Our Leadership

“We’re really doing a good job of building people.” – Superintendent Cheryl Turner

At Sugar Creek Charter School, we pride ourselves on cultivating and promoting exceptional educators from within.

Attribute	Cheryl Turner Superintendent	Celeste Sundo Deputy Superintendent	Melissa Gaddy Chief of Academic Affairs	Richard Russell Elementary School Principal	Brandy Morrison Middle School Principal	Jamaal Young High School Principal	Marcella Elijah Director of Exceptional Children
When did you first come to Sugar Creek?	March 2001	1999	July 2016	August 2002	2023	2006	2023
What other roles have you had at Sugar Creek?	Principal, School Director	Founding 2nd Grade Lead Teacher, 3rd Grade Lead Teacher, Curriculum Facilitator, Director of Professional Development & Licensure Specialist, Deputy Superintendent	7th Grade ELA Teacher, 6th Grade ELA Teacher, Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Facilitator, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Chief of Academic Affairs	In-house Substitute, Instructional Assistant, ISS Teacher, Soccer Coach, Cross Country Coach, 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher, Lead Teacher, Curriculum Facilitator, Principal	Middle School Principal	7th & 8th Grade History Teacher, Lead Teacher, Middle School Coordinator, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, High School Principal	Director of Exceptional Children
Why Sugar Creek?	I identify with and am deeply committed to the mission of Sugar Creek. I know that a solid educational foundation along with life skills can put a student on the trajectory to change their economic situation. When that happens, the foundation is set to improve the circumstances of future generations. I want to be a part of setting that process in motion for as many families as possible.	I chose Sugar Creek because an advertisement in the Charlotte Observer in 1999 caught my eye. After negative experiences in two other school districts, I gave SCCS a chance. It was the best decision I ever made. Being part of this school from the beginning means a lot to me.	The mission of Sugar Creek aligns with why I became a teacher. Since 2007, I have been committed to supporting my community through education. Sugar Creek felt like a home filled with like-minded educators dedicated to improving the lives of disenfranchised populations through quality education.	I choose SCCS because I want all students to complete the mission of eradicating generational poverty through education.	The mission of Sugar Creek aligns with my personal values. I believe all students can learn and that education can change the trajectory of their lives. SCCS provides a safe and secure environment that promotes academic excellence.	The mission, vision of our superintendent, and the commitment of the staff and students to create a quality learning environment connect me to SCCS.	I believe in empowering kids to become productive, confident individuals ready to change the world.
Formal Education	BA - University of Maryland (Government and Public Administration), MAED - Seton Hall University (School Administration), ABD Ed.D - Gardner-Webb University	BSEd - Slippery Rock University (Elementary Education), MEd - University of Cincinnati, ABD Ed.D - Gardner-Webb University (Curriculum and Instruction)	BA - English Education	BA - Elementary Education	Associates in Culinary Arts, Bachelors in Business Studies, Master in Educational Leadership, NC Certified Business Education Teacher, NC Certified Principal	BA - History (Johnson C. Smith University), MA - Curriculum and Instruction (University of Phoenix), MS - Educational Leadership (Walden University)	Bachelor's in Special Education, MA in School Administration, Ed.S in Curriculum Supervision
Most impactful educational experience outside the classroom	Raising a child with mental health challenges has been the most impactful non-classroom experience for me. I learned about empathy, mental health, and how to access essential resources. These lessons now inform my work as an administrator, where I champion SEL support, integrated into our academic program. At SCCS, we employ social workers, counselors, and character education teachers because this work is crucial to our mission.	Leading outdoor learning experiences during high school solidified my decision to become a teacher. Guiding 5th graders on hikes and teaching environmental lessons sparked my love for teaching.	Developing teachers and leaders has been very impactful for me. However, my real passion remains in the classroom. I always make it a point to teach, regardless of my position, because the real work happens there.	My most impactful experience has been serving as Elementary Principal, where I have had the honor of supporting SCCS stakeholders for the past seven years. Go Wildcats!	A Spanish immersion simulation transformed my educational career. The experience helped me understand the challenges non-English-speaking students face and taught me to ensure every student feels valued and understood in my practice.	My most impactful experience was co-founding a nonprofit during COVID-19 to feed the homeless and provide for families during Thanksgiving. This work outside the classroom has been incredibly fulfilling.	My ability to collaborate with stakeholders who love children has been the most impactful experience outside the classroom. I am honored to serve at SCCS.