Profile
Christie is a passionate educator and administrator, currently serving as an adjunct instructor for pre-service teachers and as a recruitment liaison for the Music Department at Meredith College. For nearly twenty-eight years, she served North Carolina Public Schools as an educator and administrator.
Christie attended Meredith College (class of 1992) and UNC-Greensboro (1993) with undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education. Christie began her career as a teacher of music, dance, and drama at the elementary level in Wake County Public Schools, where she also served as a lead teacher for music with the central office and participated in dance and theatre teacher professional development groups. During this time, Christie served as Choir Director for Grades 3-5 and 6-12 at Christ Church (Episcopal) from 1993-2007. In 1997, she became a member of the Wake County Central Office Instructional Assistance Team, a team of teachers who spent time in K-8 schools with the mission to support student success in all areas of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Christie joined the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) in 1999 and spent twenty-one and a half years of her career at the state education department. She began as a Consultant for Arts Education and Liaison to the A+ Schools Program, where she served for 13 years before becoming Section Chief for K-12 Program Areas, a diverse section within the Department that included Dance, Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, English Language Development/Title III, World Languages, and School Counseling, K-12. In 2017, she assumed responsibilities as Interim Director and subsequently Director of K-12 Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction at NCDPI. As Director, she oversaw and supported all academic content areas to include Arts Education (Dance, Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts), English Language Arts, English Language Development/Title III, Healthful Living (Health and Physical education), Mathematics, School Counseling, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages. She additionally supported the work of various State Board of Education and legislated programs and initiatives under the responsibility of her division, such as, Character Education, Dual Language Immersion, National Blue Ribbon Schools, NC Global Education, NC Healthy Schools, United States Senate Youth, and Whole Child NC. Christie retired from the State of North Carolina April 1, 2020.
Christie has overseen and facilitated the academic standards development process for the NC Standard Course of Study for NC Public Schools. She has developed and led face-to-face, online, and hybrid professional learning, including website development and learning management systems, to support educators in implementing the NC Standard Course of Study and supporting the success of all learners. She has managed state and federal budgets, programs, and staff, including the Federal Title III, Part A English Language Development grant. She has served as a leader for state and national professional organizations, projects, and initiatives and is a facilitator of cross-sector collaboration with internal and external partners for standards, special projects, policy development, and instructional support.
She is married and is a mother of three – Emily, Keegan, and Duncan. Christie enjoys working on initiatives and projects that focus on a well-rounded, comprehensive, and complete education for all children. She is the owner and creator of CLE Heartstrings, an inspirational collection of handmade items to lift spirits, connect hearts, and bring joy!
