Staff Directory
Irfan Azam (irfan@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School Math, Science and Technology
Teaching since 2003; at Camelot since 2017Education: B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, Renewable Electric Energy Sources at North Carolina State University; M.Ed. Technology Education (in progress) at North Carolina State University
More About Me: Concentrated in Renewable Electric Energy Systems in college and has worked on several electronic circuits, product design and buildings projects. Most recently taught project-based math and technology courses at the Triangle Collaborative School. Also a published musician and audio engineer, photographer, graphic artist and video producer.
Michelle Banal (michelle@camelotacademy.org)
Middle Grades
Teaching since 1993; at Camelot since 2004Education: M.A.T. Elementary Education, Meredith College, NC, Licensed K-6 (2012). B.S. Biology (Cell Biology with minor in High School Science Education), University of the Philippines (1993). 28 graduate credits, Marine Science, University of Guam (1995-97).
Professional Development: 2013 Justice Teaching Institute participant, Pine Knoll Shores, NC (August 1-3); 2013 Building Learning Communities Conference participant, Boston, MA (July 23-26); 2007 Best Practices Institute: Differentiation and Understanding by Design participant, University of Virginia (March 22-24); 2006 Continuing Summer Institute on Academic Diversity participant, University of Virginia (July); 2006 George Washington Teacher's Institute participant, Mt. Vernon, VA (June 27-28); 2005 Summer Institute on Academic Diversity participant, University of Virginia (July); 2003 Historic Landscape Institute, "Preserving Jefferson's Gardens"; 2002 Monticello-Stratford Hall Seminar for Teachers: "Leadership and Life in Revolutionary America".
Travel: Philippines, Guam, Palau, Saipan, several National Parks throughout the contiguous United States, and British Columbia
Scott Berg (scottberg@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP Teacher & Sports Coach
Teaching since 2007; at Camelot since 2024Education: BA in Business Administration, Furman University; Diploma in Teacher Education, Ifugao State University
Professional Development: TESOL Certification, TEFL International; Thailand Teaching License, The Teacher’s Council of Thailand
Travel: Over 25 countries in Asia, Central & South America, and Europe; lived and taught in Thailand for 15 years
More About Me: After spending most of my adult life in Thailand, where I met my wife and raised our two daughters with her, we decided to embark on a new adventure here in the U.S. In my spare time, I love to go hiking/camping, play sports, and read books of all kinds.
Andre Boliou (andre@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School Math
Teaching since 2020; at Camelot since 2023Education: B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, at Boise State University; MTS at Shepherds Theological Seminary; M.Div (in progress) at Shepherds Theological Seminary
Travel: Visited much of the western U.S. hiked throughout the Rocky Mountains including the Seven Devils, Sawtooth, and San Juan ranges. Traveled internationally throughout Israel and Jordan.
More About Me: Studied STEM education in college, tutored math, and taught a variety of STEM classes at Boise Classical Academy. Presently studying Ancient Hebrew and Koine Greek. Other interests include cooking, hiking, rock climbing and theology.
Anna Buchanan (anna@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP Instructor
Teaching since 2011; at Camelot since 2019Education: B.A. in Elementary Education, UNCW
Professional Development: RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, 2019; Scaffolding and Differentiating Instruction to Support ELLs, EARCOS, Virginia Rojas, South Korea, 2016.
Travel: Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Canada, Czech Republic, London, France, Scotland, Mexico, Kuwait, Jordan, Dubai, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Norway, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Oman, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Austria, Holland, Myanmar, Iceland, Indonesia, Laos, South Korea, China, Australia.
More About Me: "I've found that people will often forget what you said, forget what you did; but people don't forget the way you make them feel." – Maya Angelou
“Sasha” (Aleksandra) Bursac (sasha@camelotacademy.org)
Music Teacher
Teaching since 1993; at Camelot since 2020Education: MA in Music theory/musicology; BA in Music pedagogy/theory
Professional Development: Completed and practiced Kindermusik program; completed courses at Durham TECH for Teaching Students with ADHD, Teaching Students with Autism: Strategies for Success and Empowering Students with Disabilities
Travel: All over Europe (lived in Serbia and The Netherlands), Tunisia, Turkey, Australia, Canada, Aruba and throughout United States, including Puerto Rico.
More About Me: Aside from music, I also have a big love for languages, so besides working in the music field from preschool to college level, as a teacher and performer, I have also worked in the United Nations (in the Netherlands) as an interpreter and as area consultant.
