Eric Grunden
Board Chair
Eric Grunden teaches AP Environmental Science and Chemistry at Raleigh Charter High School. He earned his BS in Chemistry and MEd in Secondary Science Education at the University of Florida and has been a classroom teacher for 28 years. In 2011, he was the NC Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. He is the parent of an Exploris alumna.
Alannah Rodriguez
Board Treasurer
Interim Board Treasurer
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Lauren Collins
Board Secretary
lcollins@exploris.org
My name is Lauren Collins, and I am a current 3L at Campbell Law. I have worked pro bono in Campbell's Education Law Clinic for a year, and I hope to pursue a career in education law. I am excited to work on the board of Exploris and to continue to support the values of Exploris!
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Mariah Perry
Board Member
Middle Grades Kaizen Lead
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Meredith Nelson
Board Member
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PTO President
Board Member
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) President
Richard Averitte
Board Member
raveritte@exploris.org
I am a North Carolina native, husband, and father of two children. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and avid film buff, I enjoy watching sports or films in my leisure time. I have deep roots in Raleigh and a passion for my city. Serving my community brings me joy!
My professional experience is in operations, marketing, and development for over 30 years. I started my career in the restaurant business, moving from one location to multiple units and eventually becoming a Vice President of operations. My aptitude for marketing led to another phase of my career, culminating in a Vice President of Marketing. I have been a "career volunteer," and that passion manifested into the work I do today. Non-profit leadership is a career rebirth and will be my final career.
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Samantha Graham
Board Member
Shawna Scipione
Board Member
Elementary Grades Kaizen Lead
Shawna Scipione received her BA in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and her M. Ed from Eastern Oregon University. She is certified in both elementary education (grades K-6) and middle grades Mathematics (grades 6-9) and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Over the last 20+ years, Shawna has taught in a variety of classroom settings pre-k to sixth grades. She also spends her summer working with teachers from all over the country as a consulting teacher and trainer for The Center for Responsive Schools. When she's not teaching, she's making memories with her husband of 20+ years and 2 young adult children, Sam and Sophia. Two dogs, two turtles and our class guinea pigs add the spice to her life! They spend their free time attending sporting events, concerts, and theater productions and enjoying the sun and the sand at the beach!