Amy Ralph

My name is Amy Ralph and I have been an educator for fifteen years. I am currently in my tenth year as a media specialist in Lexington City Schools.  I have a strong passion for teaching both students and teachers. One of my greatest strengths is providing and planning professional development for educators. Over the last 9 years I have provided a monthly professional development for my staff at the school level. I have also presented at our district’s beginning of the year professional development every year. I have helped educators grow using their own expertise by presenting and or organizing  Edcamps at the district, state, and national levels. I have presented at nErDcampMI three times, assisted my district in planning our own Edcamp, and I am the primary organizer and a co-founder of @nErDcampNC.  I love participating in NCSLMA events. I have presented at the NCSLMA annual conference five times and I was a state expert during the first year of the mentor/mentee program. I have a passion for our profession and believe that we play a major role in supporting the students and educators in our state. 

Regional Directors

Mandy Wandell

mandywandell@ncslma.org

A motivated and growth-oriented School Library Media Coordinator with a strong commitment to fostering information literacy, inquiry-based learning, and a love of reading. Passionate about collaborating with educators to design meaningful instructional experiences that support student achievement. Driven by curiosity and a dedication to continuous professional growth, instructional innovation, and the effective integration of library and media resources to support diverse learners.

Visit the Region 1 Homepage

Amanda McCall

amandamccall@ncslma.org

I am excited to serve as the Region 2 Director! I have been in education for 20 years. The first 16 were spent in the classroom as an elementary teacher and the past 4 years have been as a Media Coordinator in Carteret County Schools. I have been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2009. I attended East Carolina University for my Undergrad and then attended North Carolina Central University to obtain my MLIS degree. I don't shy away from new things and love to try something that may, or may not, flop. I love to learn and grow professionally so I have been on a variety of committees such as: Advisor for the NC School Library Media Collaborative (Eastern Cohort); Membership Director of North Carolina Reading Association (NCRA);  and NCSLMA Leadership Cohort in 2022-2023. When not working, I am busy with my two high-schoolers and husband. The kids are very involved so I am oftentimes traveling to or from an event for one of them. I look forward to learning and growing professionally in this role and am eager to help other media coordinators grow in their knowledge and passion as well.

Visit the Region 2 Homepage

Angie Headley

angieheadley@ncslma.org

Angie Headley received her love of reading from her momma and an excellent education from the public schools of Wood County, WV, and then attended WVU and Marshall University for a BA and MA in Elementary Education.  In 2013, after teaching 4th and 5th grade in KY and NC for 14 years, she received the honor of becoming the teacher-librarian at Combs Elementary in Raleigh, earning her MLS from ECU in 2015. The work she does brings her JOY 99.9% of the time .  If she was a dragon, she would hoard books, plants, and time to thrift.

Visit the Region 3 Homepage

Laura Molinario

With 26 years dedicated to public education, I've spent over a quarter-century fostering a love of learning. For the past 13 years, I've served

as a media specialist, connecting students with resources and stories. My educational journey began at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, where I graduated in 1992, and continued at East Carolina University, earning my masters degree in 2011.

Throughout my career, I've primarily taught in Scotland and Richmond Counties (NC), with a brief detour to South Carolina. But my most adventurous teaching experience took me halfway around the world to South Korea, where I lived and taught English, immersing myself in a new culture and broadening my global perspective.

As someone who spends days surrounded by books, I've become an avid audiobook listener—a practice that not only fuels my passion for literature but also gives my tired eyes a much-needed rest. Outside the classroom, I'm happiest when exploring new destinations or planning trips with my sister! More recently, I've discovered PVolve, and their online library of classes has become my go-to for rebuilding strength and staying active.

When life gets hectic, I find my center on our farm, whether taking a peaceful walk across the land or getting my hands dirty in the garden. These moments of connection with nature remind me what truly matters and keep me grounded for whatever comes next.

Visit the Region 4 Homepage

Heather Higginbotham

Heather Higginbotham has been an educator for 19 years and a librarian for 15. She has been a media specialist for grades K-8 and for a secondary school in Uganda, Africa. Heather loves combining reading with STEM activities and is passionate about making her library a safe, lively, and inviting place. She has presented on various topics including classroom management and bringing "life" into the library. Heather advocates strongly for her library and has been able to make dynamic changes to her various school libraries throughout the years. Heather has three daughters (one in high school, two in college). When she is not teaching, she is reading, working on a puzzle, traveling with her husband, or planning the next time her family can all be together. She looks forward to serving Region 5 and growing together. 

Visit the Region 5 Homepage

Robin Williams

Hi! I'm Robin Williams the new Region 6 Director. I have been in school libraries since 2006 in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district. I started my career in middle schools for nine years and have spent the last eight in high schools - I've been at East Mecklenburg High School since 2019. As an MLS graduate of UNCG, I am passionate about kids finding a home in my library where they feel safe and welcome. I am the coach of our High School BOB team (district champs 2022), I advise a small makerclub, the senior class board and teach a help desk class at my school.  I have presented at the state level on Makerspaces, Utilizing student helpers in the library, Inquiry in the library, Social Media in the library and I am a National Board Certified Teacher.  When not at school I'm running around after my two teenage boys, my scout leader husband or one of my five pets. I also enjoy reading, cooking/baking and crocheting.  I can't wait to learn and grow with and from the amazing folks in region 6! 

