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My name is Mary Bowen, and I am excited to be teaching second-grade GTA at Pleasant Ridge. I received my Bachelor's in Education at Appalachian State University. I have been teaching for 6 years, with experience in third, fourth, and fifth grade. 

Aside from teaching, I love spending time outside with my husband and two dogs, traveling, and cheering on the Carolina Panthers. I am excited to be a part of the Pleasant Ridge Panther family. 

I have been an educator in North Carolina since 2003. My first year of teaching was at Kings Mountain Intermediate School. I taught 15 years at Sherwood Elementary before moving to the Gifted and Talented Academy at Pleasant Ridge. This will be my 22nd year of teaching and my 6th year in the GTA. I have been a Pinnacle Leader for аæèßäapp since 2012. I want to empower students with the love of learning.

In my time away from teaching, I love traveling to the mountains, photography (a new hobby), crafting, and spending time with my family. My husband and I have been married for 36 years with two daughters and a granddaughter. I have a dog, Rylee. 

My name is Lyndi Hardy, and I'm thrilled to be teaching second grade here at PRES! I am from Kings Mountain. I have two children, Emma (17) and Will (13). During my free time, I love to go shopping, spend time with my family, and go to the beach every chance I get. I love teaching 2nd grade. I knew as a young child that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher,  just like all five of my aunts were. This is my third year at Pleasant Ridge and my second year teaching second grade. I’m excited about the new school year!

I have worked for more than 20 years in education as an assistant teacher, a substitute teacher, and a teacher. I worked for аæèßäapp the whole time except for the two years I worked in a charter school.  I began at Tryon Elementary as an assistant teacher (K).  Then, I went on to Forest Heights Elementary (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th) and I am in my sixth year at Pleasant Ridge. 

I have always worked in Title I, and hopefully, I always will. Although Title I has its challenges, it has made me see and understand students/parents in so many ways. I have a desire to help students see the real world as it exists and to show them how they can become productive citizens in it with hard work and perseverance.

Lastly, I love sports, especially the UNC Tarheels and the Carolina Panthers. I also enjoy art, music, and history.

Hello! My name is Kate Lavender and I have been teaching at Pleasant Ridge for 5 years. I have taught 1st Grade, 1st/2nd Grade Combo Class, 3rd Grade, and I am so excited to be joining the 2nd Grade team this school year. 

A little about me: I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and went to Wingate University to study Elementary Education. While there, I participated in the music program where I was a part of the auditioned, traveling choir and had parts in 10 different opera productions. Music is still a huge part of my life. I sing with the Charlotte Master Chorale as well as lead the Children's Choir at church.  

Teaching is my joy in life. My focus in the classroom is first on building relationships with my students. Learning will come if the students feel safe and respected! I am looking forward to this school year and working with students and families to make this the best school year yet!