The Casa Esperanza Leadership Team
Meggan Matson
Director of 6–8th Grades and Exceptional Children (EC)
Sra. Matson joined Casa Esperanza in 2021 and brings more than 30 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Prior to moving to North Carolina, she worked in public education in Pennsylvania as an elementary and special education teacher and later as an Education Consultant, with a focus on behavior management and special education.
As the Director of 6–8th Grades and EC, Mrs. Matson provides leadership and support for our middle grades students, teachers, and Exceptional Children programs. This role focuses on student success, academic and behavioral support, instructional guidance, and collaboration with teachers and families to ensure students receive the resources and support they need to thrive.
Outside of school, Sra. Matson enjoys reading, trying new recipes, spending time with her family, and—whenever possible—being at the beach.
Wendy Pineda
Director of PreK – 5th Grade
wpineda@cemcs.org
Wendy Pineda started at Casa in 2014 and has been working in education for over 30 years. After she graduated with a Bachelors in Special Education, she joined the Peace Corps and lived abroad in both Ecuador and Colombia for 5 years where she met her husband. She is licensed in Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, and Special Education. While at Casa, Sra. Pineda has served in multiple roles including: EL Teacher, Interventionist, and Testing Coordinator. Both of her children have been at Casa in the Immersion program. She loves to read and spend time with her family. Sra. Pineda is your go to for any concerns for your PreK – 5th grade students.
Natalia Sanint
Manager of Finance & Operations
nsanint@cemcs.org
Natalia Sanint joined the Casa team in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia and a Masters in Business Administration from American University in Washington, DC. Sra. Sanint has over 15 years of experience managing projects in Strategic Communications and Marketing for the government, private and education sectors. Sra. Sanint has two daughters who attend the Immersion program at Casa. The things she enjoys most are traveling, the beach and reading.
Sra. Sanint is your go to for budget/finance, enrollment, facilities, private program tuition, risk management/safety, data management, and grants. She manages the Data Manager, Receptionist, Executive Assistant, BASC Coordinator, School Nurse and Custodial Staff.
Karen Westbrook
Assistant Director
kwestbrook@cemcs.org
Karen Westbrook joined Casa in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University, a Graduate degree in K-12 Literacy from UNC Chapel Hill, and additional certification in K-12 Academically and Intellectually Gifted from Duke University. She also completed leadership training at the Center for Creative Leadership. With extensive experience in Middle Grades ELA education and instructional coaching, Karen is passionate about teaching, supporting students, and helping teachers grow professionally.
In her spare time, she enjoys attending NCFC soccer games and volleyball matches with her two children, a boy and a girl. Karen’s passions include Dr. Pepper, horror movies, fabulous shoes, and all things Star Wars.
GeRita Connor
Executive Director/Leadership Consultant
gconnor@cemcs.org
GeRita Connor joined the Casa team in 2019. She has been an educator for 24 years as an educator with the last 14 in Leadership and Administration. She completed degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, School Administration and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education at UNC Chapel Hill. Mrs. Connor is married to Kris and has a son Christopher who was a student at Casa Esperanza. Her fun activities of choice are shopping, being close to the ocean and organizing things! She loves the Carolina Tar Heels and competitive cheerleading.
Mrs. Connor is the Executive Director/Leadership Consultant and is your go-to for school level governance, strategic plan execution, all areas of compliance, fiscal stability and sustainability, school culture, systematic stakeholder communications, continuous academic improvement, adherence to local, state and federal mandates, school policy and handbooks and community outreach and support. She manages the administrative leadership team.
