Area: Middle School

Mrs. Ashley was awarded  a B.A. from Butler University’s Department of Education in History and a minor in English Literature. She has over fifteen years teaching experience.

Mrs. Ashley’s Favorite Things

Mrs. Ballew has more than 10 years of teaching experience in middle and high school Social Studies. She has taught both CP and AP level classes in public school systems in Tennessee and in the Cumberland County School System. She has a B.A. in Social Studies obtaining a major in Geography with minors in History and Business, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee. Currently, Mrs. Ballew teaches AP Modern History and Geography.

Mrs. Ballew’s Favorite Things

Dr. Barger attained her Ph.D. in English Education from University at Buffalo SUNY. Her specialty is teaching Shakespeare, but she loves to tackle many other forms of literature and poetry in ways that engage her students in the text with as much excitement as possible. She earned her master’s degree in English from Belmont University and bachelor’s degree in Literature from Eckerd College. She’s taught at both the college and secondary levels, but thinks middle school and high school are more fun and rewarding because they don’t yet have a fear and loathing of Shakespeare, poetry, or literature in general that many college freshmen have going into English 101. “If I can teach a student to genuinely love to explore a text, then I’ve helped begin building a bridge to their future education,” Dr. Barger says.

She comes to us from Tennessee with her dogs, Beowulf and Andy, as well as her cat, Friar Tuck, and turtle, Murphy. 

“Lord, we know what we are but know not what we may be.” Ophelia, Hamlet 4.5

Dr. Barger’s Favorite Things

After teaching six years in China, Ms. Brockington returned home to Fayetteville and is joining our science department. She has her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pembroke and teaches Physical Science, Astronomy, and Environmental Science.

Amanda DeForge is Fayetteville Academy’s Pre-Algebra and Algebra teacher. She graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University with a B.A. in Mathematics and then went on to earn a M.S. in Education from Walden University. She has had experience teaching in brick-and-mortar schools, an online school, tutoring, coaching, and homeschooling her own three children for several years. Outside of school, Amanda likes to read and spend time outdoors with her family. 

Mrs. Dennison previously worked at the Academy in the admissions and business offices and as an English and Journalism teacher. She spent 13 years as an Assistant Principal in the Cumberland County School System. Mrs. Dennison has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Methodist University and an master’s degree in School Administration from the University of Phoenix.  She also holds a Professional Educator’s license as a K-12 Principal. Mrs. Dennison’s husband, Kevin, also works at F.A. as the director of facilities, varsity track and field coach and the varsity girls’ basketball coach.

Mrs. Dennison’s Favorite Things

Ms. Domguia has an associate’s degree in English from BYU Idaho, a bachelor’s degree in applied linguistics and a master’s degree in applied linguistics, both from the University of Utah. She also has a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification from the University of Utah. Ms. Domguia has spent approximately ten years in various roles in education including time as an ESL teacher in Utah and Georgia, a college professor in South Korea, a writing instructor and curriculum developer in Hawaii, and a course writer and literacy coordinator in Alberta, Canada.

Mrs. Domguia’s Favorite Things

An experienced science and STEAM teacher, Schyler Garrett joined Fayetteville Academy faculty as the new Upper School STEAM Facilitator.  She attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education where she specialized in math and science.  During her career, Schyler has also obtained her Masters in Teaching and earned a certification in Project Based Learning. 

Mrs. Harmon is originally from Germany where she met her husband while he was stationed there. She earned her bachelor’s degree in European History and master’s degree in History from the University of Mannheim. She then spent four more semesters studying Latin at the University of Heidelberg. Mrs. Harmon also has her certification to teach German as a foreign language. She has three children and a spoiled dog named Toby. Mrs. Harmon enjoys spending time with her family, has a passion for traveling, and loves to work out and dance.

Mrs. Harmon’s Favorite Things

A North Carolina native, Zachary holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Methodist University.  While there, he taught music at all levels and performed extensively on his primary instrument, the bassoon.  Zachary also continues to perform as a member of the Fayetteville Symphonic Band.  Zachary teaches all levels of band at Fayetteville Academy.

Mrs. Manley has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has worked previously as an applied behavior analysis technician. She has been a very active and involved participant throughout her time at the Academy having served as a regular substitute teacher and in several positions of leadership with the Fayetteville Academy Parents Association, serving most recently as president. Mrs. Manley and her husband Jason have a daughter Alexa who is currently at student at FA.

Mrs. Mayville is originally from Peru.  Monica earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Florida State University and her Master of Arts degree in Romance Languages from the University of New Orleans. She currently teaches Spanish courses at Fayetteville State University.  An avid traveler, Monica loves to bring her courses to life by incorporating her experiences in various countries into the curriculum.

Ms. Nelson has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alcorn State University and is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. student at Northwestern University. Ms. Nelson has completed research activities at both of those schools as well as at M.I.T. She won several impressive awards while a student at Alcorn State, and she served for two years as a chemistry tutor while there.

Mr. Jonathan Quiery received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the College of Wooster.  After several years in Zambia working as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Jonathan earned a Master of Arts in ancient Greek and Roman studies from Brandeis University (2016) and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Archaeology from Durham University.  Jonathan has worked on numerous archaeological excavations during his graduate career, including sites in Romania, Israel, and England.  Jonathan teaches the 8th Grade Geography and 9th Grade Ancient Civilizations courses at Fayetteville Academy.

Donna Jo Severt, Director of Choral Music and Music Teacher, has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Campbell University. She is a national board-certified teacher in early and middle childhood music. A lifelong resident of Cumberland County, Mrs. Severt is recently retired from Cumberland County Schools where she most recently taught at Max Abbott Middle School and Terry Sanford High School. She is a member of the Cumberland Choral Arts and the Cross Creek Chorale. She serves as the artistic director of the Campbellton Youth Chorus.

Mrs. Mangus’s Favorite Things

Mrs. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from Methodist University. She has served the Academy since 1990.

Mrs. Smith’s Favorite Things

Mr. Southerland received his bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University. He spent thirteen years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a pilot, a crew chief, and a squadron commander, among many other duties. After his time in the Air Force, he served briefly as a commercial pilot for ACJet Airlines. In 2000, Mr. Southerland decided to enter the field of education, and he has spent the last 21 years as a highly regarded math teacher, most recently in the Cumberland County School System.

Mr. Southerland’s Favorite Things

Mrs. Stanbridge received a bachelor’s degree in Intermediate Education with a concentration in math and a master’s in Intermediate Education from Fayetteville State University.  She has 45 years of teaching experience in grades 4-8 in both public and private schools in Cumberland County. She taught 4th grade at Fayetteville Academy for seven years after retiring from the public school system and returned to the Academy in 2017 to teach mathematics and science in the Middle School. 

Mrs. Stanbridge’s Favorite Things

Ms. Terry has bachelor’s degrees in both Marine Science and Meteorology as well as a master’s degree in Meteorology from N.C. State University. She taught various courses including chemistry, biology, geoscience, and AP Environmental Science in her three years at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. She also has spent time as a Middle School math teacher as well an ESL teacher. Ms. Terry has several hobbies and areas of interest, including scuba diving, and she holds several advanced certifications in that area. 

Ms. Terry’s Favorite Things