Dr. Stacy Shepard - Executive Director

Dr. Stacy Shepard is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and a graduate of Goldsboro High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from North Carolina Central University and later completed both her master’s degree and Ph.D. while working in education.

Before beginning her career in schools, Dr. Stacy worked with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice. She later entered education as a middle school Language Arts teacher and went on to serve as a district coach for beginning teachers, Dean, Assistant Principal, Principal, and now Executive Director.

An award-winning educational leader with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Stacy is also a speaker, author, pastor, and founder of AriseNOW, LLC. Her passion for education began at the age of eight and continues to shape her commitment to developing leaders, empowering others, strengthening school communities, and creating learning environments where every child and adult can thrive.

Outside of work, Stacy enjoys writing, traveling, trying new experiences, and spending quality time with family and friends. She believes faith, service, and lifelong learning are the foundation of a meaningful life.