Visit the Region 6 Homepage

Tonya Denny

tonyadenny@ncslma.org

Tonya is the new high school media coordinator in Ashe County. Prior to this position, she taught in the classroom and held the position of media coordinator at Blue Ridge Elementary School. Tonya earned both her Bachelor's degree in education and masters degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University. In 2019, Tonya was awarded a prestigious Fulbright-Hays scholarship which allowed her to enrich her perspective through studying abroad in Indonesia. She enjoys reading, traveling to new places and spending time with her family, friends and dog Dixie.

Visit the Region 7 Homepage

Ashley McVey

I am beyond excited to serve as the Region 8 Director for 2025 & 2026! This marks my 24th year in education. I spent 14 years as a classroom teacher, where I had the joy of teaching first, second, and third grades. For the past 10 years, I have been an elementary media specialist, currently serving at Mills River Elementary in Mills River, NC, within the Henderson County Public Schools System. While I treasure my time as a classroom teacher, my true passion lies in being a school media specialist. I love the endless opportunities this role provides to inspire and support the communities I am part of. In our roles, it can sometimes be challenging to make meaningful connections with others. Being involved in NCSLMA has really helped bridge that gap and has provided a sense of community and support that makes all the difference. This past year has brought its share of challenges to Western North Carolina, but through every storm, our community has remained steadfast. Together, we’ve shown resilience, compassion, and unwavering strength. As we continue to rebuild, we stand stronger than ever, proving that our mountain spirit will never falter. #828strong!

Visit the Region 8 Homepage

Julie Stivers

juliestivers@ncslma.org

Julie/a Stivers (she/her) is the Upper School Librarian at Carolina Friends School and previously spent many years in Wake County as a middle school librarian at Mount Vernon MS. She received her MSLS from UNC-Chapel Hill at SILS. Julia's research and practical interests center inclusive libraries, restorative school spaces, reimagined school book fairs, and exploring the power of manga and anime with her students. She is excited to think of ways to build camaraderie among the geographically diverse Region 9 to support each other as we work to support all NC students.

Visit the Region 9 Homepage

Appointed Directors:

Kristy Sartain

kristysartain@ncslma.org

Kristy Sartain is a North Carolina native and has lived all over the state, from the mountains to the coast. She earned her BA from UNC-Charlotte and her MLS from ECU (We are the Pirates of ECU!). Her favorite genres are Fantasy, SciFi, and Dystopian, but she'll read almost anything if it's a good story. She has wanted to be a librarian since she was in 2nd grade and firmly believes that it is the absolute best job in the world.

Lucy Wilcox

lucywilcox@ncslma.org

I have been the librarian at New Hanover High School in Wilmington for the past three years, having spent the first 10 years of my library career at the elementary school level. I am a graduate of ECU's MLS program, and I also hold a Master's Degree in English from UNCG. I am a National Board certified teacher and a strong advocate for librarians to earn their certification! When I can find some free time, I love reading (duh) and walking (on the beach, in the park, with the fam, with the dog, on my own -- whatever -- gotta move the legs!). I was a member of the 2020 Leadership Academy, where I met some of the coolest librarians ever!

Jenni Clark

jenniclark@ncslma.org

Rachel McConughey

Heath Radford

heathradford@ncslma.org

Heath Radford has served as a media coordinator for over five years, where he has worked in the Wayne County Public School system.  He currently resides at Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina. At his school, he also serves as the Beginning Teacher Coordinator. He was part of the 2022 NCSLMA Leadership Academy and has presented the NCSLMA Conference. 

Esther Taylor

esthertaylor@ncslma,org

Shiyo from the mountains in Cherokee, NC. 

I am the high school media coordinator at Cherokee Central Schools. After years of teaching 4th grade, I closed my classroom door and opened the door to the library. Earning my MLS from ECU in 2016 and becoming a teacher-librarian reignited my enthusiasm and passion as an educator. For over 10 years, first at the elementary school and now at the high school, I’ve enjoyed creating a welcoming place for all students to rediscover their love of reading & learning. I have also enjoyed being a member of NCSLMA. I was a part of the 2023 Leadership Academy and am an active Region 8 committee member. I am excited to serve in this new role.

Mollee Holloman

Brené Ball

breneball@ncslma.org

E. Brené Ball is the Media Coordinator at Oak Grove High School in Davidson County. She earned her BA in Middle Grades Education (Math and Social Studies) from UNC-Charlotte, her MLS from East Carolina University. She has served on the NCSLMA Board as Awards Chair, Communications Chair, Membership Director, and President. She has also served on the AASL Board and was Chair of the AASL Affiliate Assembly. She is currently in the School Library Supervisor program at UNCG. She is a self-proclaimed Techno-Nerd, Book Lover and is Ms. D of "Ms. D's Virtual PD" an online Professional Development website. 

Katie Moose

katiemoose@ncslma.org

Sara Levin

Sara Levin is going on her 19th year as a Media Coordinator and 22nd year as a librarian. A graduate of the ECU MLS Program, Sara has presented curriculum, collection development, and grant writing sessions at NCSLMA, NCTIES, and the Joyner Library L2L Networking Summit. Sara is the Media Coordinator at Kinston High School and currently serves as a HBOB Region 2 Chair, the NCSLMA Director of Professional Growth, and is a member of the 2021 NCSLMA Leadership Academy cohort.

Special Committee Chairs/Liasons: