Guild of Adventures works to bring D&D programs to schools and organizations in the Triangle. We currently work with 5 schools in the area and have ran summer camps with Carrboro Parks and Recreation and The Duke School. We have multiple years of D&D experience and have been running programs like this many times over. Guild of Adventures has been operating in the area for around 4 years!

Hello!  My name is Aimee Haygood.  Currently, I serve as assistant athletic director at Woods Charter School.  I’m also a full time high school mathematics teacher at Woods Charter School.      While in middle and high school, I dedicated a lot of my time to sports, specifically basketball.   My dedication to the sport led me to secure a full 4-year athletic scholarship to Augusta State University to play basketball as a Jaguar.  I’m still recognized as a top ten leading scorer for the Lady Jags with 1,208 career points.  While at ASU, I was also a member of  the Cross Country Team for 3 years and I earned a degree in Mathematics.    After college I accepted my first teaching job (January 2000) and moved from Georgia to Durham, NC.  I’ve directed and worked at many basketball camps since my high school years.  Over the past 8 years, I’ve coached my sons, Levi and Ace, in various recreational and AAU basketball leagues.   I believe that healthy competition and participation in sports has physical and mental benefits.  Athletes build strong healthy muscles, learn to set attainable goals, and develop teamwork and leadership skills.  Participation in sports offers opportunities for social connections and for athletes to sharpen their socialization skills.  As a basketball coach, my first goal is to create an atmosphere in which all athletes enjoy basketball and feel motivated to develop their basketball skills.  So, get those kids on the court and let’s hoop it up!

Hello! My name is Amanda Gough and I am a 14s Head Coach at Chapel Hill Area Volleyball Club and the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Woods Charter School. I’m a Virginia Tech alumna who majored in Biology and Sociology, and now developing as a CPT and nutrition coach to get involved in a higher level of sports conditioning. Growing up, I played and absolutely loved volleyball from the age of 10 and have continued to revolve my life around volleyball, playing in various adult leagues, coaching, and holding private and small group lessons. Volleyball has been such an important aspect to my life as exercise, stress-relief, developing my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, etc. that I am always eager to help teach others when they are interested in learning the sport. I maintain a very positive and optimistic attitude when coaching to foster an atmosphere that others can feel they can grow and learn in. I would love to be able to teach more campers about the sport that has made such an amazing and fun impact on my life!

Hello! My name is Amanda Westle and I just finished teaching my first year at Woods as one of the new Kindergarten teachers. I attended Elon University for my undergraduate degrees, Elementary Education and Special Education, with a concentration in Enviromental Education. I hail originally from Asheville, NC (mountains over the ocean everytime!) and love spending time out in nature with my Mini Aussie, Kiwi. I LOVE to craft on my sewing machine, read books and nerd out to all kinds of fun things. We had a blast in Kindergarten this year and I can’t wait to continue the fun over the summer!

Amelia Cherry and Daniel Horil are rising juniors at Woods.  Both have been playing soccer since young age and have many years of playing soccer at competitive levels and have played in multiple  positions.  Both play in the varsity soccer team for the school and have experience in academy club teams. Both Amelia and Daniel have recently been named All Conference and All Region players.

Both have experience working with kids of all ages through the Woods after-school program and coaching soccer at their club.

Amy Dowden has taught science and engineering at Woods for 14 years. In addition to enjoying teaching, Amy also has a custom woodworking business. She loves learning and encouraging that passion in others. She will be assisted in this camp by her daughter, Laura, who is a Senior majoring in Genetics at NC State.

Ashley Lorusso is the elementary art teacher at Woods Charter School. She has been teaching art for about 10 years and absolutely loves open-ended creative projects that allow children to explore with their hands and imaginations. She is a NC native, has her MFA in painting from Parson's School of Design in New York, and lives in Chapel Hill with her family.

Brittney earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before beginning her career as an occupational therapist, Brittney worked with children, teens and their families in a variety of roles including as a mentor, behavioral assistant, employment specialist for a transition, school to employment program (S.T.E.P) and a nursery attendant. She also worked with adults with psychological and developmental disabilities as a job coach. As an occupational therapist Brittney has worked simultaneously in pediatrics, geriatrics and industrial sports medicine. Brittney is now combining her love of helping others, the medical field and entrepreneurship through her first franchise with Little MedicalSchool. She is excited to assist with educating young minds on possible careers in the medical field.

In addition to her 14+ years of public school teaching experience, Britt Wilson moonlights as a storyteller and songwriter in her spare time.  She brings an energetic and practical approach to creativity and wants to share the practice of visual storytelling in a safe and wildly imaginative environment.

Carly: Hello my name is Carly Gerringer. I am a rising senior at the Hawbridge school. I enjoy being outside and hanging out with my family, as well as taking pictures to capture the moments around me. We would love to have your kids in my camp, and I look forward to having a fun camp with them!

Carmen Wood, a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, has been in the world of basketball and athletics for over 20 years! She has coached at many Division I basketball camps such as Roy Williams, Hubert Davis, Kenny Smith, Eric Montross, and Sylvia Hatchell to name a few. As a current PE teacher at Woods Charter and former basketball coach, she has truly seen the lightbulb that comes on when a new skill is learned or success is gained! That is what she thrives to find in each and every participant. Carmen welcomes all skill levels, as no two learners are the same, and has high hopes that your camper will leave with new or better confidence than before.

Coach Chad Beaty discovered his passion for fencing at the young age of 7. His dedication and natural talent quickly propelled him to success, competing at both regional and national levels. His achievements earned him a coveted spot on the fencing team at Pennsylvania State University, where he honed his skills and deepened his love for the sport.  Now a full-time professional coach with Forge Fencing, Coach Chad brings years of experience and a wealth of expertise to athletes of all levels. Specializing in Saber and Foil, he offers both group and individual instruction, tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each student. Recently, he returned to competitive fencing, bringing fresh energy and insight to his coaching.  Coach Chad’s passion for fencing shines through in every lesson. His ability to connect with students, inspire confidence, and instill a lifelong love for the sport makes him an invaluable asset to our program. Whether guiding beginners or mentoring high-performance competitors, Coach Chad is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential.

My name is Courtney Wilson, I've been in education for over 15 years. I have done camps on and off through out my career. I teach exceptional children and have worked with all the grade levels. I enjoy helping children come out there shells, try new things, and becoming confident in themselves by creating a safe caring learning environment where they can be themselves.

Creighton Irons spent the first 22 years of his life in Chapel Hill (Morehead Scholar, 2005) before moving to New York City for grad school (MFA in Musical Theater Writing, NYU 2008). He and has been writing musicals and teaching ever since. He leads two children’s choruses and conducts songwriting workshops with Lincoln Center, The Roundabout Theater, and the Shakespeare Society, and has music directed several musicals in Pittsboro (incl. Diamond Studs, Kudzo, and Dreamland).

Eric Jacobs has served as the technical director for numerous area theaters, including Deep Dish Theater (Tech Director and Set Designer), Seven Year Productions (tech dir. for several productions, including Love, Loss, and What I Wore), Hidden Voices (set design and construction), and more. He served as a lighting and sound designer for Musical Madness in years past, and his expertise in so many fields, from 3-D printing to video editing. He loves creating theater and is a great mentor for anyone looking to learn the craft of theater tech.

David Ricks is an arborist, artist, advisor & educator with a passion for humans & trees. For the past seven years David has helped folks of all ages connect with the natural world through his classes on trees, climbing, rope splicing, aerial rescue & outdoor adventure. David is an ISA Certified Arborist & partner in The Treeist with Craig Nishimoto. David & his partner Emilee live in the woods in Chapel Hill along with their 3 young children - Oliver (7), Elliott (3) & Matilda (1)

Debbie Hoodiman learned to crochet from her Grandma Jo when she was 9 years old, and she wants to pass on the joy! Debbie is a Woods HS faculty member in the EC department. When she isn't crocheting cute animals, she also knits scarves and crochets granny squares. 

Ray and Debbie have been playing pickleball since 2017. Ray is a Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Level 1 instructor as well as holding a PPR Youth Development Certificate .  Debbie is a retired elementary school teacher. 

Denise O'Gorman has been a Science educator for 24 years - 18 of which has been here at Woods. She has a Masters degree in Science education from NYU, is a NC Certified Environmental Educator and has just completed her Certification as an American Meterology Teacher. She LOVES hands on learning and students will get lots of that during this summer camp!  Check out this article from Chatham Magazine highlighting Ms. O'Gorman's many years of teaching and accomplishments!

Hello! My name is Eryn Dillard! I am a second grade teacher here at Woods Charter School! I grew up in the midwest and earned my BA in Elementary Education at the University of Iowa. My husband and I moved to North Carolina at the beginning of the school year and have loved getting to know this area. I have a huge passion for both student learning and nature.  I am so excited to spend some time this summer in the big, beautiful classroom of the outdoors. Join me as we get messy and discover new things!  I am currently getting my environmental education certificate and I am Wilderness First Aid trained.  I love exploring, trying new things, and problem solving! I think experiential and cooperative learning is so much fun, and I encourage children to be "hands-on" with their own projects and ideas! I can't wait to have a blast with you this summer!

Jamie Nuss is a Woods TA for Kindergarten.  In her spare time she keeps busy by taking care of her little hobby farm and keeping up with her two busy teen daughters.  Emily Nuss is a rising 10th grader at Woods and is also a counselor for the afterschool program. She loves all animals and hopes to be a veterinarian. Together, these two are ready for some fun games that will get your brains thinking!

I have spent the past 20 years as a competitive archer. Certified through USA archery national training systems level 3 archery coach, level 2 instructor/trainer, level 2 archery judge, National after school program certified, Certifications in safe sports, sexual misconduct in sports, awareness education, mandatory reporting and emotional and physical misconduct. Gold Medalist, Huntsman Senior World Games, State games of America Gold Medalist

Hello! My name is Jake Weaver. I’m a Siler City, NC native and Jordan Matthews High School Alumni. I am so excited to announce that I will be the new Director of Before & After School Programming here at Woods Charter School. A little about myself, I am twenty-four years old have worked with children for 11 years. I started out my career of childcare at the Boys & Girls Club in SIler City as a Teen Volunteer and within a year of dedication and volunteerism, I was offered a job as a Program Leader. After I graduated from High School in 2016, I began working with the YMCA. I was placed here, at Woods Charter, as a Site Coordinator  Woods hired me to run its own in-house program in 2017, and I do that in addition to working full-time for the school as a second grade TA.

Ms. Walden-Gray is an entomologist and field biologist turned science teacher. She is the 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Woods and loves to use the school as an outdoor classroom. She taught Mass Audubon field trips, after school programs, and summer camps at Habitat Sanctuary in Boston for three years while also working as a scientist, which led her to switching her career from research to science education. Ms. Walden-Gray is passionate about training student scientists and fostering their joy in discovery.   Ms. Walden-Gray earned a dual bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, studying Entomology and Neurobiology and Animal Behavior. She has a Master’s in science education from NC State and holds a NC teaching license.  In her first career as a research scientist, she studied evolutionary biology and sensory ecology. She’s worked in labs studying a lot of things:  dinosaur fossils at the Smithsonian, loons in Wisconsin, pollinators in the Tetons, fireflies in Boston, and bats and tiger moths in North Carolina. 

Kim Moody teaches mathematics at Wood Charter School, in addition to leading LEGO and Minecraft classes in the after-school program. She grew up in Cardiff, Wales and taught mathematics in the UK before moving to North Carolina and making it her new home. In her spare time, she loves to travel as much as possible with her family and explore different cultures and cuisines. 

Little Medical School offers an exciting and interactive look into the world of Healthcare careers. Through after-school enrichment programs, birthday parties, track out/summer camps, scouting events, etc.. We encourage children to role play and learn about being medical professionals. Little Medical School, which is headquartered in St. Louis Missouri has over 40 franchises around the world. We have a variety of programs including Veterinarian, Pediatrician, Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. 

Loretta Hackney formerly owned and ran an after-school/summer camp program, and worked at Woods for many years as an Elementary TA. Ms. Hackney graduated from ECU with her Elementary Education Degree in December of 2015 and has worked as a 2nd grade teacher in Chatham County Schools since then. She is also the Assistant Camp Director for this program, and this will be her 7th summer creating fun for kids at Woods! One of her many passions is running which she started doing in the winter of 2010. From her first 5k in December of 2010, to her current training for a half marathon she has mentored many runners in the Fleet Feet Carrboro training programs. This has afforded her a wealth of knowledge in motivating and encouraging others to be their best.

Lubbers & Sons tree care is a locally owned and operated professional tree service dedicated to serving our local community by providing high quality tree care services, sharing our knowledge and offering top-notch advice when it comes to all things trees!  With a combined 16+ years of experience in the tree care industry, and a genuine love of trees, we are prepared to address any tree-related concern in the Chapel Hill area. A little about our two owners/founders below!

Sosha is an ISA certified arborist with experience in plant health care and tree pest/disease diagnosis. She has worked on many crews, mostly rigging and supporting climbers from the ground, although enjoying a chance to play in the canopy from time to time. These days she is an administrative wizard and wearer of many hats. When she's not at work, you can find her playing banjo and singing on the porch, painting, or at the gym preparing for her next MMA fight (she's also a professional athlete)! 

Tommy is a skilled tree climber and lifelong learner, notorious for taking great care and pride in his work. Safety is always his top priority, and it is clear to anyone watching him work that he loves his job. He is our expert climbing arborist (and true climbing enthusiast), part spider monkey, and a loving father. He’s a former expert carpenter, master of many useful skills, chainsaw artist, and mushroom forager. A true leader and teacher who loves sharing his trade and bringing new climbers into the industry safely. He’s also got the most talent you'll ever see backing up a trailer-- if trick trailer driving competitions existed, he'd take home the prize money every time.

Together, we are living our dream of earning a living doing what we love while making a lasting positive impact on our community. 

Mya Sheridan is a 2025 Woods Charter School graduate.  She has been playing volleyball since she was 7. She has played for Chapel Hill Area Volleyball Club travel teams, Sand Volleyball and Woods Middle and High School volleyball teams. Maya specializes in setting.

Hey there! My name is Megan Nowak and I am a Woods Charter Alumna.  I completed my first year of college at Catawba College. In my time at Woods I worked the afterschool program, and loved the time I got to spend and connect with the kids who attended. This will be my third year running a camp through Woods Summer Wonders, and I’m excited to be starting new camps this summer. I have always been fascinated with photography, and learning how to better my skills myself, and teaching younger kids how to take pictures on something they already have, I feel, is the best way for them to learn.

Mickey Eisenberg is an artist (painter), art quilter and doll maker. Paier College of Art and The Corcorian Art School in Washington D.C. She makes high-end purses and totes which have been shown in galleries, retail stores, and here in NC made Handmade Markets.

Misty Peeler is a 5th-grade teacher at Woods Charter but has enjoyed being an educator in various roles since 2000.  A graduate from Meredith College, she majored in English, elementary education, and minored in dance, but could always be found helping her friends with labs or getting messy in the art studio. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she can be found outside running, hiking, or just enjoying nature.  While she loves being in the classroom, teaching camps is her favorite time of year.  There is nothing like exploring outside, creating masterpieces or inventions, or just getting messy and having fun!

My name is Natalie Gerringer, and I am a Mom of four adventurous children.   I have had the ability of working and volunteering at their various schools for the past twenty years.  If I am not at the school, then I am planning our next family trip.  Traveling and experiencing life with my family is what drives me in my life. 

At Peakway Driving School, we proudly serve as the leading choice for driver education in the greater Wake County and the surrounding areas.  Our team of professional, friendly and patient instructors has over 30 years of driving experience and a decade of expertise in training thousands of safe drivers.

We believe that every learner deserves the best educational experience when it comes to mastering the road. Whether you’re enrolling your teens in a Driver’s Education Program, learning to drive for the first time, or need a refresher before your test, our comprehensive lessons will help you become safer, more confident

With over 20 years of experience in education, I've held roles ranging from a classroom teacher to a principal in North Carolina. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the transformative power of hands-on learning and the impact it has on students. Joining Play-Well TEKnologies camps opens doors to a unique and enriching experience. Our programs go beyond traditional education by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through LEGO®-based projects. I've seen firsthand the joy and excitement that Play-Well brings to young minds, making it an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking an innovative and engaging learning environment.

Samantha Shaw is an English and Journalism teacher at Carrboro High School, alumni of Woods Charter, and former dance teacher to elementary-age children. She's an advocate at Carrboro for movement in the classroom setting. It's important to her to grow a love of movement in her students, just as it is to grow a love of literature! (Though at "Let's Dance!" she promises no poetry other than song lyrics.)

Hello, I am Sara Fields. I am a mom of three and an avid dog lover. I hope to radiate an energy in the classroom that brings learning to life and inspires my students to engage. I love the outdoors,  building, creating, and being innovative. I believe our youth is our best investment and kindness is of great importance. I have been a teacher for over 10 years and love sharing my interests, hobbies, and things I am passionate about with students during camps and after school classes.

I love to play outside and include experiential learning in my teaching everyday! I have been a teacher for over ten years. I have participated in Outward Bound and I enjoy lots of hiking and outdoor activities