WINSTON-SALEM TEACH 2026-2027 COHORT
Marian Bonds is in our Elementary Education strand and will receive her Master’s degree from Salem College. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Marian holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is genuinely excited about the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a real difference in students’ lives, and is especially drawn to the program’s combination of hands-on classroom experience, strong mentorship, and the chance to earn her teaching license while actively teaching. Marian joined WS-TEACH because she is invested in the program’s focus on supporting high-need schools, where she hopes to contribute, grow, and make a positive impact where it truly matters. She is eager to learn from experienced mentors, develop both confidence and real-world skills, and fully commit to becoming a strong, prepared, and supported educator.
Amelia Daynes is in our Secondary Education strand and will receive her Master’s degree from Wake Forest University. She earned her B.A. in Economics from Westminster College, where she also played women’s lacrosse. Amelia brings a diverse professional background, having worked as a labor organizer, lawyer, and rural mail carrier. She earned her J.D. summa cum laude from University of Miami School of Law, where she was named a Miami Public Interest Scholar in recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to public service. During law school, she was a Member of the University of Miami Law Review, a Fellow in the Immigration Clinic, an Officer of the National Lawyers Guild chapter, and President of OUTLaw. She also received multiple awards for both academic achievement and public service. Originally from Utah, Amelia has lived in Winston-Salem since 2021. She joined Winston-Salem TEACH because she “believes quality public education is essential to a healthy democracy. I want to help students develop the skills to engage thoughtfully and effectively in their communities and the world. I also look forward to preparing students for lifelong pursuit of their own talents and interests.”
Jennifer Gallagher is in our Special Education strand and will receive her Master’s degree from Winston-Salem State University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She currently serves as a Special Education teacher in an Occupational Course of Study program in Winston-Salem and has joined Winston-Salem TEACH to obtain her Special Education teaching license. Jennifer brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to her classroom, drawing on her BA in Psychology and her personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs. This combination of academic training and lived experience has shaped her into a compassionate and effective educator. Jennifer chose to become a part of Winston-Salem TEACH “because EC students need an advocate in their corner to remind them that they are not a student because of a disability, they are a student with a disability.”
T’Keynah Gary is in our Special Education cohort and will receive her master’s degree from Winston-Salem State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from North Carolina Central University in 2013. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, T’Keynah originally prepared to work with youth in the justice system, but her path shifted when she began substitute teaching in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. It was there that she discovered her true passion for working with students—encouraging them and being a consistent, positive presence in their lives. Her time in the classroom showed her the powerful impact a caring adult can have on a child’s confidence and success, especially for students who reminded her of the community she grew up in. T’Keynah decided to join Winston-Salem TEACH because “it allows me to give back to the same community that raised me. This is home for me, and I want to make a difference right here.” She is especially passionate about the importance of early support and guidance, recognizing how education can shape a child’s future before they face difficult paths. She went on to share: “What excites me most about the program is the opportunity to grow into a strong, confident educator while making a real impact. I am excited to learn effective teaching strategies, connect with students on a deeper level, and be part of a community of educators who are passionate about what they do. Most of all, I am excited about building relationships with my students, helping them feel seen, supported, and capable of success.”
Taylor Grant is in our Elementary Education strand and will receive her Master’s degree from Salem College. She is originally from Tallahassee, Florida, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Sports Management from Livingstone College, where she was also a member of the volleyball team. As a student-athlete, she developed a deep passion for teamwork, leadership, and community, along with the discipline, resilience, and communication skills that continue to shape her personal and professional growth. Taylor joined WS-TEACH out of a commitment to making a positive impact in education and supporting students. She shared “Having experienced firsthand how mentorship and a strong community can shape a person’s trajectory, I am eager to bring that same energy into the classroom. I’m looking forward to growing as an educator, collaborating with like-minded colleagues, and creating engaging learning experiences that help students discover their own strengths and potential.”
Lyndsey Richardson is in our Elementary Education strand and will receive a Master’s degree from Salem College. Originally from Washington State, Lyndsey has now been living in North Carolina for over a decade. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Purdue University Global as a Dean’s List student. While completing her degree, Lyndsey balanced full-time work while raising four children: an experience that strengthened her dedication, resilience, and commitment to education. Lyndsey brings experience across multiple educational settings, including reading intervention, special education, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and the past six years teaching Pre-K. Her teaching style is rooted in building strong relationships, intentional instruction, and creating a classroom culture where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Lyndsey joined Winston-Salem TEACH because “this program strongly aligns with how I view education. I believe excellence and achievement are best reached when teaching is grounded in community and humanity. I’m excited to grow through mentorship, strengthen my instructional practice, and continue supporting diverse learners with high expectations and meaningful relationships.”
