Dr. Nelson has devoted over 28 years of service to education serving as teacher, principal, and c-suite executive. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Salem College, a Masters in School Administration from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a Doctorate of Education from North Carolina State University. Dr. Nelson taught middle and high school mathematics at Salem Academy, earning the Joel Weston Award for Faculty Excellence. She earned the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools East Learning Community Principal of the Year distinction, with her students maintaining an average graduation rate of 91.1%. She has been featured as a speaker and learning facilitator both nationally and internationally, and has written several articles for national publications. Dr. Nelson loves spending time with family, friends, and her dog.