Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Southwest Elementary

Kim Craver joined WS/FCS as an EC teacher assistant in 2022. For two decades prior, she worked in various positions related to advocacy for victims of domestic violence and child abuse. She loves the community that the school district provides and welcomes the daily challenges that make both her and the students she serves more capable people.

“I have been challenged to develop new skills and learning curves, and in return, have been able to challenge these precious children to become the best students, and people, that they can be,” Craver said. “I have also been extremely supported by my colleagues and peers, who have helped to fuel my passion for and grow more invested in working in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Kingswood School

Gina Holland has been supporting WS/FCS students with a wide range of disabilities for 25 years. She’s also a foster parent and a community support worker, and her lived experiences inform her approach to working with students. She believes that helping students overcome struggles with both physical and mental health can make all the difference in their success in and out of the classroom.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact of providing a safe space for emotional growth, helping students develop coping mechanisms and build resilience,” Holland said. “Witnessing their transformation – whether it’s gaining confidence or overcoming anxiety – reinforces my belief in the importance of emotional well-being in education.”

Central Office - Legal

Chastity Jones is a hearing officer who has also supported WS/FCS as a paralegal, a legal assistant, a financial secretary, and an office manager. She offers support and guidance to students and their families under stressful circumstances. She takes pride in setting up students who are struggling for a more successful future.

“Through my own life’s twists, turns, and experiences, I have learned that listening with intent will help you better understand a person,” Jones said. “I pride myself in being able to do just that while still being able to make decisions that may not be favorable to them, but are good opportunities for them to take accountability and make better decisions in the future, because they still have a future regardless of the situation that placed them in front of me.”

Ashley Academy

Rosetta Marlin-Dennis became a teacher assistant after working for HanesBrands for 34 years because she felt a call to something greater. She works with a purpose to encourage students to excel both in and out of the classroom. She is grateful to be in a position where she can impart positive values onto students that will stick with them for years to come.

“Every day, I am reminded that my role is more than assisting teachers – it is about inspiring students to dream big and believe in themselves,” Marlin-Dennis said. “I feel truly blessed to be part of this district, where I can fulfill my purpose and make a lasting impact on young lives.”

Brunson Elementary

Nelva Perez has served WS/FCS since 2011 as a teacher assistant, a family support assistant, a bilingual parent assistant, a secretary, and a COVID coordinator. Through all of her positions, she has prioritized creative problem solving, attention to detail, and building strong relationships with the district’s stakeholders. She believes every family deserves to get the most out of their school district, regardless of language barriers, and she’s happy to help overcome those barriers.

“I get to celebrate big and small accomplishments throughout the day and school year with students and help parents have better communication with their students’ teachers,” Perez said. “By helping with written translation, verbal interpretation, and connecting them with community resources available to them, I am committed to finding answers to their concerns and addressing them promptly.”