Meet our related arts team!

Meet Media Specialist Beth Mitchell

1. How many years of experience do you have teaching or in the school system? I have 18 years of experience in the school system, 14 as a librarian, with 11 years in elementary and three in middle school.

2. What made you want to become a teacher or work in a school? My undergrad was focused on technology, and I saw multiple ways I could integrate tech creativity in the library. Now I love sparking a joy of reading even more than the technology side.

3. About what are you most excited for working at Cartwright? A beautiful new space with windows that will hopefully become many things to many students, faculty and staff. A true learning commons and reading oasis.

Meet Music Teacher Jeffrey McGee

1. How many years of experience do you have teaching or in the school system? My name is Jeffrey McGee, and I will be CES's music teacher. I have taught 2nd grade at East Side School and 2nd and 5th grades at Eakin Elementary School. While both of these schools will always be special to me, I am reaching a career high by joining the Cartwright staff.

2. What made you want to become a teacher or work in a school? My life has basically revolved around music. I have been singing since I could speak. I play the piano and have been a piano instructor for decades. My goal at CES is to share my passion with our students, hopefully igniting a spark that will begin their own personal musical journey. Beginning an "arts" program from the ground up is a mighty task, but I am prepared and excited for the challenge.

3. About what are you most excited for working at Cartwright? I try to live each day with gratitude for what I have. I am very grateful for this opportunity to teach the Cartwright students. I am also most grateful for my three great sons, my amazing daughter-in-law and my perfect little grandson! They are my life's greatest blessings!

4. Is there anything extra you would like to share? “Music can change the world because it can change people" - Bono

Meet PE Teacher Doug Bradshaw

1. How many years of experience do you have teaching or in the school system? I have 28 years experience teaching and two years in Bedford County

2. What made you want to become a teacher or work in a school? I had some not so good teachers but also had some great teachers who made a positive impact on my life. I wanted to get into teaching to be able to help students have a positive experience in school. I wanted to give them that positive experience in school that would help them through school and life.

3. About what are you most excited for working at Cartwright? I want to set the atmosphere and culture of Cartwright in a positive way.

4. Is there anything extra you would like to share? I spent eight years in the Air Force before I decided to return to school to get my education degree.

Meet School Counselor Susannah Thompson

1. How many years of experience do you have teaching or in the school system? I have seven years experience as school counselor.

2. What made you want to become a teacher or work in a school? I became a school counselor because I love to help children and their families. I want to meet each student where they are and adjust myself according to what they need in the moment. I want to provide a safe and secure environment full of genuine love and acceptance for each student and their families. I want students to be proud of who they are and believe in themselves. I truly care about my students as individuals, and I strive to always help them grow. Our young people need to be able to process tough situations and handle their emotions in safe and appropriate ways. They need someone to teach them the skills necessary to grow into secure and compassionate young people. Children are the future of the world, and I feel very privileged to help guide this new generation. I am excited to partner with our new students and their families this upcoming school year!

3. About what are you most excited for working at Cartwright? I have always wanted to open a new school. It is exciting and slightly terrifying when you think about all the opportunities that come with this experience. We get to build something fantastic! We get to set the foundation of a true legacy of what Cartwright Elementary can be for our community. I am elated for what this means for my school counseling program. I have a vision of what this looks like, and I am excited to get started!

4. Is there anything extra you would like to share? I love traveling, animals and Disney. I have one daughter and have been married to Michael for 20 years.