Meet Your Administrators
Meet Your Counselors

Cherelle Lee (A - Co)
Ms.Lee is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She also graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Science in School Counseling. Ms. Lee has been a school counselor for 14 years. This is her 15th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with A-Co. In her spare time, she likes jigsaw puzzles and mystery games, watching movies, spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: Her 98 year old grandfather graduated from Hillside in 1939 and played Minor Negro League Baseball.
Ms. Lee can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25810 or Cherelle_Lee@dpsnc.net
Ms.Lee is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She also graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Science in School Counseling. Ms. Lee has been a school counselor for 14 years. This is her 15th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with A-Co. In her spare time, she likes jigsaw puzzles and mystery games, watching movies, spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: Her 98 year old grandfather graduated from Hillside in 1939 and played Minor Negro League Baseball.
Ms. Lee can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25810 or Cherelle_Lee@dpsnc.net

Roxie Sutton (Cr- Hen)
Ms.Sutton is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She also graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Master of Science in Mental Health-Rehabilitation Counseling. Additionally, she earned her post-Masters in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mrs. Sutton has been a school counselor for 4 years. This is her 5th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with Cr-Hen. In her spare time, she likes to dance and sing. Fun fact: She is obsessed with sunsets.
Ms. Sutton can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25233 or Roxie_Sutton@dpsnc.net
Ms.Sutton is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She also graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Master of Science in Mental Health-Rehabilitation Counseling. Additionally, she earned her post-Masters in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mrs. Sutton has been a school counselor for 4 years. This is her 5th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with Cr-Hen. In her spare time, she likes to dance and sing. Fun fact: She is obsessed with sunsets.
Ms. Sutton can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25233 or Roxie_Sutton@dpsnc.net

Camille Davis (Her - McC)
All AVID students have Ms. Davis as their counselor
Camille Davis is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She later went on to graduate from Liberty University with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Ms. Davis has been a school counselor for 4 years. She is an alumna of Hillside, and will be rejoining the Hillside family as a School Counselor. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and travel. Her caseload includes students in grades 9 -12 whose last names begin with Her-McC. She also serves at our MTSS Coordinator.
Ms. Davis can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25353 or Camille_Davis@dpsnc.net
All AVID students have Ms. Davis as their counselor
Camille Davis is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She later went on to graduate from Liberty University with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Ms. Davis has been a school counselor for 4 years. She is an alumna of Hillside, and will be rejoining the Hillside family as a School Counselor. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and travel. Her caseload includes students in grades 9 -12 whose last names begin with Her-McC. She also serves at our MTSS Coordinator.
Ms. Davis can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25353 or Camille_Davis@dpsnc.net

Dr. Jameka Floyd (McD - R)
Dr.Floyd is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She also graduated from Old Dominion University (VA) with a Master of Education in School Counseling and Education Specialist in School Administration. Dr. Floyd has been a school counselor for 8 years. This is her 3rd year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with Her-McD . She also serves as the Head Volleyball Coach. In her spare time, she likes to read, play sports, and travel.
Dr. Floyd can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25314 or Jameka_Floyd@dpsnc.net
Dr.Floyd is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She also graduated from Old Dominion University (VA) with a Master of Education in School Counseling and Education Specialist in School Administration. Dr. Floyd has been a school counselor for 8 years. This is her 3rd year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. Her caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with Her-McD . She also serves as the Head Volleyball Coach. In her spare time, she likes to read, play sports, and travel.
Dr. Floyd can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25314 or Jameka_Floyd@dpsnc.net

Kevin Ellis (S-Z)
Mr.Ellis is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Mr. Ellis has been a school counselor for 14 years. This is his 11th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. His caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with S-Z. In his spare time, he likes to fish, cook, hike, and discover 70’s funk records.
Ms. Ellis can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25808 or Kevin_Ellis@dpsnc.net
Mr.Ellis is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Mr. Ellis has been a school counselor for 14 years. This is his 11th year as a school counselor at Hillside High School. His caseload includes students in grades 9-12 whose last names begin with S-Z. In his spare time, he likes to fish, cook, hike, and discover 70’s funk records.
Ms. Ellis can be reached at 919-560-3925 x25808 or Kevin_Ellis@dpsnc.net
Meet Your Teachers
Mathematics |

Rachelle Baptist
Mrs. Baptist is excited to be your math teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. She is a twenty-one- year veteran educator who enjoys challenging teenagers to increase their critical thinking and use of educational technology. This year she and her students will explore various concepts in real world applications, while incorporating literacy activities that will help students articulate their rationale for the math concepts presented in class.
Hillside's 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Baptist is excited to be your math teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. She is a twenty-one- year veteran educator who enjoys challenging teenagers to increase their critical thinking and use of educational technology. This year she and her students will explore various concepts in real world applications, while incorporating literacy activities that will help students articulate their rationale for the math concepts presented in class.
Hillside's 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year!

