A Message from our Principal
I believe ALL children can grow and deserve adults to believe in them and hone in on their strengths to see the amazing things they can do in life.
Meet our Administrative Team
Principal
Meet Jennifer Stodden, MA, NBCT, Principal
Joined Team CCS - August 2005
Experience
I began my second career as a 6th-grade teacher at Blackburn Elementary. In 2014 I began my administration path at Arndt Middle School where I've spent eight years growing and learning as a school leader and instructional coach. I am excited to have returned to elementary school where I began my teaching career.
Education
2005 College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York: BS in Elementary Education and Middle Grades.
2013 Graduate of Western Carolina, MSA.
Why I Became an Educator
I want to make a difference in children's lives. I believe ALL children can grow and deserve adults to believe in them and hone in on their strengths to see the amazing things they can do in life. Being an educator and working with students just makes me happy. I find joy in listening to their laughs, having fun learning, and growing relationships.
Something Unique About Me
I'm a Finlander and I love saunas...the hotter the better.
Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I'm a proud mom of three amazing daughters. I've been married for 33 years to my best friend.
The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.– Dr. Seuss
Assistant Principal
Meet Grace Ann S. Sevier, MA, PMC, NBCT, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - July 2008
Experience
I have worked in public education for 22 years in the Catawba County and Iredell/Statesville School Systems. I have spent two years as an elementary school counselor, ten years as a middle school counselor, and ten years as an elementary assistant principal. In 2010, I earned my National Board Certification in School Counseling and and renewed this certification through NBPTS in 2019. I was named as Catawba County School's Secondary Counselor of the Year in 2012/2013, North Carolina Middle School Counselor in 2012/2013, and Catawba County School's Assistant Principal of the Year in 2023.
Education
B.A. Psychology & Human/Community Services - Lenoir-Rhyne College
M.A. Community/Agency Counseling (w/School Counseling Licensure) - Lenoir-Rhyne College
Post Master's Certificate in Advanced School Counseling - University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School Administration Add-on Licensure - Appalachian State University
Why I Became an Educator
My family influenced me to give back to my community by joining a helping profession, and my high school counselor was a major influence in helping me sort out options in the field of education. While I was in graduate school, my advisor and professor geared me toward school counseling.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
As a young child and into adulthood, I have loved enjoying time on Lookout Shoals Lake or, as everyone in Catawba County knows it by, Lake Lookout. From lazy days on a boat, to fishing or kayaking, Lake Lookout is a hidden gem in Catawba County.
As a CCS alumni, I valued the education I was provided and wanted to give back to my community. Joining Catawba County Schools has allowed me to return the favor and invest in my community by helping shape young men and women into productive citizens.
Meet our Office Staff
Secretary
Meet Tammie Marley, Secretary
Joined Team CCS - 1998
Experience
I have served as a Teacher Assistant, Office Assistant, Bus Driver, and Secretary
Education
Fred T Foard, CVCC
Why I Joined Education
I got into education because I had already been an assistant director of a daycare facility in the past and liked working around kids, but office work was my first job choice. The combination of office/kids in a school setting was perfect.
I had worked in grocery and had been an assistant manager trainee, while working in the customer service office helping out in combination with being a dairy/frozen food manager for years. Until Super K went out of business, I was their dairy/frozen manager too and seafood manager. I even won a corporate contest for creative display using ice to sculpture a scene with seafood! I had also worked in the cash office as the office manager when Walmart first came to Hickory and was located where Hamrick's is. Again, this wasn't first shift and became hectic with a swing shift and young kids. I loved the office setting there as well. A couple other retail experiences including an asst. bookkeeper while going to high school. I worked 32 hours a week and while attending school when I was 18 years old.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is at home with my dogs and grandkids.
Data Manager
Meet Cindy Bumgarner, Data Manager
Joined Team CCS - March 1999
Experience
Member CCAEOP, Notary Public
Education
AAS Accounting & AAS Business Administration from CVCC
Why I Joined Education
I joined Catawba County Schools so I could work in the school system and be off when my girls were out of school. Plus being an Elementary Data Manager, I was able to have my summer off and be home with my girls as well.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is my deck. It’s peaceful and relaxing.
School Nurse
Rebekah Herndon
School Nurse, Startown Elementary School
At Startown on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Meet Rebekah Herndon, School Nurse
Joined Team CCS- 2022
Experience
I have been a nurse for six years, with experience in Hospice, Step-Down ICU, and Medical-Surgical units.
Education
I received my BSN from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, where I am originally from.
Why I Joined Education
I have always wanted to work with kids, and school nursing was the perfect opportunity! It gives me the chance to impact a lot of kids on a day-to-day basis and help improve the health of my community as a whole.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I love to be in the woods on the hiking trails around Lake James.