JARRIKA COUTCHURE

FOUNDER, HEAD OF SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL MATH/SCIENCE TEACHER

​

Jarrika Coutchure completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science while also studying Geology and Secondary Education. She furthered her academic pursuits through graduate courses in Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction. With a strong passion for education, Jarrika has accumulated 16 years of experience in various educational settings. Her dedication to instilling a love for learning in students goes beyond the classroom, as she aims to nurture intellectual curiosity and growth even beyond elementary school years.

 

 Prior to establishing Marvin Academy, Jarrika gained valuable experience at a small private school in Matthews, where she worked with students with very diverse learning abilities. She is also actively involved in youth sports programs and serves as Secretary on the Waxhaw Athletic Association Board, supporting young athletes and promoting holistic development.

PATTI URIBE

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

ELEMENTARY PE TEACHER

 

Patti Uribe, a graduate of Elon University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and boasts an impressive teaching career spanning over two decades, encompassing all grade levels from K-12. With an unwavering passion for youth sports and recreational activities, Patti has accumulated a wealth of experience coaching various sports disciplines.

 

At Marvin Academy, Patti's contributions extend beyond the classroom as she assumes the role of a remarkable leader and advocate for her colleagues, students, and parents. Her dedication and support have made a significant impact on the school community, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all.​​​​​​​​​​

 

JODIE SOMERS

DEAN OF STUDENTS

ART AND THEATER TEACHER

​

Jodie was born in Ohio but has been in the Charlotte area since 1987. As a teen she started working for the Town of Matthews Parks and Recreation department where she found her passion for serving families. Her passion led her to Appalachian State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management. While studying she found her faith and found a new love in ministry. Since college she served as a Children’s Pastor, found her joy in teaching art through homeschool programs and the YMCA afterschool program and served the local YMCA branches in many positions such as Birthday Party Coordinator, Facility Manager and Child Care Director. 

 

During Covid her path changed from the YMCA, to creating (along with her husband) a Youtube Channel called Squiggly Doodles. She currently calls teaching Art at Marvin Academy her “dream job” and gets excited about every art project! She loves being creative with teaching, Squiggly Doodles and writing novels, but her greatest love is her family.

LAUREN SHIRKEY

ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST

UPPER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

​

Lauren, a native of Charlotte, NC, has a strong educational background. After completing her high school education, she pursued her studies at Gardner-Webb University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2012. Following her graduation, Lauren embarked on a fulfilling career in the preschool setting, working closely with children aged from birth to 5 years old. Her dedication and commitment to education led her to join CMS (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) in 2015, where she spent five years teaching various grade levels, including 1st, 4th, and 5th grade. During her tenure at CMS, Lauren's exceptional teaching abilities were recognized, and she was selected to participate in the prestigious Teacher-Leadership Pathway program, designed for educators who have consistently made a positive impact on their students' lives.

 

Now, at Marvin Academy, Lauren continues to pursue her passion for providing every student with an inclusive, challenging, and comprehensive education, ensuring that each child has an equal opportunity to succeed.

BRITTANY NEWELL

ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR

​

Brittany Newell was born and raised in Fort Mill, SC. After graduating from high school in 2007, she decided to further her education at York Technical College. It was there that she pursued her passion for dental assisting and successfully earned a certificate in the field. For a decade, she dedicated her career to working as a Dental Assistant, allowing her to gain valuable experience working alongside doctors and establishing enduring connections with patients.

​

While Brittany initially started here at Marvin Academy as the office secretary, her enthusiasm for assisting students and families grew rapidly. She found great joy in supporting the school and took pleasure in introducing new families to our program on a daily basis. Her dedication and passion for sharing about our program is truly evident as she wholeheartedly embraces her role as admissions director.

MIKE COUTCHURE

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

​

Coach Mike has been part of the HT community for nearly 24 years, and has been working in the corporate office for the last 18 years. During that time, he has devoted countless hours to coaching and developing student-athletes, serving as a baseball and basketball coach. On the field and on the court, Mike is passionate about teaching the fundamentals of the game while also encouraging athletes to play with heart, work together as a team, and push themselves to reach their potential.

Mike believes that coaching is an opportunity to build character, resilience, and confidence that carry far beyond athletics. He is known for creating a positive, competitive, and supportive environment where players can grow in skill and in life. 

