TMSA New Staff Introductions

Hello my name is Danielle Boyd and I am excited to join the TMSA-Cary Family this year as High School Dean of Students. I've spent the last 15 years in the North Carolina Public Schools system in teaching, administrative, and grant funded coach/facilitator roles. My other daily responsibilities include being a wife, mom, sister, and friend. I enjoy spending time reading, volunteering in my church, and running behind my daughter as a dance mom.

Bunyamin Cobanli (Benjamin) attended his undergraduate at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English in 2007 and he received his Masters Degree in Administration/Leadership in 2016.

He has been in education for 14 years. He started his teaching as a part-time teacher during his senior year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He worked as a teacher in various grade levels in Laos, Irak and Las Vegas, Nevada. He prepared High School students for SAT exams in Irak.

He also worked as an Assistant Principal in Laos for three years and recently, he was working as an Assistant Principal in K-8 school in Las Vegas, Nevada for the last three years.

Bunyamjn Cobanli (Benjamin) is a flexible, open to new ideas and a good sport! He is very excited and looking forward to being part of the amazing TMSA team. He is relocating to North Carolina with his wife, two boys and two cats (Lily, Rain).

My name is Taneeka Hanna. I was born and raised right here in North Carolina. Hailing from the great city of Durham. have spent much of my professional career working with elementary school students. On a more personal note, I am a graduate of Howard University (x2) and North Carolina State University. I also received my AIG certification from Duke. I am the mom of a rather loquacious five year old named Isaiah, and I have a deep passion for historical romance novels, Harry Potter (Slytherin according to Pottermore/Wizarding World), and Sailor Moon.

I grew up in Michigan and lived there for 24 years. I spent a few years in Kentucky, before moving to North Carolina almost 8 years ago. My husband and I got married in May and we have a 14 year old son, who will be attending TMSA for his freshman year. We love spending time together with family and going to the beach. I recently moved to Apex and I'm so excited to explore the area with my family.

I have a Bachelors degree in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education as well as a Masters degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching in public preschool or NC Pre-K for the past 12 years. I am so excited for this new adventure in Kindergarten and can't wait to meet everyone!

I have a B.S. In Psychology and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. My teaching experience includes Preschool, Kindergarten and 2nd Grade. I have lived all over the United States and was lucky enough to live the United Kingdom for five years and Germany for five years. My daughter and son-in-law live in Washington D.C. and my son lives in Oklahoma City. I have two troublesome Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cooper and Cricket, who keep me busy and give me lots of love. When I'm not teaching, I love to read, play with my dogs, and travel!

Though born in California, I grew up in Moore County, North Carolina. My favorite things to do outside of school are hiking, biking, exercising, crafting, traveling, and making jewelry. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat that believes he's a dog as well. I have been teaching for 7 1/2 years now. I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and EC. I have a Masters in Reading Education. I love working with children and helping them grow!

Hi! My name is Courtney Chiong. I will be teaching 5th Grade ELA and Social Studies. I am extremely excited for this school year! I was born and raised in Connecticut and moved to North Carolina in 2015. We had a one year cross country move to California, but ultimately decided to come back to North Carolina. I have two children ages 7 and 4. I enjoy reading, hiking, exploring new places, cooking, and taking care of my plant babies.

Hi everyone! I’m excited to be part of this amazing school! I am a mom to 1 daughter (Julian) who is a senior at Appalachian State University, a wife to my husband of 23 years and an animal and nature lover.

I graduated from UNCG with a BS degree in Human Development and Family Studies a number of years ago and I have spent the last 25 years working in that field. I have taught preschool, worked in adoptions, been a nanny and worked for WCPSS. I look forward to this new adventure!

Hello! I am originally from Toronto and have lived in Raleigh for 22 years. I have 2 older children who are 24 and 27. I have my Bachelor of Arts degree and have been a Teacher Assistant for 18 years.

I enjoy playing tennis, going to see live theater and movies. I look forward to being part of the TMSA team!

I am from Queens,NY. I have lived in North Carolina for 22 years. I have been in education for 15 years. I have worked in alternative education environments. I love learning and working with children and young adults. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new things.

My name is Emily Smith and I am excited to be starting my 11th year of teaching. I am originally from Pennsylvania; however, after graduating college I decided to move to North Carolina to start my teaching career. I have always had a passion for teaching and helping my students reach their fullest potential. I am excited to continue to have a positive impact on children’s growth as the EC self-contained teacher. I am excited to be joining the TMSA family and look forward to building positive lasting relationships.

My name is Rakan DiarBakerli and I have worked as an educator for biology, environmental sciences, and art for seven years now to both middle and high school levels. I have found true purpose in educating the youth of this world. It matters not my subject matter; I fundamentally aim to nurture curiosity for our world and to build good character through positive relationships.

Being someone who has grown up in many different countries, I have a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. I always aim to learn from and respect people who are different from myself. I'm excited to see where this new year takes us, and to meet all you wonderful people!

Hello my name is Renita Merene. My girls and I just recently relocated to the area and so far we have been adjusting well! Some of my/our hobbies including shopping, visiting SC and dancing.

We are very excited to join the TMSA Family! We are looking forward to having an awesome school year!