Welcome new staff members to Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education (RCOE). Read on to learn about everyone and why they joined the staff at Appalachian.
Carrie Afanador
Office of Field Experiences, Clinical Internship Coordinator
Afanador works closely with the Director of Clinical Internship to facilitate the student teaching semester for RCOE teacher education candidates.
She taught English, Spanish, and religion from preschool through university level. Afanador has a B.A. in English and teaching English as a second language from Cedarville University, and an M.A. in theological studies from Southwestern Seminary.
“The college of education at Appalachian is such an influential part of NC's public educational system. As someone who loves teaching, it's THE place to be.”
“I’m excited to support students as they become new teachers,” said Afanador. She’s also excited for the football games!
She enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and cooking. Her favorite tidbit about herself: “I've swam with pink dolphins in the amazon, but I can't drive stick shift.”
Maria C.G. Hofman
Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program, Community Access Coordinator
Hofman assists the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and provides support to students enrolled in the program. Her duties include:
- mentoring student workers and volunteers involved in the program;
- advocating for diverse student populations in various campus and community spaces; and
- building bridges and partnerships across campus and in the community to open up access for students to meet their personal or professional goals.
“I am most excited about directly engaging in diversity work and inclusion this year as a fundamental part of my professional role,” said Hofman.
Hofman earned a MFA in writing from Spalding University and a B.A. in English with a second academic concentration in Spanish language and a minor in world religions from the University of Central Florida. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Appalachian. She has studied in seven countries.
“Appalachian shares my mission to ‘promote a spirit of inclusion that inspires,’ not to mention it has an awesome view!”
Hofman joins the RCOE from App State Online, where she was a program manager. She is active in the campus community serving on the Graduate Student Life Advisory Board and Diversity Celebration Committee, and she is the vice-president for App Unidos - Latinx Hispanic Faculty and Staff Affinity Group.
Along with traveling (48 states and 22 countries visited), she enjoys writing, reading, hiking, kayaking, and cooking.
Stephanie Moretz
Office of the Dean, Scholarship Coordinator and Accelerated Admissions Recruiter
Moretz is responsible for advancing the mission of the RCOE through managing and directing all scholarship functions, as well as recruiting for the accelerated admissions and graduate programs housed in the RCOE. Her job duties include:
- assisting students through the accelerated admissions application process;
- providing information to students about scholarship opportunities; and
- Supporting scholarship committees with the application and award process.
Moretz earned a B.A. in art with a minor in education from Guilford College. She is currently pursuing a master’s in higher education at Appalachian.
“I'm grateful for my higher education professors here at Appalachian, they helped me to achieve the education I needed to become the professional I am today,” she said.
“I choose Appalachian State after moving from Greensboro after graduation. The mountains and friendly folks of the High Country make Appalachian a great place to live!”
Before joining the RCOE, Moretz was the off campus coordinator for the NY Loft. She has also taught English as a second language for K-12.
She enjoys the outdoors and riding her horse, Bucky. She also enjoys watching Star Trek and Lord of the Rings.
Moretz is to be working with students and helping them to achieve their goals as future educators.
Rebecca K. Murray '14
James Center for Student Success and Advising, Academic Advisor
Murray will be advising and collaborating with students as they navigate their academic programs, curriculum, and the ongoing development of their educational plans.
“I am also committed to inclusive excellence and recognize that inclusion and excellence are one in the same in the service of students, which is a core value of the James Center for Student Success and Advising,” she noted.
Murray joins the RCOE from the Office of Admissions at Appalachian, where she was an assistant director.
Murray earned a B.S. in recreation management and technical photography from Appalachian. She is currently pursuing a master’s in higher education, also from Appalachian. She is a lifelong Mountaineer and very involved in the Appalachian Alumni Association.
“I believe in what Appalachian offers to students- the opportunity to be themselves and grow academically, professionally, and personally! Appalachian's roots are in Teacher Education and I'm thrilled to be in a role that continues that tradition of excellence in teaching, today.”
Murray enjoys spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two pups, hiking and exploring the region. You can often find her at her favorite local coffee shop, driving the Parkway, floating around Watauga Lake, wandering the Farmer's Market on Saturdays in the summer, or at Kidd Brewer Stadium in the fall watching the Mountaineers play.
She is most looking forward to working with students directly throughout the duration of their time at Appalachian and helping them make the most of their Appalachian experience.
Chad Perry ‘19
Digital Learning Resources, Media Specialist
Perry supports faculty, staff, and students with media projects and assists with the DLR checkout center, located on the first floor of the RCOE.
Perry is a recent graduate of Appalachian’s electronic media/broadcasting program. He graduated in August 2019 with his bachelor’s degree.
“I love the town, the mountains, the people and atmosphere year round.”
During his time as a student, he worked for AppTV as a special events producer.
Perry enjoys producing music, writing poetry, and hiking.
He is excited to gain experiences in his profession.
Glenn Ramey ‘19
University Communications, Academy at Middle Fork Communications/Marketing Assistant
Ramey manages and creates content for the Academy's social media outlets and website and works in collaboration with the Academy's communications team to tell the story of the school.
Ramey is a recent graduate of Appalachian’s theatre arts program. She graduated in May 2019 with her bachelor’s degree. She is excited to learn new skills in her new position.
“I love Appalachian because I'm surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.”
During her time as a student, Ramey worked as a box office associate at the Schaefer Center for Performing Arts and an event support staff in the Office of University Events.
Ramey enjoys cooking, baking, journaling, and musicals. Instead of a bucket list of things she wants to do, Ramey has a bucket list of places she wants to eat.
Amanda Rogers
National Center for Developmental Education, Administrative Support Specialist
Rogers supports the National Center for Developmental Education and the Kellogg Institute.
“Whether it's managing financial matters, brainstorming with NCDE staff, registering Kellogg Institute attendees, or organizing the workroom - I am here to help make the National Center and Kellogg successful,” she said.
Rogers earned an A.A.S. and administrative medical assistant certification from West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC).
“My family was looking for a change and wanted to move to the Boone area to be near family. I saw the opening with NCDE and took a shot!”
Prior to Appalachian, she served as a library technician at WVNCC.
Rogers is a hobby collector. Currently she is focusing on learning how to work with clay. She is excited to get back into the pottery studio through the craft enrichment program.
“Since I started here, I have had to ask a lot of different people for help with things I'm unfamiliar with,” said Rogers. “Without fail, every single person I have interacted with here at Appalachian has been phenomenally kind and helpful and gracious as I learn the way of things. This has made an indelible impression on me and makes me happy that I get the privilege of working at Appalachian State University.”
New Staff
