Cumberland County Christian School

A VETERAN IN EC LEADERSHIP HAS LANDED!

We previously introduced Ms. Pamela Mintor Jackson as a member of our leadership team. Today, we are honored to reintroduce her and officially announce her appointment as Director of Exceptional Children for Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond The Spectrum Institute!

Ms. Jackson is not new to EC leadership. She brings more than four decades of experience serving students, families, educators, and school communities across Cumberland, Northampton, and Harnett counties.

As the former Director of Exceptional Children Programs for Harnett County Schools, she provided leadership across 27 schools, supporting approximately 2,400 EC students, overseeing 200 certified and non-certified staff members, and managing federal, state, and local funding.

She also served as the Director of Exceptional Children Programs for Northampton County Schools, where she led programming for 336 EC students, supervised approximately 50 staff members, maintained federal and state compliance, strengthened instructional systems, and recruited educators for a high-needs school district.

Ms. Jackson possesses extensive expertise in IEP development, ECATS documentation, federal and state child counts, compliance monitoring, staff development, curriculum design, budgeting, and family advocacy.

Ms. Jackson holds a Master of School Administration from Fayetteville State University and is professionally licensed in Exceptional Children Program Administration, School Administration, Elementary Education, and middle grades Language Arts.

Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute are honored to welcome the extraordinary depth of knowledge, experience, and student-centered leadership Ms. Jackson brings to our Exceptional Children Department.

Please join us in officially welcoming and congratulating Ms. Pamela Jackson, our new Director of Exceptional Children!

LEADERSHIP. SERVICE. EXCELLENCE.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, MRS. PATTI WHITTED!

At Cumberland County Christian School, we believe great schools are built by exceptional leaders who inspire excellence, lead with integrity, and are committed to developing both students and educators. That is why we are proud to welcome Mrs. Patti Whitted to our Executive Leadership Team as Assistant Principal and High School English Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year.

Mrs. Whitted brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership, educational excellence, and public service to Cumberland County Christian School. A retired United States Army First Sergeant, veteran educator, school administrator, and ordained minister, she has dedicated her career to leading organizations, mentoring others, and creating opportunities that empower individuals to reach their highest potential.

Throughout her educational career, Mrs. Whitted has served as an Assistant Principal, High School Lead Teacher, Exceptional Children's Teacher, Program Coordinator, and instructional leader, consistently demonstrating a passion for academic excellence, student achievement, and teacher development. Her experience spans classroom instruction, school leadership, program design, curriculum implementation, and educational innovation, making her a tremendous asset to our leadership team.

As Assistant Principal, Mrs. Whitted will provide instructional leadership, support teacher growth and professional development, strengthen school culture, assist with school operations, promote student achievement, and collaborate closely with families and staff to ensure every student is positioned for success. Her leadership will play a vital role in advancing our mission of providing an exceptional educational experience built on excellence, accountability, and high expectations.

In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Mrs. Whitted will also serve as our High School English Teacher, where she will cultivate a love for literature, strengthen students' communication and analytical skills, and prepare them to become confident writers, effective communicators, and critical thinkers equipped for college, career, and life.

Mrs. Whitted is widely respected for her servant leadership, unwavering integrity, and ability to inspire those around her to pursue excellence. Whether leading soldiers, mentoring educators, or encouraging students, she leads with wisdom, compassion, discipline, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every individual she serves.

As Cumberland County Christian School continues to grow, we remain committed to surrounding our students, families, and faculty with visionary leaders whose experience and passion elevate every aspect of our school community. Mrs. Whitted's remarkable background in leadership, education, and service will undoubtedly strengthen our school and help shape the next generation of leaders.

Please join us in giving a warm Cumberland County Christian School welcome to Mrs. Patti Whitted! We are excited for the leadership, wisdom, and lasting impact she will bring to our students, faculty, and school community.

Welcome to the CCCS Family, Mrs. Whitted!

EXPERIENCE. COMPASSION. EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Michelle Weaks to the Cumberland County Christian School family as one of our Exceptional Children's (EC) Teachers.

Ms. Weaks brings more than two decades of experience in education, having faithfully served students and families throughout Robeson, Hoke, and Cumberland Counties.
Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for building meaningful relationships, fostering inclusive learning environments, and helping students achieve success through individualized instruction and compassionate support.

Most recently, Ms. Weaks served as an Exceptional Learner Education Specialist with Cumberland County Schools, where she specialized in supporting elementary students with Autism. In this role, she implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborated with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction, and utilized evidence-based practices to meet the unique academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of exceptional learners.

