Mr. Dexter Hinson, Music

dexter.hinson@tillerycharteracademy.org

Mr. Hinson has had a lifelong passion for music education. He began formal study through piano lessons at age 7, and was an active part of institutional ensembles throughout high school (chorus and handbells) and college (concert choir, jazz, pep and marching bands), and was also student pianist for chapel services). He graduated from Saint Augustine’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later earned a Certificate in Music and Worship from Liberty University. Feeling an urge to gather more tools to teach, he recently completed Level I of the Orff-Schulwerk Music Teacher Education program at Appalachian State University. He has continued to study music at Pfeiffer University, where for more than four years, he has facilitated its gospel choir course, with many memorable concert performances and regular touring. As a sought after church musician, he has overseen vibrant programs for all ages for more than a decade, and twice served as musical director of the “Jazz Mass” – the highly-acclaimed conclusion of the annual South Carolina Jazz Festival held in Cheraw in honor of its native son, bebop legend Dizzy Gillespie. For four years, he volunteered as a music teacher for an ADHD summer camp for 6-12 year-olds. He insists students have fun while learning and making music at Tillery Charter Academy and enjoys the opportunity to stimulate the creative minds of music makers of the future!

Mrs. Erin Abernathy, Art

erin.abernathy@tillerycharteracademy.org

Erin Abernathy joined Tillery Charter Academy in 2022. Mrs. Abernathy grew up in the mountains of NC with a very artistic family and surrounded herself with the arts. At a young age she was in ballet and the choir at her church. In middle school she joined the band along with her other artistic activities. Erin fell into a leadership and teaching role naturally when joining the marching band in High school where she became the assistant drum major, woodwind coordinator and band librarian.

After graduating high school, she attended Appalachian State University where she studied technical photography and graphic arts and minored in general business. Mrs. Abernathy graduated with a BS in technical photography in 2009. She continues to further her education of the arts as often as she can by attending art classes and professional development.

Mrs. Abernathy opened her photography business in 2009 after graduating college. She has one son and three daughters. She enjoys traveling with her family whenever she can. She lives in Seagrove, NC on her farm with her husband, K9 officer Stephen Abernathy of the Biscoe PD and her children.

Mrs. Abernathy has a passion for the arts and the importance it has for children’s education. She enjoys watching students learn new ways to create and imagine and hopes to inspire students that every child is an artist!

Mr. Reth Jackson, Physical Education

reth.jackson@tillerycharteracademy.org

Reth Jackson was born in raised in Montgomery County and grew up playing in multiple recreational leagues. He graduated from East Montgomery High School then went to North Carolina State University for four years for his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.

Mr. Jackson has worked with ages 5-14 across multiple YMCA and summer camps as a camp counselor and group leader. He strives to help develop teamwork, confidence, motor skills, and the benefits of living a healthy active lifestyle.

Mr. Jackson loves to spend his free time with friends or family. His favorite sport is football but enjoys watching sports, reading comics, playing video games, and going to the beach.