Faculty
Ms. Rhonda McClenahan - Principal
Rhonda McClenahan was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating high school, she worked as an accountant for a state agency. Rhonda enrolled in a university in 1990 in Mississippi and graduated in 1994 with a B.S. in Elementary Education, a B.S. in Special Education, and a minor in Math. Rhonda completed her Masters Degree in School Counseling and later completed an Administration Program. She started her educational career in 1994 as a classroom teacher in Northern Idaho, moved to Maryland for one year as a classroom teacher, followed by a move to Colorado where she worked as an EC Specialist, Assistant Director, and Principal. Rhonda moved to North Carolina in 2012 where she secured a position as an EC Specialist in Iredell-Statesville Schools. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Exceptional Children's Program and also the Principal at the Discovery School.
Rhonda has been characterized by her peers and superiors as a tenacious leader, striving for what she feels is in the best interest of students. Rhonda stated "I feel it is an honor and privilege to work with such an amazing group of staff, students, and parents at Discovery School. Staff dedication, kindness, and passion for teaching our students is astounding."
In her free time, Rhonda enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and reading and takes every opportunity to stop and greet a dog.
Rick Marcy- Coordinator of Special Programs
Mr. Marcy holds a Bachelor's Degree from Muskingum University and a Master's Degree from Clemson University.
He began working with at-risk children nearly 30 years ago in the wilderness camp setting. Since then he has worked in public and private schools, mental health clinics, day treatment centers, and residential programs in various capacities. He loves building programs to address children's unmet needs.
He lives in Mooresville with his wife, two teenage children, and two German Shorthaired Pointers.
BCBA & Program Director
My name is Janice Carrara. I was born and raised in Long Island, NY. I am a wife and mother of two fantastic children. I have been teaching children with special needs since 2008. In 2012, I decided to get my masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Elementary School Teacher
Joanne Hutton- Middle School Teacher
Hi there! I am Joanne Hutton. I was born and raised in Pitman, NJ. I attended Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, and graduated with a BA in Geography, a BFA in Fine Arts, and minored in Art History. I have been working with special education students for over 10 years. I thoroughly enjoy working with our
students so much, I made the leap to get my teaching license from ECU in 2022. In my free time, I enjoy the beach, traveling with my
family, helping animals in need, and cuddling up with my dog and cat.
Roni Gallo- High School Teacher
My name is Roni Gallo and I'm 38 years old. I was born and raised in a small town in NC and graduated from East Carolina University in 2007. Go Pirates! I was originally certified to teach secondary social studies before switching to EC. I'm married and I have a 7-year-old son and a dog named Mongo. I discovered my passion for EC when my son was diagnosed with ASD when he was 4 years old. I realized how vitally important it is to have compassionate and well-trained educators in the EC field working collaboratively with families to meet the challenges of their children. I strive every day to treat my students the way I would want my son to be treated.
Lauren LoConte - Technician
Tanyonnah Smith - Technician
Corinne Mudd - Technician
Mary Shoemaker - Technician
Hi! I am Mary Shoemaker and I started at DPATS in 2022. I previously worked with ID/DD adults for about 12 years in Illinois, where I am from. I love working with these kids, they inspire me in so many ways! I live in Statesville with my husband, two kids (8 & 14), 2 dogs and a cat. In my free time, I enjoy camping, kayaking, going to concerts, photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Baquita Ikard - Technician
Briana Nelson - Technician
Jimmy Donnell - Technician
Chrystal Pass - Technician
Hello, my name is Chrystal Pass. I have been in the Iredell county school system for 20 years in the EC department. I have a passion for children and their needs. I'm also a dance teacher in ballet, tap, jazz, and praise Dance. Thank you for allowing me to meet your child's needs.
Dominique Scott- Technician
Hello! I am Mr. Scott. I look forward to working with everyone this 2024-245 school year! I graduated from South Iredell High School in 2001 and attended Shaw University. I have lived in Statesville most of my life and a short time in Troutman. I have worked with individuals with mental health and intellectual developmental disability needs since 2004. I joyfully enjoy spending time with my wife and two children.
I have always felt it was rewarding to work with this population of special individuals because every day I can see that I have made some type of impact on the way they look at life and in turn they have taught me how to be patient and compassionate. I hope that each and every student I encounter knows that I am passionate about what I do and I have high hopes to see them succeed.
Here are some fun facts about me that you may not know: my favorite college basketball team is the UNC Tarheels, I love laughing and spending time with my family at home or away on vacation, and I referee basketball and football for the youth in different counties in NC.
Briana Stephenson - Technician
Hikeem Odom- Technician
Jodi Barkley- Technician
Kayla Ravidran - Technician
Magalie Joasil - Technician
Keyan Heaggans - Technician
Cyrel Norwood - Technician
Channing Minor - Technician
Savanna Teague - Technician
Kourtney Bowling - Technician