Staff Directory

Following my graduation from Wake Forest University, I worked as a Certified Public Accountant in Charlotte and Austin, TX. I developed an interest in teaching while volunteering as an instructor for community organizations. Working as an SAT and high school programs instructor for The Princeton Review, I was inspired to return to college and earned a second degree in mathematics. Prior to moving to Mooresville in 2020, I taught a wide variety of math courses in Virginia and Alabama for 12 years.

I have been married to my husband Brian, who is retired from the Army, for 27 years and we have two children: Grace, a nurse in Charlotte, and Alex, a graduate student at Wake Forest University.

In my free time, I love gardening, restoring old furniture, and traveling to new places. I look forward to helping my students make connections, build confidence, and demonstrate persistence.

I grew up a studio dancer and traveled to compete in clogging. (Fun fact: Clogging is the state folk dance of North Carolina) I began teaching as a studio substitute instructor at the age of 14 and became a dance instructor at 18. After moving to North Carolina, I became the director of two professional-level sports dance team programs while continuing to perform as a member of a local professional dance company. Now that I have retired from performing I am focused on growing the next generation of dance artists. My philosophy as an instructor goes beyond technique and choreography. My curriculum also includes teaching students how to create dance. I teach improvisation and composition at every grade level. Improvisation requires spontaneity and improves creative thinking skills. Composition exercises challenge the students to create within a set of guidelines. They learn ways to create movement and are given the opportunity to collaborate with their peers on the movements within the piece. My favorite quote speaks to the outcome of why I teach composition exercises... "When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." -Mattie Stepanek

My name is Joselyn Garcia. I was born and raised in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I moved to the U.S when I was 16 years old. I graduated with a double major in Spanish and Latin American Studies from UNC Charlotte. I recently received my masters in Foreign-Language education from UNC Charlotte as well. I love my native language and I am very happy that other people want to learn it and know more about the Hispanic culture. I enjoy learning about different cultures, languages, and food from different parts of the world. I am very excited to be part of the Pine Lake family!!!

I grew up in Louisville KY, with one sister and two older brothers. I played baseball at Murray State University where I studied Exercise Science. Currently living in Troutman NC with my wife, Abby, and our 4 boys. Family is always first for me as we enjoy the outdoors and traveling.