Amanda Jacobs, Director – Amanda feels grateful to have found a school that aligns perfectly with her teaching philosophy of active learning, community, and joyful collaboration. Born in Pennsylvania, Ms. Amanda has taught both elementary and higher education in Virginia, DC and New York. She is a lifelong learner and holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock, a Masters in Education and Human Development from George Mason and a Doctorate in Teaching and Curriculum for the Watson School of Education at the University of Rochester. After teaching 1st grade at NHES, Amanda is thrilled to be in the director role and will continue to help foster an inspiring, cooperative, stimulating learning environment among NHES students and staff. Amanda lives in Wrightsville Beach with her husband, two pups and loves to run, surf and travel.

Carrie Cabello, Kindergarten- Ms. Carrie is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at New Horizons. Carrie grew up in Rhode Island, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education. She completed graduate work at Providence College. She and her husband Dan have two adult children and one very spoiled rescue pup. After thirteen moves around the country, Carrie is happy to call Wilmington home. In her free time, Carrie enjoys reading, travel, and spending time with her family.

Kelly Turek, Kindergarten Assistant- Kelly grew up in Hickory, NC.  She graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Speech Communications. She later discovered her true passion of working with young children and went on to get an MEd in Early Childhood Education.  She and her husband Dan moved to Wilmington 25 years ago where she taught preschool.  She later joined St. Andrews-Covenant Preschool as their director   Her two sons attended New Horizons, and she is thrilled to be working here!  In her spare time, she enjoys Team Trivia, crossword puzzles, and long walks.

Jean Murtagh, First Grade Assistant- Ms. Jean is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the New Horizons family and loves working with Ms. Carole Ann and the first grade. She grew up on the east coast and overseas and moved back to North Carolina where she earned a degree from UNC – Chapel Hill. After graduating she worked as a cartographer and GIS analyst for an engineering firm and then city urban planning offices. In 2006, Ms. Jean moved to Wilmington with her husband and three kids. Outside of school, she enjoys playing tennis, cooking and traveling.

Harriet Rickert, Second Grade – Ms. Harriet loves teaching at New Horizons because it truly nurtures the creativity and individuality of each student. Ms. Harriet was born and raised in England but has called North Carolina home since 2016. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from University College Falmouth, she worked as a freelance illustrator in London, during which time she published three children’s books. She also began working with children by volunteering as an art workshop facilitator for local non-profits, which made her realize that her true passion lies in teaching! She then completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Chichester followed by a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Greensboro College. When Ms. Harriet is not teaching, she enjoys traveling and has visited over 30 countries. She also loves animals and is a volunteer at a local cat rescue, along with having 4 rescue cats and 3 dogs of her own!

Denise Lopatka, Teacher Assistant (Grades 2-5) – Denise Lopatka is thrilled to join the NHES community and get back in the classroom.  Denise (and her husband) grew up in Wilmington and jumped at the opportunity to move back 11 years ago.  Denise attended NC State University and received a BA in Public Relations and Spanish.  After working as a translator she decided to get her Masters in Teaching and worked as an ESL teacher for New Hanover and Pender County Schools.  She’s taken the last ten years off to be at home with her children who also attend NHES.  In her free time, Denise enjoys tacos, playing tennis, going to the beach and traveling with her husband Matt, and her two kids, Georgia and Matthew.

Julie Burns, Teacher Assistant (Grades 2-5)– Julie is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.  After 30 years of teaching Art to public school students in PA, NJ and NC Julie is enjoying her new role assisting the wonderful teachers at NHES.  Julie loves living at the beach as an empty nester spending time with her husband Ford, dogs Gracie and Petey and cat Luke.

Heather Masters, Fourth Grade- Ms. Heather is thrilled to join the New Horizons family and looks forward to thriving here right along with her students. Since graduating from NC State University (Go Pack!) in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Ms. Heather has taught all upper elementary grades and loves helping this age develop academically and personally. After living in Wilmington, as a young child, Ms. Heather married and returned to Wilmington in 2015. She and her husband spent much of their time outdoors boating and traveling with their two playful labradors!

