Rea Farms
Our Teachers

Ms Elena
About Me:
Hello, my name is Ms. Elena. I have taught English (ESL) for many years with students of all ages. Currently, I work at Merry Oaks Elementary in CMS. I have lived abroad in Colombia and France, and all over the U.S. - California, Washington DC., New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and now North Carolina.
My Education:
I have a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Pomona College in California, and a Master's in Education (Language, Literacy and Culture) from Stanford University. I am certified in K-12 English as a Second Language Education.
Fun Facts:
- I speak Spanish and some French.
- I like to bake vegan treats.
- I love cats!

Ms Sharon
About Me:
I have been teaching for 27 years and have lived in New York, Boston, and in Holland. I currently teach at Rea Farms STEAM Academy. I have taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade!
My Education:
I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from C.W. Post in NY, and a master's degree in K-12 Literacy from Queen's University in Charlotte, as well as a master's degree in Special Education from St. Joseph's University. I am also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.
Fun Facts:
I love to read and to write and to sing. I lived in a Castle in Holland for a while and traveled through Europe. My favorite place is the beach with the mountains a close second favorite.
Ms Nyomi
About Me:
Hello, I am Ms. Nyomi. I have been educating students for the lat 6 years. I have worked as an 8th-grade Math teacher for two years. Between those years, I worked as an English teachers in Japan for four years. I currently teach Math in CMS at Northeast Middle School.
My Education:
I have a Bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Math and Science Education from UNC Greensboro and a Master's in Middle School Math Education from UNC Charlotte. I am certified in Middle Grades Math and Science Education.
Fun Facts:
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I am a huge American football fan
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I can speak Japanese
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I love playing tennis

Ms Ritu
About Me:
Hello! My name is Ms. Ritu and I love teaching at Best Brains. I have been a teacher for the past 5 years and have been teaching at CMS schools for the after school enrichment program. Prior to being a teacher, I was a software engineer for about 10 years! And that was in Detriot, Michigan!
My Education:
I graduated with a Science degree (B.Sc) and then got my masters in Business Administration (MBA) and was proud to hold 2nd position in the University. That was in Rajasthan, India.
Fun Facts:
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I love to travel, cook food for my family and of course, sit in my yard with a warm cup of tea!
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I also exercise reguarlary and love to do Yoga.

Ms Cruickshank
About Me:
My name is Toni Young Cruickshank, and I am a North Carolina Educator at Rea Farms STEAM Academy where I am dedicated to teaching 4th grade. Born in Texas. My passion is continuing to work with out youth through education and community service.
My Education:
I earned my Bachelor of Science from North Carolina A&T State University and my MBA from Gardner-Webb University. I also enrolled in the CMS Teacher Residency Program, where I completed a year of intensive training to enhance my effectiveness as an educator.
Fun Facts:
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I was born in Brenham, TX, which is the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream!
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I have a dog named Memphis!

Ms Parker
About Me
Hello, my name is Ms. Jennifer, and I have had the pleasure of teaching for 19 years. I have spent 17 of those years teaching at Polo Ridge Elementary School. I have taught first, third, and fifth grade.
My Education
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UNC-Charlotte with a minor in Social Studies. I received a Master’s degree in Leadership from Gardner Webb. I am certified in grades K-6.
Fun Facts:
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I sang in Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
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I am a huge Disney fan.
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I love all animals – especially my dog and two cats.