Her commitment to meeting each child where they are has helped students build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and experience meaningful academic growth. In addition to her extensive classroom experience, Ms. Weaks brings a strong background in educational administration and organizational leadership. Her previous experience as an Administrative Assistant, has equipped her with exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills that further enhance her ability to collaborate effectively with families, colleagues, and school leadership.

Ms. Weaks is passionate about creating classrooms where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Her patient, nurturing approach, combined with her dedication to educational excellence, makes her a tremendous asset to our Exceptional Children's Department.

As Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute continue to expand its commitment to providing high-quality, individualized educational opportunities for every learner, we are excited to welcome Ms. Weaks to our team. We are confident that her experience, expertise, and heart for children will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students, families, and school community.

Please join us in giving Ms. Michelle Weaks a warm Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute welcome.

Welcome to the CCCS family, Ms. Weaks! We are honored to have you join our mission of educating, inspiring, and empowering every student to reach their God-given potential.

YEAR THREE. ROOTED IN PURPOSE. COMMITTED TO IMPACT.

Some educators simply enter a classroom.

Others become part of its foundation.

As Ms. Shanice Horne enters her third year with our school community and her second consecutive year as a Middle School Teacher at Cumberland County Christian School, we are proud to celebrate an educator whose dedication, consistency, and genuine heart for students continue to make a meaningful difference.

Ms. Horne began her journey with our organization at Beyond the Spectrum Institute, where she served students with diverse learning needs with patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. During her second year, she joined the Cumberland County Christian School campus as a Middle School Teacher and quickly became an important part of the academic and personal growth of our students.

Now, as she enters Year Three with our school community and continues serving in the CCCS middle school classroom, she does so with an unwavering commitment to excellence, a passion for student success, and a continued dedication to helping every scholar grow academically, personally, and with confidence.

A graduate of Fayetteville State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Ms. Horne brings knowledge, purpose, and a nurturing presence into every space she enters. She understands that middle school students need more than instruction. They need structure, encouragement, accountability, and educators who refuse to give up on them.

Ms. Horne has continued to demonstrate her ability to connect with students, support their individual needs, and create a classroom environment where they are encouraged to think critically, grow confidently, and pursue excellence.

Her return represents more than another school year.

It represents consistency.
It represents commitment.
It represents the lasting impact of an educator who continues to show up, pour into students, and strengthen the culture of Cumberland County Christian School.

Please join us in celebrating Ms. Shanice Horne as she enters Year Three and continues serving as a valued member of our CCCS middle school team.

Year Three. Same Assignment. Deeper Roots. Greater Impact.
Welcome back, Ms. Horne. We are grateful for your continued commitment and excited for all that this year will bring.

YEAR THREE. PROVEN EXCELLENCE. LASTING IMPACT.

The strength of a school is never determined by the size of its building. It is determined by the quality of the educators who walk its halls each day.

As Mr. Munya Mugurungi returns for Year Three at Cumberland County Christian School, we proudly celebrate an educator whose consistency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success have become an integral part of who we are.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Mr. Munya received his early education through the internationally respected Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level system at Lomagundi College, where he developed the strong academic foundation and disciplined work ethic that continue to define his approach to education today. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Limestone University before completing his Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Integration from Saint Leo University, bringing together analytical precision, strategic thinking, and a global perspective that enriches every classroom he leads.

While his academic credentials are impressive, it is his character that leaves the greatest impression.

Over the past two years, Mr. Munya has become a trusted mentor, respected educator, and steady source of encouragement for our students. He possesses a unique ability to challenge students academically while making them feel supported, valued, and capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. His classroom is built on high expectations, mutual respect, and the belief that every student has the potential to succeed.

Students thrive under his leadership because they know he genuinely cares not only about their grades, but about their growth as individuals. His demeanor, patience, and unwavering consistency have helped cultivate confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for learning in countless students.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Munya has become a trusted and respected presence within our school community. His humility, professionalism, and willingness to serve wherever needed reflect the very heart of servant leadership. He leads by example, invests in people, and consistently contributes to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth.

Mr. Munya, thank you for the unwavering dedication, compassion, and excellence you bring to our students each day. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom, and we are honored that you continue to call CCCS home.

Welcome back for Year Three.

The standard continues to rise because educators like you choose to lead with excellence every single day.

EXPERIENCE. INTERVENTION. STUDENT SUCCESS.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, MS. TEKELA WILLIAMS!

At Cumberland County Christian School, we believe that every student deserves educators who recognize potential, close learning gaps, and inspire confidence. That is why we are excited to welcome Ms. Williams to our school family as our Intervention, Remediation & Student Support Specialist for the 2026–2027 school year.

