After a decade as a trial attorney, I decided to pursue a career in education, believing I couldn’t lobby for schools without firsthand classroom experience. What started as a three-year plan turned into a 22-year passion for teaching.

I’ve had the joy of teaching AP Language and AP Literature to hundreds of students and coaching the nationally ranked Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team. Along the way, I was honored to receive the Golden Apple Award, be named Moore County Teacher of the Year, and serve as a semifinalist for North Carolina State Teacher of the Year. Helping students find their voices—especially in their college essays—has always been a passion. To that end, I’ve studied with Nancie Atwell in Maine and Mary Ehrenworth with Harvard University to deepen that work.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve been committed to my community, serving as Chairman of the Friend to Friend Board, President of the Friends of the Southern Pines Library, and a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity. Today, I’m proud to serve on the Southern Pines Town Council.

I have two grown daughters, Katie and Jennie Cunningham, who “trained” me well in guiding students. I spend my spare time wrangling two unruly, spoiled golden retrievers—and baking a mean gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.