A Message from our Principal
At SSES our mission is to keep students at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is to meet the needs of the whole child, with our top-level educators, Student Services department, and phenomenal staff members. Every staff member traces an “S” on their chests to represent the students we serve. Students are our passion and we love serving the St. Stephens community. Thank you for trusting us with your children as we work together to prepare them for their future endeavors. As your students embark on their educational journeys, please know that we will work together to help them become successful, global citizens."
Meet our Administrative Team
Principal
Matt Barham
Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Matt Barham, Principal
Joined Team CCS - October 2008
Experience
I have been employed with Catawba County Schools for 12 years. Prior to joining St. Stephens Elementary, I worked at River Bend Middle School as a CTE teacher. As a teacher there I worked with 7th and 8th-grade students. I was involved in coaching baseball and football for both Bunker Hill High School and River Bend. I served in a number of roles at River Bend as the webmaster for the web page, mentor, coach, athletic director, and other duties.
Education
St. Stephens High School, Class of 2000
Gardner-Webb University, BS in Business Administration, Class of 2006
Currently attending Queens University of Charlotte for my Master of Education Leadership, Graduating Spring of 2021
Why I Became an Educator
I am became an educator to work with kids! I have always enjoyed working with students. Its so fun to see their faces light up once they achieve something. I've also wanted to give back to the community. I was born and raised in the St. Stephens Community and I was lucky enough to have some of the best teachers ever. I would have never been in this position if it wasn't for the impact they made on me. I hope to do the same for students today.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
Oh wow, this is a tough one. I have too many! If I had to pick just one, I would say River Bend park. My family and I really enjoy going outdoors. This is a short drive from our house and they have many trails and you can also fish or get in the water when it is calm.
Favorite Activities
Some of my favorite activities outside of school include spending time with my friends and family, coaching sports, playing golf, running, hiking, and grilling out with friends and family.
I joined CCS because it gave me the best opportunity to work with students, teachers, parents, and communities.
Assistant Principal
Beth Embree
Assistant Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Beth Embree, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - October 2019
Experience
I was a school counselor for 19 years before venturing into this administrative role. I joined Catawba County Schools in 2014. Prior to joining St. Stephens Elementary, I worked for Lincoln County Schools. My work as a counselor allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and to offer a broad range of services to staff, students and families. I am confident that my work in advocacy, problem solving and consultation will have a positive impact on my role in administration.
Education and Accomplishments
2001 Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
2003 Masters Degree in School Counseling
2007 Certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
2008 Awarded Lincoln County School’s School Counselor of the Year
2010 Add-on Master’s Degree Licensure for School Administration
2014 Awarded Lincoln County’s School Counselor of the Year
2018 Awarded Catawba County School Counselor of the Year
2019 North Carolina School Counselor of the Year
2020 North Carolina’s Representative for ASCA’s National School Counselor of the Year
2020 Finalist for North Carolina’s Instructional Support Educator of the Year
Why I Became an Educator
I am a fourth generation educator, with my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother all serving in public education. My father also retired from public education as a school counselor. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to follow that same path. Since I was old enough to have a job, I have found myself serving young people (camp leader, tutor, substitute, etc). I treasure my role as an educator and am filled with joy everyday that I work with children!
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I grew up on a dairy farm on the edge of Randolph County, and I have found that Catawba County reminds me a lot of my childhood home! I love its friendly people, beautiful landscapes and its variety of “fun” for all. My favorite place would have to be boating on the water or camping on the banks of either Lake Hickory or Lake Lookout. I also highly recommend that everyone check out the sunrise from the bridge at Oxford Dam (at River Bend Park). It’s absolutely breathtaking!
Favorite Activities
When I am not “doing school”, you can find me working in my flowers, playing with my dogs, camping with my family or just enjoying the great outdoors!
Assistant Principal
Lauren Timblin
Assistant Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Lauren Timblin, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - July 2023
Experience
I started my teaching career at Oaklawn Language Academy, a K-8 language immersion school in CMS, where I taught as a 3rd grade teacher from 2012-2018. After 6 years in the classroom, I then began my role as the academic facilitator for the middle school at Oaklawn Language Academy serving students grades 6-8. After serving as a facilitator for 3 years I knew it was time to expand my leadership. I began my assistant principal position in 2021 at Ridge Road Middle School, which consisted of over 1,000 students in grades 6-8. This is where I have spent the last 2 years of my leadership career.
Education
I am originally from Upstate New York, Go Bills, which is where I had the privilege to attended college and receive a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education with a middle school extension in English. I decided to pursue my career in leadership at Queens University. I graduated in 2018 from the School Executive Leadership Academy at Queens!
Educational Quote
“Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” —Elin Nordegren
Meet our Office Staff
Data Manager
Receptionist
Meet Gladys Aguirre, Receptionist
Joined Team CCS - August 2017
Education
Associates Degree
Favorite Place in Catawba County
Catawba Science Center - it was the first place my family and I found when we moved to Hickory from Florida. My girls always enjoy it, and it's next to the library!
Favorite Activities
Biking, walking, playing soccer with my girls, basketball. Anything that involves family activities.
School Nurse
Meet Rejohnda Tucker, MHA, BS, School Nurse
Joined- April 15th, 2024
Experience-Nurse for 6 years. This is my first job as a school nurse.
Education- MHA-Dec 2023, BSN- Dec 2021, RN- May 2018, CMA- May 2006
Favorite place in Catawba County- Krispy Kreme
Favorite activity- Watching NC Tarheel Basketball
Secretary
Meet Kristy Wilson, School Secretary
Joined Team CCS - July 2019
Experience
I have over 20 years of Administrative experience, working in many different kinds of businesses over the years. Before working for St. Stephens Elementary, I workded for the State of North Carolina.
Education
Newton Conover High School
Catawba Valley Community College
Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is my mom's house on Lake Hickory. She moved out there about 4 years ago. Before that we use to go out there and spend every summer. It is just a fun place to swim, fish and just spend time with the family. I also love downtown Hickory. It is a beautiful area, and I love to support the small businesses in our community.
Favorite Activities
I love spending time with my family, including all 8 of my children. We love to spend time outside swimming or taking vacations to the beach. Family has always been the most important thing to me.