Jon Wallace, Fifth Grade- Mr. Wallace is a Wilmington native who loves sharing his passion for learning with his class. He received both his B.A. in Art History and M.Ed. in Elementary Education from UNC-Greensboro. Mr. Wallace is level 1 certified in the Wilson Reading System, and he was trained by Jan Richardson in The Jan Richardson model for Guided Reading.  Mr. Wallace believes in bringing a blend of the best of all strategies to meet the individual needs of each learner. He loves teaching 5th grade and fostering a love of life-long learning in his students. When not at school Mr. Wallace loves being on the water or at the beach. He is an award-winning fiber artist, Jane Austen bookworm and Disney enthusiast.

Derick Reardon, Physical Education–

Derick Reardon has been dedicated to teaching and working with young people for over 15 years. Throughout his career, he has taught elementary, middle, and high school students, and served as an athletic director. A passionate coach, Derick loves helping young people find excitement and joy in exercising and staying fit. His commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles extends beyond the classroom and onto the field, where he encourages students to challenge themselves and build lifelong habits that promote wellness. Derick’s career has taken him to China, Thailand, and Ethiopia, where he embraced diverse cultures and teaching experiences. Now, back in his home state of North Carolina, he is excited to bring those experiences to his local community. Connecting with families and supporting their children’s growth has always been at the heart of his work. 

Victoria Boler, Music- Victoria Boler is an elementary general music educator and curriculum writer. Specializing in general music, Victoria has also taught elementary orchestra, choir, and percussion ensembles, and has served as a Fine Arts Coordinator. In addition to a Bachelor of Instrumental and Vocal Music Education, she holds a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida and is a doctoral student at Valdosta State University pursuing an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction. Victoria has completed three levels of Orff Schulwerk certification, two levels of Kodaly training, and is specialized in The Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by the University of Colorado Boulder. She and her husband love living in Wilmington with their pet instruments. When she is not working, you can probably find her in her backyard garden – likely pulling weeds! 

Clare Powers, Art – Clare is a Wilmington native and an NHES graduate, so joining the faculty feels very full circle! Clare received her bachelors degree in art history from Williams College. She discovered her love of teaching while working as an educator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. She taught elementary art while getting her masters in elementary and museum education at Bank Street College in New York City. Clare later taught first grade at Sidwell Friends School for many years, before deciding to stay home with her children (one who attends NHES). In her spare time Clare loves to be outside with her husband (David) and three sons- at the beach, playing tennis, or playing in the yard.

Maria Elena Viglucci, Spanish – With her passion and energy, Ms. Maria Elena creates an encouraging environment for her students to delve into the Hispanic culture. She was born and raised in a bilingual home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After leaving the Caribbean, she attended The University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Consumer Psychology and her Master of Elementary Education. Maria Elena has extensive elementary teaching experience having worked in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana, California, and North Carolina school systems. She loves to run but also enjoys relaxing at Masonboro Island with her family and friends.

Lee Johnson, Instructional Support Teacher– Mr. Lee feels incredibly grateful to be part of the New Horizons learning community. His enthusiasm, passion, and positivity bring an unmistakable and engaging energy to the classroom. A native of NC who grew up in Wilson and Raleigh, Lee graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in business. After about a decade toiling in the financial industry, Lee decided to follow his passion and he earned a master’s degree in literacy from Elmira College in NY. Lee has taught in elementary and middle school classrooms and as a reading specialist. He has also taught at the Hill School of Wilmington, which is an Orton Gillingham-based specialty school for children with diagnosed learning differences. Lee believes in the strong body and mind connection, so it’s no surprise that there will be plenty of movement within his classroom. This movement fits nicely with Lee’s active lifestyle; he enjoys competing in running and triathlon events, paddle boarding, and going on hikes with his wife Ginny and their dogs. 

Colleen McCarthy, After School Care– Colleen is very excited to become a part of the New Horizons family. She grew up in Long Island, NY and moved to NC five years ago. Colleen has worked as a personal aide to students and in after school care for 15 years. In her spare time she loves to visit her extended family which includes her five children and thirteen grandchildren. She also loves to read and crochet.

Bubbles is our official therapy dog. Her duties are simple: to spread smiles, inspire kindness and bring comfort to those in need.  Bubbles has earned her Canine Good Citizen Certificate as well as her Therapy Dog Certification through Canines for Service.  Bubbles never has a bad day and has 100+ best friends who take very good care of her at NHES.