Emily Belanger
I earned a bachelor’s in Mathematics at Georgia College & State University and am currently working towards my MAT at Duke University. As someone who once struggled with math anxiety, it’s my dream to help students overcome that struggle and prove to themselves that they can be good at math with a little hard work. I’m very excited to be completing my fall mentorship at Hillside High School under the wonderful guidance of Mrs. Baptist and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with some amazing kids!
I earned a bachelor’s in Mathematics at Georgia College & State University and am currently working towards my MAT at Duke University. As someone who once struggled with math anxiety, it’s my dream to help students overcome that struggle and prove to themselves that they can be good at math with a little hard work. I’m very excited to be completing my fall mentorship at Hillside High School under the wonderful guidance of Mrs. Baptist and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with some amazing kids!

Sarah Dacres
Ms. Dacres graduated from UNC Chapel Hill (Biology) and completed teacher preparation program through CCTI. Before becoming a certified teacher, she was an instructional assistant for exceptional children, Braillist, and mathematics tutor specializing in ACT and SAT preparation. Ms. Dacres is certified in Math, Gen. Science, Biology, Chemistry, and ESL. She hopes to earn National Board Certification in 2023.
Ms. Dacres graduated from UNC Chapel Hill (Biology) and completed teacher preparation program through CCTI. Before becoming a certified teacher, she was an instructional assistant for exceptional children, Braillist, and mathematics tutor specializing in ACT and SAT preparation. Ms. Dacres is certified in Math, Gen. Science, Biology, Chemistry, and ESL. She hopes to earn National Board Certification in 2023.

Delia Kwon
Ms. Kwon joined Hillside High School - Hornets Academy team in fall 2019. She has lived in Durham since 2006. She was born and raised in Bucharest, Europe, where she spent the first half of her life. She started her North Carolina teaching experience in Durham Public Schools. She returned to DPS from WCPSS, after an absence of six years. Prior to teaching in North Carolina, she resided in California, working as a Community Teaching Fellow in Math and Science for University of California in a partnership with high schools in Orange County, California. She also served as a Math tutor for Santa Ana College and MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) program - College chapter. In addition to teaching, she has many years of experience in technical design. Beside Mathematics and History, she loves reading, arts, drawing, mystery movies, puzzles and games.
Education: Ms. Kwon, received a BA in History with a minor in Education (concentration in Mathematics) from University of California, Irvine. She received her license in Mathematics and her MA in History from North Carolina Central University. She is currently licensed in secondary Mathematics and 9-12 History.
Ms. Kwon joined Hillside High School - Hornets Academy team in fall 2019. She has lived in Durham since 2006. She was born and raised in Bucharest, Europe, where she spent the first half of her life. She started her North Carolina teaching experience in Durham Public Schools. She returned to DPS from WCPSS, after an absence of six years. Prior to teaching in North Carolina, she resided in California, working as a Community Teaching Fellow in Math and Science for University of California in a partnership with high schools in Orange County, California. She also served as a Math tutor for Santa Ana College and MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) program - College chapter. In addition to teaching, she has many years of experience in technical design. Beside Mathematics and History, she loves reading, arts, drawing, mystery movies, puzzles and games.
Education: Ms. Kwon, received a BA in History with a minor in Education (concentration in Mathematics) from University of California, Irvine. She received her license in Mathematics and her MA in History from North Carolina Central University. She is currently licensed in secondary Mathematics and 9-12 History.

Hassan Wajd
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!

