Get to Know Casa’s Lower Elementary-Upper Elementary Staff!
Teacher Bios
Pictured (Back Row): Raquel Wright, Kia Winstead, Olga Amadi, Olivia Mena, Sandra Beltran, Liliana Bohorquez, Natalia Paez, Nolan Davis
Pictured (Front Row): Heather Worrell, Rahsaan Eaddy, Jennifer Morin, Allison Denison
“I am originally from New York. I have been an educator for 35 years, mother of 11, and grandmother of 5.”
“My name is Kia Winstead and I live in Raleigh, NC. This year is my 22nd year in education and 3rd year at Casa. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina Central University. I have a son and daughter who are 7th graders this school year at East Millbrook Middle School. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cycling on the Peloton, and spending time with my family.”
“My name is Olga Amadi. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I’m married and have two wonderful children. My son Amaury is 14 and my Daughter Joanna is 11. I have a passion for teaching and Casa has offered me a wonderful opportunity and helping our wonderful students to reach their academic goals. I love dancing and arts and craft. I also enjoyed doing community service in my neighborhood.”
“Hi! My name is Olivia, and I come from the beautiful South of Spain. This is my third year at Casa, and I couldn’t be more excited!
I have a Master’s degree in English Philology, and I’ve been dedicated to teaching and supporting students for the past 18 years. I’m also the proud mom of two teenagers, Carlos and María.
In my free time, I love reading, crafting, doing DIY projects, cooking, and watching movies and series.
I am thrilled about the upcoming school year and look forward to meeting you and your amazing children. Together, we’ll make this year a wonderful and successful one for all!”
“I have lived in North Carolina for 5 years, I come from Ecuador. Now I continue with my English studies and my studies in the area of education. I have two children and I love working with children, I feel like I learn every day and I feel lucky to work in the area of education, which is what makes me happy.”
“My name is Liliana Bohorquez. I am from Colombia, I joined the CASA team in 2017. Since I joined Casa I have been working with children in the 3rd-4th grade level. I have really enjoyed mentoring this grade level of children and helping them to meet their needs.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and I hold an Early Childhood Education certificate and a Montessori Fundamentals certificate.
I have a fourteen year old daughter who was a student at Casa and now she is transitioning to high school. During my spare time, I love walking in nature, swimming, and watching movies with my family.”
“My name is Natalia Paez (Sra. Paez). I was born and raised in Colombia (South America), but I have lived in Raleigh for almost 12 years, I am married and I have a 9 year old son. I am an early childhood educator with more than 9 years of experience assisting teachers and students. My passion to help started many years ago in my first job in this country in a preschool/childcare place where I developed my love for working with children.
I am Looking forward to a great year full of learning and fun!”
“Hello! I’m Nolan Davis and I am excited to be a part of the Casa Community! When I am not in the classroom, you can find me gardening, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or spending time with my lovable dog, Bear! Here’s to a fantastic year of learning and growing together!”
“Hello, my name is Heather Worrell and I am a Raleigh, NC native. This is my ninth year working at Casa as a paraprofessional, my sixteenth year as a Casa parent and I have been a longtime volunteer and PFA officer in the past. I hold a Montessori Certification in Lower Elementary studies. My experience working with children ranges from a twenty year span that includes not only working at Casa but also working at a local church preschool and working and volunteering with children and youth ministry at my church. I attended Wake Technical Community college for Human Resources and also received a diploma from ECPI technical college in Medical Office Technology.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart Jamie for 25 years and he is famous around Casa for building the Field Day dunk station…haha! My children have all attended Casa, Courtney is now a college graduate from UNC Chapel Hill and is in her masters program for Athletic Training at App State, Justin just graduated from Millbrook High School and is enrolled in the Welding program at Wake Tech Community College and Katie is in 4th grade here! We all love to visit NC State parks and are on a journey to visit all of them, we have ten left out of forty-two as I write this in August 2024. I also have to add that our two golden doodles, Mia and Milo, love my attention and would appreciate being mentioned as family members.
I sincerely enjoy getting to know my students and developing a relationship with them, I’ve been known to laugh and cry with them from time to time! I also love reading aloud to my students.”
“I’m a passionate teacher who only wants each student to be successful in their own way while becoming better human beings.”
“I’m an exchange teacher coming from Mexico. I’m happy to serve at CASA!”
“Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am Ms. Denison and I am very excited to be working with 3rd and 4th grade students again! My son began attending Casa in its inception year in 2003, and I joined as a faculty member in 2006. During my tenure I have worked with all grade levels. I am a North Carolina native and feel lucky to have beaches and mountains close by. In my spare time, I love arts and crafts and reading. I look forward to meeting you in August!”