KRISTINA THIER

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

​

Kristina Thier was born and raised in New England and moved to South Carolina in 2005. After graduating from Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, she discovered her passion for helping people adopt healthy behaviors. Motivated by her newfound passion, Kristina decided to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from USC Beaufort. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, she later went on to earn a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

 

Despite her success in the mental health field, Kristina felt a calling to expand her horizons and explore new avenues of helping others. She realized that her passion for mental health could be combined with her desire to work with young individuals. With this in mind, she made the decision to enroll at UNC Charlotte, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Through her studies at UNC Charlotte, Kristina aims to gain a deeper understanding of the educational system and how she can integrate her expertise in mental health to support young students. She believes that by combining her knowledge of psychology and counseling with her desire to work with children, she can make a lasting impact on their lives.

KARALYN DOYLE

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

​

Karalyn Doyle grew up in Boca Raton, Fl. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with honors at Florida International University, she now has her sights set on pursuing a master's degree in School Counseling. Throughout her career, she has gained experience teaching a wide range of grade levels, including lower and upper elementary grades, as well as middle school math and science.

​

Karalyn Doyle's passion for education and helping students reach their full potential has been evident here at Marvin Academy. She has a strong belief in the importance of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for students to thrive academically and emotionally. In addition to her teaching experience, Karalyn has also been involved in various extracurricular activities and initiatives aimed at promoting student success and well-being. She is consistently collaborating with parents and colleagues to create a positive and inclusive school community.

EMILY BRINDLEY

PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT AND ART TEACHER

​

​

Bio Coming Soon

ERIKA HORNSBY

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

​

Erika Hornsby hails from Waxhaw, NC, where she spent her formative years. During her time in high school and college, she dedicated herself to working with young children, from infants to preschool-aged, in a daycare environment. Upon completing high school, she pursued her education at UNC Charlotte, earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2017. Following her academic achievements, Erika obtained her professional educator license and embarked on a fulfilling career teaching first grade for a span of 5 years at UCPS.

 

Her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning among children is evident in her teaching approach and commitment to education. Erika's enthusiasm for teaching shines through in her work at Marvin, where she continues to inspire and educate her students. Her passion for helping children reach their full potential is a driving force behind her teaching philosophy, making her a valued member of the educational community.

RACHAEL WICK

FIRST GRADE TEACHER

​

Rachael Wick completed her studies at John Carroll University in 2004, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Following her graduation, she made the decision to relocate from Ohio to North Carolina in order to pursue a career in teaching within the Burke County Public School System, where she dedicated 8 years of her professional life to educating students in grades 3 and 4.

 

Here at Marvin Academy, Rachael is known for her dedication to education, as well as her remarkable ability to cultivate a positive and interactive learning environment within her classroom. In recent years, she has developed a particular interest in teaching younger students in the lower elementary grades, showcasing her versatility and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her students. Rachael's exceptional skills and passion for teaching have made her an invaluable member of the Marvin Academy team, where she continues to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Her contributions to the field of education are truly commendable, and her impact on the lives of her students is immeasurable.

TIFFANY BIOLETTI

SECOND GRADE TEACHER

​

Tiffany, a proud graduate of Fort Mill High School, obtained her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Winthrop University back in 2008. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her passion for education by earning a Master's Degree in Reading and Math from Walden University in 2011. Throughout her career, Tiffany dedicated a decade to teaching in the Fort Mill Public School District, spending 8 years in 2nd grade and 2 years in 3rd grade. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she mentored numerous early childhood high school and college students by offering them part-time internships within the school system.

 

Currently, Tiffany is focused on furthering her professional development by enrolling in courses to renew her teaching certification and acquire her Read to Succeed Foundations of Reading credits. Tiffany's impact on her students goes far beyond the classroom, as she is known for her ability to connect with each child on a personal level and provide the support and encouragement they need to succeed. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and dedication to her students exemplify her commitment to the field of education.

CHRISTINA JONES

THIRD GRADE TEACHER

​

Tina's upbringing took place in Maryland, but she made the decision to relocate to North Carolina in order to pursue her undergraduate studies at Johnson and Wales. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with children, prompting her to further her education and obtain her teaching license. Tina has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the teaching profession and has found immense joy in being in the classroom. With a total of 5 years of teaching experience under her belt, primarily in second grade, she made the transition to teaching third grade. 

​

Tina's teaching style is characterized by her creativity, patience, and dedication to each individual student. She goes above and beyond to create engaging lesson plans and activities that cater to different learning styles, ensuring that every child in her classroom has the opportunity to succeed. Her warm and nurturing demeanor creates a safe and welcoming environment for her students to learn and grow.

CATHY COHN

FOURTH GRADE TEACHER

​

Cathy graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Her experience spans across both Private and Public Schools, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on different educational settings. In her pursuit of continuous learning and professional development, Cathy obtained certification in the Teaching of Gifted and Talented Students. Additionally, she took on the role of Grade Level Coordinator, demonstrating her leadership skills and dedication to enhancing the educational experience for students. 

