Staff Directory
Heather Achter
Degrees:
MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design
BA, Belmont Abbey College
BA, Belmont Abbey College
Locations:
Upper
Email:
Biography:
Heather Achter received her Masters of Fine Arts in Performing Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design where she concentrated on directing and was a moderator for the Savannah Film Festival. She was an adjunct professor at Belmont Abbey College where she also received her BA in History and was a Father John Oetgen Theatre Scholar. She previously taught at Kings Mountain High School and worked with the North Carolina Theatre Conference as a host and member for the Regional High School Play Festival. She also directed for Carolina Actors Studio Theatre and is currently a board member of the NC Theatre Arts Educators. She is very excited about joining the community at PLP.
Daniel Alburger
Degrees:
Bachelor of Education, Cedarville University
Master of Education, Walden University
Master of Education, Walden University
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
Upper School English
Email:
Biography:
We moved to Pine Lake in August of 2015 after teaching in the Baltimore area for nine years. Even though we had moved down to the area in order to live on a farm, we didn't make that happen until this past summer. When I'm not teaching English or mowing the acres, I enjoy playing board games, building things, reading, and Xbox. More writing, more reading!
Preston Allison
Degrees:
IT Diploma and Certificates Mitchell Community College
Locations:
Upper, Lower, Administration, Middle
Email:
Biography:
Studied various forms of technology at Mitchell Community College. Also worked for ISP (TDS/Continuum) for 4 years before joining the PLP team. I enjoy coaching MS football and taking on new technology challenges.
Jennifer Bassett
Degrees:
Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and Bachelor's in Music Education, The Hartt School
Master's in Music Education, Northwestern University
Master's in Music Education, Northwestern University
Locations:
Upper, Middle and Upper, Middle
Departments:
Fine Arts, Orchestra
Email:
Biography:
I have been teaching strings for 14 years, in both the private studio and public school settings. I believe that music education is a core part of a balanced school curriculum, and that even the youngest of musicians can play an instrument with artistry. When I am not teaching or conducting, I freelance as a cellist throughout the greater Charlotte area and spend time with my husband and children.
Christine Bezer
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Stockton State University
Masters in Special Education, Rutgers University
Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
Masters in Special Education, Rutgers University
Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
Exceptional Children
Email:
Biography:
I believe that each child is an individual and that ALL children can learn. I believe every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. It has always been my passion to help children discover their special gifts in order for them to be the best they can be. . When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, going to the beach, reading, hiking, cooking and exploring new places.
“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” ~Walt Streightiff
“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” ~Walt Streightiff
Adam Bitters
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Kentucky
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
English, 9, AP Seminar, Multimedia
Email:
Biography:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Sarah Frances Brown
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Sarah Frances Brown
Jeff Burr
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Social Studies , Eastern Michigan University
Master of Art in Educational Leadership, K-12 Administration, Eastern Michigan University
Master of Art in Educational Leadership, K-12 Administration, Eastern Michigan University
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
Social Studies, 10-12
Email:
Biography:
It is my belief that every child has the ability to learn and it is my purpose to find the best avenue for their learning. I had a coach once tell me that every day you should learn something new because if you don't others will pass you by in life. I have taken that advice to heart and find different ways to present material and encourage my students to help them build relationships, critical-thinking skills, and learning to cope and respond to adversity.
Dana Catchpole
Degrees:
Masters in Education: School Counseling from SUNY Buffalo
B.A.: Social Science - Interdisciplinary Studies, Health & Human Services: Early Childhood
B.A.: Social Science - Interdisciplinary Studies, Health & Human Services: Early Childhood
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
Counseling
Email:
Biography:
Originally from Buffalo, NY, I received both of my degrees from the University at Buffalo. Prior to joining the Pine Lake community, I spent 12 years working as a school counselor in nearby school districts. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher
Heather Craddock
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
Exceptional Children
Email:
Biography:
I am an NC native and received my BA in Psychology from UNC-Greensboro. This December, I will graduate with an M.A.T. from UNC-Charlotte. I am married to my best friend, Chris, and have three children plus a bonus daughter. We are a house divided with my middle son being a Duke Blue Devil and my oldest daughter a grad from UNC-Chapel Hill. In my free time, I enjoy getting out for a jog to think and re-energize, and love to read; biographies and autobiographies are my favorite. I feel blessed that working at Pine Lake isn't just a job but a community that I can feel proud to be a part of!
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jen Douglas
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in English/Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Boston College
Master of Arts in Education, Simmons College
Master of Arts in Education, Simmons College
Locations:
Upper
Departments:
English
Email:
Biography:
Literature is life. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to examine the work of literary artists with young minds and distill meaning from text. Not to mention working with them to grow as writers, speakers, and human beings. We are all enhanced by deepening our understanding of ourselves and others.