Ms. Williams brings more than a decade of experience serving students across Cumberland County and charter education, where she has built a reputation for helping students overcome academic challenges while fostering confidence, growth, and achievement. Her background in elementary education, MTSS, Exceptional Children support, and targeted remediation equips her with the knowledge and instructional expertise to meet students exactly where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.

Throughout her career, Ms. Williams has served as a classroom teacher across multiple grade levels, Grade Level Chair, MTSS and Exceptional Children Co-Op Teacher, School Improvement Team member, and Remediation Tutor. Her ability to analyze student needs, implement targeted interventions, and build meaningful relationships with students and families has made her a trusted advocate for academic success.

In her role as Intervention, Remediation & Student Support Specialist, Mrs. Williams will work closely with students who need additional academic support, providing targeted interventions in reading and mathematics, monitoring student progress, collaborating with teachers to implement evidence-based instructional strategies, and helping ensure every student receives the support necessary to achieve continued academic growth.

Ms. Williams earned her Bachelor's degree from Fayetteville State University and brings with her a heart for service, a passion for helping children succeed, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Please join us in giving Ms. Tekela Williams a warm Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute welcome!

We are honored to have her join our team and look forward to the lasting impact she will make in the lives of our students and school community.

COMMITTED. EXPERIENCE. EXCELLENCE.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, MS. PAMELA JACKSON!

At Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute, we believe exceptional schools are built by exceptional leaders. That is why we are honored to welcome Ms. Pamela Jackson as our Educational Consultant Specialist for the 2026–2027 school year.

Ms. Jackson brings more than three decades of educational experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, district leadership, curriculum development, instructional coaching, and Exceptional Children services. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as an Assistant Principal, Director of Exceptional Children Programs, Title I Lead Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, and Educational Leader across multiple North Carolina school districts.

In her new role, Ms. Jackson will serve as our Educational Consultant Specialist, where she will conduct classroom observations, provide instructional coaching and feedback to teachers, support school leaders, strengthen instructional practices, mentor educators, and assist in ensuring that teaching and learning remain aligned with the highest standards of excellence.

Her expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, teacher development, educational compliance, data-driven decision-making, and school improvement has impacted thousands of students and hundreds of educators throughout North Carolina.

Ms. Jackson is known for her unwavering commitment to educational excellence, her passion for developing teachers, and her belief that every child deserves access to high-quality instruction delivered by highly effective educators. Her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, continuous growth, and creating systems that empower both teachers and students to reach their fullest potential.

As our schools continue to grow, we remain committed to surrounding our students, families, and staff with visionary leaders who inspire excellence at every level. Ms. Jackson's wisdom, experience, and servant leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our instructional program and help ensure that every classroom reflects the standard of excellence our families have come to expect.

Please join us in giving a warm Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute welcome to Ms. Pamela Jackson! We are excited for the expertise, leadership, and lasting impact she will bring to our school community.

YEAR ELEVEN. STEADFAST SERVICE. LASTING IMPACT.

The heart of a school is built through relationships.

And for more than a decade, Ms. Leah Le'Gette has been building them one student at a time.

As Ms. Leah Le'Gette begins her 11th year at Cumberland County Christian School and her 18th year in education, she continues to serve our school community with compassion, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to helping every child reach their fullest potential.

This year, Ms. Le'Gette will continue serving as Assistant Principal, while also leading Bridging the Gap, our initiative dedicated to providing meaningful support for Exceptional Children through individualized instruction, collaboration with families, and student-centered educational practices.

Last school year, Ms. Le'Gette introduced Art Therapy experiences to our students, bringing a creative and therapeutic approach to learning that encouraged self-expression, confidence, emotional growth, and connection. As a Certified Art Therapist, she understands that learning extends beyond academics, and she continues to create opportunities that nurture the whole child.

Throughout her career, Ms. Le'Gette has remained committed to meeting students where they are while encouraging them to discover where they can go. Her calm presence, encouraging spirit, and genuine love for children have made her a trusted educator for countless students and families over the years.

She encourages with compassion.
She leads with consistency.
She serves with purpose.

Whether she is supporting teachers, partnering with families, or celebrating student success, Ms. Le'Gette approaches every opportunity with the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

At Cumberland County Christian School, we are grateful for leaders whose faithfulness is reflected in the lives they touch each day. Ms. Leah Le'Gette's dedication, creativity, and servant's heart continue to make a lasting impact on our students, our staff, and our school community.

Please join us in celebrating Ms. Leah Le'Gette as she begins another incredible year of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students and families of Cumberland County Christian School.

