Meet Ryan McCreary, Ed.D., Principal

Joined Team CCS - September 2019

Experience 
I have worked in public education for 17 years, and I have been blessed to serve as a high school math teacher, basketball coach, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Prior to becoming the principal of Clyde Campbell Elementary, I also worked for K-64 as a Career and College Advocate at Catawba Valley Community College, and I continue to teach at CVCC as a part-time math instructor. During my career, I have also completed the Distinguished Leadership in Practice program through the N.C. Principals & Assistant Principals’ Association.

Education 
B.A. Mathematics, Lenoir-Rhyne University
B.A. Spanish, Lenoir-Rhyne University
M.A. School Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ed.D., Gardner-Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
I chose to be an educator because I had excellent teachers and principals who helped me and encouraged me growing up. My mom, who taught for 42 years, and my elementary principal inspired me to become an educator. I watched the tremendous positive impact that both of them had in the lives of students, fellow educators, and in the community. I wanted to be a difference maker for kids. Everyday I work hard to serve and lead with optimism, passion, love, and energy just like my mom and my elementary principal.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite places in Catawba County are Bakers Mountain, the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Backstreets restaurant, Windy City Grill, Shells BBQ, and Viewmont Baptist Church. I have many special memories with my family and friends at each of these awesome places. 

Favorite Activities
I love being a dad and spending time with my family hiking, playing outside, swimming, and traveling. I also enjoy running and cycling whenever I have the opportunity. 

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I am beginning to learn how to play the acoustic guitar at the age of 39. I have wanted to learn how to play the guitar since I was 16 years old, and I am excited about this new hobby.

I joined the Catawba County Schools team because I love helping students and teachers. CCS is a progressive school system that is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the individual needs of our students and prepare them for the future. We are a family in CCS, and I truly feel supported and encouraged every day

Meet Karen Gruber, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - October 2016

Experience 
I have worked in public education as an elementary teacher and administrator since 1985. Thirty of those years were in Ohio. The previous school where I was the principal was recognized as a  2015 National Title I Distinguished School and a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.  We were also recognized by the state of Ohio as a School of Promise and High Progress School.    

Education 
Associate's degree in Marketing at Terra Community College
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the Ohio State University 
Master’s degree in Supervision/Administration at the University of Toledo

Why I Became an Educator
There were two exceptional teachers that influenced me to pursue a career in education, my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Schmidlin and my 7th grade social studies teacher, Mr. Wyse.   

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is on Lake Hickory. I love spending time on the water kayaking, paddle boating and boating.  

Favorite Activities
I enjoy running, being on the water, making puzzles, gardening, reading, exercising and spending time with my family. 

Something Unique About Me
My husband and two children are all educators. 
 

I was so excited to be able to join the CCS team because they set high expectations for themselves and their students. They work collaboratively with the community and parents to work toward goals that are communicated and shared. This helps to ensure outstanding educational experiences for the children.