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Janell Adams
Appointed: 2021Janell Adams started her career in Accounting but decided early to pursue dreams of becoming a teacher. Janell Adams holds a BS in Business from UNCC, a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Lesley University, and Masters of Education in School Leadership from Gardner-Webb. Janell Adams is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi an International Honor Society in Education.
Janell Adams has been in education for over 12 years, holding a variety of positions from a Senior Learning Analyst where she analyzed data to design curriculum programs for college students based on the objectives set forth by the client to Math Teacher. Janell Adams has a passion for teaching and has taught middle and high school math for 10 years. Janell Adams sets high expectations for all students learning, giving her best and expect the same from students. Ms. Adams believes knowledge is power and once it is obtained no one can take it from you. In her career, she has implemented a K-8 Intervention and Enrichment Period, been selected to develop the Middle Grades Math Curriculum for her region, and a Founding Sponsor of the Beta Club. Janell Adams is currently the Dean of Culture at Charlotte Lab Upper School, focusing on building a positive culture and community among our staff, students and families in order to ensure that our students grow to their full potential both in and outside of the classroom.
Janell Adams is a native of Union County and still resides in Union County with her daughter. When Janell Adams has spare time just enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, and a good workout. -
Jeremiah Blow
Appointed in 2022
Jeremiah Blow has lived in the Monroe area for more than 20 years. He and Erin, his wife of 21 years, have two sons who attend Union Academy. Jeremiah works as a Lieutenant for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and is currently assigned to the South Division.Jeremiah earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Gardner Webb University. In addition, he serves as a Deacon at Sardis Baptist Church in Indian Trail.
“Serving on the Board of Directors is a true honor for me. I am excited to be a part of the Union Academy team. I will always keep the children of Union Academy first in each decision I make. The only way to continue to be such a great school is through families working with the staff to ensure every student is successful. The safety and wellness of each staff member will also be a focus of my work.”
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Tanisha Bomani
Appointed: 2022Tanisha ia a Human Resources Director at Wingate University, and Zumba Instructor. She is married to Bo, and has 1 son and 1 daughter. She attended Michigan State University -Eli Broad College of Business, Hospitality Business, and Wingate University – Dec 2022, Master of Business Administration (MBA). She has obtained her SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certification.
Born into a family of advocates of education, Tanisha has worked with students for years through volunteering to read to third graders, mock interviews and resume assistance for high school students. As parents who are heavily involved with their own children’s education, Tanisha and her husband have volunteered in her children’s classrooms over the past 12 years and have researched and gotten their children into the best schools and programs based on their needs and goals. Tanisha is excited and eager to continue her passion for education as a part of the Union Academy Board of Directors.
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Dawn Brooks
Dawn Brooks, a Union County native. I am married to Chris with 3 children who all are ‘UA Lifers”. I am the Executive Director with Atrium Health at Home – University City and Stanly. I have been in healthcare for 30 years serving Union, Anson, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Montgomery counties. I am active in my church, Midway Baptist Church, Wingate, serving as Clerk, Nominating committee member, and VBS assistant director.
“I have seen Union Academy’s foundation strengthen and grow since 2006, when my son began kindergarten. Now as my children are finishing up their years at Union Academy, I am excited to be able to continue to be an active role in helping to uphold the mission and vision of Union Academy by serving on the Board of Directors.”
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Todd Buyck - Chair
Buyck (Bike)Appointed in 2020
Todd moved from New Hampshire to Union County, North Carolina with his wife Carolyn in 2005. Carolyn and Todd have two children who attend Union Academy.
Todd is a CPA with more than 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. He currently is the Director of Finance for an Architectural Accessories Division of Assa Abloy, a global leader in opening solutions.
“I believe the philosophy of Union Academy is to develop students academically, but equally as important, is the development of student’s values. I want to ensure Union Academy continues to maintain these focuses.”
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TJ Goforth
Appointed: 2023
Watinia Goforth (T.J.) is a Captain with the City of Monroe Police Department and has been there for 26 years. She is married to Tommy and they have 3 sons. She has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice and a Master in Business Administration (MBA), both from Pfeiffer University. She is a small business owner, Lucky Ducks Kids Consignment located in Monroe.
The strong character foundation and the family atmosphere that Union Academy offers is enlightening and much needed.
Being able to give back to my community by volunteering is more than just an opportunity, it is a reward.
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Ed Goscicki
(Go- schi- ski)Appointed in 2019
Ed has more than 40 years of national and international experience in the water industry having served in executive positions in both the public and private sector for the past 30 years. From 2009 until his retirement in June 2018, Ed served as the Executive Director of Public Works for Union County, NC .