 

Her multifaceted background has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that exist in different educational settings. She understands the importance of tailoring her teaching approach to meet the specific needs of each student. This adaptability has made her a highly effective educator, capable of reaching and inspiring students from diverse backgrounds. Beyond her work in education, Cathy also serves as Secretary of the local Harley Owners Group and is actively involved in several major charities. 

ERIN KNOWLES

LOWER MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE AND 

SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

​

Erin Knowles was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She began her academic journey at CPCC before transferring to Catawba College, where she successfully earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. With more than a decade of experience in working with children within a professional capacity, Erin's journey began as a teacher in childcare facilities, progressing to an administrative role before assuming the position of curriculum coordinator at her former workplace. As curriculum coordinator, she was responsible for developing and implementing educational programs that aligned with the center's philosophy and goals.

 

Erin's educational background, combined with her extensive experience and genuine love for children, make her a valuable asset to Marvin Academy. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in Early Childhood Education, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the learning experiences of the children under her care. She considers herself incredibly fortunate to be a member of the Marvin Academy team, where she continues to positively impact the lives of young learners.

MIRIAM FRANKLIN

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA TEACHER

​

Miriam Franklin boasts an extensive teaching career spanning more than two decades, catering to students from 3rd to 8th grade. Her primary area of expertise lies in the realm of reading and writing instruction. With an unwavering passion for children's literature, she has established herself as a seasoned authority in the field. Additionally, Miriam is a celebrated author, having successfully published a trilogy of captivating middle-grade novels. Her literary contributions include the titles "Extraordinary," "Call Me Sunflower," and "Emily Out of Focus."

​

Miriam's dedication to education and literature shines through in her work both in the classroom and on the page. As a teacher, she has honed her craft over the years, developing innovative and engaging methods to help students improve their reading and writing skills. Her ability to connect with young learners and inspire a love of literature is evident in the success of her students.

SERENA QUINN

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER

​

Serena Quinn is the secondary ELA teacher at Marvin Academy, teaching grades 7–12. Her career in education began in 2016 in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a paraprofessional in a middle school reading intervention classroom, where she discovered her passion for teaching and later became a certified educator.

Her teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are and guiding them to grow in literacy, confidence, and character. She fosters a classroom environment where student voices matter, encouraging dialogue, curiosity, and perseverance.

Serena joined Marvin Academy after being recommended by a former student’s parent and values being part of a small, Christ-centered school dedicated to both academic and spiritual growth. She especially enjoys teaching students over multiple years and building lasting relationships with families.

Outside of school, Serena loves cooking, relaxing at the beach, spending time with her husband, three grown children, and ten grandchildren, and playing Xbox with her grandkids. Originally from the Virgin Islands, she and her family have made their home in Waxhaw, North Carolina since 2020.

CARA SAMPSON

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

​

Originally from San Diego, California, Cara discovered a passion for teaching early on. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from San Diego State University, where she built a strong foundation for a career in education. After graduating, she began teaching 3rd grade at City Tree Christian School where she also enjoyed coaching their middle school boys' basketball team.

 

In 2018, Cara's family relocated to Waxhaw, North Carolina. While

 staying home with her two children, she continued to share her love of learning by teaching English as a Second Language virtually up until she had her third child. 

 

Now that all three of her children are in school, Cara is thrilled to return to the classroom as a teacher at Marvin Academy Christian. Alongside her teaching, she actively supports youth sports in her community by coaching both baseball and volleyball. 

 

Dedicated to her faith, family, and education, Cara strives to inspire students both in and out of the classroom. 

JAMES BELICH

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL PE TEACHER

​

Coach James has been dedicated to coaching youth sports for over five years, bringing energy, positivity, and a love for movement to every class. With a passion for helping students build confidence and teamwork skills, he creates a fun and encouraging environment where every student feels motivated to succeed. Whether he’s leading a game, teaching a new skill, or cheering from the sidelines, Coach James is committed to helping students develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. His enthusiasm and upbeat attitude inspire students to give their best effort—both on and off the field.

JAYMI MAUL

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

​

Jaymi Maul is passionate about both faith and science and brings that enthusiasm into the classroom each day. Holding a degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Education from the University of Kentucky, she has devoted her career to helping children discover the beauty and complexity of the world God created.

