John A. Murray is the Head of Brookstone Schools, a JK-8th grade school in Uptown Charlotte whose mission is to glorify God by equipping under-resourced students spiritually, socially, and academically for future lives of leadership and service. John received his B.A. in History and English from Vanderbilt University and his Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College. John has been serving in independent school education since 1990–twenty-two years as a Head of School.

Kelly Schultz entered the field of education in the Spring of 2008 as a secondary English Language Arts teacher. She has since progressed in the field serving as a curriculum coach, MTSS District Coordinator, and NCDPI ELA Consultant. Kelly currently works as the Standards Implementation Specialist for NCDPI. She leads the Global Education work for the state and supports teachers and leaders with standards implementation. Prior to her work experience, she studied at Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in English, Creative Writing in 2005; Kelly then completed her Master of Education degree in Secondary English Education at DePaul University in 2008. She is working toward her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.

Anne Wood is our dedicated Spelling Bee Program Coordinator, expertly guiding the competition from the classroom level to the regional stage en route to national qualification. With 16 years of public education experience—from teaching and school administration to her current role in higher education—Anne has become a vital communication link among schools, parents, and districts throughout the Carolinas. Now serving as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at Lenoir Community College (Go Lancers!), she continually champions initiatives that enhance educational outcomes. A proud East Carolina University & Queens University graduate, Anne earned her BS in Elementary Education, MLS, and MEd in Educational Leadership, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to learning.