I am Mrs. Cooke, one of two fifth grade teachers at Westerly Hills Academy. This is my fifth year on “Team Westerly,” and I am grateful to be part of such a caring and committed team.
I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1994, after a 5 year enlistment in the United States Army. I served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and was very instrumental in providing supplies and state-side goods to thousands of soldiers during the Gulf War of 1990-1991. I received many awards for allegiance to duty and responsibility, which I believe has played a large role in my allegiance to “seeing the mission through in whatever I do.” I have attended many higher learning institutes, but I received my B.A in Education & English and Communication from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
Since the military, I have worked in the Social Work field as a Child Support Specialist for 5 years, helped develop the New Covenant Girls Preparatory School of Calvary Christian (Chair and instructor), taught at Calvary Christian Academy, and since 2001 have taught in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg School System..
I have received numerous awards and recognition for being an outstanding educator and leader, to include teacher of the year 2004, Walmart Teacher of the Year 2005, and Teacher of the year at school level in 2010. I was recognized in CMS news for developing a parent assistance program entitled PAR (Parent Academic Refresher), for parents who needed assistance in helping their children with homework. My great claims to fame are my husband and daughter. They, along with my faith & family, are my “renewal” when I’ve emptied myself to my students every day.
I am also very active outside of the school with various youth and community groups. I currently direct a Youth Training Ministry (Boot Camp) that focuses on discipline, character and Christian values. My philosophy is that if you can develop great character and desire for success in a child, half the battle is won.
I love seeing the seed of a child’s mind take root and sprout into healthy and strong stems that produce and support beautiful blooms of knowledge. I am passionate to a fault about what I do. It’s all about the children. My reward is the difference my brief touch makes in their lives, and even greater, being able to witness the fruits of my labor.
Mrs. Meeks
This is my 4th year teaching fifth grade and I am very excited to be teaching Science and Social Studies! In 1987, I received my Business Administration degree, with a concentration in Information Systems, from Winston-Salem State University, my K-6 Graduate Teaching Certificate in May of 2012, and my K-6 Masters of Art in Teaching in May 2013 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to teaching I was employed for four years with USAIR as a Programmer Analyst, ten years with Microsoft Corporation as a Microsoft Office and Windows Technical Support Analyst, eight years as a CMS Substitute Teacher, and ten years as the Owner/Director of "The Place To Be, Inc." an Afterschool Program and Summer Enrichment Camp. I am a native Charlottean, but have lived and worked in other cities. I attended Marie G. Davis, Kennedy Jr. High (old location), and Myers Park High School. I am married and have two wonderful children. I enjoy reading a good mystery novel in my ,rare, free time and my favorite place to relax is the beach.
Mrs. Witherspoon
Welcome to a new school year at Westerly Hills Academy. My name is Mrs. Witherspoon and I am very excited to be working with you and your child this year to achieve success in the sixth grade. We have a fulfilling year ahead with a lot to accomplish, and I am eager to get started! This year makes my sixteenth year as an educator. I hold a B.A. in Elementary Education from Johnson C. Smith University (Go Bulls) a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Masters Degree in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb. I also have my National Board Certification in Reading. I enjoy reading, spending time with my friends and family. I am excited about this school year. I am your favorite teacher, favorite teacher:)