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St. Stephens Elementary

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School Leadership

A Message from our Principal

A group of people pose for a photo in front of a brick building with 'St. Stephens' sign.

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

  • A man in a blue suit and red tie smiles at the camera.

    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 became an educator to work with kids! I have always enjoyed working with students. It’s 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.

  • A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a blue top and necklace.

    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!

  • 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 attend 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

  • 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.

  • A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a pink shirt.

    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.

  • A smiling woman with brown hair and hoop earrings poses for a portrait.

    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

  • A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera against a blue background.

    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.