Kiera Wooding
I graduated from NC State in 2018 with a mathematics degree. I love to play soccer and have played for 14 years. Hobbies include listening to music, playing video games, and all types of puzzles. I have a twin sister and an amazing mother who is also an educator. My favorite quotes are "Dream like you'll live forever live like you'll die today" and "She believed she could so she did"
I graduated from NC State in 2018 with a mathematics degree. I love to play soccer and have played for 14 years. Hobbies include listening to music, playing video games, and all types of puzzles. I have a twin sister and an amazing mother who is also an educator. My favorite quotes are "Dream like you'll live forever live like you'll die today" and "She believed she could so she did"
Social Studies

Jeannelle Johnson
COMING SOON
COMING SOON

Rhea Scott
Rhea Scott has a strong passion for her family, friends, and most importantly, students. She is a proud product of Durham Public Schools, matriculating from Pearsontown Elementary to Rogers- Herr, then Hillside High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Queen's University of Charlotte in 2012 and a master's degree from Liberty University in 2020. Rhea has worked formally in education for eleven years, only having worked at Hillside. She serves as a mentor teacher, soccer coach, and club advisor. In her free time she loves to try new restaurants and collect Minnie Mouse items.
Rhea Scott has a strong passion for her family, friends, and most importantly, students. She is a proud product of Durham Public Schools, matriculating from Pearsontown Elementary to Rogers- Herr, then Hillside High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Queen's University of Charlotte in 2012 and a master's degree from Liberty University in 2020. Rhea has worked formally in education for eleven years, only having worked at Hillside. She serves as a mentor teacher, soccer coach, and club advisor. In her free time she loves to try new restaurants and collect Minnie Mouse items.
Science

Henry Ajudua
COMING SOON
COMING SOON

Eric Chaplin
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Health and Physical Education

Carla Boynton
Ms. Boynton is a Durham native. She graduated from Northern High School in 1985. She was a 3 sport athlete there in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field. She was an All American in Track and is also in Northern High School’s Hall of Fame. She has been married for 22 years to Andre Boynton with 5 beautiful children. She became a Health/PE teacher in 1994, Graduate of NCCU with a degree in Education concentration in Physical Education K-12. This is her fourth year teaching Health/PE at Hillside High School. She is currently a volunteer coach with the Durham Striders Track Team, a program that she ran for as a youth. She loves being a Hornet because of it's rich tradition in Durham's Black Community and various Black Leaders in Durham and around the world. Hornet Pride!
Ms. Boynton is a Durham native. She graduated from Northern High School in 1985. She was a 3 sport athlete there in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field. She was an All American in Track and is also in Northern High School’s Hall of Fame. She has been married for 22 years to Andre Boynton with 5 beautiful children. She became a Health/PE teacher in 1994, Graduate of NCCU with a degree in Education concentration in Physical Education K-12. This is her fourth year teaching Health/PE at Hillside High School. She is currently a volunteer coach with the Durham Striders Track Team, a program that she ran for as a youth. She loves being a Hornet because of it's rich tradition in Durham's Black Community and various Black Leaders in Durham and around the world. Hornet Pride!

Taurean Newton
Mr. Newton is in his fourth year at Hillside and second year with hornet academy. He serves as the advisor for Peer Group Connections (PGC) for the past 2 years. He is originally from Farmville, North Carolina but he has called Durham my home since 2014. He has a B.A in Political Science (“12) from Elizabeth City State University. He received his M.A.T in K-12 Health and Physical Education (“15) from North Carolina A&T State University. He has been married to the beautiful Karmen Newton for 4 years and they have 3 kids together. Outside of Hillside, He is the head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina School Science and Math. He enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and has started to take a liking into sneakers. He loves being a part of the Hornet family and working with the incoming freshman each year. HORNET PRIDE AMPLIFIED!!!
Mr. Newton is in his fourth year at Hillside and second year with hornet academy. He serves as the advisor for Peer Group Connections (PGC) for the past 2 years. He is originally from Farmville, North Carolina but he has called Durham my home since 2014. He has a B.A in Political Science (“12) from Elizabeth City State University. He received his M.A.T in K-12 Health and Physical Education (“15) from North Carolina A&T State University. He has been married to the beautiful Karmen Newton for 4 years and they have 3 kids together. Outside of Hillside, He is the head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina School Science and Math. He enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and has started to take a liking into sneakers. He loves being a part of the Hornet family and working with the incoming freshman each year. HORNET PRIDE AMPLIFIED!!!
English

