BrinkleySALISBURY — A former student is returning to serve as principal of Sacred Heart School in Salisbury starting June 19.
Erin Brinkley, a 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart School, is a veteran teacher and administrator with over 17 years of experience in the field of education. She is currently in her fifth year with Sacred Heart School, where she’s held faculty positions in kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade and as dean of students.
“My leadership philosophy centers around collaboration, coaching, and clearly communicating with those around me to create an environment that will be transformational,” Brinkley said. “I recognize that transformation is created through example, recognizing the power of team through we statements, and understanding that our strength comes from Christ, who provides us with unconditional love.”
A member of Sacred Heart Church, Brinkley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University.
Brinkley previously worked for Kannapolis City Schools for 10 years and served as faith formation director for Sacred Heart Parish.
“After our discernment of candidates from near and far, the search committee came to the unanimous decision that Mrs. Brinkley will be the perfect fit for our beloved school,” said Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church and School. “From her faithful participation in the Church, her academic accomplishments and credentials, her dynamic and engaging way of interacting with students, families and staff, and her energetic devotion to our parish, it was clear that we have an incredible candidate right here within our community.”
Besides her faculty responsibilities, Brinkley has served on the school’s leadership team where she facilitated schoolwide initiatives such as the dedicated STEM MakerSpace, “Cranium Cove,” and project-based learning opportunities in the school’s sensory garden and outdoor learning space.
She was instrumental in integrating extra enrichment time into the middle school schedule through an innovative Flex Time program that allowed students to discover a passion in unique classes.
“It was evident in the search process that Brinkley’s commitment to her faith and to the mission of Sacred Heart makes her the right leader to take the school to the next level,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of the diocese’s Catholic schools. “She has demonstrated her love for the mission and ideals of Sacred heart as a student, as a teacher leader, and now as the incoming principal. Her enthusiasm and creativity is apparent in the many projects she has helped implement or oversee during her tenure at the school. I have no doubt that Sacred Heart will continue to flourish under her leadership. She is a great addition to the educational leaders across our 19 schools.”
Brinkley and her husband Damon have three children, all whom attend Sacred Heart.
“I am overjoyed and humbled to serve in this role as the leader of Sacred Heart. Mr. Tyler Kulp and I have already started working together to ensure a smooth transition for our school community. Sacred Heart is not just a school, but my home and my passion,” Brinkley said.
— Catholic News Herald
KuhnCHARLOTTE — Michelle Kuhn has been named principal of St. Ann School in Charlotte effective July 1, succeeding retiring principal Kathy McKinney.
Kuhn has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, most recently serving as an assistant principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville.
“As a leader in Catholic education with almost two decades worth of experience, I am excited to work with Mrs. Kuhn to continue building up the vibrant Catholic identity and culture of St. Ann,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools superintendent, in a statement.
“Her commitment to her faith and mission of our schools to lead souls closer to Christ is evident in the ways she currently interacts with our Catholic school families, faculty and staff.”
A member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, Kuhn holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame.
During her time at Notre Dame, Kuhn was a member of the 12th cohort of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, which prepares future Catholic school principals to lead with zeal.
“My educational history, coupled with my own faith journey, has led me to a place where I feel that doing this work is my passion, my mission and my professional vocation,” Kuhn said in a statement. “I eagerly look forward to becoming a part of the St. Ann family as I get to know this gem in our diocese.”
A graduate of the Catholic schools system in Charlotte herself, Kuhn is married to fellow Charlotte Catholic High School graduate Jeremy Kuhn. Two of the Kuhns’ four children are graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School, and their third daughter is currently a 10th-grader at CCHS and their son is a seventh-grader at Holy Trinity Middle School.
“Directed by the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph who founded St. Ann’s School, who recognize God as a wholly inclusive, selfless and unceasing All-Embracing Love, I look forward to carrying on the school’s mission of offering an education that connects each child to the greater good of each and of all,” Kuhn said.
— Catholic News Herald