Betsey Cheshire (betsey@camelotacademy.org)
Middle and Upper School Latin teacher
Teaching since 2004; at Camelot since 2021Education: B.A. Classical Civilization with a Latin Concentration and a second major in History, from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Professional Development: American Classical League Institute 2005,2007,and 2012. Evidence-based Practices to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder certificate from VCU, 2019.
Travel: Toronto, Rome, Florence, Brundisium, Naples, Athens, Delphi, Southwestern United States and most of the East Coast.
Rachel Coots (rachel@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP Teacher
Teaching since 2013; at Camelot since 2016Education: BS in Psychology, Florida State University; Master of Social Work, UNC - Chapel Hill
Travel: Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Croatia, Slovenia, and more!
More About Me: I enjoy hiking, ultimate frisbee, trivia, kayaking, and reading
Amy Cummings (amy@camelotacademy.org)
Administrator and Course Instructor, Alumni Relations, Community Outreach
Teaching since 1997; at Camelot since 2013Education: MA in Education, UNC Chapel Hill; BA in Cultural Anthropology, Duke University; Certificate in Non-Profit Management, Duke University.
Professional Development: Graduate of the Klingenstein Institute for Independent School Teachers at Columbia University; attended numerous conferences through the national and NC councils for Social Studies and the Coalition of Essential Schools, and Social Thinking.
Travel: All over Europe (including bicycling from Oslo to Rome); Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Canada.
More About Me: In addition to teaching and serving as an administrator in schools, I have worked in many non-profits. I started the programs at the Emily Krzyzewski Center in Durham, founded a non-profit program called "i4m—innovation for motivation" that provided educational programming during out-of-school hours, and served as Executive Director at Crayons2Calculators.
Christine Donovan Ball (christine@camelotacademy.org)
English as a Second Language Teacher
At Camelot since 2025Education: Masters in Human Rights and Democratisation, The European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation, Lido, Italy. BA International Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and BA Romance Languages, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Travel: My English teaching journey began in Santiago, Chile where I studied abroad at the University of Chile. It continued in Buenos Aires, Argentina where I taught executives in an international corporation, in an institute, and with private students. I lived in Venice, Italy and Copenhagen, Denmark as a part of my master’s study program, and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. My favorite city so far is Istanbul.
More About Me: Most of my fifteen-year, English teaching career was spent as an ESL Instructor at Wake Technical Community College. When I’m not in class you’ll find me walking in the forest, writing, painting, reading, listening to music and hanging out with my family.
Eric Fossinger (eric@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP Teacher
Teaching since 2012; at Camelot since 2025Education: BA in Anthropology and Philosophy at UNC-Chapel Hill, 2007; M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education of Children with and without Disabilities, 2016; Certification in Nature Based Education through Association of Nature-Based Educators (ANBE), 2025
Travel: Guatemala, Mexico, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Belize, Ireland
Charlotte Frysinger (charlotte@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School Spanish
Teaching since 2004; at Camelot since 2013Education: B.A. Spanish Education, Minor in Linguistics, University of Delaware; PA and DE certified
Travel: Lived in Ecuador for five years; Visited or studied in Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Italy
Raleigh Gardiner (raleigh@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School Art Teacher
Teaching since 2014; at Camelot since 2021Education: M.F.A., Washington University in Saint Louis, Sam Fox School of Art and Design, Saint Louis, MO, 2014; B.F.A., Tufts University, The School of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, 2009; Studio Program Degree, The School of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, 2009.
Travel: Greece, Costa Rica, Belize, Costa RIca, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Mexico.
More About Me: Practicing and exhibiting visual artist. Managed artist residency in Guanajuato, Mexico. Designed and built art exhibits for the Saint Louis Science Center. Background in exhibit design, scientific illustration, botany, animal morphology, and the natural sciences.
