Metz-Nicholson Mrs. AndreaMrs. Andrea Metz-Nicholson Kindergarten–Grade 2 Mindfulness/Yoga Send message »Biography
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Metz-Nicholson Mrs. AndreaMrs. Andrea Metz-Nicholson Kindergarten–Grade 2 Mindfulness/Yoga Send message »Biography
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Clay Coach PhillipCoach Phillip Clay Physical Education Send message »
I’m Coach Clay I’ve been the physical education teacher here at FDS going on four years now. I have a bachelors in exercise physiology, and I am currently a certified trainer under the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). As the physical education teacher and coach at Friendship Day School, I work to create an environment where every scholar feels encouraged, challenged, and confident in their abilities. Through sports, fitness, and structured physical activity, I aim to teach life skills such as perseverance, leadership, and healthy living.
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Cooper Mr. BrianMr. Brian Cooper Suzuki Violin Send message »
Brian Cooper II has been teaching music since 2018 and has served at Friendship Day School since 2023. As the Suzuki violin instructor, he is passionate about helping scholars grow in discipline, confidence, and musical excellence through consistent instruction and encouragement. He believes every child has the ability to learn, grow, and shine when given the right tools, structure, and support. Through music education, Mr. Cooper is committed to nurturing both skill and character while helping scholars discover their unique voice.
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Jant Ms. CourtneyMs. Courtney Jant Dance Send message »
I am a Charlotte native with over 15 years of experience teaching dance and working with scholars in both school and community settings. I attended Winston-Salem State University and am the owner of Dancing On The Go, LLC, a dance and fitness company dedicated to promoting wellness, confidence, and self-expression. Being a dance teacher at FDS is both an honor and a privilege, as it allows me to positively impact students by helping them build discipline, creativity, and self-confidence through the arts. I am deeply committed to aligning my work with the mission and vision of FDS by fostering a supportive, encouraging environment where every scholar feels valued and empowered to succeed.
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Metz-Nicholson Mrs. AndreaMrs. Andrea Metz-Nicholson Kindergarten–Grade 2 Mindfulness/Yoga Send message »
I joined FDS in 2020 as the yoga teacher, creating a program geared towards the scholars at FDS. I have several yoga certifications as well as a BA in sociology. I have 25+ years in education and human services.
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Thomas Mr. DamonMr. Damon Thomas Spanish Send message »
With over 13 years in education, my passion for pouring into scholars has remained the foundation of my work. Teaching is more than a profession to me; it is a calling rooted in building meaningful relationships and helping scholars grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Being certified in grief and anger management has allowed me to support scholars through life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and consistency. My time at FDS has been especially fulfilling because of the scholars. They inspire me daily to show up with purpose, patience, and commitment. I strive to align my work with the mission and vision of FDS by creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where scholars feel valued, empowered, and capable of success both inside and beyond the classroom.
Instructional Assistants and Support Staff
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Colter Mrs. CandiceMrs. Candice Colter Chef
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Colter Mrs. CandiceMrs. Candice Colter Chef
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Bennett Ms. NikkiMs. Nikki Bennett Third Grade Instructional Assistant Send message »
I have been in the teaching field for 22 years, 17 years with CMS as a site coordinator and five years with Friendship Day School. My beliefs are that every scholar has the ability to achieve whatever goal they set for themselves, along with building an everlasting relationship with other scholars and FDS. My vision is to enhance students' achievements, help them to improve their learning skills, and maintain personal well-being.
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Burch Ms. KristenMs. Kristen Burch First Grade Instructional Assistant Send message »
I am a dedicated teacher assistant with one year of classroom experience and three years of supporting scholars in various educational roles. I am passionate about creating a positive, nurturing environment where every scholar feels supported and encouraged to succeed. I strongly believe in the mission and vision of FDS and am committed to helping scholars grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In my role, I strive to make a meaningful impact each day by supporting both teachers and scholars in reaching their full potential.
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Delva Ms. JasmineMs. Jasmine Delva Second Grade Instructional Assistant Send message »
I have been working at Friendship Day School for almost one year, and it has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I truly believe in our scholars and their unlimited potential. The love, growth, and support within the FDS community inspire me every day. I am proud to be part of a school that leads with heart and purpose.
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Horton Mr. ThomasMr. Thomas Horton After School Program Send message »
Mr. Thomas B. Horton serves as first and second-grade instructional assistant and after-school coordinator at Friendship Day School (FDS). He is a native Charlottean. With the importance of education being instilled in him, Mr. Horton was able to excel academically in CMS. Upon graduating from Harding High School, he applied and was accepted to over 22 colleges and universities. However, he chose North Carolina A&T State University and received two degrees from the School of Business in Marketing and Finance. Mr. Horton enjoys reading, singing, cooking, and his Aggie pride. He thoroughly enjoys equipping young minds with the necessary tools in life to learn and grow.
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Mitchell Mr. DashaunMr. Dashaun Mitchell Coach Send message »
I serve as a coach at FDS, dedicated to developing scholars both academically and athletically. With years of experience working with youth, I focus on building skill, discipline, confidence, and character. I believe strongly in the mission and vision of FDS, and my goal is to help every scholar recognize their potential and carry a championship mindset in the classroom, in competition, and in life.
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Wallace Ms. TammyMs. Tammy Wallace Kindergarten Instructional Assistant Send message »
I have been teaching and working with scholars for about 30 years. I retired from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in 2021. Helping scholars at Friendship Day School means showing up each day with the belief that every child is capable, valued, and worthy of joyful learning. In my role as instructional assistant, I am passionate about what I do because I know that the small moments matter, the quiet encouragements, the patient reteaching, the shared excitement when a scholar finally masters a skill. Being part of that journey is an honor, and it motivates me to give my best every day.