Ed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the City College of New York and a Master in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University
Ed is married with two grown children and five grandchildren, one of whom attends Union Academy.
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Mike Kopp - Vice Chair
Appointed: 2021
schoolboard@unionacademy.orgMike moved back to North Carolina with his family 4 years ago. Mike is a father of five children. His youngest daughter, Elle, attends UA. Mike and his wife Cyndy owned and operated Champagne Manor, a wedding venue located in New Salem. After growing and solidifying that business, they sold it and have purchased a farm in Waxhaw.Mike is retired from a 28-year career in Facilities Management, during which he co-founded two of the largest companies in the industry. His career path allowed him to participate in countless interdisciplinary committees serving both commercial and educational environments.Mike served our country as a Marine, spending most of that time in Counter Intelligence. He also holds a degree in business from American Intercontinental University.We have been amazed by the level of attention given by the UA team to build character and focus on achieving academic excellence. I want to make sure that every student has the opportunity to develop their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical capabilities. -
Casey Kriutzfield
Appointed: 2022Casey Kriutzfield (krits-field) moved to Wesley Chapel in 2016 with his wife Brandee and two boys, both of whom attend Union Academy.
Casey is a software engineering consultant with Microsoft, focused on Federal, State, and Local government organizations, as well as the FinTech industry. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, as well as an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a focus on Finance. He became a board member so he can help continue making Union Academy a place where students like to attend class, parents like to take their children to, and teachers want to teach at.
“I want to help Union Academy continue to be a place where all students feel welcome and excited to learn every day, where parents feel good about their child’s education and know they are in good hands, and where teachers and staff feel appreciated and excited to come teach every day. Character education was one of the things about UA that brought us here but that feeling of family is what’s kept us here.”
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Lizzie Lee
Appointed: 2023
Lizzie Lee has lived in Union County for more than 30 years. She and her husband have been part of the Union Academy community since 2013 and have 2 sons currently attending.
Lizzie graduated from Wingate University with a degree in Environmental Biology. She worked for Union County Environmental Health before having children. She and her family own a hobby farm, raising sheep, turkeys, and chickens. They also own a small business in Monroe that specializes in selling equipment for manufacturing.
“We have been a part of the UA community for many years and I am excited to have the opportunity to be on the Board of Directors. My boys have flourished here and love coming to school everyday. We have experienced wonderful relationships with teachers and staff, parents and friends, and appreciate the community UA creates and positive learning environment for children. I look forward to this role and continuing to make UA a great school.”
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Nolan McBride - Secretary
schoolboard@unionacademy.org
Appointed in 2018Partner at Mako Medical
Wife, Ashley (UA ’09 Graduate), daughter, Merritt
Monroe High School, Campbell University B.S., Meredith College Post-Bac Cytogenetic Oncology
“I have seen firsthand how Union Academy is making a differing in the community, and I want to be a part of that. I know many individuals who had the privilege to go to Union Academy, and they are all hard-working and upstanding people. My wife had the honor to be a part of the first ever graduating class at Union Academy, so I am able to witness every day the product of the values and character that Union Academy instills into its students. These values are vital to growing a stronger school and surrounding community, and I so want to be a part of that.”
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Tyler Mills
Appointed 2023Tyler Mills is a lifelong resident of Union County. Tyler and his wife, Emily, have three children with two boys attending Union Academy. Tyler works within the Legal Department at Bank of America. Prior to Bank of America, Tyler worked as Detective with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and a Deputy Sheriff with Union County Sheriff’s Office.
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Brandon Reeves - Treasurer
schoolboard@unionacademy.org
Appointed in 2019Brandon Reeves has lived in Union County with his wife Lisa for 23 years. He attended Mt. Calvary Christian School and currently has 2 young sons who attend UA. He is the owner of Brandon Reeves Auto World in Monroe where he has operated for over 16 years.
“My desire to serve on the UA board is one I consider the highest opportunity as serving within my community is of extreme personal importance to me. After seeing the school's growth and impact over the years, I knew this is a board I wanted to be a part of. Service is never a job or a chore in life, but rather a chance to give and show appreciation for what the community has given to my family for over 23 years of living here. It’s nothing short of a privilege to serve.
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Greyson Whitaker
schoolboard@unionacademy.org
Appointed in 2019Assistant District Attorney, Union County District Attorney’s Office
Wife (Kendal)
UA Class of 2012, High Point University (B.A.), North Carolina Central University School of Law (J.D.)
“As someone who has walked these halls and sat in these classrooms, I’ve learned firsthand what UA is about. From first grade when the doors opened in 2000, to graduation in 2012, I know the principles UA was founded on and have carried those with me since graduating. I’m proud of my alma mater, my home, and I’m excited to serve on the board to give back to my school.”