Madeline Hayes (madeline@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP Teacher
Teaching since 2022, at Camelot since 2025Education: M.A.T. Elementary Education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Licensed K-6, B.A Human Development and Family Studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Professional Development: Minor in Hispanic Studies (2021), Minor in African and African American Diaspora Studies (2021), Volunteer First Grade Teacher in Chinandega, Nicaragua (2021), Curriculum Associates iReady Math and Reading Professional Development (2022-2023), Teacher Representative Board Member at Mount Madonna School (2023-2024), Reading Lab Facilitator for Phonics at Mount Madonna School (2023-2024), Curriculum Development for Seventh and Eighth Grade English (2023-2024), LETRS Phonics Training Year 1 (2024-2025), Eureka Math2 Professional Development (2024-2025)
Travel: Nicaragua, Antigua, Ecuador, Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Denmark, Kenya
More About Me: Outside of school, I can be found hiking, running, doing yoga, reading, and traveling. One of my favorite things is spending time with family and friends at the beach.
Lori Hilliard (lori@camelotacademy.org)
Upper-School Science, Instructional Coordinator
Teaching since 1989; at Camelot since 1999Education: B.S., Biology/Education, East Central University, Ada, OK. M.S., Science Education/Curriculum Development, East Central University, Ada., OK.
Professional Development: 2000: SCIMAST Winter Meeting (Sustaining Long-Term Professional Development), Austin, TX; 1999: Recipient of SERVE grant ($50,000 for accountability in NC Charter schools); NC Charter Schools Fall Meeting (Presented workshop on Accountability, Testing and Evaluation); 1998: National Assoc. of Biology Teachers Meeting, Reno, NV. (Conducted training on using internet to teach Biology). 1997: Konawa Public Schools Summer Vision Retreat (Planning Coordinator); Access Excellence, San Francisco, Ca. (Facilitator/Trainer). 1995: Access Excellence National Fellowship, San Francisco, CA.
Travel: Has traveled to attend scientific workshops, conferences throughout the U.S.
Reed Kellner (reed@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School Math and Science
Teaching since 2006; at Camelot since 2022Education: B.Sc. Physics, with a concentration in the Philosophy of Science, Minor in Mathematics, UC Irvine
More About Me: Developed math curricula for private educational institutions, created SAT and academic tutoring programs for non-profit organizations, private academic and admissions test preparation tutor for 16 years
I love science fiction, the craft of writing in general, nature, primitive technology and ancestral skills
Beverly Medina (beverly@camelotacademy.org)
Middle Grades Teacher
At Camelot since 2023Having grown up on the beaches of Central Florida, my passion for outdoor education and experiential learning has always run deep. After moving to North Carolina to pursue my M.S. in Environmental Engineering, I studied water and wastewater through a public health lens, including some time spent on field work in Southeast India. Later, I spent several years coordinating year-round outdoor camps before I made my way to Camelot, where I have had the opportunity to share my love for nature, engineering, and hands-on learning. In my free time, I love to cook and spend time with my two lovely senior dogs.
Krista Moll (krista@camelotacademy.org)
Physical Education Teacher
teacher since 2007; at Camelot since 2008Education: B.S. in Physical Education (minor in Health Education and concentration in Psychology), Appalachian State University, 2003; M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science (concentration in Exercise and Sports Psychology), University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006; North Carolina Physical Education license
Professional Development: Member of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sports Psychology; the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; and the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Regularly attends conferences for said organizations.
Travel: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland
More About Me: Wedding and adventure photographer
Robin Brown Pipkins (robin@camelotacademy.org)
Specialist Teacher: Art and Aftercare Teacher
at Camelot since 2021Robin is a passionate educator and versatile artist with over 15 years of experience teaching art in both public and private school settings, as well as through community programs like Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, where she is also the Director for the Arts based Summer Camp and Art Instructor for various programs throughout the year.
Education: Robin is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated with a degree from Duquesne University in Multimedia Technology, minoring in Studio Arts. She also attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Professional Development: In addition to her teaching career, Robin is a certified health and wellness coach.
More About Me: When she isn't inspiring others through teaching or coaching, Robin is active in the local art community, creating and selling her artwork at regional craft markets.
Driven by a love of both art and well-being, Robin continues to share her knowledge, passion, and creativity with those around her, empowering others to embrace their full potential.
Katie Rebich (katie@camelotacademy.org)
Specialist Teacher: Theater
At Camelot since 2022Katie Rebich (they/them) is a teaching artist, performer, and theater educator since 2009. With a background that spans classroom teaching and professional performance, their work lives at the intersection of play, creativity, and emotional connection. Their pedagogy emphasizes student-led discovery and social-emotional learning, grounded in a strong belief that curiosity and creativity are essential to meaningful education. Drawing from their background in physical theater and contemporary clowning, Katie brings movement, humor, and emotional presence into the learning space. They formally trained at Aloft Circus Arts in Chicago and studied clown with Dody DiSanto and Giovanni Fusetti, grounding their teaching in Lecoq-based practices and a deep respect for the intelligence of children. They continue to perform locally with their company, StoryUp! Aerial Theater. You may even catch them on stilts with Paperhand Puppet Intervention! Whether in the classroom or onstage, Katie is committed to creating joyful, inclusive spaces where curiosity thrives, learning is active, failure is welcomed, and every student has a place to shine.
