School Leadership
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, while ensuring every student has what they need to be successful. 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
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Lauren Timblin
Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Lauren Timblin, Principal
Joined Team CCS - August, 2023
Experience
I have been employed with Catawba County Schools for the past 4 years with the past 3 years serving as the Assistant Principal at SSE. Prior to joining St. Stephens Elementary, I was employed by Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as an Assistant Principal, Academic Faciliator and 3rd Grade Dual Language Teacher.
Education
- School Executive Leadership Academy- Queens University
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Bachelor of Science in Education, Childhood EC, Middle School English - Fredonia State University of New York
Why I Became an Educator
I became an educator because I love to see the lightbulbs go off for students when they learn something new for the first time. I have wanted to become a teacher since I was in 3rd grade, and it has always been a passion of mine to teach. I decided to go into leadership to have a greater impact on the school community and create a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, welcoming, and most importantly fun for students to walk into each day.
Favorite Activities
Some of my favorite activities outside of school include spending time with my friends and family, playing with our dog Malibu, reading, and enjoying the lake and the sunshine!
I joined CCS because it gave me the best opportunity to work with students, teachers, parents, and communities.
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Kali Harvey
Assistant Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Beth Embree, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS -
August 2023
Experience-
This is my 9th year in Education. Before joining Saint Stephens, I taught 6th Grade ELA at Mountain View. Prior to our move to North Carolina, I taught 3rd Grade and 4th Grade Dual Immersion in Gainesville, Ga.
Education and Accomplishments-
- Brenau University - Bachelors in General Studies with a concentration in Education
- Piedmont University - Masters in Early Childhood Education- University of North Carolina Wilmington - Administration Add - On
Why I Became an Educator-
- I became an educator because I am passionate about watching students learn, grow, and discover their strengths. Education is a gift that provides two opportunities. First, it brings together a dedicated team of educators who collaborate with a shared purpose of what is best for every student. Second, it creates a place where students feel safe, valued, and cared for while developing a lifelong love of learning. I believe every child deserves to be part of a school community where they are celebrated for their growth and encouraged to reach their highest potential.
Favorite Activities-
- We love spending time with our church, at sporting events, listening to music downtown at the Sails, and traveling to the beach! Go Dawgs and Go Braves!
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Jordan Black
Assistant Principal, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Jordan Black, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - August, 2026
Experience
This is my 11th year in Education and my first year with Catawba County Schools. I have spent the past 10 years in Mooresville Graded School District where I taught High School Science for 7 years and have been at the Intermediate School level as a Principal Intern and Assistant Principal for the past 3 years.
Education
- Masters of School Administration - NC Principal Fellow
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why I Became an Educator
I think becoming an educator is a calling that you can’t ignore. I didn’t initially plan to go into education, but after having the opportunity to teach Physics lessons to students abroad while I was an undergraduate student, I knew teaching was for me. I love building relationships with students and working with the various adults in their lives to create an environment where they can thrive and learn. I decided to go into leadership to have the opportunity to work with more students in a larger capacity and partner with other teachers in the building to build a culture that our staff, students, and parents can be proud of.
Favorite Activities
Some of my favorite activities outside of school are spending time outdoors with my family. We love camping, going to the beach, and hiking in the mountains.
I joined CCS because I am a product of this school district and believe in the power it has to positively impact the lives of students in our community.
- Masters of School Administration - NC Principal Fellow
Meet our Office Staff
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Roslyn Martinez
Data Manager, St. Stephens Elementary School
Meet Roslyn Martinez, Data Manager
Joined Team CCS - August 2017
Education
Community College in NYC
Favorite Place in Catawba County
Oktoberfest! Funnel cake!
Favorite Activities
Reading and napping.
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Gladys Aguirre
Receptionist, St. Stephens Elementary School
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.
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Rejohnda Tucker
School Nurse, St. Stephens Elementary School
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
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Kristy Wilson
School Secretary, St. Stephens Elementary School
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.