For the past 25 years, she has shared life’s journey with her college sweetheart, Mike, and together they are blessed with two sons who are now pursuing their own college paths. Whether in the lab or the classroom, she finds great joy in sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity, and encouraging students to recognize God’s hand in the intricate details revealed through the lens of science.

DARIN MARTIN

HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVE TEACHER

​

Darin was born in Loveland, Colorado, and raised on the northside of Houston, Texas. Before entering the field of education, he served eight years in the United States Marine Corps and went on to build more than two decades of real-world business experience. He is a graduate of Liberty University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Developmental Psychology and Family Systems.

 

Darin has also completed professional development through certificate programs at Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Cornell universities, with studies in mediation and conflict management, AI and prompt engineering, business contracts law, and negotiation mastery.

​

Beyond his professional work, Darin volunteers as a youth softball coach with WCWAA and as a basketball coach for adults with special needs at Take On Sports.

JACKIE SHAW

HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER

​

Jackie is a native of Panama and brings her love of language and learning to the classroom. She serves alongside her husband, who is the pastor at Bethany Church in Weddington, NC. In this season, her ministry centers on prayer and counseling, drawing deeply from her training in issue-focused counseling through Restoring the Foundations (RTF) and Theophostic ministry training. She is passionate about teaching a variety of classes at her church, mentoring younger women as they grow in faith and wisdom, and has frequently shared her insights as a guest speaker for women’s groups. These roles complement her dedication to nurturing and supporting others, both in academic and spiritual settings.

With a love for language education and a deep appreciation for Hispanic cultures, Jackie brings energy and skill to the classroom. She offers years of classroom experience teaching English as a second language to non-native learners and can apply the skills acquired through these experiences to her Spanish class. She is committed to creating an engaging and supportive environment for all learners. Her lessons blend language fundamentals with real-world applications, helping students build a strong foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Dedicated to every student's success, she strives to make language learning both fun and meaningful. 

SHARON CASKEY

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER

​

Sharon Caskey grew up in Fort Mill, SC and has been living in the Waxhaw area for the past 15 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and geography in Secondary Education from Winthrop University in 2002. Sharon is honored to be teaching middle and high school history at Marvin Academy Christian School. She is passionate about helping students understand the past so they can better navigate the present and future. She strives to bring history to life in the classroom by encouraging critical thinking, discussion, and connection to real-world events.

​

Outside the classroom, Sharon is a proud wife and mother to her wonderful children. Her family also includes three dogs and two cats—she is a big animal lover! Whether Sharon is spending time with her loved ones or caring for her pets, she believes in creating a home (and classroom) full of love, learning, and purpose.

BRYAN SOMERS

HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVE TEACHER

​

Bryan was born and raised in Denver, NC. He grew up with a passion for sports, his faith and ministry (as his parents are missionaries.) Bryan enjoyed learning and experiencing many cultures as well as pursuing his creative side. He discovered a passion for Graphic Design which led him to pursue his degree in Printing Production and Imaging Technology from Chowan University. 

After college he started a career as a graphic designer, and started his own Graphic design business but was always mission minded. He pursued ministry and traveled to several countries but found a connection with the

latin culture of Argentina.

​

He currently teaches High School Spanish at Marvin academy where he not only wants to teach the language but wants to immerse his students in the latin culture. He is the National Marketing Director for Collegiate Housing Services and also finds time to create art videos on his Youtube channel called Squiggly Doodles with his wife Jodie. He enjoys travel, spending time with his family and anything food related.

KRISTINE MORGAN

ALL GRADES MUSIC & BIBLE TEACHER

​

Kristine Morgan grew up in Northern Virginia. After graduating from high school, she moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, to attend Lee University. There, she studied Music, with a minor in English and Bible, and began a journey that would shape her life and ministry. During her college years, she traveled and performed across the U.S., Europe, and other countries, honing her skills as a vocalist and pianist and most importantly, met her husband!

​

With decades of experience leading worship, she has directed numerous ensembles and choirs and has also recorded professionally. She has been a private music instructor and has served as Worship & Creative Arts Director at Christ Fellowship Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where her husband pastors. Together, they have been in ministry for over 30 years, sharing a passion for teaching the truth of God's Word while finding joy in loving and serving people.

​

At Marvin Academy, she is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten through 8th-grade Music and Bible classes. She loves teaching the truths in God’s Word and believes deeply in the power of music to speak when words fail, often expressing what our hearts cannot.

​

Kristine and her husband have three beautiful children, an amazing son-in-law, and are now blessed with two grandchildren. In addition to her roles as teacher and worship leader, she is a conference speaker, advisor, and community leader. Yet, her greatest joy comes from being “Mom” and “Grammie."