YEAR TWO. A REMARKABLE JOURNEY. A WELL-EARNED HONOR

SOMETIMES ALL IT TAKES IS ONE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.

When Mrs. LaTonya McDougald accepted a position as an Academic Support Interventionist at Cumberland County Christian School, no one could have predicted that her journey would take an extraordinary turn before her first day in that role ever began.

During professional development, Ms. McDougald was invited to teach a mock lesson. What happened next changed everything.
Within moments, it became evident that she possessed something special, a natural ability to engage students, command a classroom, deliver meaningful instruction, and create an environment where learning came alive. Her passion for teaching, confidence in the classroom, and instructional expertise were impossible to overlook.

Rather than beginning the school year as originally planned, Ms. McDougald was immediately offered the opportunity to become our Kindergarten Teacher.

She embraced the challenge.

And she exceeded every expectation.

From the very beginning of the school year, her classroom became a place where young learners flourished. By the time first-quarter report cards were distributed, her kindergarten students were already reading, building strong foundational skills, and achieving academic milestones that reflected the intentional instruction taking place in her classroom each day.
Her students weren't simply making progress.

They were thriving.

Her commitment to excellence, unwavering belief in her students, and ability to cultivate both confidence and achievement created a classroom culture that quickly became a reflection of the educator she is.

Then came one of the highest honors our school can bestow.
At the conclusion of her very first year in the classroom at Cumberland County Christian School, Ms. McDougald was named our 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year.

That recognition wasn't earned because of one lesson. It wasn't earned because of one successful classroom observation.
It was earned through an entire year of showing up prepared, believing in children before they believed in themselves, and demonstrating that excellence is not an event, it's a daily commitment.

Mrs. McDougald's story is a reminder that sometimes the opportunity you thought you were accepting isn't the opportunity God was preparing you for.

Sometimes one moment...
One lesson...
One "yes"...
Can change the trajectory of an entire career.

Please join us in celebrating Mrs. LaTonya McDougald as she returns for another year of inspiring young minds, serving families with excellence, and continuing the incredible work that earned her the title of Cumberland County Christian School's Teacher of the Year.

Talent may open the door.

Excellence is what keeps it open.

Congratulations, Mrs. McDougald! 💛🖤

YEAR TWO. GREATER PURPOSE. LASTING IMPACT.

The strength of a school is never measured by its buildings.

It's measured by the leaders who walk its halls every day.

As Mrs. Benita Scriven Tillman returns for her second year with Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute, she continues to strengthen the instructional foundation of our schools through her wisdom, experience, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

This year, Mrs. Tillman will serve as our Executive Director of Instruction & School Improvement, where she will lead initiatives focused on strengthening instructional practices, conducting classroom observations, mentoring educators, coaching instructional leaders, and advancing continuous school improvement across both Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute.

She will also play a pivotal role in the development of our Principal Elect, providing leadership coaching, mentorship, and practical guidance as we continue preparing the next generation of school leadership. Her decades of experience in educational administration make her uniquely qualified to develop not only exceptional teachers but also exceptional leaders.

With more than 40 years of distinguished service in education, Mrs. Tillman has devoted her career to helping schools grow by investing in the people who make them successful. From classroom teacher and Exceptional Children leader to Principal, Curriculum Specialist, District Administrator, and University Program Director, she has served with one unwavering mission: ensuring that every child has access to high-quality instruction and every educator has the support needed to reach their fullest potential.

Mrs. Tillman holds a Master of School Administration with a concentration in Curriculum and Instructional Supervision from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a Master of Arts in Education from Fayetteville State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University. She is licensed in School Administration (K–12), Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Children (EC), and Curriculum & Instruction.

While her credentials are impressive, it is her leadership that leaves the greatest impression.

She leads with wisdom.
She mentors with grace.
She coaches with purpose.
She challenges educators to grow while creating an environment where excellence is expected, accountability is embraced, and students remain at the center of every decision.

Mrs. Tillman understands that meaningful school improvement doesn't begin with programs.

It begins with people.

As Executive Director of Instruction & School Improvement, she will continue partnering with teachers, instructional staff, and school leadership to cultivate classrooms where excellence is intentional, instructional quality is uncompromising, and every student is allowed to thrive.

At Cumberland County Christian School and Beyond the Spectrum Institute, we are incredibly grateful for leaders whose influence extends far beyond a single classroom or department. Mrs. Tillman's legacy of service, leadership, and educational excellence continues to strengthen our schools, empower our educators, and shape the future of every student we have the privilege to serve.

Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Benita Scriven Tillman as she begins another remarkable year of leadership.