Kim Battle
Ms. Battle grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. She likes sports but her all-time favorite is basketball. She is a music fanatic, having participated in band since elementary school. She has a B.A. in English Education ('09) from UNC-Wilmington. She also minored in Creative Writing in school and have worked with and have been mentored by some of the greatest North Carolinian writers. She taught eighth grade at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill and this is her fourth year here at Hillside High School. She loves teaching and working with kids. She is a big supporter of the activities that her students do and can be seen at games, plays and shows. Outside of work, she like to relax with her family and travel. She likes cooking, baking and trying new recipes. Ms. Battle loves reading and writing. Her favorite season is summer and she enjoys going to the beach.
Ms. Battle grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. She likes sports but her all-time favorite is basketball. She is a music fanatic, having participated in band since elementary school. She has a B.A. in English Education ('09) from UNC-Wilmington. She also minored in Creative Writing in school and have worked with and have been mentored by some of the greatest North Carolinian writers. She taught eighth grade at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill and this is her fourth year here at Hillside High School. She loves teaching and working with kids. She is a big supporter of the activities that her students do and can be seen at games, plays and shows. Outside of work, she like to relax with her family and travel. She likes cooking, baking and trying new recipes. Ms. Battle loves reading and writing. Her favorite season is summer and she enjoys going to the beach.

Savannah Bowman
Ms. Bowman is a 2016 graduate of UNC Asheville where she studied Literature and received a history minor and an education certification. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a professional nanny for 4 years before starting her teaching career at Hillside in 2021. Since joining Hillside, Ms. Bowman has consistently put students first. It is her goal to ensure that every student feels valued and affirmed while priming them to become globally competitive, responsible citizens who are open to diverse views and perspectives. Her passion is centered around bettering her craft so that she can make sure every student has the tools they need to be successful.
Ms. Bowman is a 2016 graduate of UNC Asheville where she studied Literature and received a history minor and an education certification. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a professional nanny for 4 years before starting her teaching career at Hillside in 2021. Since joining Hillside, Ms. Bowman has consistently put students first. It is her goal to ensure that every student feels valued and affirmed while priming them to become globally competitive, responsible citizens who are open to diverse views and perspectives. Her passion is centered around bettering her craft so that she can make sure every student has the tools they need to be successful.

Jessica Bryant
I am a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. I hold 2 Master’s Degrees in Education; Leadership Technology and School Administration. I have been in Education for 20 years with 18 years teaching Middle School. Some of my hobbies are swimming, dancing and shopping!
I am a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. I hold 2 Master’s Degrees in Education; Leadership Technology and School Administration. I have been in Education for 20 years with 18 years teaching Middle School. Some of my hobbies are swimming, dancing and shopping!

Ashley Burch
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Special Programs

First Sergeant Matthews (JROTC)
First Sergeant Retired Jeffery J. Matthews is a native of Gibson, Louisiana, and now resides in Angier, NC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College, Albany, New York, and is currently working towards his master’s degree in Business Management. Currently, First Sergeant Matthews serves as the Army Instructor at Hillside High School, Durham North Carolina. While serving in the United States Army, First Sergeant Matthews held every enlisted leadership position from Private to Sergeant Major. He deployed to numerous assignments throughout his career, to included tours in Germany, Korea, Central America, Croatia, Fort Lewis Washington, Fort Hood Texas, Fort Lee Virginia, and Fort Bragg North Carolina. First Sergeant Matthews also participated in over 13 Combat and Humanitarian Tours.
After 29 years of active service, First Sergeant Matthews retired on 28 February 2018. His awards include; the Bronze Star Medal(4), Meritorious Service Medal (4), Joint Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7), Army Achievement Medal (9), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army
First Sergeant Retired Jeffery J. Matthews is a native of Gibson, Louisiana, and now resides in Angier, NC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College, Albany, New York, and is currently working towards his master’s degree in Business Management. Currently, First Sergeant Matthews serves as the Army Instructor at Hillside High School, Durham North Carolina. While serving in the United States Army, First Sergeant Matthews held every enlisted leadership position from Private to Sergeant Major. He deployed to numerous assignments throughout his career, to included tours in Germany, Korea, Central America, Croatia, Fort Lewis Washington, Fort Hood Texas, Fort Lee Virginia, and Fort Bragg North Carolina. First Sergeant Matthews also participated in over 13 Combat and Humanitarian Tours.
After 29 years of active service, First Sergeant Matthews retired on 28 February 2018. His awards include; the Bronze Star Medal(4), Meritorious Service Medal (4), Joint Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7), Army Achievement Medal (9), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army