Bruce Robbins (bruce@camelotacademy.org)
US History/Social Studies Teacher
Teaching since 1985; at Camelot since 2021Education: MS in Education from Walden University (2011) specializing in curriculum and instruction. Gifted and Talented Endorsement from Ball State University (1995) BS in Social Studies Education from Ball State University (1985) primary area of study United States History, secondary area of study World History, secondary area of study Political Science Coaching Endorsement from Ball State University (1985)
Professional Development & Certfication:
California Teaching Credential in Social Studies 6 – 12
Indiana Teaching Credential in Social Studies 6 – 12
Teacher’s Curriculum Institute History Alive training
NAIS Diversity Institute
College Board Certified AP United States History
College Board Certified AP United States Government and Politics
Gilder Lehrman Institute Seminar History of the Confederacy
Gilder Lehrman Institute Seminar The Age of Jim Crow in History and Literature
Gilder Lehrman Institute Civil Rights and Memphis
Gilder Lehrman Institute Seminar The American Revolution
More About Me: For most of my career I have been a high school coach. As a head boys varsity coach my teams have won 352 games and 12 conference championships. As a head cross country coach my teams have won 13 conference championships and more than 20 invitational championships. I have been named coach of the year in four conferences in three different sports (basketball, cross country, and track).
Magdalena Sledzik Sims (magdalene@camelotacademy.org)
English as a Second Language
Teaching since 2002; at Camelot since 2016Education: BA Art History & Criticism, Honors, the University of Western Ontario; MA English Philology (Linguistics, Literature, TESOL), Jagiellonian University
Professional Development: TESOL International Philadelphia 2015; Wilson Language Training Washington, DC; TESOL NC Raleigh 2017
Travel: Extensive travel though 12 European countries and across Canada and the United States. Lived and worked in three countries.
More About Me: Interest in world languages and language acquisition, history & architecture, painting, design, hiking, cooking and gardening.
Tyler Turner
Lamplighter and Facility Management
at Camelot since 2021Bio Coming!
Thomas VanDuyne (thomas@camelotacademy.org)
Upper School English and Science
Teaching since 2013; at Camelot since 2019Education: B.A. English w/ Writing Concentration, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg PA. Certificate in Corporate Sustainability, New York University, NYC NY. Master of Natural Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg VA.
Certifications: Leed Green Associate, USGBC. TRUE Zero Waste Advisor, USGBC
Travel: U.K., Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, China, Canada, and 2/3rds of our National Parks!
More About Me: Music (Drums, Guitar, Dulcimer), Avid Reader, Backpacking and Camping, Birding
Sarah Way (sarah@camelotacademy.org)
Middle School Teacher
Teaching since 2018; at Camelot since 2023Education: B.A. History with a concentration in American History from Lycoming College. Completed secondary education certification teaching program.
More About Me: Beekeeping, cooking, hiking, homesteading, hiking, and music.
Leah Wilhelm (leah@camelotacademy.org)
MAPP teacher
Teaching since 2002; at Camelot since 2019Education: With 22 years of teaching experience under my belt, I’ve spent the first part of my career bringing the magic of performing arts to upper-grade students. After COVID reshaped the world (and many of us right along with it), I followed my heart into the joyful, curious world of early childhood education—specifically kindergarten through second grade.
I’m passionate about structured literacy and believe that strong, evidence-based foundations in reading open every door for young learners. I also believe in the power of picture books to spark imagination, build connection, and anchor meaningful lessons. My classroom is a place where “wonder” isn’t just welcomed—it’s encouraged to lead the way. Lessons often take delightful detours thanks to curious questions, big ideas, and kid-led conversations. I consider it a privilege to learn alongside my students as we explore, laugh, create, and grow together each day.More About Me: When I'm not teaching or finding my new favorite picture book, I love spending time with my family, quilting, talking to my plants, baking cake and eating cake.