Prekindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Jessica Dowden has over fifteen years of administrative service and client support. She has experience in healthcare, communications, coaching, and excellent customer service. Mrs. Dowden has a strong desire to support, mentor, and coach peers in professional settings. She is a multitasker, who pays attention to details under pressure.
Kindergarten Teacher (PK-1st Grade Lead Teacher)
My name is Carolyn Williams, the proud mother of two, grandmother of six, and great grandmother of three. I received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked in the school system for 22 years, primarily in kindergarten. I enjoy working with children and helping them grow.
First Grade Teacher
My name is Angela Snow Powell. I retired from Hoke County Schools after 20 years of dedicated service, during which I held roles as a Pre-K Teacher Assistant, After-School Care Program Staff, and Child Nutrition Assistant. I take great pleasure in nurturing children and supporting their development.
Instructional Assistant (K/1st Grades) - Administrative Assistant
Tanya Fortune brings to Kid Stars Rising a variety of skill sets and strengths. She has been with the Academy since its inception in June 2019 and has served wherever needed as an administrative assistant, classroom teacher, teacher assistant, and resource teacher.
Third/Fourth Grades Teacher
Mrs. Sharon Holmes comes to Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy with extensive experience, dedication and a talent for inspiring her students to achieve academic excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Education at Fayetteville State University. She taught in the North Carolina Public School System for 21 years. She also worked in the New York Public School System for 16 years. She has retired from both systems with a total of 37 successful years of teaching.
Fourth/Fifth Grades-(2nd-5th Grades Lead Teacher)
I am blessed to be a part of Kid Stars Rising Academy. I am so excited to join such an amazing team and to work with each of you and your children. It is my goal to educate, encourage, and love every child on an individual basis according to their academic needs in a way that will help them reach their goals and their full potential in all areas of the curriculum.
Multi-Age EC Teacher
Ms. Chanda Sparrow has over twenty-five years of experience working in the medical field as a certified phlebotomy technician and a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Ms. Sparrow received her formal medical training in Norfolk, Virginia. Her teaching experiences include previously working in the head start program with early learners and later serving as a substitute teacher for Kid Stars Rising Academy during the 2024-2025 school year. She loves children and desires for each child to succeed on his or her own level of learning.
PK-5 Resource Teacher
My name is Alexandra Dunshee-Wilkins. My moto is: Every day we wake up is another day to try again. Our mistakes from yesterday do not determine what we can do today. I have a love for God, my family, and children. I have had a love for children from an early age. I was volunteering in the nursery at Sandy Grove Church or babysitting since I was 12 years old.
Bible Study l & ll/ MS/ HS Electives/ Chapel
Dr. Sharonne Simmons has twenty-four years of experience in public and private school education. She is a certified and licensed classroom teacher and former school administrator in North Carolina Public Schools. She earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6), and a Master of School Administration, both from Fayetteville State University. She is a North Carolina Principal Fellow.
Middle/High School Electives Teacher
Teresa Rubio was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and has dedicated over two decades to the field of education.
Middle/High School Electives Teacher
My name is Sherry Hutchens. I am a mother of 4 and a proud grandmother of 15 wonderful grandchildren- Family is one of my greatest joys and what keeps me grounded in what truly matters. It’s an honor to be a part of helping to guide and shape young minds in an environment where Christ is the center of everything we do.
English/Language Arts Teacher - Middle/High School
Ms. Elicia Johnson brings to Kid Stars Rising a diverse set of skills such as customer service, office coordinator, insurance liaison, and childcare director. She currently holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. She will earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Fayetteville State University in December 2025.
Math Teacher- Middle/High School
Mr. Morgan is a seasoned mathematics teacher who has served five years as an accomplished educator. Educated at Fayetteville State University, Mr. Morgan is extremely fluent in math, currently earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Middle Grades Education, adding on a concentration in Math.
History/Science Teacher - Middle/High School
Ms. Jessica Cruse is a team player who is hardworking and dedicated to meeting goals and objectives with excellence. She has superior communication skills, both verbally and in written correspondence. Ms. Cruse holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Miller-Motte College, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University. She has also studied for one year at Kaplan Real Estate School but had to pause due to the Covid pandemic.
STEAM Teacher- Middle/High School/ National Honor Society Sponsor
My name is Mrs. Garna Parsley and I'm very excited to be back with the Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy team. I have extensive experience teaching intermediate and high school students science and math. This coming school year we will begin having a robotics team and exploring the world of Artificial Intelligence and how it relates to our everyday experiences.
French I & French Il/Spanish l & Spanish II (MS/HS)
Picture and bio coming soon!
After School Care Director
My name is Gekni Blue. I was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in a proud military family—my father served 25 years in the Armed Forces, and my mother devoted her career to Cumberland County Schools. Growing up in this environment instilled in me the values of discipline, responsibility, and service from an early age. I am a proud alumna of Terry Sanford Senior High School, where I laid the academic foundation for my future. As a mother of four daughters, I have always been deeply committed to nurturing and supporting the next generation.
Floater/After School Care Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Pam Powell-Burtis moved to Fayetteville from Irving, Texas in October of 2022 after her husband John went home to be with the Lord. She is looking forward to what the Lord has planned for her in this new chapter of her life. Her educational pursuits include an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Owens Technical College in Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Burtis then earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
